Taiwan's trains are fast, clean, and punctual, and they are the easiest way to travel around the island. The Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) links Taipei to Kaohsiung in about 90 minutes along the west coast, while Taiwan Railway (TRA) trains reach almost everywhere else, including the scenic east coast. This guide explains how to book Taiwan HSR tickets and TRA tickets online, by app, at stations, and at convenience stores, plus rail passes and tips for foreign visitors.
Fares, booking windows, and discounts change from time to time. Check the official THSR and Taiwan Railway websites for current details before you travel.
HSR vs. TRA: Which Train Do You Need?
- Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR): Runs along the west coast between Nangang (Taipei) and Zuoying (Kaohsiung), with stations including Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Chiayi, and Tainan. Fast and comfortable, but many HSR stations are outside city centers and connect by MRT, local train, or shuttle bus.
- Taiwan Railway (TRA): The conventional network circles the whole island and runs into city centers. Take it for Hualien, Taitung, Yilan, Jiufen (via Ruifang), and other places the HSR does not reach. Express trains such as the Tze-Chiang, Puyuma, and Taroko services are faster than local trains.
How to Book Taiwan HSR Tickets
1. T Express App
The official THSR app, T Express, is the easiest option for most visitors. Create an account, choose your stations, date, and time, select a seat, and pay by card. Your ticket is stored in the app as a QR code that you scan at the gates. Reserved tickets usually go on sale 28 days before travel, with longer windows announced for major holidays.
2. THSR Website
On the official THSR website, available in English, you can book reserved seats and then pay online or within the deadline at a station or convenience store. Collect paper tickets from a station ticket machine or counter, or from a convenience store, by entering your booking code.
3. Convenience Stores
Kiosks in 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, and OK Mart stores can book, pay for, and print HSR tickets. The menus are mostly in Chinese, so ask the staff for help if needed.
4. Station Ticket Machines and Counters
Ticket machines at HSR stations have English menus and accept cash and cards. Counters sell both reserved and non-reserved tickets. For same-day travel outside peak times, buying at the station is usually fine.
Reserved vs. Non-Reserved Seats
Reserved tickets guarantee a seat. Non-reserved tickets are slightly cheaper and valid on any train on your travel date, in the designated non-reserved cars, but you may have to stand at busy times. On weekends and holidays, book reserved seats early.
HSR Discounts and Passes
- Early-bird fares: Discounted reserved tickets on selected trains, released in limited numbers when booking opens.
- Tourist passes: International visitors can buy THSR passes, such as unlimited-ride passes for three or five consecutive days, or combination passes with TRA. Buy them online through authorized resellers, and redeem them at a station with your passport.
- Group and family discounts: Available on some fares. Check the THSR website.
How to Book Taiwan Railway (TRA) Tickets
1. Online and by App
Book through the official Taiwan Railway website or its e-booking app. Seats on reserved express trains usually go on sale 28 days in advance, at midnight. Popular routes to Hualien and Taitung, especially on Fridays, Sundays, and holidays, can sell out within minutes, so book as soon as tickets open. Pay online or within the deadline, then collect your ticket at a station or convenience store, or use the e-ticket if offered for your booking.
2. Stations and Convenience Stores
You can buy tickets at station counters and ticket machines, or book and print them at convenience store kiosks.
3. EasyCard and iPASS
For local trains, you can simply tap a stored-value card, such as an EasyCard or iPASS, at the gates. On many express trains you can also tap in, but you will not have a reserved seat and may have to stand. Some trains, such as the Puyuma and Taroko expresses, generally require a reserved ticket.
TRA Passes
Taiwan Railway offers TR-Passes for foreign visitors, with options for consecutive days of travel, as well as regional passes. Check which trains are covered before you buy, as seat reservations on some express trains may still be required.
Tips for Train Travel in Taiwan
- Book early for holidays: Lunar New Year, the Tomb Sweeping Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival are extremely busy.
- Check the station name: HSR and TRA stations in the same city can be far apart. For example, HSR Taichung is not the same as TRA Taichung Station.
- Bring your passport: You need it to redeem tourist passes and for some ticket pickups.
- Arrive early: Allow time to find the right platform and car number.
- Eat on board: Try a Taiwanese railway bento, a station classic.
- Keep your ticket: You need it to exit the gates at your destination.
Stay Connected on the Train
Booking apps, e-tickets, and maps all need data. An egoViet Taiwan eSIM keeps you online from the moment you land, and our Taiwan eSIM guide helps you pick a plan. See our list of the best Taiwan travel apps for taxis, buses, and more.
FAQs: Booking Taiwan Train Tickets
How far in advance can I book Taiwan HSR tickets?
Reserved HSR tickets usually go on sale 28 days before the travel date, with longer booking windows for major holidays.
Can foreigners book Taiwan train tickets online?
Yes. The official THSR website and T Express app, as well as the Taiwan Railway website, are available in English and accept international cards.
Can I use an EasyCard on Taiwan trains?
Yes, on TRA trains and the MRT, without a reserved seat. Some express trains require a reserved ticket.
How long does the HSR take from Taipei to Kaohsiung?
The fastest trains take about 1 hour 35 minutes from Taipei to Zuoying station in Kaohsiung.