Confused by Taiwan train system? Stop guessing.
Planning a Taiwan train trip can be tricky because there are two major railway systems: the High Speed Rail (HSR) and the Taiwan Railways (TRA). Choosing the wrong one can cost you hours. This guide covers everything you need to know about Taiwan train travel, routes, and prices.
This “Cheat Sheet” guide breaks down exactly which Taiwan train to take, how to spot the difference, and—most importantly—how to get the exclusive foreigner discount that locals can’t buy.
TL;DR: The 30-Second Summary
If you are in a rush, here is everything you need to know:
- Going to the West Coast? (Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung) 👉 Take the HSR.
It’s the “Bullet Train.” Fast, modern, and expensive (unless you use the discount hack). - Going to the East Coast? (Hualien/Taroko Gorge, Taitung, Ruifang/Jiufen) 👉 Take the TRA. The High Speed Rail does not go East. You must take the regular train.
- Want to Save Money? 👉 Never buy full-price tickets at the station. Non-Taiwanese passport holders get 20% OFF or Buy-1-Get-1 Free deals if you book via Klook or KKday.
HSR vs. TRA: Taiwan Train Comparison
Here is the quickest way to spot the difference between the two systems.
| Feature | HSR (High Speed Rail) | TRA (Regular Train) |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Speed. City-hopping on the West Coast. | Scenery. Reaching the East Coast & small towns. |
| Top Speed | 300 km/h (Super Fast) | 130 km/h (Moderate) |
| Route | West Coast Only (Taipei ↔ Kaohsiung) | Whole Island Loop (Connects everywhere) |
| Taipei to Kaohsiung | 90 Minutes | 4 to 5 Hours |
| Seat Comfort | Spacious, quiet, business-class feel. | Varies. New trains are great; old ones are crowded. |
| Price | $$$ (High) | $ (Low) |
| Tourist Perk | 20% OFF / Buy-1-Get-1 Deals | TR-PASS (Often hard to use, not recommended). |
HSR (High Speed Rail) – The Fast Option
Use this for: Taipei, Taichung, Chiayi (Alishan), Tainan, Kaohsiung.
The Taiwan High Speed Rail is the Shinkansen of Taiwan. It is punctual, clean, and incredibly fast. It runs on a single line down the West Coast.
The “Location Trap” (Read This!)
In Taipei and Kaohsiung (Zuoying), the HSR stations are in the city center. However, in Taichung, Chiayi, and Tainan, the HSR stations are located about 20-30 minutes outside the city center. You will need to take a shuttle bus or a local train to get downtown.
The Money Section: How to Get 20% Off
This is the #1 Insider Tip for tourists. The Taiwanese government subsidizes tickets for international visitors.
- The Deal: Get 20% OFF single tickets or buy a 3-Day Unlimited Pass.
- The Catch: You cannot get this price at the station counter. You must book online through authorized agents like Klook or KKday .[ Check HSR Discount Tickets Here]
- How to Redeem: Book online ➝ Go to the “Ticket Window” with your passport ➝ Staff prints your ticket.
Action Plan: How to Ride the HSR
- Book Online: Purchase your “One-Way Ticket” voucher on Klook/KKday.
- Go to the Counter: Arrive at the HSR station 20 minutes early. Go to the “Ticket Window” (Manual Counter).
- Show Passport: Present your physical passport and the mobile voucher code.
- Pick a Seat: The staff will reserve a seat for you and print your physical ticket.
- Ride: Insert the ticket into the gate and head to the platform.
TRA (Regular Train) – The Scenic Option
Destinations:Ruifang (Jiufen), Hualien (Taroko Gorge), Taitung, Keelung.
The TRA is the classic railway. It connects the entire island in a loop. While slower, it offers beautiful ocean and mountain views that the HSR misses.
Know Your Train Types
TRA has many train models. Don’t complicate it—just remember these two:
- 1. Tze-Chiang 3000 (The New Express)
- Verdict: ⭐ Best Choice.
- Why: It’s new, clean, has charging ports, and is the fastest option for the East Coast.
- Rule: You must have a reserved seat ticket. No standing allowed.
- 2. Local Train (Commuter)
- Verdict: Okay for short trips.
- Why: It stops at every tiny station. It looks like a subway car with bench seating.
- Rule: No reservation needed. Just swipe your EasyCard (IC Card) and hop on.
💡 Insider Tip: The “28-Day” Rule for Hualien
Planning to see Taroko Gorge on a weekend? Taipei to Hualien tickets sell out incredibly fast.
- Action: Tickets are released 28 days in advance at midnight (Taiwan time). Set an alarm and book on the official TRA website or app immediately.
📍 Top 3 Tourist Routes (Cheat Sheet)
Here is exactly how to get to the most popular destinations.
1. Taipei to Kaohsiung (North to South)
- Best Method: HSR (High Speed Rail).
- Time: 90 Minutes.
- Cost: ~$45 USD (Regular) / ~$36 USD (With Discount).
- Note: This is the best way to start your ZOUZOU Southern Taiwan adventure.
2. Taipei to Taroko Gorge / Hualien (East Coast)
- Best Method: TRA (Express Train).
- Time: 2 – 3 Hours.
- Cost: ~$15 USD.
- Note: Remember to sit on the left side (going South) for Pacific Ocean views.
3. Taipei City to Taoyuan Airport (TPE)
- Best Method: Airport MRT (Subway).
- Time: 35 Minutes (Express Train).
- Note: This is NOT the HSR or TRA. It is a separate purple metro line.
FAQ: Quick Answers
Ready to explore? Don’t stress about the logistics. Just grab your [Discounted HSR Tickets], open your ZOUZOU Guide, and enjoy the ride!