Taiwan Train Travel Guide: How to Explore Taiwan by Train
Taiwan is one of the best destinations in Asia for train travel. With an extensive railway network connecting major cities, scenic coastlines, and mountain areas, traveling by train is a convenient and memorable way to explore the island.
Taiwan’s railway system includes the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR), Taiwan Railways (TRA), and several unique sightseeing and heritage trains.
For travelers planning to explore Taiwan by train, what are the advantages and limitations? Which train should you take, and when should you combine train travel with other forms of transportation?
Here is everything you need to know about train travel in Taiwan before planning your trip.
What Railway Systems Are Available in Taiwan?
Taiwan’s railway network can generally be divided into two major systems:
- Taiwan Railways (TRA)
- Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)
Although both are trains, they serve quite different purposes.
Taiwan Railways (TRA): Connecting Taiwan Around the Island
Taiwan Railways operates a network that extends around much of the island and remains one of the main forms of public transportation for traveling to eastern Taiwan, including popular destinations such as Hualien and Taitung.
TRA trains also serve many smaller towns and cities, making them useful for travelers who want to explore areas beyond Taiwan’s major urban centers.
Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR): The Fastest Way to Travel Across Western Taiwan
The Taiwan High Speed Rail mainly runs along the western corridor of Taiwan, connecting major cities including Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.
If you want to travel between major cities in western Taiwan, the high-speed rail is usually the fastest and most efficient option.
Taiwan High Speed Rail vs. Taiwan Railways: Advantages and Limitations
Taiwan High Speed Rail: Fast and Efficient
The biggest advantage of the Taiwan High Speed Rail is simple:
It is fast.
The fastest THSR services can travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung in around 90 minutes, while traveling by conventional TRA train can take at least four hours.
For travelers visiting several major cities during a relatively short trip, this can save a significant amount of time.
However, there is one important thing that international travelers often overlook.
High-Speed Rail Stations Are Often Outside the City Center
With the exception of Taipei and Kaohsiung, many THSR stations are located outside the traditional city centers.
This is because the high-speed rail system was built later and required dedicated routes designed for high-speed operation. As a result, many stations are located in suburban areas or newer development zones rather than in the historic city center.
After getting off the high-speed train, you may therefore need to take another form of transportation, such as:
- Local trains
- Shuttle buses
- Public buses
- Taxis
- Private transfers
For example, Tainan HSR Station is some distance from central Tainan, and the same applies to Chiayi HSR Station and central Chiayi.
This is why you should not look only at the duration of the high-speed train journey when planning your Taiwan itinerary.
Instead, remember to calculate the entire journey:
Hotel → HSR Station → Train → Local Transfer → Hotel
A train journey that takes only one hour may therefore take considerably longer from hotel to hotel.
Taiwan Railways: Slower, but Often More Convenient
Compared with the high-speed rail, Taiwan Railways has a much longer history and is more closely connected to Taiwan’s existing cities and communities.
Many TRA stations are located near city centers, so depending on where you are staying, taking a conventional train can sometimes be more convenient than using the high-speed rail.
Another major advantage is coverage.
Taiwan Railways reaches eastern Taiwan, where there is currently no high-speed rail service.
For destinations such as Hualien and Taitung, TRA is therefore an essential transportation option.
TRA tickets are also generally less expensive than high-speed rail tickets.
And for some routes, the journey itself is part of the experience.
When traveling through eastern Taiwan, you may find mountains on one side of the train and the Pacific Ocean on the other. It may not be the fastest way to travel, but it offers something that a high-speed train cannot:
the opportunity to watch Taiwan’s landscapes slowly unfold outside your window.
Standard vs. Business Class: Which Train Seat Should You Choose?
Want to make your train journey a little more comfortable?
Taiwan’s railways offer several upgraded seating options that are worth considering, especially for travelers who enjoy a more comfortable or premium travel experience.
Standard Class
The standard carriage uses a 2+3 seating configuration.
The seats are already comfortable and spacious enough for most travelers, making standard class a practical choice for shorter journeys or travelers who prefer to keep transportation costs down.
Business Class
The THSR Business Class carriage uses a 2+2 seating configuration, providing wider and more comfortable seats.
Passengers also have access to power outlets, while complimentary local snacks and drinks are served during the journey.
The quieter environment makes Business Class particularly suitable for travelers who want to relax, work, or simply enjoy a more comfortable journey between cities.
Taiwan Railways’ Premium Experience: Teng-Yun Class
If you are traveling on Taiwan Railways and want something more special, look out for the Teng-Yun Class (騰雲座艙) on the EMU3000 intercity trains.
Teng-Yun Class is Taiwan Railways’ premium seating experience and can be thought of as the railway equivalent of a business-class cabin.
What makes Teng-Yun Class special?
- A spacious 1+2 seating configuration
- More comfortable and spacious seats
- Dedicated onboard service
- Selected meals and refreshments available
- USB and 110V power outlets
- Free Wi-Fi
- Larger luggage storage areas
One of the highlights is the onboard food and beverage service. Depending on the train and current menu, passengers can enjoy specially selected meals, snacks, coffee, tea, and even ice cream.
For travelers taking a longer journey, such as Taipei to Hualien, Teng-Yun Class turns the train ride itself into part of the travel experience.
Instead of simply asking, “How quickly can I get there?”, you can enjoy the journey along the way.
The Limitations of Traveling Around Taiwan by Train
Although Taiwan has an excellent railway network, train travel does not take you everywhere.
This is one of the most important things to understand when planning a Taiwan itinerary.
If your destination is a major city such as:
- Taipei
- Taichung
- Tainan
- Kaohsiung
- Hualien
traveling by train is generally very convenient.
However, some of Taiwan’s most famous attractions are located away from the railway network.
For example:
- Sun Moon Lake
- Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
- Taroko Gorge
- Jiufen
- Yehliu
- Indigenous communities
After arriving at the nearest railway or HSR station, you will usually need to continue by bus, shuttle, taxi, or private vehicle.
This can be less convenient for families traveling with young children, elderly travelers, or anyone carrying several large pieces of luggage.
For these travelers, we often recommend combining train travel with a private car or driver-guide.
This allows you to enjoy the efficiency of Taiwan’s railway system while avoiding unnecessary transfers when visiting more remote destinations.
Unique Taiwan Train Experiences You Should Try
If you are not simply looking for transportation but want to experience Taiwan’s railway culture, there are several special trains worth adding to your itinerary.
Two of the most memorable are the Alishan Forest Railway and the Breezy Blue.
1. Alishan Forest Railway
The Alishan Forest Railway is one of Taiwan’s most iconic mountain railways. It consists of a main line and several branch lines. As the main line requires a longer journey, we recommend that travelers experience the section between Alishan and Fenqihu, or take one of the branch lines within the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area to Shenmu Station to enjoy the forest scenery, or take the Zhushan Line to see Alishan’s famous sunrise.
2. Breezy Blue
The Breezy Blue, which operates between Taitung and Fangliao in Pingtung, is a sightseeing train restored from Taiwan’s old-fashioned blue passenger coaches that originally had no air conditioning.
There is no air conditioning on board, only vintage electric fans and retro windows that can be opened. As the train passes through tunnels and travels along the deep blue ocean, the sea breeze flows into the carriage, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. It truly allows you to leave your worries behind and experience the purest form of a relaxing slow journey.
3. Pingxi Line (Pingxi-Shen’ao Line)
The Pingxi Line is one of the most iconic sightseeing railway lines in Taiwan. It winds through the mountains and valleys along the Keelung River, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Taiwan’s mining history. There are several interesting stops and attractions along the route:
Shifen Station: Experience the unique local tradition of releasing sky lanterns beside the railway tracks and make a wish for good luck. You can also walk to the spectacular Shifen Waterfall nearby.
Houtong Station: Known as Taiwan’s famous “Cat Village,” Houtong is particularly popular with cat lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Jingtong Station: A charming former mining town that retains its historic wooden railway station and strong Japanese-era atmosphere.
Conclusion: Make the Train Part of Your Taiwan Journey
Whether you are looking for a fast city-to-city journey, a scenic railway experience, or a customized itinerary combining trains with private transportation, we can help you design a Taiwan trip that fits the way you want to travel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Train Travel in Taiwan
Do I need to book High Speed Rail and Taiwan Railway tickets in advance?
Yes, we strongly recommend booking your train tickets in advance, especially for weekends, public holidays, and long holiday periods.
- High Speed Rail (THSR): Tickets go on sale 29 days before departure.
- Taiwan Railways (TRA): Tickets go on sale 28 days before departure. Popular routes, such as services to Hualien and Taitung, as well as Teng-Yun Class, can sell out quickly once bookings open.
Can Topology Travel help me book train tickets?
If we are planning and arranging your itinerary, we will help book the train tickets included in your itinerary.
However, we do not provide train-ticket booking as a standalone service.
If I book train tickets through Topology Travel, how will I receive my tickets?
We will either give your train tickets to your guide or send them to your hotel in advance, ensuring that you receive your tickets before your train journey.
Is there enough space for large luggage when traveling by train?
- High Speed Rail: Each carriage has designated large luggage storage areas at both ends, as well as overhead luggage racks. However, if you are traveling with very large pieces of luggage, we recommend leaving them at your hotel in Taipei if your itinerary eventually brings you back to Taipei.
- Taiwan Railways: Newer trains, such as the EMU3000, Puyuma Express, and Taroko Express, have designated luggage racks. Older carriages have smaller overhead luggage racks. If your luggage is particularly large or heavy, we recommend placing it in the available space at the front or rear of the carriage, or using the luggage lockers and luggage storage services available at railway stations.
Where can I buy a Taiwanese railway lunchbox? Can I buy one on the train?
The Taiwanese railway lunchbox (便當) is an iconic part of Taiwan’s railway culture!
- Buying at the station: Major railway stations, and even some High Speed Rail stations, have Taiwan Railway Bento Shops. Popular options, such as the classic pork chop lunchbox, can sell out quickly during meal times, so we recommend purchasing one before boarding.
- Ordering when booking your ticket: If your train journey crosses a regular mealtime, the booking system may offer the option to order a lunchbox together with your ticket. If you are traveling in Teng-Yun Class, the meal is already included in the ticket price.
- Buying on the train: Some long-distance trains offer trolley service selling food and drinks. However, the selection is more limited onboard, and popular items may sell out.