Taiwan Matsu Ferry

There are several ways to get to Matsu. Many choose to arrive by plane from Taipei Songshan Airport directly to Matsu’s Nangan (南竿) or Beigan Island (北竿). Others fly from Taichung Airport to Nangan. A more economical option, however, is to take Taiwan Matsu Ferry, the main provider of maritime transport between Keelung Port, Dongyin Island (東引) and Nangan Fuao Port (福澳港). Except on Tuesday, when the ferry is closed for maintenance and a military boat runs instead, the ship embarks at 10:50 in the evening, and takes about 8-10 hours. Something to note is that the route changes according to the date of the month. If the date is an odd number, the ferry starts from Keelung and arrives in Nangan in approximately 10 hours, then sails to Dongyin Island before heading back to Keelung. If is an even-numbered date in the month, the ferry starts from Keelung and arrives at Dongyin’s Zhongzhu Island (中柱島) after about 8 hours, before sailing on to Nangan before its return to Keelung. The actual time it takes to get to Matsu changes according to the tide and weather. If the waves are too big or the fog is too thick, the trip might be cancelled. Make sure you contact the ferry company to confirm before your trip.

You can book ferry tickets by phone or Internet within seven days of departure. The ticket price changes according to the passenger’s age and preferred sleeping arrangements, ranging from TWD300 to TWD2000 per person. More detailed information can be found on the Matsu Ferry online booking system. The peak season for tourism in Matsu is from April to June in spring/summer, which is the perfect time to appreciate Blue Tears (藍眼淚, a type of fluorescent algae). It is suggested that you book your tickets online as early as possible, or they will sell out. Compared to catching a plane for a quick arrival in Matsu, the ocean journey by ferry is much more interesting. Although you can only take an overnight ferry, if you wake up early enough you might like to enjoy the sea wind on deck as you wait for the sun to rise. We recommend taking the ferry to Matsu and flying back if you want to experience two different modes of transport and save a bit of time.