taiwan train travel

Complete Guide to Train Travel in Taiwan

All aboard! Are you planning to travel through Taiwan using trains? Here’s a special guide to railway travel for all train aficionados. There’s something magical about embarking on train rides as time seems to slow down with the changing scenes outside the window.

Taiwan’s railways offer the most convenient and enjoyable way to travel around the island. The trains have been serving the locals since 1887 during the Qing Dynasty. Over the years, more railway tracks and stations have been added to form the round-the-island train network.

You may have noticed many similarities between your train experiences in Taiwan and Japan like the design of the trains and stations, the fun commemorative train ‘stamp’ counter, and even train bentos. It is because both countries share close historical ties as some of the train facilities and tracks were built during the Japanese period.

This guide introduces the two major railway systems Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) 臺鐵 and Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) 台灣高鐵 . Both railways have been enhancing their facilities and services to cater to international travelers and offering more sightseeing train and railway travel routes. As some of the websites are in Chinese, I have summarized information of recommended train experiences that you should not miss for your next trip to Taiwan. Enjoy planning and embarking on your railway adventure!

Table of Contents

Guide to Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA)

Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) 臺鐵 operates a comprehensive network of trains connecting cities and small towns around the island. TRA celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2017. It has been serving the locals for many years.

There are several types of passenger trains such as intercity, Fuxing, Juguang, Ziqiang, and more so you can select the train that suits your budget and time.

TRA operates a dazzling selection of sightseeing train routes that you can embark on for relaxing day trips. A popular train excursion is on the Pingxi 平溪 Line that brings you to stations like Ruifang 瑞豐, Houtong 猴硐 (also known as the cat village), Shifen 十分 for its waterfalls, and of course Pingxi 平溪 old street where you can enjoy the stunning views of railway tracks running close to the streets and participate in its annual Sky Lantern Festival. There are other popular branch lines like Jiji 集集, Neiwan 內灣, and the Old Mountain Line 舊山線.

Book your tickets on TRA website or the TRA app. You can also purchase and print the tickets in convenient stores, which are truly convenient as they provide many types of services on top of selling delicious food. Advanced reservations for weekend and special scenic train routes are highly recommended, especially for tickets to Taitung.

I like using the TRA app (台鐵e訂通) as it is user-friendly. I use it to check train timings and purchase the hard-to-get tickets for the train that connects Taipei and Taitung. The scenic ride from Taipei to Taitung will take 4-5 hours and you will be treated to gorgeous vistas of the ocean and mountains for the stretch between Hualien and Taitung. If you are planning to visit Taitung, check out my guides to the top 10 experiences in Taitung and cycling in Taitung .

I am excited to share two new sightseeing trains that TRA operates in collaboration with Lion Travel 雄獅旅遊 . Find out more about Breezy Blue 藍皮解憂號 and Future Express 臺鐵 below.

Breezy Blue

Breezy Blue 藍皮解憂號 , this vintage train was retired when TRA went fully electric and relaunched in 2021 after ten months of restoration. The “romantic blue” train evokes nostalgic memories for the locals who commuted to work and school on the blue diesel-powered train.

This train transports you down the “off the grid” South-Link line that connects Taitung and Fangliao station, which is the gateway to the rustic Pingtung County. The train route resembles a smiling curve. Look at the train map! Does it look like a =)? This joyous ride is flanked by the picturesque Pacific Ocean and greenery of the more rural parts of Taiwan.

Serious work and research were done to ensure that travellers can enjoy the most authentic train experience. Everything from the exterior colors of the train to the interior set up was refurnished to recreate the nostalgic train experience . One of the highlights of the train ride is the open windows as you can feel the breeze as the train chugs through the island.

The signature aluminium sun shades, luggage racks, handle straps and the green leather seat covers are all installed to mirror the original train.

Even the retro electric fans are restored and installed inside the trains with much care. Not to worry, there is air-conditioning if the weather gets too warm in summer!

A round-trip between the two station is only NT$299 and there is one full ride daily. Lion Taiwan organizes fun tours for train enthusiasts like the premium train package that comes with a tour guide and includes round-trip fare, commemorative ticket and gift, and even a special train bento.

There are also multi-day packages when you can join bus tours after the train rides, which will bring you to recommended places and activities to do in Taitung like Luye and the Taiwan international Hot Air Balloon Festival, and even down south in Kending. Purchase the tickets and packages on Lion Travel 雄獅旅遊 website.

Check out this nostalgic video that shows more about the renovation and refurbishment process!

I have been receiving many questions about Breezy Blue and I hope to experience when I visit the eastern part of Taiwan. One of my readers Millie shared:

I just returned from Taiwan to Singapore yesterday. One of the highlights was experiencing round trip on 藍皮解憂號 (after reading your blog). So much care and attention to details in the restoration of Breezy Blue and when the train slows down during that section closest to the sea, it was totally breathtaking. This experience is one I will not forget.

Future Express

If you are looking for a luxurious railway experience, Future Express 鳴日號 is the experience to splurge on and indulge. When it was first unveiled to the public in late 2022, the seats were sold out for the pilot train ride on New Year’s Eve.

The premium train is refurbished from the old Chukuang Express trains and covered in striking black and orange hues. The posh interiors are elegantly decorated. There are two types of trains: the Future Express 鳴日號 and the Future Express Kitchen 鳴日廚房. The Future Express train consists of business-class cabins, lounge cars, and bar. The Future Express Kitchen train comes with dining car and kitchen where you can see how the fine dining meals are prepared by top chefs. Not surprising, the trains received the Good Design Award from Japan Institute of Design Promotion.

To enhance the overall travel experience, VIP rooms in Hualien, Nangang, Sinwurih and Sinzuoying railway stations are specially prepared for travelers to take breaks during their journey.

Let’s tour the exclusive Future Express Kitchen! Travelers enjoy luxury dining service in the “five-star moving restaurant,” the Future Express Dining 鳴日廚房. Lion Travel invited Silks Hotel Group to curate gastronomical menus featuring lavish courses that travelers can enjoy during the train ride. The dishes are made from fresh local products sourced from places like Yilan where the train passes through.

A few years back, I pampered myself “accidentally” with a stay Silks Place Taroko Hotel (I almost died when I saw the final hotel bill). The hotel is nestled in the heart of the Taroko Gorge. The views from the hotel and especially the pool are just mind-blowing and the meals at their restaurants are so exquisite. I can just imagine how incredible the Future Express Dining experience will be!

Just a disclaimer that I am not paid by Lion Travel to share about Future Express. I will gladly welcome an invitation to board Future Express (hint hint)!

This lavish train ride comes with a price tag. Tour prices vary from NT$29,900 for a three-day tour to NT$45,900 for a five-day tour. Book your tours on Lion Travel website. Travelers can choose from a variety of  railway tours that will bring them to hot springs, cultural destinations like temples, Aboriginal villages, and even cherry blossom-viewing spots. If you enjoy flower themed trips, check out my guide to flower viewing and leisure farms in Taiwan .

Watch this video to see the variety of fine dining you can enjoy at the Future Express Kitchen!

Guide to Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR )

Another railway system in Taiwan is the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) 台灣高鐵. Like Japan’s high speed trains, THSR connects cities and towns in Taiwan with its fast and comfortable trains. It takes only 1.5 hours to travel between the major cities Taipei and Kaohsiung. You can choose the train timings that fit your itineraries as the train frequency is quite high.

The twelve THSR stations form the “Western Corridor” of Taiwan as they connect Nanyang and Taipei in the north to the south at Zuoying, the station in Kaohsiung City. THSR and TRA train lines complement each other so you will find yourself doing long journey on THSR and then hopping to TRA to reach smaller towns.

THSR tickets are more expensive than local trains operated by Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) but you can cut down traveling time and hassle. Travel tip: save money by buying your tickets early on THSR website. The earlier you purchase your tickets, the cheaper the “early bird” tickets.

International travelers are entitled to exclusive THSR passes! The passes range from one-way ticket to five-day pass. I used some of these passes for my trips around the island. Find out more about the passes and purchase them on THSR website . You can purchase the THSR passes on travel websites like Klook . Get 10% with this code US10NEW!

THSR offers many train tour packages on their T-Holiday 高鐵假期 website and interesting travel articles on their e-magazine TLife . The main target audience is Taiwanese so the websites are in Chinese and the tours will be conducted in Mandarin too. If you are interested in any tours, you can get in touch with them and ask if they can provide any supporting language services.

Just scanning through the T-Holiday website, you will be amazed by the wide variety of tours. From themed tours that focus arts and culture (藝術散策之旅) to romantic railway lines crossing Hsinchu, Taichung, and Miaoli (浪漫台三線), I am so inspired by the railway travel itineraries. Most tours include transportation to a main THSR station, transfers by bus to a number of attractions in the local town, an overnight stay, and trip back to the station.

For this guide, I will highlight two itineraries from the Gourmet Voyages 饗宴之旅 theme.

One day tour of Tainan

Starting from Tainan 台南 station, the first stop is Guohua Street 国华街 . This famous food street is the place to savour the best of Tainan’s local street food. The must-eat dishes recommended by locals are rice noodles with squid 小卷米粉, rice cake 碗粿, and beef soup 牛肉湯.

After a full lunch, head to Tainan’s Confucius Temple 臺南孔子廟 . This majestic temple was first built in 1666 and it has withstood history and even natural disasters.

Take a break and enjoy the traditional drink from shuànsên beverage 双生 . This well-known shop serves green bean (or mung bean) smoothies mixed with local Hu-San milk.

Continue your tour and visit Tainan Art Museum 臺南市美術館 . This architectural marvel houses an impressive collection of contemporary arts.

End your Tainan food journey at A-Sha Restaurant 阿霞飯店 . This dining institution has been serving high quality Taiwanese dishes since 1940. Don’t leave Tainan without trying some of their classics like glutinous rice with mud crab 紅蟳米糕 and stir-fried eel noodles 炒鱔魚意麵.

Find out more about this tour here !

Two days tour of Lukang

 Starting from Changhua station, the first attraction of the Lukang 鹿港 tour is the tranquil Cheng Mei Cultural Park 成美文化園 .  

Next, spend some time in the atmospheric Lukang Old Street 鹿港老街 to soak in the culture and savour local snack like vermicelli soup 麵線糊, meatball 肉圓, and soybean pudding 豆花.

After a filling lunch, pay your respects to the Goddess of Sea Mazu at Lukang Tianhou Temple 鹿港天后宮. This historic temple is one of the oldest Mazu temples in Taiwan.

Enjoy a tea break and try more Lukang classics like tongue cake 牛舌餅, rice puff with sesame 麻荖, fried bun with braised pork 刈包, and more.

The final spot is Lukang Lungshan Temple 龍山寺, another historic site where the locals frequent. Find out more about this tour here !

Special recommendation: Taipei

Taipei is probably the first stop if you land in Taoyuan Airport. THSR offers a guided gourmet tour of the city. A highly recommended restaurant is the Michelin Bib Gourmand

Song-Tzu Garden Restaurant 松竹園 in Yang Ming Shan. The signature cuisine here is their chicken dishes as they use domestically rear poultry. Plan an excursion to the mountains when you visit this place.

Travel vi deo

This article is a supplement to the virtual travel session “ Discover Scenic Railway Travel through Taiwan” organized by Taiwan Tourism Administration, Singapore . It is a special collaboration between whywendywrites , Lion Travel 雄獅旅遊, and Taiwan High Speed Rail 台灣高鐵. Watch the video here !

Can’t get enough of fun train travel in Taiwan? Check out my comprehensive guide to Alishan and Alishan Forest Railway Train for your next trip to Taiwan!

I strongly believe in empowering travelers to know better, travel better! I value privacy and transparency. The article contains affiliate links so I may be compensated to run the website and continue to create content if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

5 thoughts on “Complete Guide to Train Travel in Taiwan”

Hi Wendy, thank you for your wonderfully detailed post! I am trying to find the booking site for Breezy blue on Lion Travels (as mentioned on your blog) but cannot find it anywhere. I live in Hong Kong and plan to visit Taiwan in a 10 days’ time.

Hi Wendy—we are traveling on the THSR from Taipei to Kaohsiung in a few days. Is it best to buy the bento before you get on the train, or just buy it on board?

I love train travel. It’s a great feeling to watch that scenery slowly, I will take your suggestions into consideration, I read your article with pleasure

Hi Wendy, Very inspirational. We are going to be in Taiwan in December this year and are basically going to use trains and some buses (local) throughout our c. 11 day visit. We really want to do the Breezy Blue but it’s difficult to find timetables for this train. Are you able to point out where Incan find them? Is the train running daily? Do we need to book? We will be only going in one direction? I did see train leaves Fangliao at 10.35 and arrives at Taitang at 13.35. Is that still correct? Is there a morning train leaving Taitang or just the afternoon returning to Fangliao? Any help you can provide will be amazing. David

Hi David! Thanks for reading the article.

Exciting that you are planning a trip to Taiwan.

You can see the train timing here (in Chinese – https://event.liontravel.com/zh-tw/railtour/breezyblue/index ).

I am not too sure how you can purchase tickets. You may like to drop them an email and check. I heard that the tickets are limited.

[email protected] (I found this email from their website)

If you manage to get tickets, please let me know and I would love to update my article to help other travelers. Thanks!

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A Comprehensive Guide to the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)

The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) service is only for those who want to travel outside of Taipei. Opened in 2007, it travels almost the entire length of Taiwan (220 miles) at speeds in excess of 185 mph.

• Ticket Types
• How to Buy Tickets

Destinations

The high speed rail runs down the west coast of Taiwan, from Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung in the south, in under 100 minutes.

Trains generally run from 06:00 – 24:00 in intervals ranging from a few minutes to an hour (depending on the time of day). Unless you are catching a train at night, you won’t need to wait long for a train.

The high speed rail trains are always on time.

Click here for a Full Timetable of departures

There are only two lines – Northbound and Southbound – so you simply need to ensure you choose the right direction before boarding – and a total of 12 stations, 3 of which are in Taipei – Nangang, Taipei Main Station and Banqiao.

For a more detailed look at the THSR route, visit the Destinations section below.

THSR trains have 12 carriages :

• 1 Business Class (carriage 6)
• Carriage 7 has wheelchair spaces
• Carriages 10 – 12 are for non-reserved seating

The seats are comfortable with ample leg room, plus they recline and even rotate 180 degrees to facilitate passengers travelling in a group.

The Business Class carriage has more comfortable seating and fewer seats, whilst also giving passengers extra leg room. Additionally, there are complimentary drinks and cakes, a complimentary newspaper (in English if you require), with plug sockets, headphones and lights by each seat.

Toilets are in all odd-numbered carriages, and there are vending machines in some carriages selling drinks and snacks.

There are some great discounts for foreign travellers if ordering online ( jump to discounts ).

THSR Ticket Types

There are 3 classes of tickets you can purchase:

• Standard Class (with reserved seat)
• Standard Class (without reserved seat)
• Business Class

If you choose not to reserve a seat in standard class, you can take your chances in the unreserved carriages (10 – 12) but if you find all the seats taken, you’ll need to stand.

It is cheaper this way, but if you’re travelling for a while, it’s preferable to reserve one. The price difference between the two are between 3% – 5% depending on how far you travel.

The ticket will have the arrival and destination stations and times, along with the car and seat number. Obviously if you are reserving a seat, you must catch a specific train.

If you’re not reserving a seat, then you can catch any train for a specific date.

Early-Bird Tickets

Early-bird tickets are available if you are willing to book ahead. These can be booked between 5 and 30 days in advance.

Discounts of 35%, 20% and 10% are available for early-bird tickets, although these will not be offered on peak-time trains. Once the 35% tickets get sold, then the 20% tickets will become available and so on until all the discounted tickets are sold out..

35% discount tickets usually get snapped up on the first available booking day so you need to be very quick for these.

Early-bird tickets are applicable to standard adult reserved seating only.

Child Concessions

Children under the age of 6 years can travel for free, only if they do not require an extra seat.

Otherwise, children under 12 years can travel with a 50% discount (if your child is 12 years, you will need to pay the full fare).

There is a limit of 2 children per paying adult for these concessions, and you may be required to show proof of their age if they are above a certain height.

Fares From Taipei Main Station

All prices in New Taiwan Dollars (NT$300 is approximately US$10)

Click here for a full pricing matrix between every station Click here to use the THSR fare-finder website

How to Buy High Speed Rail Tickets

There are a few ways you can purchase THSR tickets:

Purchase on Klook

Ticket counter, ticket vending machine.

• THSR Website

Convenience Stores

This is by far the best option if you hold a Non-Taiwanese passport and are visiting Taiwan for less than 180 days.

• One-way ticket between any two THSR stations
• 2 or 3 day tourist passes
• 5 day joint train pass

You can also reserve seats for all tickets purchased on Klook

The one way ticket will give you a 20% discount on a single ticket. You must select your departure and destination stations when purchasing the ticket.

The 2 and 3 day tourist passes will give you unlimited THSR travel, ideal if you want to do a tour of the major cities in Taiwan, or if you want to make use of the Tourist Shuttle Buses that depart from many THSR stations (see the Destinations section below for further details of these).

The 3 day pass must be used over 3 consecutive days.

The 2 day pass is more flexible, allowing you to travel within 7 days of each other.

You must specify the date of your first journey when purchasing either of these.

The 5 day joint ticket will give you use of both the THSR and TRA (Taiwan Rail). The TRA rail service travels to the centre and east of Taiwan, which are where the most rural, mountainous and scenic areas are located.

There are two types of ticket you can go for

• Standard gives you reserved seats on THSR only
• Express will get you reserved seats on both THSR and TRA

Note that you can only use the THSR service for 2 out of the 5 days with this deal.

After you have purchased a ticket from Klook, you will need to take your printed voucher or e-ticket to one of the THSR Service Desks to reserve seats. Alternatively, visit this website and enter your redemption code and passport number to reserve them

These are located near the THSR entrances. It’s pot-luck as to whether the person serving you will be able to speak English however. I find it preferable to use a Ticket Vending Machine instead.

You will need to tell them the departure date and station, then the arrival date and station if you’re booking a return ticket, and also if you want to reserve seats.

You can pay by card or cash.

These can by found near the THSR entrances and also within the MRT near the stations.

I’ve added a step-by-step guide for purchasing tickets from these machines:

Note that some machines have trouble accepting cash payments. Just move to another machine and try again, or alternatively use your credit/debit card.

High Speed Rail Website

You can book tickets directly from the THSR website. English language can be selected from the top-right.

Click here to book tickets

You can also see if there are early-bird tickets still available using this method.

High Speed Rail App

Download the Taiwan High Speed ​​Rail T Express Mobile Ticketing Service App ( Android / iOS ).

Select the Booking tab and enter all the required information.

Tap Search and select the desired outbound journey, then the return journey if needed. You’ll then need to enter contact information, including passport number and email address or phone number.

After you enter the payment details, you can choose to either collect your tickets from a ticket vending machine or service booth, or use an e-ticket directly on your phone (this option is better).

All convenience stores in Taiwan are equipped with machines where you can purchase THSR tickets from. However, these machines are in Chinese only .

These are the main stations on the THSR route. I’ve included attractions and destinations that can be reached by the Tourist Shuttle Buses (TSB) which depart from most THSR stations. These will take you many top attractions around each county. The cost of these vary but they’re around NT$100 – NT$300 per trip.

For more information about using these, please read this section of my public transportation post.

There are also free shuttle buses that will take you from most THSR stations to the city centre. These are free for anyone with THSR tickets (so ensure you don’t throw the stubs away!).

Click here for information about each station, including all the ways to travel from stations (TRA, TSB, buses, car hire, taxis) and locker availability.

Travel time from Taipei Main Station in brackets

Hsinchu (32 minutes)

Hsinchu is the oldest city in northern Taiwan. Hsinchu County is home to the largest Hakka (aboriginal) community in Taiwan. If you wish to try some delicious Hakka food or rice wine, I would recommend trying it here or in Miaoli.

Although the THSR station is located a few miles from the city, there is a free shuttle-bus service every 20 minutes.

Alternatively, there are two Tourist Shuttle buses that depart from the THSR station:

Click links for route, timetable and pricing

Miaoli (41 minutes)

If you’re visiting Taiwan during spring, I would strongly recommend visiting Miaoli County. The fields and trees be covered in beautiful blossom, and Miaoli has the perfect climate for cultivating strawberries during these months. The Dahu Strawberry Culture Park pays homage to the humble strawberry, where you can pick your own, and eat almost anything strawberry related.

Unfortunately, the TSB doesn’t travel to Dahu, so you would require a private vehicle or taxi. However, the Lion’s Head Mountain Scenic Area is on the TSB and is a great place for hiking (which is also accessible from Hsinchu).

There is one Tourist Shuttle Bus that departs from Zhunan Station, which is a 15 minute bus ride from the THSR station:

Taichung (52 minutes)

Taichung has seen considerable growth in recent years, and is now the second largest city in Taiwan. Although the city doesn’t have a underground system, it does have buses which are efficient and punctual. Easycard is accepted on these.

There is also a Tourist Shuttle Bus service that will take you through many of the city’s main attractions. This departs from Taichung Train Station, which is a 20 minute bus ride from the THSR station.

There is another TSB that leaves from the THSR station, that will take you to one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Taiwan – Sun Moon Lake. From there you can also take a cable car ride to visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, hire a bike to ride, or take a ride on one of the many boats.

Changhua (64 minutes)

Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Changhua is a great area to visit if you enjoy hiking and temples.

There are two Tourist Shuttle buses that depart from the THSR station:

Yunlin (70 minutes)

Much like Changhua, Yunlin County is one of the more rural areas of western Taiwan, with an abundance of temples and scenic areas.

There is a Tourist Shuttle bus that departs from the THSR station that will take you to some of the best temples in the area, along with the Glove Puppetry Museum:

Chiayi (79 minutes)

Chiayi is the best place to travel to the scenic mountain area of Alishan.

Alishan is the most popular national park in Taiwan, and boasts Taiwan’s tallest mountain and waterfall.

You can catch a bus or train to Alishan, journey times are approximately 2.5 hours and 2 hours respectively. Both depart near the THSR station in Chiayi. The train journey is especially recommended – the Alishan mountain railway narrow-gauge line has remained largely the same since pre-war times.

The trains only depart 3 times a day in the mornings. Click here for times. Only two buses depart each day, between 10:00 and 11:30.

Alternatively, there is also a Tourist Shuttle bus that departs from the THSR station:

Tainan (88 minutes)

Tainan city is the oldest city in Taiwan and was the country’s first capital. With a perfect blend of old and new, there is so much history is crammed into every part of the city. Tainan boasts over 500 exquisite buddist and Taoist temples, including the Luerman Matsu Temple.

There is a free shuttle bus that will take you from the THSR station to the city centre. Public transportation isn’t great in Tainan however, so you should use taxis or hire a moped instead.

Alternatively, there is a Tourist Shuttle Bus available to take you around many of the city’s hotspots from the North and South train stations in the city.

Kaohsiung (97 minutes)

Kaohsiung is the third largest city and the largest port city in Taiwan. Like Taipei, it has it’s own underground MRT system which also accepts Easycard . It’s also a great city to cycle around, with many dedicated cycle paths.

Being in the south of Taiwan, it has a sub-tropical climate, so it’s preferable to visit Kaohsiung (and Tainan for that matter) outside of summer months.

If you want to get up-close-and-personal with hundreds of Formosan Macaques, then Monkey Mountain is a fantastic hike where you’ll also be rewarded with some awesome views.

Kaohsiung also has some of the best night markets in the country, including the Liuhe Night Market.

There is a Tourist Shuttle Bus that will take you to Kenting in the south, where you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and soak up the sun. This leaves from the THSR Station and takes around 2 hours.

You can also buy Kenting Express tickets on Klook for a more favourable rate:

Go back to Taipei Public Transport page

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Taiwan's railways offer an endless variety of experience, and the scenery lining their routes provides an infinite range of fascinating scenery. If you want to get a close look at the island's beauties without having to suffer the troubles of unfamiliar roads and the frustrations of traffic congestion, then you could do no better than choose a railroad tour and immerse yourself in the delights of enchanting coastlines, awesome mountains, placid farmlands, and engrossing countryside.

The history of railroads in Taiwan dates back to 1887, in the declining years of the Qing Dynasty, when court official Liu Ming-chuan started to work on a section of track in the northern part of the island. The Japanese expanded on that beginning when they occupied Taiwan from 1895 to 1945, and the round-the-island network was completed after the island was restored to Chinese rule. Today, more than a century after its small beginning, Taiwan's convenient railway network consists of the West Coast Trunk Railway, East Coast Trunk Railway, North-Link Railway, and South-Link Railway. Passenger service is divided into four classes, offering travelers a choice depending on their destination, the urgency of their trip, and the size of their pocketbooks.

The scenery along the railroad glides by in a never-ending sequence of change, and each line has its own unique characteristics. The long, narrow, mountainous nature of the island's terrain lines the length of the railways with exquisite scenes of mountains and rivers, and the rail passenger gains access to scenes that are out of reach of the highway. Taiwan's railroads are far more than just a tool of transportation; they embody a deep affinity with the development of local culture and society, and have left behind large numbers of historical relics, including old stations and track sections that hark back to the past and reveal unique facets of local history.

For more information about the rail tour, please visit the Taiwan Railways' website .

Following is a brief introduction to the characteristics of Taiwan's trunk railway lines :

West Coast Trunk Line System :

This includes the Keelung to Kaohsiung North-south Line, the Taichung Line (Zhunan to Changhua), Pingtung Line (Kaohsiung to Fangliao), and South Link Railway (Fangliao to Taitung).

1. Main Line, Taichung Line, Pingtung Line :

The main cities served by this system include, north to south, Keelung, Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung. Each of these cities has its own local customs and natural scenery, and itineraries through them are quite diverse. Travelers can arrange tours of the Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung metropolitan areas, they can savor the famous delicacies of Miaokou in Keelung, see the fascinating City God Temple in Hsinchu, taste the snacks of Tamsui and the seafood of Pingtung, enjoy the pottery of Yingge and the wood-carving culture of Sanyi, and observe the historical sites of Sanxia and Tainan. They can also choose a tour through the countryside of Chiayi, or go bird-watching at the estuary of the Keya River in Hsinchu or the Zengwen River in Tainan.

2. South Link Railway :

This is the only railway line in Taiwan that gives you access to both the Taiwan Straits and the Pacific Ocean. Passing through the southernmost extremity of the Central Mountain Range, it links Pingtung in the west with Taitung in the east, along the way allowing passengers to enjoy views of the beautiful Pacific Ocean, the awesome natural sights of the mountains, and the lovely mountain-and-sea views as well as the indigenous cultures of southeastern Taiwan. Among the most famous sights of this route are the daylily fields of Taimali, the hot springs of Zhiben, the Bamboo-Pole Festival of the Atayals, and the vast expanses of the Pacific.

Scenery along the North-south Line

Nostalgic Pingxi Line

East Coast Trunk Line System :

This system encompasses the Yilan Line which reaches from Badu to Su'ao, the North Link Railway which runs from Su'aoxin to Hualien, and the Taitung Line, which together form a complete system that serves all of the eastern Taiwan and displays the attractions of Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung. Trains run along the seacoast, with the high mountains on one side and the vast ocean on another providing the most intoxicating scenery on this part of the round-the-island railway. Travel these lines and you will experience the permutations and changes of natural beauty; after passing though the flat vastness of the Lanyang Plain, and enjoying the bucolic flatlands and the distant sight of Turtle Island along the way, you will pass through Su'ao and the scenery outside your window will undergo a drastic change as majestic sights of mountain and sea appear before your eyes. Tourist sites along the way include the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area, the Lanyang Plain, Turtle Island, the East Coast National Scenic Area, the East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area, Taroko National Park, and Taroko Gorge with its Swallows' Grottos, Tunnel of Nine Turns, Buluowan, Zhuilu Cliff, Tianxiang, and the Liwu River. Besides enjoying the stupendous masterworks of nature's art, travelers here can also arrange itineraries that allow them to experience indigenous cultures, bird watching, hot springs, rustic old towns, and other special sites of the area.

Scenery along the East Coast Trunk Line

Scenery along the Taitung Line

In addition, there are also slow trains that run along narrow-gauge railways: the Pingxi Line, Neiwan Line, Jiji Line, and Alishan Forest Line. For those who have just come to Taiwan, riding on this kind of tourist train that proceeds at a leisurely pace and allows passengers to enjoy the scenery along the way to the utmost can provide a new and interesting experience.

Pingxi Line

This line runs through Pingxi District in New Taipei City, and can be boarded at the Ruifang Station or Houtong Station on the main railway line. Travelers in this branch line can savor the beauties of mountain cliffs, streams, and waterfalls along the way, and experience the rustic lifestyle of country villages and small mining towns. The main scenic spots along the line are the Shifen Waterfall, Wildman Valley Waterfalls, and Lingjiao Waterfall.

Neiwan Line

This line is located in the easternmost part of Hengshan Township in Hsinchu County. You can board trains on this branch line at the Hsinchu Railway Station; as your train moves slowly along the track, passengers can gain a feeling of the rustic life in mountain towns. The main scenic spots along the line include the Beipu Scenic Area and the Wuzhi Mountain (Wuzhishan, Five-Fingers Mountain) Scenic Area.

This line passes through bucolic scenery in Changhua and Nantou countries, giving access to "green tunnels," historic sites, rivers, old pottery kilns, and the little town of Jiji. A ride along the Jiji Line is like a trip into the past.

Alishan Forest Railway

Alishan Forest Railway carries passengers through four climatic zones—tropical, subtropical, temperate, and frigid—and each section of the line passes by truly unique scenery. It also allows you to experience a "corkscrew" ride as it winds its way up one of the mountains along its line; it ends up at the Alishan National Scenic Area, where you can see the spectacular sunrise, sea of clouds, sacred tree, flower season, and mountain pathways.

The railroad will always have an allure for travelers that other methods of transportation cannot match. Do you want to take a romantic journey by rail? Take a trip on the Taiwan railways, and you will not be disappointed!

Green Tunnel, Jiji Line

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Roaming Taiwan, accessible to everyone！

Flexible travel itinerary within 7 days.

Unlimited 3-day pass for Taiwan High-Speed Rail 3-day Unlimited rides for High-speed rail across the north, central, and south Taiwan

Choice of 1 Taiwan MRT pass Freedom without constraints, convenient exploration with the MRT

Choice of 1 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle pass Local culture, in-depth exploration with Taiwan Tourist Shuttle

Taiwan PASS Product Introduction

Unlimited 3-day pass for taiwan high-speed rail.

[For Foreign Tourists Only] With the Taiwan PASS, unlimited rides on Taiwan High-Speed Rail within 3 days.

Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited 3-Day Pass| For Non-Taiw...

Usage Instructions

Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited 3-Day Pass| For Non-Taiwanese

Usage Instructions： 1.After activating the PASS, fill in the ’Passenger Information’ to obtain the ’Electronic Redemption Code.’ 2.Present the ’Electronic Redemption Code’ at the High-Speed Rail official website or station counter for ’Redemption and Reservation.’ 3.Before boarding, present your passport and the Electronic Redemption Code, valid within the expiration date, at any High-Speed Rail station counter to redeem a single-ride ticket. 4.When boarding, proceed to the station manned gate, where station personnel will check the original passport and the round-trip ticket, allowing entry for boarding. *The boarding date cannot be the same as the reservation date on the APP. (For example, if you fill in the information on the APP on 12/10, you can only board starting from 12/11.) *For reservation details, please refer to the explanation in the [ Questions ]below *This ticket is exclusively for use by foreign tourists.

Taiwan MRT - Convenient Travel, Any 1 of Your Choice

You can choose any one type from the four major Taiwan MRT systems.

FunPASS Taipei| Unlimited Transportation | 2-Day Pass

Usage Instructions： 1.After activating the PASS, click on ’FunPASS Taipei | Unlimited Transportation | 2-Day Pass’ to display the QR Code. 2.Present the QR Code at the designated location to exchange for the physical ’FunPASS Taipei.’ 3.Use the physical card to tap on the card reader/gate for boarding. *For designated locations, please refer to the explanation in the[ Questions ]below

Taoyuan Metro｜Round-trip Ticket

Usage Instructions： 1.After activating the PASS, click on ’Taoyuan Airport MRT | Round-trip Ticket’ to display the QR Code. 2.Present the QR Code at the designated location to exchange for the physical ’Taoyuan Metro’ round-trip ticket. 3.Use the physical ticket to tap on the gate for boarding. *For designated locations, please refer to the explanation in the[ Questions ]below

Taichung Metro｜48-Hour Tourist Pass

Usage Instructions： 1.After activating the PASS, click on ’Taichung Metro | 48-Hour Tourist Pass’ to display the QR Code. 2.Present the QR Code at the designated location to exchange for the physical Taichung Metro 48-Hour ticket. 3.Use the ticket to tap on the gate for boarding. *For designated locations, please refer to the explanation in the[ Questions ]below

Kaohsiung Metro & Light Rail | 2-Day Pass

Usage Instructions： 1.After activating the PASS, click on ’Kaohsiung Metro & Light Rail | 2-Day Pass,’ and a digital ride code (QR Code) will be displayed. 2.When taking the metro, simply present the QR Code near the gate’s QR Code sensor area to enter. 3.When boarding the light rail, show the QR Code to the service personnel at the gate entrance for verification to enter. *For designated locations, please refer to the explanation in the[ Questions ]below

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle - In-Depth Exploration, Choose Any 1

You can select any one route from the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle options for a round-trip journey.

Qingjing Line Round-trip Ticket

Usage Instructions： 1.After activating the PASS, click on ’Taiwan Tourist Shuttle | Qingjing Line Round-trip Ticket’ to display the QR Code. 2.If there is a reservation requirement, you can make a reservation through the Taiwan PASS APP (if not reserved, you can queue for on-site boarding). 3.Present the QR Code at the designated location to exchange for the round-trip physical ticket, and use the ticket to board by queuing at the site. *For designated locations of each route, please refer to the explanation in the[ Questions ]below

Sun Moon Lake Line Round-trip Ticket

Usage Instructions： 1.After activating the PASS, click on ’Taiwan Tourist Shuttle | Sun Moon Lake Line Round-trip Ticket’ to display the QR Code. 2.If there is a reservation requirement, you can make a reservation through the Taiwan PASS APP (if not reserved, you can queue for on-site boarding). 3.Present the QR Code at the designated location to exchange for the round-trip physical ticket, and use the ticket to board by queuing at the site. *For designated locations of each route, please refer to the explanation in the[ Questions ]below

Alishan Line Round-trip Ticket

Usage Instructions： 1.After activating the PASS, click on ’Taiwan Tourist Shuttle | Alishan Line Round-trip Ticket’ to display the QR Code. 2.If there is a reservation requirement, you can make a reservation through the Taiwan PASS APP (if not reserved, you can queue for on-site boarding). 3.Present the QR Code at the designated location to exchange for the round-trip physical ticket, and use the ticket to board by queuing at the site. *For designated locations of each route, please refer to the explanation in the[ Questions ]below

Kenting Express Round-trip Ticket

Usage Instructions： 1.After activating the PASS, click on ’Taiwan Tourist Shuttle | Kenting Express Round-trip Ticket’ to display the QR Code. 2.If there is a reservation requirement, you can make a reservation through the Taiwan PASS APP (if not reserved, you can queue for on-site boarding). 3.Present the QR Code at the designated location to exchange for the round-trip physical ticket, and use the ticket to board by queuing at the site. *For designated locations of each route, please refer to the explanation in the[ Questions ]below

Play in Taiwan for 7 Days!

High-quality recommendations, must-visit attractions!

Historical and Cultural Expedition

Combined Transportation Package!

National Palace Museum Taipei 101

Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village Sun Moon Lake, Nantou (Gondola/ Lakeside)

Joyful Play for Kids and Adults

Taoyuan International Airport Xpark Hengshan Calligraphy Art Museum

Little Swiss Garden Qingjing Farm (Skywalk)

Cultural and Artistic Light Travel

National Museum of Natural Science National Taichung Theater

Alishan Forest Recreation Area Southern Branch of National Palace Tsou veoveoana Cultural and Creative Park

Leisurely Stroll Journey

Kaohsiung International Airport (Xiaogang Airport) Love River Gondola Ride Pier-2 Art Center Qijin

National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium Kenting Street Eluanbi Lighthouse

How to Use Taiwan PASS

Receive the gift card or purchase at the partner channels.

Download the Taiwan PASS APP.

’Redemption Code’ Expiry Date: December 31, 2024.

Choose the desired products and follow the product instructions for redemption.

Download Taiwan PASS

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Where can I buy the Taiwan PASS?

A: The ’exclusive gifts’ issued by the Tourism Administration, MOTC, can be purchased through cooperative channels. Cooperative channels： •KLOOK： https://reurl.cc/VN7a8N •KKDAY： https://reurl.cc/lglLvl •Lion Trevel： https://reurl.cc/13MQe9 •Alishan Easy Go： https://reurl.cc/xLoD7N •Trip.com： https://reurl.cc/yYoy7l

Q2: Can Taiwanese nationals use the Taiwan PASS?

A: The Taiwan PASS includes a 3-day unlimited Taiwan High-Speed Rail pass, is exclusively for use by foreign tourists. Taiwanese nationals are not able to use it.

Q3: Will I receive a physical Taiwan PASS after activation?

A: No, the Taiwan PASS is a digital pass. Please download the Taiwan PASS app and activate it by entering the ’Redemption Code.’ Once activated, you can view the included tickets . Select the ticket you want to use, and a QR code/Redemption Code will be generated.

Q4: How do I use my Taiwan PASS?

A: Please download the Taiwan PASS app from the App Store and activate it by entering the ’Redemption Code.’ Once activated, choose the transportation service you want to use, and a QR code will be generated for redemption.

Q5: Is there an activation period for the redemption code?

A: The activation period for the redemption voucher code is until December 31, 2024. Registration must be completed on the app by this date.

Q6: How long is the Taiwan PASS valid?

A: Once the redemption code is activated, it must be used within 365 days. The Pass is valid for 7days from the date of first use. For example, if the first ticket is redeemed and used on January 1, 2024, all tickets in the Pass will be valid until January 7, 2024, and expire after that date.

Q7: The Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung 2-Day Pass offers access to which transportation vehicles?

A: The ’Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung 2-Day Pass’ offers access to Taipei Metro, Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service(including the Beitou Zhuzihu Route, Muzha Pingxi Route, Crown Northern Coast Shuttle Bus, Gold Fulong Shuttle Bus, and the Coastal Keelung Route), and buses run in the three cities, excluding four-digit highway buses. •Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service Real-time Information： http://www.taiwantrip.com.tw/bus/65?x=1&y=1 •Taipei City Bus Real-time Information： https://pda.5284.gov.taipei/MQS/businfo1.jsp •New Taipei City Bus Real-time Information： https://e-bus.ntpc.gov.tw/ •Keelung City Bus Real-time Information： http://ebus.klcba.gov.tw/klebus *For specific details related to boarding (such as schedule changes, bus time, etc.), please refer to the announcements on the official websites.

Q8: Where can I redeem and reserve the Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited 3-Day Pass?

A: The Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited 3-Day Pass can be redeemed and reserved through two methods： 【Method 1】 Use the electronic redemption code in the Taiwan PASS app, access the order management function on the Taiwan High-Speed Rail official website to redeem for the travel date and reserve a seat. 【Method 2】 Use the electronic redemption code in the Taiwan PASS app at any High-Speed Rail station ticket counter to redeem for the travel date and reserve a seat. Station information is available on the High-Speed Rail official website . *Please make advance reservations via the app and complete the reservation by the day before the travel date at the latest to be eligible for travel. (For example, if you want to take the High-Speed Rail on January 2, 2024, please complete the reservation by 23:59 on January 1, 2024.)

Q9: Where are the designated redemption locations for the ’Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung 2-Day Pass’ ?

A: Please redeem the tickets at the designated locations below： 1. Lion Travel - Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1 Arrival Hall Location: Counter on the 1st floor of Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1 Arrival Hall Phone: 03-2756-169 Business Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM 2. Lion Travel - Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2 Arrival Hall Location: Counter near the north meeting point on the 1st floor of Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2 Arrival Hall Phone: 03-2756-168 Business Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM 3. Lion Travel - Taipei Main Station Branch Location: Inside Taipei Main Station Ticket Hall, near North Entrance 2 Phone: 02-2314-1880 Business Hours: Monday to Friday 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM, Saturday to Sunday 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM 4. EasyCard Pickup Points-Unite Traveler at Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 Arrival Hall Location: Counter near the south meeting point on the 1st floor of Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1 Arrival Hall Phone: 03-399-2378 usiness Hours: Monday to Sunday 04:30 AM to 11:00 PM 5. EasyCard Pickup Points-Unite Traveler at Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2 Arrival Hall Location: Counter near the north meeting point on the 1st floor of Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2 Arrival Hall Phone: 03-399-2378 Business Hours: Monday to Sunday 04:30 AM to 11:00 PM After receiving the physical ticket card, it can be used for unlimited rides within two consecutive days from the first activation via the station ticket gates or bus ticket machines. Each ride is limited to one person’s use. (Counted by day, not by 24-hour clock.)

Q10: Where are the designated redemption locations for the round-trip tickets for the Taoyuan Metro?

A: Please redeem the tickets at the designated locations below： 1. Taoyuan Airport MRT A12 Airport Terminal 1 Station Information Counter Address: B1, No. 17-1, Hangzhan S. Rd., Dayuan District, Taoyuan City (Information Counter: Lobby Level) Phone: 03-286-8789 Business Hours: Subject to Taoyuan Airport MRT operating hours 2. Taoyuan Airport MRT A13 Airport Terminal 2 Station Information Counter Address: B2, No. 9-1, Hangzhan S. Rd., Dayuan District, Taoyuan City (Information Counter: Lobby Level near Exit 1) Phone: 03-286-8789 Business Hours: Subject to Taoyuan Airport MRT operating hours *Round-trip ticket for the Airport MRT: valid for TWO rides on the Taoyuan Airport MRT.

Q11: Where are the designated redemption locations for the round-trip tickets for the Taichung Metro?

A: Please redeem the tickets at the designated locations below： •Nantou Bus - Taichung High-Speed Rail Station (Location: Service counter at the 1st floor, 5th exit in the High-Speed Rail station area) •Phone: 04-36018665 •Business Hours: 07:30 AM to 06:00 PM(Note: Exchange services are available until 17:30) *After receiving the physical card, it allows unlimited rides within 48 consecutive hours from first automatic activation by the station ticket gate. Each ride is limited to one person’s use.

Q12: Where are the designated redemption locations for the round-trip tickets for the Kaohsiung Metro & Light Rail 2-Day Pass?

A: 1.When taking the metro, open the QR code of this product on your mobile phone. Place the phone screen near the QR code sensing area of the ticket gate, and after successfully sensing, the gate will open for entry or exit. 2.When taking the light rail, currently there is no need to use the ticket reader. If the ticket inspection personnel is on board, please cooperate by presenting the digital ride code (QR Code) screen for inspection. 3.Kaohsiung Metro/Light Rail： https://www.krtc.com.tw/

Q13: Where can I check the metro routes?

A: Please refer to the official websites for the metro routes： •Taipei Metro： https://www.metro.taipei/cp.aspx?n=91974F2B13D997F1 •Taoyuan Metro： https://www.tymetro.com.tw/tymetro-new/tw/_pages/travel-guide/road.html • Taichung Metro： https://www.tmrt.com.tw/metro-life/mapl •Kaohsiung Metro/Light Rail： https://www.krtc.com.tw/Guide/guide_map

Q14: Where are the designated redemption locations for the round-trip tickets for each route of Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service?

A: Please refer to the following for redemption of each route： • Cingjing Route, Sun Moon Lake Route： How to Redeem: Show the QR Code in the app at the counter to redeem paper tickets. Redemption Location: Nantou Bus Counter at Taichung High-Speed Rail Station (Location: Service counter at the 1st floor, 5th exit in the High-Speed Rail station area) Boarding Location: Nantou Bus Station Phone: (04)36018665 Business Hours: 07:30 AM to 06:00 PM(Note: Exchange services are available until 17:30) • Alishan Route： How to Redeem: Show the QR Code in the app at the counter in the ’Tourist Service Center’ to redeem paper tickets. Redemption Location: Tourist Service Center in front of Exit 2 at Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station Boarding Location: Platform 7 at Exit 2 of Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station • Kenting Express Line： How to Redeem: Show the QR Code in the app at the counter to redeem paper tickets. Redemption Location: Counter at Exit 2 of Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station (No. 107, Gaotie Rd., Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City) Boarding Location: Exit 2 of Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station *Once you’ve decided whichi route to take in the four routes, you can use the Taiwan PASS APP to make a reservation for Taiwan Tourist Shuttle services (reservations are avalible within the Taiwan PASS validity period). The round trip for the reservation must be the same route with the redeemed round trip ticket.

Q15: Is it possible to make a reservation before using the transportation?

A: The Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited 3-Day Pass and Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes both allow advance reservations. •For reservations for the Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited 3-Day Pass, please refer to the answer to Q8 above. •For Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes, you can use the reservation service on the Taiwan PASS to reserve the route you want.

Q16: Regarding ’Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service | Reservation Service

A: 1.After completing the reservation, you still need to present the ’physical round-trip ticket’ for boarding. 2.The round trip for the reservation must be the same route with the redeemed round trip ticket. (For example, if reserving a schedule for the Alishan Route, you have to use the Alishan Route round-trip ticket for verification and redeem the paper ticket.) 3.After the reservation is complete, it will be shown on the page in the app. Please show the reserved schedule to station staff/driver during ticket collection for verification.

Q17: Can I change the reserved date for using Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service?

A: Yes, but modifications must be made within the specified time frame. You can check the modification period in the Taiwan PASS APP usage instructions.

Q18: Can I give the serial number to someone else if I will not use it?

A: 1. Serial Number that Hasn’t Been Bound： You can directly give the serial number to another person for activation (the Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited 3-Day Pass included. Foreign tourists use only; not applicable for locals). 2.Serial Number that Has Been Bound but Not Reserved, Used, or Redeemed for Any Item： On the app’s homepage, tap ’More,’ go to ’Contact Us,’ and provide the redemption code (12 digits) to request unbinding. 3.Serial Number that Has Been Bound and Already Reserved, Used, or Redeemed for Any Item： It cannot be transferred or provided to someone else.

Q19: What should I do if the serial number does not work or if there are problems during its usage?

A: Please click ’More’ at the bottom right corner of the app, then select ’Contact Us.’ You can input your query in the message and send it to our customer service email. Our staff will assist you in confirming your usage status. Our working hours are Monday to Saturday, 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 01:00 PM to 05:00 PM.

Q20: What should I do if I redeem the physical card or paper ticket but accidentally lost it?

A: Unfortunately, lost cards or paper tickets cannot be reissued. Please ensure you keep them safe and secure on your own.

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Private Family Tour of Taiwan

Classic private tours of taiwan, natural wonders tour of taiwan, private tea tours of taiwan, private food tours of taiwan, private culture tours of taiwan, why you should choose train travel in taiwan.

by Steven Crook November 14th, 2021  |  Travel

Choosing a mode of transport to get around your travel destination is a more important decision than you might first think. In Taiwan, planes, private vehicles, and bicycles are all highly feasible ways of exploring the island. Depending on your travel style and length of trip, all have their benefits and tradeoffs. But have you ever considered exploring Taiwan predominantly by rail? 

Traveling by train offers a unique perspective on the island’s modern-day culture, the perfect mix of future-thinking and tradition. Whether you have a day or week to spare, train travel in Taiwan offers a curious traveler a (mostly) very convenient and always stunning journey. We guarantee you’ll be catching your breath every time the train turns a corner to another out-of-this-world view, and you’ll also be traveling in a more environmentally-friendly fashion. What’s not to love?

Here are just a few of our favorite train journeys in Taiwan:

Duoliang Station in Taitung

Express to Taitung

Trains have long been a key form of transport in Taiwan, but it wasn’t until 1991 — exactly a century after the inauguration of its first railroad — that it became possible to travel by locomotive all the way around the 394-km-long (245 miles) island. The completion of the South-Link Line, which connects Fangliao in Pingtung County with Zhiben, a hot springs resort established by the Japanese during the half century they ruled Taiwan, is intensely scenic for the same reason its construction was arduous and expensive: There’s hardly any flat land between those two places, with the country’s mountainous backbone forming the most formidable obstacle.

Whenever a typhoon strikes, rivers in this part of Taiwan swell into vast torrents. The line’s 158 bridges are necessarily high and robust. There are no fewer than 36 tunnels, the longest of which is a 8.07-km-long (5 miles) bore through the Central Mountain Range. Travel time between Kaohsiung and Taitung is usually less than two and a half hours. Some of these services reach Hualien (the jumping-off point for Taroko Gorge ) just under four hours after leaving Kaohsiung.

To best enjoy the South-Link Line’s scenery, traveling from west to east is recommended. It doesn’t matter on which side of the carriage you sit. If it’s midweek, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to switch seats every time something catches your eye.  That could be a waterfall, a boulder-filled riverbed, or an indigenous mountain farmer working in an orchard. Time and time again, the train emerges from a tunnel, crosses a bridge high above an inaccessible and uninhabited valley, then hurtles into another tunnel. 

After the 17th tunnel, eastbound passengers will glimpse the Pacific. Not long after, they’ll pass Duoliang Station. This long-closed station is more popular now than it ever was when trains actually stopped here, and it’s not hard to understand why. Without much effort, it’s possible to capture your friends, an express train, and the Pacific Ocean in a single photo. Whether you get off in Zhiben, or continue north towards Hualien, you’ll find the South-Link Line an excellent introduction to the wonders of Taiwan’s unspoiled east.

Metro to Tamsui

The historic town of Tamsui makes for a great Taipei day trip , and the 38-minute ride out there on the Red Line of the Taipei Metro is a pleasure.

One of Tamsui’s many old buildings

As you’d expect in a city as crowded as Taipei, much of the metro network is underground. The Red Line, however, emerges into daylight just before Yuanshan Station, which is within walking distance of Dalongdong Baoan Temple , perhaps the capital’s most alluring hall of worship. 

The tracks are elevated all the way to Tamsui, so you can look down into nearby city streets as well as enjoy views of the mountains that give Yangmingshan National Park its rugged beauty. If you see passengers getting off at Beitou Station, there’s a good chance they’re taking the short spur to Xinbeitou, a hot springs resort since the first decade of the 20th century.

At Guandu, where the nature park draws birdwatchers from afar, the Red Line veers close to the broad Tamsui River. The estuary is an impressive sight, not least because the other side is dominated by Guanyinshan, a 616-m-high (2,021 ft) dormant volcano that makes for an excellent half-day hike.

One stop before the train glides into Tamsui Station, look down at the river, and you’ll see what’s claimed to be the world’s most northerly mangrove swamp. Typical travel time between Taipei Main Station and Tamsui is 38 minutes. Because the metro is popular with commuters, weekday rush hours are best avoided.

Being so close to Taipei, Tamsui can get busy. Because there’s an abundance of historic sites to visit and delicious foods to sample, we love to visit — but we do recommend traveling with a Life of Taiwan guide who can get you off the beaten path and show you our favorite hidden spots.

The Alishan Forest Railway is a true feat of engineering.

Logging Train to Alishan

A railway established so sightseers could enjoy Taiwan’s spectacular high-mountain scenery? Nothing was further from the minds of those who planned the narrow-gauge rail link that’s connected Chiayi and Alishan since 1912.

Built so supplies could be hauled up to logging camps and felled timber brought down to sawmills on the lowland, the 71.4-km-long (44.4 miles) Alishan Forest Railway is a remarkable piece of engineering. In the 1930s, word began spreading about this wondrous way to enter the mountains. Between the altitudes of 543 m (1,781 ft) and 905 m (2,969 ft), the line makes eleven consecutive turns to the right as it corkscrews up a mountain called Dulishan. And trains reaching this point aren’t even halfway done with their climbing — Alishan is 2,216 m (7,270 ft) above sea level.

At that altitude, the cherry blossoms that decorate lower elevations from December onwards don’t come into their own until the middle of spring. But whatever the season, the immense ‘god’ trees and the break-of-dawn ‘sea of clouds’ make Alishan a breathtaking destination. 

Trains chugging their way through tea-growing country and into the realm of the Tsou indigenous people go through 50 tunnels and across 77 bridges. As of early 2024, however, typhoon damage to the track means that trains halt at Shitzulu, about four fifths of the way to Alishan. Of course, if you’re travelling with Life of Taiwan, you can arrange for your driver-guide to put you on the train at Chiayi, collect you at Shitzulu, and convey you to your accommodation inside Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. 

If you’d like to consider including train travel in your next Taiwan journey, get in touch today . Our experienced travel designers would love to share their knowledge and help you plan a customized trip that suits your every need.

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Exploring Taiwan by High Speed Rail — Guide to Maximising your THSR Pass

Here’s the 101 on the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Pass: a travel pass you’ll want for exploring Taipei and beyond! Psst, read on to find out how to get 1-for-1 THSR tickets too 🤩

Travelling to Taiwan can be pretty overwhelming. You’ll have a laundry list of things you want to do and cities you want to visit, but time and money just aren’t on your side.

When we were planning a three-day trip through Taiwan’s West Coast, we learned about a golden nugget called the Taiwan High-Speed Rail Pass (THSR Pass) — which saved us a lot of money and time!

Researching about the THSR was a doozy so we hope that this all-in-one guide will help you decide whether or not you should get one!

Do you really need a Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) Pass?

The Taiwan-High Speed Rail offers various ticket options which may be more optimal for you than getting the THSR Pass.

There are two important things to consider to find out if a THSR Pass will save you more money: validity period, and the number of stops .

Validity Period: You’ll be able to use the THSR Pass for either two or three days, depending on which one you buy. We explore this more later !

Number of Stops: If you’re going through at least 15 stops during your validity period, you’ll definitely want a THSR Pass.

For example, a round trip from Taipei to Kaohsiung/Zuoying (20 total stops) will already get you your money’s worth if you buy a THSR Only Pass .

A trip with fewer stops, like Taipei to Taoyuan which has only four total stops, would be better with a single-ride ticket.

If you’re going for the latter option, don’t miss out on a special 1-for-1 THSR promo when you use <GO2TAIWAN> at checkout! You’ll get an extra ticket for free when you purchase a THSR one-way ticket online till supplies last.

*Note: The promo is only applicable to non-Taiwanese passport holders visiting Taiwan for less than 180 days or with a visa-exempt entry.

*Pro-tip: Check out other deals for Taiwan on Klook , including discounts on attractions like Leofoo Village Theme Park and Miramar Ferris Wheel !

How much will I save if I ride the Taiwan Railway (TRA)?

Photo credit: Taiwan Railway Administration

The Taiwan Railway (TRA) is slower than the HSR since it takes on more stops but if you’re in no hurry, it’s a great alternative to save you more money. Here’s a table comparing the approximate travel time and fare between the TRA, and the THSR.

Use the Taiwan Railway fare calculator to check how much it will take to get to your destination.

*Pro-tip: The schedule inquiry tool helps you find out which TRA train/s passes by your destination. Then compare this number with how much you’d be spending via the THSR by viewing their fare table .

Also, note that booking of TRA trains can only be done at physical TRA counters if you’re using the Joint Pass.

Which THSR Pass should I get?

There are four types of THSR passes, all with unlimited access to the Taiwan High-Speed Rail which runs along the West Coast. The biggest difference is the number of days they are valid for, and whether or not it has access to Taiwan Railway trains, which allow you to explore both the East and West Coasts of Taiwan .

How do I purchase a THSR Pass?

Passes can be purchased online so you can make seat reservations early!

I booked my 3-Day THSR Pass via Klook which made it easier to redeem once I got to Taiwan. After purchase, they emailed me a voucher with a redemption code. All I had to do was present the voucher along with my passport at a THSR station ticket counter.

The process was quick, and eliminated the need for any long back and forth with any personnel at the ticket counter!

If you’re planning to pre-book your tickets, you can redeem your pass online from the THSR official website before your trip. Click on the Manage tab and key in the redemption code which you can find in your Klook electronic voucher.

However, you’ll still have to collect your physical pass from a THSR ticket counter (with your passport and accompanying entry document) to board the train.

For flexible day passes (e.g. Flexible 2-Day Pass ), you’ll have to confirm at the ticket counter which days you’ll be utilising the pass.

Read also: The Ultimate THSR Taiwan Food Guide: 25 Must-eats in Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung

THSR route and train schedule

Photo credit: THSR Pass website

To be absolutely sure that you’re taking the right train, check the timetable on the Taiwan High-Speed Rail’s official website to plan your itinerary!

Every THSR station has signboards scattered throughout the station (above the ticket counter and beside the escalator) detailing the route that the trains will take. You will be able to find their expected departure and arrival times through them.

How do I reserve seats?

For rides over an hour long, like from Taoyuan to Tainan, make sure to book your seat reservations early — all the THSR passes come with free unlimited seat reservations.

We visited Taiwan during an off-peak season so we didn’t need to reserve until the morning of our train departure. But during the holidays, the train can get pretty full so we recommend reserving your seat at least 36 hours ahead.

You can reserve a seat within 90 days from the day your voucher was issued (even before collecting the physical pass), up till an hour before train departure.

Online: Make a reservation through the Manage tab of the official website .

Physical: You can also just head to the ticket counter to reserve a seat, instead of doing it online. They will update your physical pass with details about your departure.

*Pro-tip: Only three cars (Cars 10 to 12) are allotted for free seating, and they can get pretty full during the holidays. Be sure to reserve early!

Getting on the THSR

Once you’ve gotten your physical THSR Pass, simply present your pass to the officer at the gates, along with your passport, and valid entry document (if applicable) to them and they will open a gate for you! You will need this every time you hop on the THSR train.

Read also: 8D Taiwan Itinerary: Insider’s Guide to Hidden Adventures from Taipei to Kaohsiung via THSR

Finding the right platform and seat

Once you collect your physical pass with the updated departure information, locate the electronic signboard to find your train car number.

For reserved seating, you can find your seat number at the top of the window.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) where can i go with my thsr pass.

With the THSR, you can explore a lot of gems on the West Coast or southern parts of Taiwan. Check out our Taiwan guides and itineraries ! Here are some iconic attractions you may want to add to your itinerary:

Alishan Forest (Chiayi)

The quiet and tranquil Alishan Forest is a great place to disconnect from the city with scenic train rides, and various walking trails under the tall trees. Visit around March to April to experience a cherry-blossom-themed day trip from Taipei.

Address: 605, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Alishan Township, 59號 How to get there: Take the THSR to Chiayi Station , then walk to the Chiayi Bus Station. Take a 2hr bus ride to Alishan via the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus 7322.

Fire Mountain (Tai’an)

Hike up Fire Mountain to take in the Grand Canyon-esque landscape. The trail is fit for beginners which makes it a great day trip destination for family and friends alike.

Address: Jianfeng Rd, Sanyi Township, Miaoli County, Taiwan 367 How to get there: Take the THSR to Taichung Station , then the MRT to Tai’an Station. From Tai’an Station, take Bus 839 to Bogongkeng and walk 10 mins.

Cijin Island (Kaohsiung)

A 5-minute ferry ride from Kaohsiung will lead you to the charming Cijin Island. Popular photo spots here include the Cijin Star Tunnel, Rainbow Church, and the breathtaking view of the city skyline from the Kaohsiung Lighthouse!

Address: No.10, Hai’an Rd., Qijin Dist., Kaohsiung City 805, Taiwan How to get there: Take the THSR to Kaohsiung/Zuoying Station , then take Bus R52 to Shaochuantou. Walk 3mins to Gushan Ferry Station and take the ferry to Cijin Island.

Jiufen Old Street (Jiufen)

Try Taiwan’s street food on a day trip to Jiufen and explore Old Street! This mountain town built by the Japanese is reminiscent of the animated classic Spirited Away with lanterns and cobblestone walkways everywhere.

Address: Jishan St, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224 How to get there: Take the THSR to Taipei Station , then take the TRA to Ruifang Station. Take Bus 788, 827, or 1062 to Jiufen Old Street.

Read also: Taipei Day Trip: Shifen & Jiufen Guide To All The Must-Eat-See-Dos

Sun Moon Lake (Nantou)

Sun Moon Lake is the biggest lake in the country with clear waters and a beautiful view of the mountains. There are many things to do here like stand-up paddleboarding, visiting Wen Wu Temple, and trying their famous black tea!

Address: Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan How to get there: Take the THSR to Taichung Station , then take Nantou Bus 6670 to Sun Moon Lake.

Some itineraries and guides to help plan for your Taiwan trip: – 8D Taiwan Itinerary: Insider’s Guide to Hidden Adventures from Taipei to Kaohsiung via THSR – 9D Taiwan Itinerary Under S$120/day From Taipei to Kaohsiung – 21 Unique Things to Do in Taiwan’s West Coast — Muslim-friendly Guide to Exploring Iconic Spots and Hidden Gems

2) Can I eat inside the THSR?

Jam-packed itinerary and have no time to eat? Good news is, every seat inside the Taiwan High-Speed Rail comes with its own fold-down tray table, so you can enjoy your meals on board as long as the smell of the food isn’t too pungent.

3) What amenities can I enjoy on the THSR?

The Taiwan High-Speed Rail is loaded with various amenities including toilets, free WiFi, charging stations in Cars 4 and 12, vending machines, and even a food trolley service!

4) Can I modify or cancel my THSR reservation?

If you are using the THSR Pass, you can cancel or modify your reservation as much as you please without any charges.

Reservations can be modified on the Manage tab of the THSR Pass website , or any HSR Station ticket counter at least 30 minutes before the train departs.

Modifying your reservations on a single-ride ticket is free the first time only, while subsequent changes will incur a NT$20 handling fee.

Cancelling a reservation is free only if you have not collected your physical ticket yet. Otherwise, you will incur a similar fee of NT$20. You can collect your refund at any THSR ticket counter.

We hope this THSR Guide is helpful for planning your own Taiwan adventures! Did we miss anything out? Let us know in the comment section below!

This post was brought to you by  Klook .

Like what you see? Follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  YouTube , and  Telegram  for more travel inspiration!

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Very very useful article…definitely helped me a lot for my first Taiwan trip…pls keep it up!

Good if you can add that Joint THSR pass do not offer online booking for TRA trains, it has to be done physically at counter, this information might come handy while planning well in advance (like i learned the hard way…:) )

Hi Tash, thanks for the comment! We’ll update our article to include booking TRA at physical counters. Hope your trip went well despite that 🙂

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How to Book TAIWAN TRAIN Online (TRA)

One of the best parts of traveling around Taiwan is the ease of movement. And the best way to get around? By train.

Almost all of the main destinations in the island are connected by an extensive and reliable railway network. Even better, much of the information, from schedules to station facilities, are available online, making travel planning a piece of cake.

Some trains can also be booked in advance online. In this post, we’re going to share with you how to do just that.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Understanding Taiwan’s Train System

Before anything else, allow us to quickly explain the railway network of Taiwan. There are three main types of train systems: TRA, THSR, and the metro.

• TRA. Short for Taiwan Railways Administration, the government agency that controls and manages biggest railway system, creating a loop around the island and linking all major cities along the coast.
• THSR. Short for Taiwan High Speed Rail, which is Taiwan’s version of Japan’s shinkansen. It runs on the western side of the island only, connecting Taipei to Taichung to Chiayi to Tainan to Zuoying/Kaohsiung.
• Metro. Some major cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung have their own light rail transit systems, operated by the city government.

In this post, we will be focusing on the TRA only .

Types of TRA Trains

The TRA operates various train types, each providing a different travel experience. Whether or not you’ll reach your destination on time can depend highly on the type of train you will be riding. Let’s just narrow it down to two main categories:

• Local trains stop at all stations along the way. The journey takes much more time, but tickets are cheaper.
• Express trains are generally faster, stopping only at major stations and skipping several others. It’s also more expensive than local trains. This can be: Tze-Chiang Limited Express (Taroko Express), Puyuma Express, and Chu-Kuang Express.

Not all trains can be booked online. You can only reserve express trains.

How to Book TRA Trains Online

1. visit tra’s official ticketing website..

You can find the website at https://tip.railway.gov.tw/ .

If the website is not in English, you can change it by clicking the LANGUAGE link in the upper right corner.

2. Search for a train.

• On the top menu, hover over GENERAL BOOKING.
• Under SEARCH FOR TRAINS THAT MEET YOUR NEEDS, click on TRAIN SCHEDULE/CODE INQUIRY.

• On the next page, select TIME PERIOD under SEARCH CRITERIA.
• Enter your DEPARTURE STATION and ARRIVAL STATION. If you don’t know the code, you may simply type the name of the station and it will present matches. Choose your desired station.
• Enter your TRAVEL DATE. You can choose a date up to 15 days ahead only.
• Enter your target time period.
• Select the TRAIN TYPE you prefer. If you’re okay with any type, choose ALL.

Click on INQUIRY to submit.

On the same page, the system will display all the trains that meet your criteria and the corresponding details including the train code, departure and arrival times, length of journey, and fare (ticket price). Take note of the TRAIN CODE.

If there is a ticket icon on the last column, you can make a reservation for that train online.

Once you find the best train for you, click on the corresponding TICKET icon.

3. Complete the Reservation Form.

On the next page, enter the following information:

• Passport number. Make sure you type it correctly.
• Trip type. Choose: one-way, roundtrip or multiple-trip.
• Departure and arrival stations. By default, these should already be filled in based on your search criteria on the previous page. If not, you can just type the station name.
• Date of travel. You can book a date up to 15 days ahead.
• Seat preference. Some trains allow passengers to choose a window seat or aisle seat, but some don’t. However, most trains will allow you to choose a family preferred seat.

The next page will display the train you have selected and the corresponding details. If everything looks good, tick the box in the last column.

Tick the CAPTCHA box (I’m not a robot) then click on NEXT STEP.

4. Select ticket type.

The next page will show you the car and seat numbers for each of the passenger. Under TICKET TYPES, you can select whether the passenger is an ADULT or a CHILD (discounted).

Also, the DEADLINE FOR PAYMENT is displayed on top of the page. Take note of this deadline.

Once done, click on NEXT STEP.

5. Pay for the ticket.

The next page will display the total amount that you need to settle.

Scroll down. Towards the bottom of the page, choose the payment method you prefer. Here are your options:

• Online payment. These credit cards are accepted: MasterCard, Visa, JCB, American Express.
• In person. You can pay at the train station, convenience stores in Taiwan with iBON machines, or at a post office in Taiwan.

Either way, you must pay before the specified deadline (displayed in the previous page).

If you have a credit card, you can pay on the next page. Just select ONLINE PAYMENT on the dropdown and click on NEXT STEP.

Enter your credit card details on the next page and click the TO PAY button.

6. Save or print out the Booking Code.

After payment, the next page will give you two codes: a barcode and a QR code. Under each, you will find your booking’s alpha-numeric code. Print it out or keep a mobile digital copy. Just make sure that these codes are clear.

These are NOT your tickets yet. Think of it as a voucher, which you need to present to collect the actual tickets.

7. Collect your ticket.

You can get your ticket at the train station or a convenience store with an IBON machine in Taiwan. Just don’t forget your copy of the code when you collect the tickets.

IMPORTANT! Whatever you choose, make sure you collect your tickets no later than 30 minutes before the departure time! Otherwise, the tickets will be forfeited and your slots will be up for grabs for other passengers.

I got my tickets at a 7-Eleven when I was already there. It’s pretty challenging because the machine I used did not have an English translation, so I had to use Google Translate every step of the way. But I documented my entire experience here: HOW TO COLLECT TRAIN TICKETS FROM 7-ELEVEN CONVENIENCE STORE! ✅

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can the schedule on the tra website still change.

Yes. Even if you have already paid, the train schedule may still change from time to time. However, it doesn’t usually happen.

To be safe, check the TRA website for the updated schedule a week before your trip.

Can I choose seats?

In our experience, we were asked whether or not we wanted a window seat, aisle seat or family-preferred seat, or no preference. But we were not prompted to choose the specific seats. They were assigned to us.

That said, we were still given seats that are next to each other. (We were a group of three.)

If you’re a group, I think the system will try to find a way that you will be seated together. But it’s subject to availability.

Why can’t I choose other dates?

The system allows booking dates within the next 15 days only. If your trip is scheduled beyond that, you’ll have to wait for your target date to open.

Are there lockers at TRA train stations?

Most main stations do. Some also have Baggage Deposit counters, which are usually cheaper than lockers.

To see the facilities of each train station, you can visit this page and enter the station name. It will display all the facilities and services within the vicinity of the station.

2020 • 8 • 11

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Hello! Thanks for your work. Is it also possible to buy a ticket without a time slot? I will arrive at 18.00 hrs and want ro travel on to Hualien, but I don’t know how much time immigration formalities will take.

As a taiwanese person, this was pretty spot on! Our transit is really useful for getting across the country. Good job in the guide!

Thanks for visiting! :)

hi Yosh, i see that you booked 3 tickets under 1 passport number? is that correct? can i book for my parents under my passport number and collect the tickets at the station? i dont plan to download tra app. thanks!

Hi Mai, yep, if I remember correctly, one can reserve for multiple passengers under one passport number. And I claimed the tickets for the group on my own, too.

thanks Yosh!

Hey! Thank you for this very comprehensive and helpful information guide, can I check what does the discount of 123TWD mean? Noted that 1 ticket was 245TWD for the selection you chose. Thanks!

Hi Clarissa, I think it’s for children, elderly, and PWD.

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Taiwanese Secrets Travel Guide

Travel in Taiwan – Transportation Guide

Understand how to get around Taiwan by train, bus, air, HSR, scooter, car!

Traveling around Taiwan can either be a breeze or a real pain in the neck.

Public transport  between the big cities that dot the west and east coasts (Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Taidong, Hualien) is cheap, comfortable, organized and punctual. It’s actually more comfortable, economical, and faster than traveling around Canada, the States, or Europe.

• Read about transport and transit from  Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport .

Getting to places deep in the  Central Mountain Range  or to villages outside big cities is a different story. It can be quite troublesome depending on how much time you’ve got for your trip, the weather, your resourcefulness, and the time of the year.

Table of Contents

Trains in Taiwan / Rail Travel (TRA)

Traveling in Taiwan by normal train (TRA) is both affordable and enjoyable. A train ride from Taipei (northern Taiwan) to Kaohsiung (southern Taiwan) only costs around 845NT$.

• Find more information about  train travel in Taiwan .
• Check train  SCHEDULES  and  FARES  on theTRA website .

Taiwan High Speed Train (HSR)

Waste no time with transportation in Taiwan! Travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung in as little as 90 minutes on one of the world’s fastest trains. Riding Taiwan’s High Speed Rail is an experience in itself!

• Read more info about the  HSR in Taiwan.

Travel by Bus in Taiwan

One of the first things you’ll realize when you get to Taiwan is the incredible amount of buses on the roads. They are ideal if you’re looking for a cheap (the cheapest) way to travel in Taiwan. It’s also one of the only ways to reach some of the small villages and mountain resorts in the mountains or along the east coast.

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle

You will surely be using the  Taiwan Tourist Shuttle  bus system at one point or another. This amazing service offers  42 bus routes to more than 100 tourist destinations around the island  where trains don’t go such as Sun Moon Lake, Lukang, Alishan, Taroko Gorge and other remote areas hidden deep in the Central Mountain Range. Check schedules and bus routes for the  Taiwan Tourist Shuttle buses here on their colorful website . Make sure to also download their app for your smartphone.

Click here for more info about  buses in Taiwan .

Travel by Scooter / Motorbike

Traveling in Taiwan on two wheels is pure heaven. Sure, it comes with some dangers, but the rewards are worth it! In the cities, you can visit more attractions in less time and in remote areas you can get to places not covered by public transport.  Click here for more info about  riding a scooter in Taiwan .

Check out my favorite motorcycle rides and road trips in Taiwan. 

Rent a Car in Taiwan

It is very easy to rent a car in Taiwan and the best places to do so are Taoyuan International Airport and HSR stations. You will need an International Driver’s License and your normal provincial or state license as well to legally drive a car in Taiwan.

• Read more about car rental at Taoyuan International Airport, in Northern Taiwan .

Driving around the busy west coast can be a little challenging if you’re not used to driving in Asia or don’t have a good sense of orientation. Driving in the countryside or along the East Coast is much easier! Having a co-pilot who has access to a GPS or Google Map is really helpful!

Useful links about Travel in Taiwan

Book your hotel room now! Don’t waste time looking for accommodation in Taiwan. There’s no reason not to make a reservation in advance.

Travel to Taipei This guide tells you how to travel to Taipei by plane, bus, and train. Understand where the two main airports in Taipei are, and figure out how to get to the city center. See transportation fares from Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Hualien.

Transport in Taipei City Understand how to get around Taipei by metro (MRT), bus, and taxi. Read about fares / schedules. Should you rent a car or scooter? How complicated / safe is it? Get answers about Taipei transportation now!

Taichung to Kaohsiung Travel between Taichung and Kaohsiung by HSR high-speed train, train, bus or car.

Taitung to Kenting One of the biggest mystery about transportation in Taiwan – how do you get from Taitung to Kenting by public transportation? Simple, find all the answers here!

Hualien to Kenting Thinking of traveling to Kenting from Hualien City? Hop on! Few options exist, find out how to get to the southern tip of Taiwan by train and bus.

Return from Travel in Taiwan to  Homepage

How to Buy Train Tickets in Taiwan (step-by-step with pictures!)

If you’re visiting Taiwan, there’s a very good chance you’ll be making use of the TRC (Taiwan Railways Corporation , formerly “TRA”) system, which runs trains in a full loop around Taiwan and some small side-lines into the mountains.

To be clear, this is Taiwan’s “regular” train system . It has several train types, from slow local trains to super fast express ones. But it is not the HSR (High Speed Rail) system, which is Taiwan’s version of the bullet train and only runs down the west coast – for that, see my similar guide to buying HSR tickets in Taiwan ).

Booking train tickets in Taiwan can be a little complicated . Some trains must be reserved, some are optional, and some can’t be booked in advance. Some trains take EasyCard and some have the option of e-tickets via the train booking app. Some must be booked as soon as they are released and others you don’t need to plan ahead.

I wrote this guide to provide step-by-step instructions for purchasing train tickets in Taiwan. I’ll cover when to swipe EasyCard or just buy tickets at the station before boarding, purchasing tickets on the official TRA site, booking electronic tickets on the app, importing already purchased tickets into the app, and buying tickets in person in Taiwan.

Table of Contents

Tickets for Kids, Seniors, Bikes

Before we delve into the options for buying tickets, let’s cover these important points.

Children under 6 ride trains in Taiwan for free (same goes for MRT, HSR, and many attractions). They don’t need a ticket, but they also won’t get a seat.

If you want a seat for your child, or for children age 6-12, you can buy a 50% off children’s ticket (also labeled “Discount Ticket” on the train website). If you’re swiping EasyCard to board the train (see the next section below), foreign children don’t qualify for the student EasyCard but they can get a Concessionaire Card for any MRT station window, which only gives some small discounts when transferring.

Foreign seniors unfortunately don’t qualify for the discount – only local ones do.

If you want to bring a bike onto a train in Taiwan, look for the green bike symbol beside the trains when you search for tickets on the train website. You’ll need to buy a ticket for your bike (50% of normal adult price). See this detailed guide to taking bikes on trains in Taiwan .

Swiping EasyCard

The easiest way to ride a train in Taiwan is to swipe an EasyCard (read my EasyCard guide / order an EasyCard ).

Do a search on the official TRA site or the TRA app to find the train types and times. (Read about other apps I recommend for Taiwan here ).

Then you just show up at the station, swipe your EasyCard to enter (make sure you have a positive balance before swiping, i.e. anything above zero). Then you swipe again to exit the station when you arrive.

However, you can only do this for certain trains, as follows:

Some examples of trains where I would swipe EasyCard would be:

• Taipei to Keelung or Ruifang/Jiufen (for day trips from Taipei)
• Short train rides like Xinwuri ( Taichung HSR station) to Taichung Station in the city center or Shalun ( Tainan HSR station) to Tainan Station in the city center.
• Kaohsiung to Tainan (the cities are so close together and there are many local train options, so you don’t have to worry about booking a specific time on a fast train).
• During busy times, I found that the train I wanted was sold out, so I will swipe onto a local, Chu-Kuang, or Tze-Chiang train (all numbers except 3000) and just squeeze on. Note that you can’t do this for Taroko Express, Puyuma Express, or Tze-Chiang 3000 trains.

Buying a Ticket Just Before Boarding

If you don’t have an EasyCard or prefer to pay in cash, you can also buy a ticket from one of the electronic machines at the station just before riding.

On these machines, you can buy both reserved (for any ride in the next 28 days, or 29 days for Saturday rides, or 30 days for Sunday rides) and non-reserved tickets (for any train going today only).

If you want to get a booked seat, then choose “reserved”. If you’re planning to ride an express or faster train, don’t count on showing up at the station and buying a reserved seat just before boarding. It may be possible, but these trains often sell out long in advance.

If you want to ride a local train or just buy a standing ticket for any of the trains I described in the last section, choose “non-reserved”. For non-reserved (standing) tickets, they never sell out, but are only available on Local, Chu-Kuang, or Tze-Chiang (all numbers except 3000) trains.

These machines have English and take cash only . For non-reserved tickets, you’ll notice there’s no time on the ticket. That’s because it can be used for any local train to that destination on the day you purchased it.

After buying the ticket, proceed to the ticket scanner for entering the station, and insert the ticket into the slot . The ticket will then come out of a different slot. Take the ticket out and the gate will open. Make sure to save your ticket, as you’ll need to do this again at your arrival station .

Some smaller train stations in Taiwan don’t have these machines. In that case, you can just buy a ticket in cash from the ticket window (see next section).

Buying Ticket at Convenience Store or Train Station

You can buy TRA train tickets at any 7-Eleven, FamilyMart in Taiwan, HiLife, or OKMart . You’ll need to use the electronic machine (iBon at 7-11, FamiPort at FamilyMart, and so on). The system is in Mandarin only so you may need to ask the clerk for help.

If you can’t speak Chinese, I suggest you use a translation app (see my recommended apps here ) for communicating what you need with the clerk. You’ll need to provide your passport number. There is a very small surcharge for printing the tickets at convenience stores.

Alternatively, go to any train station ticket window in Taiwan to book your tickets. Remember you can only book tickets 28 days in advance (or 29 days for Saturday trips and 30 days for Sunday trips).

You will get a physical (paper) ticket with a QR code that you’ll need to scan when entering and exiting the station. These tickets can be refunded at any station ticket window up to 30 minutes before your departure time, with a small cancellation fee.

Also learn how to use luggage storage lockers in Taiwan .

Buying Tickets on the TRA Website

For most of my history of living and traveling in Taiwan, I have always used the official TRA website for booking my train tickets in Taiwan. It is easier to use than the app .

This is my most recommended method for buying tickets on any express (Puyuma, Taroko, or Tze Chiang 3000) trains. I also recommend it for buying tickets on medium speed trains (Chu-Kuang or all Tze-Chiang trains besides 3000) if you want a guaranteed seat.

Overall the website is easy to use (as far as websites in Taiwan go). I find the desktop version better than the mobile version, so I always use that. If you really want etickets, then use the app instead (see next section), but it is more complicated.

I always buy my tickets as soon as they are released (28 days in advance starting from midnight Taiwan time, or 29 days in advance for Saturday trips and 30 days in advance for Sunday trips).

Part of that is just my travel anxiety, but some popular trains in Taiwan can sell out literally in a few minutes, especially for long weekends or holidays, and especially for popular routes like Taipei to Hualien or Taitung.

Here’s a quick outline of how to do it:

• Log on to the official site , do a search, choose your train time, and book.
• One passport can be used to buy up to 6 tickets per day.
• Children under 6 ride free and don’t need a ticket. They’ll need to sit in your lap. Children 6-12 can get a seat for 50% off, or you can choose this option for a child under 6 if you want a seat for them. Foreign seniors don’t get a discount.
• Pay online with credit card and screenshot your Booking Number.
• Take your Booking Number and passport to any convenience store or train station ticket window in Taiwan to pick up the physical tickets at least 30 minutes before departure.
• You can also import your tickets into the TRA app for eticket option (I’ll cover that in the app section further below).

Step 1: Book your train online

The official TRA site is relatively easy to navigate. On the home page, choose your departure and arrival station, date of travel, and desired time range.

Note that you can search the times for trains up to around 3 months in advance, but only trains in the next 28 days (or 29 days for Saturdays, 30 days for Sundays) will have the option to book .

Next comes a page of all the possible trains types and times for your query (see image below). Don’t worry about the words “Mountain Line” . Some trains when doing a full loop around Taiwan will take a more inland route (the “Mountain Line”) for a few stops around Taichung and others will take a “Coast Line” there. For most journeys, this information is irrelevant.

“Adult” ticket price is for most people. “Discount” ticket price is for local seniors (Taiwanese only) or any child seats (age 6-12), including local or foreign kids.

Note that under 6 can ride free but will need to sit in your lap. If you want a seat for your under-6-year-old, you can buy a child seat for them. Anyways, you don’t need to choose that quite yet – the ticket prices are here for your reference.

If tickets can be ordered for this train now, you’ll see the blue ticket symbol under the “Order Tickets” column, as below. Click that symbol to proceed.

Next you’ll be taken to a page confirming the details of your booking. You have the option to book regular car (this is fine for most people) or business car. You’ll need to enter your passport number, confirm details, and choose number of tickets. Don’t worry about adult vs child tickets yet.

Clicking “I accept change of seats on the same train” means you would be OK if you have to change seats part way through your journey. This is unlikely to happen, but in cases when trains are already almost full, this can increase your chance of getting tickets.

You can also make a seat preference (aisle vs window) . Note that you won’t be able to choose your seats – the system will automatically choose them for you. In cases when trains are almost full, you may be separated from your travel mates.

There isn’t anything you can do about this, besides asking someone to trade seats with you on the day of travel.

After the above page, if the train is sold out, the system will inform you that no tickets are available.

If there are tickets available, the below ticket confirmation page will follow. Note the words “Booking successful” and the Booking Code. I suggest that you screenshot this page or write down your Booking number.

This means your booking is now made but you need to pay before the stated deadline (09/22 (Fri) 24:00 on the below ticket) otherwise your ticket will be canceled.

If you produce a booking code but don’t pay 3 times (you make a booking buy don’t complete a payment before the deadline), your passport number will be blacklisted and you won’t be able to book any tickets online for the next 30 days (booking at station still possible). So if you’re experimenting with the booking page, don’t take it this far too many times!

For travelers with kids, this is where you’ll have a chance to choose adult vs child seats , as you can see in the below image.

Note that 1 passport can only be used to book up to 6 tickets per day. Keep in mind that kids under 6 ride free and don’t need tickets but won’t get a seat, while “children seats” for age up to 12 are 50% off.

Step 2: Payment

After you click “Next Step” in the above screenshot, you’ll be taken to a payment page where you can choose the option of payment by “Visa, Mastercard, JCB”.

Alternatively, you can take the Booking Number and your passport to a convenience store of train station ticket window to collect the tickets before the deadline (if you’re in Taiwan already!)

For payment, I found that somehow the system wouldn’t accept my Visa card, but it did accept my Mastercard. If one card doesn’t work, try another .

Step 3: Ticket Collection

After paying, the system will provide you with the following details about options for collecting your tickets:

Option 1 as above is to take your Booking code / QR code and passport (or ARC if you live in Taiwan) to a train station ticket window for printing the physical ticket.

This can be done anytime from the point of booking until 30 minutes before your train’s departure line (stations sometimes have lines, but seldom more than 5 minutes’ wait).

Options 2 as below is to import your tickets into the TRA app for eticket option (note that if you plan to do this, you may want to just book your tickets in the app to begin with). I’ll describe how to do this in detail further below.

Option 3 is to take your Booking number and passport/ARC/Taiwan ID to any 7-Eleven or FamilyMart to pick up the tickets.

This comes with a small printing fee. It needs to be done at the iBon/FamiPort machine in 7-11/FamilyMart. The system is in Mandarin only so you’ll need to ask the clerk for assistance.

Buying Tickets on the TRA App

TRA has an official app, which is called 台鐵e訂通 .

Overall, this app sucks . Booking train tickets on this app is a complicated process. The app is full of confusing prompts, poorly translated English, and there are some important popups that come in Mandarin only.

Unfortunately, however, using this app is the only way to get etickets for TRA trains in Taiwan . With an eticket, all you have to do is scan the QR code on your phone to enter and exit stations. Another cool thing is that even if you already booked your ticket on the official site, you can then import your ticket into this app for digital ticket option.

But there are some more annoying things to know:

• Each ticket holder must have their ticket on their own phone.
• This means if one person buys all the tickets, then each person will later have to download the app and import their ticket into their own phone.
• What about kids with no phones? They won’t be able to get an eticket.
• You can’t use a screenshot of the QR code. You can only scan the QR code from inside the app. If your phone battery dies or you can’t open the app, you won’t be able to enter the station.

I used to not even recommend this app at all because it is so non-user-friendly. However, if you use the below guide, you should be able to successful book digital tickets on the TRA app.

Step 1: Download and open the app

Download the app here for Apple / Android .

When you first open it, there will be some introduction pages in Mandarin. Scroll right to pass through them, then click the pink button “開始使用” (start using) to start using the app (below left).

Then there’s another page (below right) in Mandarin. Click “同意” (agree) and “確認” (confirm).

After doing that, my app app automatically converted to English . If yours doesn’t, click the hamburger menu, settings (gear) icon, 語言 (languages), then choose English.

Step 2: Booking your train in the app

Now you should see the app’s home page (below left). Click “ Booking ticket ” to be taken to the train booking page (below right).

On the Booking page, choose your departure and arrival stations, desired times, and (not pictured here), whether you’re OK with changing seats mid-ride, seat preference, and local ID or passport number.

Not much different than the official site, you’ll be given a list of train types/times and blue ticket icon for booking them, if they are bookable yet (below left). Click the blue ticket icon to book . If there are no seats left, the system will now inform you.

If there are seats, you’ll get a successful booking notice (below right). Just like the official site, you wouldn’t want to go this far three times and not complete a payment for the ticket, otherwise your passport number will be blacklisted for 30 days.

Step 3: Payment

You’re close but not finished yet. Now you need to pay for the ticket. You can click “Pay Later” if you want to take your Booking Number and passport to a convenience store or train station ticket window for ticket payment and collection. This has to be done before the stated deadline (usually midnight of one day later).

Click “Pay Now” to pay now with a credit card , which is what you probably want to do. I found that next I had to confirm adult vs child tickets. Remember that children will need their own phone in order to get etickets . There will be a final page to confirm (below left). Click “Immediate Payment” at the bottom.

After confirming, there will be a page in Mandarin (below right). You’ll need to click “網路存款” (online payment) on the bottom right.

Next you will be taken through some pages for completing your payment by credit card. Keep in mind that some cards may not work. If this happens to you, just try a different card.

Step 4: Ticket Collection

After you pay, you’ll be taken to a screen with some awkward language about the ticket collection methods. The awkward language basically means you can only choose one method.

Method 1 is to produce an e-ticket in the app. Method 2 is to take your Booking Number and passport/ID to a convenience store, post office, or train station ticket window (below left).

Choose the blue “Collect the ticket immediately” button at the bottom. After this, I got a little confused about where to go next. But eventually I found my “uncollected” ticket under “My Bookings” in the hamburger menu and I clicked on it. Then I had to choose again “Collect the Ticket Immediately”.

This time, there will be a Chinese popup (below right). You need to choose the gray “取手機行動車票” (get mobile ticket) button on the top.

Next will be a confirmation page (below left). If the ticket is for you, click the circle beside your ticket info.

If the ticket will be for other people, select “Not collect tickets on this device”. Your travel mates will need to import the tickets into their own device (I’ll cover this below).

Make sure to only issue your own ticket here. Follow my below instructions for your travel mates to import and collect theirs in their own app.

Choose the blue “ Collect tickets and issue ” button at the bottom. If you see the below right Mandarin pop-up, that means “Successful”.

Now that the ticket has been issued, you can find it under “My Tickets” in the app’s hamburger menu (below left).

Click on the ticket to show the QR code (below right), which you will need to scan at the station, for entering and again after arriving.

Remember that a screenshot or printed version of the QR code won’t work . You can only scan the QR code from within the app.

Importing Tickets into the App

There are two cases when you might need to import a train ticket into the TRA app:

• You bought a ticket on the official TRA site, but you want to convert it to an eticket instead of picking up a physical ticket in Taiwan.
• You bought tickets for someone else, so now they must import their ticket into the app on their own device (every ticketholder must have their own device – if kids don’t have one, they can’t get etickets). If you want to avoid doing this, each person should just book their own tickets on their own app/device to begin with, but then the seats probably won’t be together.

First, the person who wants to import the ticket must download the app. In the hamburger menu, click “ Booking Inquiry ” (below left). Select “Passport No. and enter the passport number originally used to book the ticket.

Also enter the Booking Code. The person who booked your tickets should have saved this when making the booking. Important: only the first 7 digits should be entered .

If you originally bought the tickets on the official TRA website, the Booking code and QR code show something like “ 3815943 ZSL84″. But 3815943 would be the Booking code.

A few times, this didn’t work for me . The system couldn’t find my ticket. So, I clicked “ Forgot Booking Code ” at the top. Then I had to input my departure and arrival points, date, and passport number (below right). This actually worked and it found my ticket.

After the system finds the ticket you want to import, click “ Join Pending Tickets ” at the bottom. The system will take you to “My Bookings”. You should see “Uncollect ticket (1)” (bottom left) and the ticket will say “Status: Paid but not pick up”. Click on the ticket .

You will see “Paid but not pick up” (below right) in orange. Click “ Collect ticket immediately ” at the bottom.

From the Chinese options in the subsequent pop-up (below left), choose the first one “取手機行動車票” (get mobile ticket) .

Agree to the terms then click the small circle beside the ticket details (bottom right). Select “ Collect tickets and issue ” at the bottom.

There will be a Mandarin “successful” (成功) pop-up. Your tickets will now be visible under “My Tickets” in the app’s hamburger menu. Click on the ticket to get the QR code for entering and exiting the train station.

Remember that you can only show the QR code from inside the app , not as a printed or screenshot version.

If you want to cancel an eticket , you can also do so in the app. Just click on the ticket in question under “My Tickets” and select “Refund” at the bottom. The total amount minus a small cancellation fee will be refunded to your credit card.

How to Store Luggage and Use the Lockers in Taipei & Across Taiwan

Visiting xpark taoyuan, the best aquarium in taiwan, 15 thoughts on “how to buy train tickets in taiwan (step-by-step with pictures)”.

GREAT Help! Thank you very much for the effort of writing this guide step by step. It’s very helpful for me who has just been living here for under a month. Thank you!!

What a well-summarized, detailed guide to the TRA ! All the possible options of booking the ticket were so well presented. I found this to be so, so helpful. Thank you for your work and much love from Korea.

Thank you thank you. fantastic step by step explanation. could not have figured out the steps in the App to collect the tickets without your detailed steps.

hello, thank you so much for the guide! can i check if we need to make accounts for the TRA and TEX apps to buy the tickets please? if so, how should we go about the difficulties making the accounts since the Taiwanese passport IDs are different for other countries:<

This is very useful and your explanation is very detailed. Very much appreciated !

I made step-by-step instructions in this article (and same thing in my HSR article) for how to sign up and buy the tickets. You will have the choice to put your foreign passport number. Please find the app section of each article and all the instructions are there.

Hi, check with you, if I want to take Taroko Express or Puyuma Express Train from TAIPEI MAIN STATION (MRT), What should I choose when I purchase the tickets online from TRA Website? I am confused on this part. Cos they only show “Taipei” but ends up, the origin is “Shulin” or “Chiayi” and not “Taipei”. How I know I buy the right location? I don’t want to end up to go to Shulin Railway station instead of TAIPEI MAIN STATION (MRT). Can you guide me on that? Thanks in advance.

Choose “Taipei”(station code 1000). That is Taipei Main Station. It can be confusing, because there are actually 3 places called “Taipei Main Station” (MRT, Airport MRT, and Train/HSR station). All three are connected underground. You’ll be boarding at B1 of the Train/MRT station, the large train station building. When you search the times, as long as you input Taipei, then those times will be for boarding at Taipei. The system will mention where that train originates (like Shulin or Chiayi) but you can ignore that part.

hi nick. I’m confused by the existence of the TRA fast local train to Hualien. If we use the fast local train, do we also have to book it in advance? TRA’s distance travel time is also almost the same as the Tze Chiang Limited Express. can you help me.. thank you in advance

-Local or Fast Local: These only have benches on sides with no seat numbers, so they can’t be booked and never sell out. Just arrive at station and swipe EasyCard. They could be very packed at peak times so you might have to stand. -Chu Kuang and Tze Chiang (all numbers except 3000): they have bookable seats but if full you can also buy a standing ticket (AKA non-reserved ticket) and stand in the aisle or between train cars. There’s no non-reserved section like the HSR. – Tze Chiang 3000, Taroko Express, Puyuma Express: Must be booked and mostly likely to sell out first. No standing tickets allowed.

Maybe helpful for others too early at the platform:

You can not enter earlier than 45mins before departure. Not that you want to, i‘ve just been too early at the station and nothing else to do so tried it.

Is it possible to use the easy card for Tze-Chiang Limited Express170 or Tze-Chiang Limited Express236? No sure if all Express trains needs pre-booking or only the 3000 (for standing tickets). Can standing tickets be booked on the website or only in the station? Thanx in advance.

Yes, you can use EasyCard for all Local and Fast Local trains, and to buy standing tickets on any Chu Kuang or Tze Chiang trains (except for Tze Chiang 3000). The express trains (Tze Chiang 3000, Puyuma, and Taroko) require reservations and you can’t swipe EasyCard. For standing tickets, you can just swipe EasyCard, but if you want to buy them in cash, you can just do that at the station machine or ticket window.

What is the process for cancelling and getting a refund for a ticket booked and paid for via the TRA website?

Take your booking number, passport, and credit card used to book the ticket to the ticket window in any train station to refund it, minimum 30 minutes before departure. Or, follow the instructions in the last section of this article to import the ticket into the TRA app, then click the blue refund button at the bottom.

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Booking system opening hours

• The opening hours of the system: 24 hours, starting at 0:00 daily.
• Official opening hours of the online booking system: every day from 0:00 am to 24:00 pm.
• Official opening hours of the voice booking system: every day from 0:00 am to 24:00 pm.
• Convenience store for ticketing services: 7-11, Family Mart, Hi-Life, OK Mart. The official opening hours of the system: every day from 0:00 am to 24:00 pm.

Number of tickets available

• Each person (ID card number) can book up to 6 tickets per passenger day.
• Book tickets at the same time as a round-trip ticket. You can book up to 12 tickets at a time (6 for each return trip). With double-trip and three-trip appointments, each person (identification number) can only book up to 6 tickets per ride day.
• The booking system of this Administration provides the number of tickets for the reservation and selects the ticket type at the same time. If you need to change the ticket type, you can inform the ticket seller or online payment at the time of ticket collection, and re-select it directly when picking up the ticket at the convenience store.

Date that can be booked

• Booking on the day of the trip: On the day of the trip, you can book a ticket for more than 30 minutes before the departure.
• Booking on different day of trip: Four weeks (28 days before the trip) can be booked. That is, you can book tickets for the fifth Monday from now, and you can book more tickets for two days to the fifth Sunday on Fridays. (ie, every Friday, you can book to the fifth Friday, Saturday, Sunday ticket).

Input of identity card numbers

• If you enter the ID card number in the Chinese version of the booking website, the code logic of the ID card number will be checked. You can only enter the National Identification Number of the Republic of China. For those who do not have an ID card, such as overseas Chinese and foreigners, please enter your passport number on the booking page.
• Enter the online booking ID card number, please type the English letters directly. Use the phone voice booking ID card input, please convert the English letters into numbers, if it is A, enter 01, if it is B, enter 02..., and so on.
• It is a violation of the law to use someone else's identity card to book a ticket. Once it is found, it will be immediately transferred to the police unit for investigation.
• In order to maintain the fairness of the booking and the passenger's rights and interests, when booking the ticket at the station window, please bring the original copy of the ticket holder's identity document for the personnel of this Administration to check.
• From July 1, 2021, if a passenger has three records of non-collection within 1 months, the suspension will be granted for 1 months. We hope that passengers will pay and collect for the ticket after the booking is made, or cancel it within the time limit, so as not to affect the subsequent ticket holders' rights.

Payment and ticket collection period

• Within 2 days from the date of booking (including the booking date) , you must complete the ticket collection or complete the payment at the payment website. If the booking is made within 2 days from the date of departure, the ticket must be completed at 24:00 on the day before the date of the trip or at the payment website.
• If you book your ticket on the day of your trip, you must complete the payment and collect the ticket 20 minutes before the departure.

Collect location, ticket collection time, handling fee after booking

New booking date and webpage update

• IE：Right click → "Reload.
• FireFox：Right click → "this page" → "reload page".
• Chrome：Right click → "Reload page".
• IE: In the top of the browser, "Delete" in "Tools" → "Internet Options" -> "General", select all options and press "Delete".
• FireFox: In the top of the browser, "Tools" → "Clear Recent History", check all options and press "Delete Now".
• Chrome: In the "Tools" → "Clear browsing data" on the top of the browser, check all the options and click "Clear browsing data".
• Pressing the "X" at the top right of the browser, closing and reopening the URL will usually work.

Do not check the proxy server in the "Tools" → "Internet Options" → "Connections" → "Local Area Settings" at the top of the browser

Please contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to confirm.

• If you have not been able to complete the booking process after confirming the above requirements, please contact customer service staff (telephone 0800-765-888).
• to the large number of current web browsers and different function settings, it is recommended to use the latest browsers of Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge for the convenience of passengers.
• For online booking of round-trip tickets or double (three) itinerary tickets, the system will be considered as two (three) one-way ticket reservations, so there are two (three) booking codes.
• In order to maintain the rights of the people to use the booking system and prevent the illegal ticketing program from affecting the system operation, the Administration uses the "random number code" verification mechanism or the Google reCAPTCHA authentication mechanism in the online booking screen. The telephone voice booking system has also been added to the "Verification Digital Code" 1 code prevention program booking mechanism.
• Reason 1: The verification code is entered incorrectly. Please re-enter the random number.
• Reason 2: It may be that the number of communication lines that you use in the network environment of the company (institutions, schools, etc.) is two or more. In this case, please contact your network administrator and change the setting to "Link a website with a fixed single line". Or you can use the telephone voice booking to avoid the above error situation.

Ticket collecting matters

• After booking, please write down the booking code and hold the original ticket holder's identity certificate (the overseas Chinese and foreigners are required to hold a passport) to the various computer ticketing stations of the Administration or the computerized post offices and convenience stores across the country. If you fail to collect the ticket 3 times within 1 months, you will be stopped from accepting the booking for 1 months. After the suspension of the right, the booking function will be recalculated and the number of overdue will be recalculated. The booking code is to protect and confirm your rights, please remember. If you have forgotten your booking code, you can check it on the "Personal Booking Record Inquiry" page of the booking website.
• The Internet Booking System has integrated a telephone voice booking system that allows you to use the Internet to book and check or cancel in the voice system and vice versa.

Seat allocation

• Seats in the same compartment are preferentially placed adjacent. If the ordering time of the booking is in the first place, the adjacent seats are prioritized for the passengers to sit. However, due to the different number of passengers booking, if the adjacent seats have been booked by other passengers, only the scattered seats of each compartment will be left. Due to the consideration that the seats should be fully utilized and the scattered seats will still be available for sale, it may happen that the passengers book two tickets at the same time but disperse the different compartments.
• Due to the frequent refund or partial refund of the ticket after the passenger purchases the ticket, the original seat will be scattered. Based on the fact that the seat is not left idle, the booking system will still accept the passenger's reservation if there is a seat that can satisfy the number of passengers booked. The seat number of the ticket is displayed on the booking success screen.
• In order to avoid the preference of passengers for a particular seat type (such as by the window), the seat is more fragmented, which is not conducive to the arrangement of adjacent seats when multiple people book tickets. And open selection, after the actual measurement will reduce the efficiency of the booking system and increase the processing time of booking. Therefore, it is not currently considered to provide passengers with the ability to select seats when booking tickets. After consulting other transport peers (Taiwan High Speed Rail), due to the principle of fairness, passengers were not opened to choose seats when booking.
• On November 9, 2016, Railway Law was practiced and enforced, adding penalties to railway scalped tickets.
• If you purchase a ticket for a price increase or exchange for an unprofitable profit, you will be fined five to thirty times the price of each ticket according to the number of tickets. The same is true for the increase in the price of the ticket or the ticket voucher.
• If you purchase the ticket, obtain the ticket or collect the ticket by inputting the false information or the incorrect instruction into the computer or related equipment by improper means, you shall be sentenced to a fixed-term imprisonment of not more than five years or a fine of NT$3 million or less.
• Ask the public not to break the law. If you find that there are people who are trying to increase the fare to sell the ticket, please call the check-in line immediately: 0800-765-888.
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• TEL:0800-765-888/PHONE:886-2-2191-0096
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• Website update：2024-04-08

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Your Trip to Taiwan: The Complete Guide

When it comes to Western tourists, Taiwan is still under the radar when compared to Japan, Mainland China, and Hong Kong, yet it manages to take the best of all three and jam pack those into a tiny island. From Taipei's pulsing, future-forward districts of Xinyi and Ximen and nightlife, to lush swathes of nature, outdoor activities, and mineral-rich hot springs, stunning arts, creativity, and culture, to excellent transportation options including a bullet train, and wide array of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous cuisines, Taiwan offers something for every traveler.

Planning Your Trip To Taiwan

• Best Time To Visit: While the majority of Taiwan falls into the subtropical category climate-wise  , the winters can be substantially drier, pleasant, and even cold enough during January and February to require a jacket and other winter apparel. Fall's October and November months are a sweet spot when it comes to weather, while March through May are warmer and see cherry blossoms, and are also hot enough to hit the beaches in Taiwan's tropical south.
• Language: As with Mainland China, Taiwan's official language is Mandarin  , which became the case post-WWII. However, Taiwan is multilingual thanks to both its indigenous cultures and periods of occupation, and other common tongues include Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka.
• Currency: The New Taiwan Dollar (TWD).
• Getting Around: The Taiwan High Speed Rail system runs almost the entire length of the island from North to South, with stops in a dozen cities including Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Zuoying/Kaohsiung (there may be line extensions in the future as well). A robust assortment of public transportation routes also exist for bigger cities, like Taipei's MRT subway/rail , and buses to and from airports, while taxis are also readily available and not expensive. Conveniently for those who can't read Chinese characters, Uber is present in Taipei (again), while the Taiwan ride hailing app Find Taxi also has an English language option.
• Travel Tip: The Chinese New Year is the equivalent of the West's holiday season, and for as long as several weeks locals take leave of their jobs, close up small businesses and restaurants, and return to their hometowns or head overseas on vacation. It's a double-edged sword for tourists to visit during this time, since on one hand, you'll avoid crowds and lines, and can experience the colorful Lantern Festival and parades, but you'll also find some attractions, activities, restaurants, and stores closed, especially on the New Year itself.

Things To Do

Like Japan to the north (albeit without the snow and subtropical temperatures!), Taiwan offers a diverse and distinct combination of city, nature, culture, and adventurous activities including relaxing, natural hot springs, and more blended all together in the same city! Just Taipei alone can serve as a holistic sampler of everything Taiwan has to offer, yet it's so easy to traverse other cities all over the island thanks to the high speed rail, you can curate an extensive sampler itinerary from North to South.

• Explore Taiwan's Famed Night Markets: If you ask a Taiwanese expat what they miss most about home, chances are they'll say the vibrant night market culture of their homeland. Spread all over the country, with dozens in major cities, these markets offer a wide array of street food and trendy delicacies, including the aptly named stinky tofu, frisbee-sized tapioca flour crispy crusted chicken cutlets, "coffin bread," and much more including clothing, gadgets, and other goods.
• Soak in Taiwan's Natural Hot Springs : Like Japan, Taiwan boasts mineral-rich hot springs and resorts built around them (as well as more humble, public access, low-cost facilities). Conveniently, a handful can be found in the Beitou district in Taipei (which is home to a Hot Spring Museum as well!) while other popular hot spring destinations include Hualien County's Wenshan , Miali County's Tai'an, and Jiaoxi's Tangweigou Hot Spring Park.
• Take in The City Views From Taipei's 101 Tower: The world's largest tower when it first opened in 2004   (and now ranking number 10), this stacked cup-shaped skyscraper features an incredible multi-level observation deck from which you can see both the modern cityscape and natural wonders it's nestled in, plus a xiao long bao (soup dumpling) lunch afterwards at the ground floor's Din Tai Fung restaurant.
• Enjoy the Splendor of Taroko Natural Park : Once you've had your fill of modern metropolis delights in Taipei or another larger city, explore the stunning glory of Taroko through its many trails and iconic gorge.

Explore more of the best Taiwan has to offer with articles on the top 15 things to do In Taipei , our Taipei city guide for LGBTQ+ visitors , and overview of the Taipei 101 tower .

What To Eat And Drink

The past decade has seen an evolution of Taiwanese cuisine thanks to innovative fine dining chefs who take earthy local, seasonal ingredients to technique-forward Michelin star levels at restaurants like Taipei's RAW and Mume , and Taichung's Singaporean-Taiwanese fusion venue JL Studio . Some of the foods most often associated with Taiwan are accessible, unpretentious, and delicious; most famously, "bubble/boba tea," which entails a tea, juice, or even milk beverage served with a scoop of chewy tapioca pearls. Although only invented in the 1980s, it's now an international phenomenon, and Taiwan sees all kinds of innovative, creative new takes and artisanal brands as well as big chains making the beverage.

Stinky tofu is one of the most popular—and aptly named—street foods in Taiwan, so much that there is even an entire street dedicated to it. Shenkeng Tofu Street is located in New Taipei's Shenking district, and offers many takes on the odious acquired taste and smell, as well as non-stinky tofu iterations and even deserts.

Xiao Long Bao is another Taiwan must-eat. Known in Western countries as "soup dumplings," this staple may have originated in Mainland China and its Shanghainese iteration is found all over the world (a bit flabby, with a thick dough skin that contains soup and usually succulent pork), but Taiwan's Michelin-starred chain Din Tai Fung helped popularize Taiwan's daintier, thinner-skinned, one-or-two-bite sized version both domestically and abroad. You'll find twists on Din Tai Fung's formula and fillings in restaurants all over Taiwan.

Bubble tea aside, the Taiwanese also satisfy their sweet tooth with the signature local snacks, Pineapple Cake and nougats. The former can be found everywhere, including airport shops and 7-Eleven, but for the good stuff, the handmade, real pineapple-filled shortcakes from SunnyHills are a must (but do note their limited shelf life, as with all preservative-free foods). Nougats are also found all over Taiwan, but local gourmands feel the yummiest can be snagged at Taipei's Okura Prestige Hotel shop (they get snatched up fast during holidays for gifts).

Where To Stay

Taiwan offers a pretty wide range of accommodations and price points, from international chains to local luxury and boutique properties. Taipei's Chinese palace-style Grand Hotel is an architectural icon (albeit inconvenient to public transport) and classic. More contemporary, newer properties like Mandarin Oriental , W Taipei , and Hotel Proverbs offer primo city district locations and gorgeous modern decor.

In contrast to Hong Kong, Taipei's hotels are a steal price-wise, especially its local boutique properties (unless there's some major convention or function). Although heavily regulated, Airbnb does have a Taiwanese presence and is currently legal. However, as with some other destinations the legal lines get blurry over specific kinds of stays, some hosts only speak/write in Chinese, and their house rules can be more strict than in other Asian countries. However, price-wise they are extremely reasonable.

For TripSavvy's current top hotel picks, check out the best Taiwan hotels .

Getting There

Located outside city limits and requiring a chunk of time to commute a la Tokyo's Narita, Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the country's biggest, busiest air transportation hub and home base for EVA Air and China Airlines (both offer direct flights to and from U.S. cities). Two terminals, with a third in the works, feature oodles of places to eat and drink, from Taiwanese fare to Starbucks and even some local craft beer.

There's a second, conveniently located but smaller area airport, Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA), which services cities within Taiwan and China, and a couple of other Asian countries. Southern Taiwan's Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) is the second largest/busiest air hub, with more than two dozen Asian airlines and destinations, including Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Macao serviced.

Culture And Customs

Although any business with an international or Western clientele, especially five-star hotel brands, will generally have an English-speaking staff and wording on map apps, English isn't that prevalent on a whole in Taiwan (and English translations for the same road or business can be phonetically spelled out in many different ways). A Chinese-English translation app can be extremely valuable for communicating, and having locals enter the Chinese letter names of destinations directly into your favorite map app is also an extremely helpful tool for finding places and getting around independently of tours, guides, etc. Taiwanese people are typically friendly, unpretentious, and polite, so don't be afraid to ask for assistance!

Money Saving Tips

• The food choices are plentiful and prices are cheap at Taiwan's night markets, making these a perfectly thrifty way to fill up your belly with authentic local fare.
• Another unique Taiwan attraction is its creative art parks: imminently walkable and photo-friendly districts (often comprised of abandoned factories or military facilities) now filled with murals, galleries, craft shops, cafes, and exhibitions (though some of the latter do charge admission). These include Taipei's Songshan Cultural and Creative Park and Huashan 1914 Creative Park , Tainan's Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park , and Kaohsiung's Pier-2 Art Center .
• Book a trip during low season, which is usually both during the chillier winter months and late summer's hot, monsoon-plagued time, which also happens to be the "Ghost Festival," which is when the entirety of Taiwan is believed to be haunted by spirits and it's considered ill-advised to travel (August to September).

Britannica. "Taiwan: Climate."

WorldAtlas. "What Languages Are Spoken In Taiwan?" April 25, 2017

Skyscraper Museum. "Supertall 2020: Lineup"

The Top 15 Things to Do in Taiwan

The Top 10 Foods to Try in Taiwan

Top 15 Things To Do In Taipei

20 Best Things to Do in Shanghai

LGBTQ Travel Guide: Taipei, Taiwan

Top 10 Foods to Try in Hong Kong

The Top 15 Restaurants in Taipei

Your Trip to Shanghai: The Complete Guide

The Best Time to Visit Taiwan

Getting Around Taipei: Guide to Public Transportation

Your Trip to Kolkata: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Charleston: The Complete Guide

Weather in Taiwan: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

A Pixar-Themed Hotel Is Coming to Disneyland

The 10 Best Beaches in Taiwan

• Attractions
• Travel Tips
• High Speed Trains
• A Beginner's Guide
• Train Ticket Types
• International Tickets

How to Buy Tickets

• How to Take Trains
• Baggage Allowance

Railway Stations

• Food Onboard
• Useful Chinese Phrases
• Railway Map
• China Railway
• Beijing - Shanghai
• Beijing - Xi'an
• Hong Kong - Guangzhou
• Hong Kong - Shenzhen

Taiwan Train

The train is one of the most convenient ways to travel around Taiwan. There are mainly two kinds: one is the high speed trains as fast as 186 mph (300 km/h) running along the western coast of the island; the other is the round island trains with the highest speed of about 95 mph (152 km/h).

Taiwan High Speed Trains

They travel along Taiwan High Speed Rail between Taipei and Kaohsiung. A complete single ride takes about 1.5 hours. The total running distance is 214 miles (345 km) and the top running speed is 186 mph (300km/h).  

High Speed Railway Stations

Taiwan High Speed Rail adopts Japanese technologies. Altogether it has 12 stations on the route, including Nangang and Taipei Stations in Taipei; Banqiao Station in New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan Stations, and Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung. Taipei Station and Zuoying Station are not far from city centers and connected with local metro lines. Others are a little far from city centers, but have buses running there and to nearby scenic spots.  

Seat and Ticket Types

How to Buy Ticket

The ticket is put on sale at most 28 days before the departure date. The most convenient way is to book on its official website, which has an English version. After booking, the paper ticket can be picked up at the high speed railway stations or local convenience stores including 7-ELEVEN, Family Mart, Hi-Life and OK Mart. One can also directly purchase a paper ticket from the high speed railway stations and convenience stores. Booking via phone is also accepted and the hotline for international calls is +886-2-4066-0000. Discounted high speed rail tickets are on sale, including early-bird tickets, group tickets, multiple-ride tickets, and periodic tickets. Children below 3.8 feet (115 cm) or less than six years old can enjoy free rides and children less than 12 years old can enjoy half-priced rides.  

Taiwan Round Island Trains

They are conventional trains traveling along Taiwan Railway circling the whole island, both clockwise and anticlockwise. Along the rail, scatter many famous scenic spots and some railway stations themselves are scenic spots in tourists’ eyes, so many visitors travel around the island by Taiwan train.  The Taiwan Railway has several branches, including the Pinhsi, Jiji, Neiwan, and Shalun Lines. They run from coastal areas to the inner island and have been top choices for day trips.  

The railway stations along this railway are mostly in downtown areas, so it is easier to transfer between. Some of the stations are shared by bullet trains, like Taipei Station and New Zuoying Station; but mostly they use their own. Make it clear beforehand. One thing worth mentioning is that Taiwan railway mealboxes have been its “special feature” and a must for its passengers. They can be bought from the platforms of the railway stations and the most famous ones include the Fenchihu, Chishang and Fulong railway mealboxes.  

Train and Ticket Types

There are mainly four types of trains: Tzechiang Express, Chukuang Express, Fuhsing Semi Express, and local ordinary trains. Tzechiang is the fastest with the least intermediate stops and the highest ticket price, then Chukuang, and then Fuhsing. Local trains are the slowest running for short-distances and stop at all stations on the way. There are also Puyuma and Taroko expresses traveling along the northeast coast line. They belong to the Tzechiang type but faster than the regular Tzechiang types. As there are only a few each day, it’s advised to book their tickets in advance. The tickets are divided into two types, standard seat tickets and non-reserved seat tickets.  

The pre-sale time of these normal train tickets is 14 days. The tickets can be bought on the official website, at railway stations along Taiwan Rail, and at convenience stores (7-ELEVEN, Family Mart, Hi-Life and OK Mart). The online bookings can also be collected at related railway stations and the convenience stores. If you are going to take the branch railways for day trips, the day-pass will save you a lot, as it allows passengers unlimited “hop on and off”along that route within that day. They are sold at the related railway stations.  

Taiwan Rail Passes

The Ultimate Taiwan Itinerary (2023)

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Having completed our own amazing two week Taiwan itinerary exploring the cities, mountains and scenic areas of Taiwan we’ve put together our recommended Taiwan itinerary. From chaotic Taipei to the beauty of Taroko Gorge to the natural wonder of Alishan, Taiwan is breathtaking and one of our favorite places to visit in Asia.  For those of you planning your own Taiwan itinerary, we wanted to share our Taiwan travel guide including the best things to do and what to see in Taiwan. 

Table of Contents

Taiwan Itinerary and Route

Most visitors touring around Taiwan either pick up a rental car and self-drive or use a mix of high-speed trains, tourist shuttles and taxis/private drivers to explore the country.

By rental car: With its excellent roads and good driving standards, Taiwan is the perfect country for a road trip. We followed a circular route starting and ending in Taipei, Taiwan’s capital city and the point of arrival and departure for most Taiwan travellers – check prices now!

By public transport:  this Taiwan itinerary can also be completed by a mix of trains and buses. On the west coast of Taiwan, the major cities are serviced by High-Speed Rail – check prices here!

  Click here to reserve Taiwan Rail tickets!

Taiwan Route and Map

Here is a map of the route we recommend taking around Taiwan.

The Route:  Taipei – Taichung – Alishan – Kaohsiung – Kenting – Taitung – Taroko Gorge – Taipei

Click here for the Google map

How to Use This Google Map:  Click on the grey star at the top of the map and this map will be added to your Google Maps account. You can then view it on your phone or computer in Google Maps by clicking on the menu button, going to “Your Places” and selecting this map. We use these maps all the time as you can set out your itinerary ahead of time and quickly reference the saved maps.

Renting a car in Taiwan

Navigating Taiwan by rental car is relatively easy and we highly recommend renting a car in Taiwan if you are comfortable driving. The roads are high-quality, driving standards are generally good and fuel is extremely cheap (compared to the UK and Ireland).

We’re huge fans of road trips and have driven rental cars in over 40 countries so we have a lot of experience renting cars in foreign countries. Klook.com is a great option as it includes international rental car companies as well as some local options. Book your car now with Klook.com  where you will find the best rental car prices.

Taiwan itinerary tip: An International Driving Permit is mandatory when renting a car in Taiwan so make sure to get an IDP in your home country before departure if you are planning on driving a rental car.

Book your rental car with Klook!

Taiwan itinerary tip: Taipei is extremely well serviced by public transport and its subway is easy to navigate. As such, a rental car isn’t necessary in the city. If you are starting your Taiwan itinerary in Taipei, we recommend only picking up a car after you’ve explored Taipei rather than reserving at the airport on arrival. We picked up our rental car on our last morning in Taipei and left the city immediately for Taichung.  

Sim Card & Internet

As with most countries, having mobile data during a trip is invaluable for navigation and research. There are lots of options on arrival at Taipei’s Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) – we reserved a Chunghwa Telecom 4g sim through Klook who offer a slightly discounted rate on the airport price – click here for prices!

Taiwan itinerary tip: the Chunghwa desk only opens at 8am so make sure your flight times will work if you reserve in advance.

  Click here to reserve a SIM card!

How long to spend in Taiwan

From the chaotic Taipei to the magnificent sunrises in Alishan, the peaceful Taroko Gorge and the colourful Taichung there’s a lot to squeeze into a Taiwan itinerary. We recommend budgeting around 14 nights to explore Taiwan at a leisurely pace. This will allow you enough time to visit all the major sights and explore each destination fully.  You might wish to cut some things out if you have less time.

Best Time To Visit Taiwan

Depending on your tolerance to high temperatures, you may want to plan your visit to coincide with the cooler months! During the summer, temperatures are consistently over 30° and typhoon season is in full force. Spring and Autumn are a great time to visit Taiwan and its mild winters also mean the winter months are a good option.

Taiwan itinerary tip:  We visited Taiwan at the end of September and we managed to experience a heatwave as well as some typhoons which luckily changed direction at the last minute! The temperatures in Taipei were stifling and we had to retreat to air-conditioned buildings until late in the afternoon.

Daily Taiwan Itinerary

We’ve outlined our day to day Taiwan itinerary as a starting point for planning your own Taiwan experience.

Days 1 to 4: Taipei

Taiwan’s capital city really surprised us with the wide variety of things to see and do. After arriving at Taipei’s Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport we recommend spending the next three or four nights in Taipei. This will allow you to explore the main sights and to enjoy everything that this fun and chaotic city has to offer. We took the train from Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Taipei Main Station – click here for tickets

Click here for MRT tickets to Taipei

An EasyCard makes travel around Taipei and Kaohsiung incredibly easy. The EasyCard is a travel card that you can pre-order in advance and pick up in Taoyuan International Airport. You can preload the card with credit and use it on the metro and buses in Taipei. You can also bundle it with a sim card option that you can pick up at the same time – check prices now!

Buy your EasyCard now

From toilet-themed restaurants to colourful temples, stunning nature and awesome day trips, there’s plenty to squeeze into 4 days in Taipei. Check out our round-up of the best things to do in Taipei for more detailed information and photos of each of the attractions. Also check out our detailed Taipei itinerary to help you plan your time in the city. If you are travelling with kids make sure to check out our guide to the best things to do in Taipei with kids .

Where to Stay in Taipei

There are many great accommodation options in Taipei.

• CityInn Hotel Plus Ximending Branch–  we stayed in the CityInn Ximending branch and highly recommend both the location and the hotel. Rooms are compact but fantastic value, service is excellent and the hotel is just a few moments walk from the MRT, a Taipei essential  –  check prices now!
• Taipei Garden Hotel – another great option located close to Longshan Temple and Ximending –  check prices now!
• Dandy Hotel, Daan Park – clean, comfortable and located across the street from Taipei’s biggest park, Daan Forest Park –  check prices now!            

Click here for the best Taipei hotel prices

Day 1: Taipei 101, Maokong Gondola and Shilin Night Market

Start the day with a trip to the observation deck of Taipei 101, Taipei’s most iconic building. The 101 story building resembles a giant bamboo stick and the 91st-floor outdoor observation deck offers amazing 360-degree views of the city.

We booked our tickets for Taipei 101 via Klook and highly recommend it. You can reserve your timeslot in advance and for the best price using the Klook app. It’s super simple and avoids waiting in extra lines when Taipei 101 gets busy.  Taiwan activities were mostly discounted when we booked in advance –  check prices now!

Click here to book your Taipei 101 ticket

From Taipei 101 make your way to the Taipei Zoo MRT Station where the scenic Maokong Gondola cable car departs. The 30minute glass-bottomed cable car stops at the colourful Zhinan Temple before continuing to the quaint mountaintop village of Maokong known for its tea plantations and tea shops.

Taiwan Itinerary tip:  We purchased combo tickets for the Maokong Gondola and an evening double decker sightseeing tour from Klook in advance and it was awesome value. The gondola is closed most Monday’s so make sure to plan your trip around the gondola’s opening hours – click here to purchase the gondola and night tour combo tickets!

Click here to purchase Gondola tickets

Finish the day with a visit to Shilin Night Market, Taipei’s largest night market with over 500 stalls. There are some incredible Bid Gourmand stalls serving dishes such as Hai You Pork Ribs and Bin Small Sausage in Large Sausage, where the sausage wrapped in sticky rice is a huge hit. There’s a lot more to Shilin than just food and you can do everything from playing arcade games to praying in the temple located in the centre of the market.

Day 2: Elephant Mountain, CKS Memorial Hall, Ximending and Raohe night market

Start the day with a short but steep sunrise hike up Elephant Mountain which rewards with some of the best views of Taipei. The trail is well maintained with plenty of rest stops and some awesome viewing platforms.

After admiring Taipei from Elephant Mountain it’s time to explore the history of Taiwan with a visit to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The CKS Memorial is an important Taiwanese landmark erected in honour of the first president of Taiwan.

A themed cafe is a Taipei staple and a trip to the Modern Toilet Restaurant in Ximending is as novelty as they come. The entire restaurant is toilet themed. Meals are served in toilets, drinks in bedpans and the seats are full-sized toilets! Having filled up on poo themed dishes take a stroll around Ximending, one of Taipei’s quirkiest neighbourhoods.

If you prefer a serious foodie treat, eat at the Fuhung Noodle Restaurant. The shop is located just north of Ximending and is home to some of the best noodles we’ve ever had.

Longshan Temple is next on the agenda. Longshan is Taiwan’s most famous and well-loved temple and is located in the historic neighbourhood of Wanhua.

If you still have some energy, the Raohe Night Market is a short MRT ride away and is perfect for an early evening walk through.

Taiwan itinerary tip: our favourite dish in Raohe was the Fuzhou Shizu Black Pepper Buns. They are not to be missed!

Day 3: A Taipei park, the world’s highest Starbucks and Beitou Hot Springs

Start the morning with a visit to one of Taipei’s parks. Our favourites are Daan Forest Park, Taipei’s largest park, the Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a repurposed art, design and cultural venue and 228 Peace Memorial Park, a poignant tribute to the thousands of Taiwanese who died in the February 28, 1947, massacre.

Visit the world’s highest Starbucks which is located on the 35th floor at Taipei 101 and offers spectacular views of Taipei. A visit to Starbucks at Taipei 101 requires a reservation and the coffee shop has a minimum spend for visitors.

Taiwan itinerary tip:  The Starbucks at Taipei 101 requires a telephone reservation. Ask you hotel desk to make the reservation as you will likely need to speak Mandarin.

Spend the afternoon at the Beitou Hot Springs which are just 30 minutes outside Taipei and accessible via the MRT. There is a wide range of options for bathing in the hot springs: there are less expensive public hot springs as well as private baths and upscale hotels and resorts. As well as bathing, the scenic Beitou Hot Spring Park is beautiful to explore together with the Hot Spring Museum and Library which are located within the park.

Day 4: Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu Geopark

Taipei is surrounded by amazing natural beauty and a day trip outside the city is an essential addition to any Taipei itinerary. Shifen, Jiufen and the Yehliu Geopark are a great combination to discover a taste of Northern Taiwan.

The Yehliu Geopark contains a fascinating collection of unique geological formations in an otherworldly landscape created by sea erosion. It’s a beautiful coastal walk and a very popular stop outside Taipei.

The old street in the charming town of Jiufen is a tourist magnet with visitors indulging in local specialities such as glutinous rice cakes, peanut ice cream and fish balls in between souvenir shopping. The A-Mei Tea House is one of the most prominent landmarks in Jiufen and offers both great tea and great views!

Shifen is famous for both its old street and its scenic waterfall. The old streets of Shifen, located around the railway track, are where visitors congregate to release colourful lanterns bearing their wishes in life.

Taiwan itinerary tip : we visited Jiufen, Shiefen and Yeuhliu Geo Park using our rental car. If you prefer to use a tour, Klook offers a great shuttle bus options which ferries passengers between the key sights of Jiufen, Shifen and the Yehliu Geo Park on the North East coast of Taiwan –  click here to reserve shuttle bus tickets!

Click here to reserve shuttle bus tickets

Days 5 and 6: Taichung

After a few days of exploring Taipei, it’s time to head south to Taichung, Taiwan’s second-largest city. Taichung is busy and colourful and was a surprise hit in our Taiwan itinerary! There are lots of things to do Taichung and it is also the gateway for the immensely popular Sun Moon Lake, one of Taiwan’s most popular tourist attractions.

Where to Stay in Taichung

Taichung is a surprisingly large city and choosing where to stay can be tricky. We recommend:

• CityInn Hotel Plus – Taichung Station Branch – we loved the CityInn brand in Taiwan. Located in east Taichung beside Taichung’s main train station, the CityInn Hotel Plus is a great option. Rooms are clean and modern and the extra facilities like free common areas with coffee/refreshments and on-site laundry are invaluable –  click here to book now!
• La Vida Hotel – Regularly rated as one of the best hotels in Taichung, La Vida Hotel is a great option for those who want easy access to the Feng Chia Night Market. With European designed rooms the hotel is super comfortable and great for a stay in Taichung –    click here to book now!
• The Hung’s Mansion – where we chose to stay in Taichung and it’s a great option if you are driving like we were. With free parking, large comfortable rooms and great food, Hungs Mansion is also a short walk to the incredible Feng Chia Night Market – click here to book now!

Click here for the best Taichung hotel prices

How to get to Taichung

I t took us around 2 hours to drive between Taipei and Taichung .  I t takes one hour to travel by High-Speed Rail between Taipei and Taichung –  click here to buy rail tickets!

Click here to buy tickets to Taichung

Things to do in Taichung

Taichung deserves at least one full day to explore and, if we were to return, we’d allow two days! Start the morning at Rainbow Village , Taiwan’s most colourful neighbourhood before heading north of the city to the beautiful Zhongshe Flower Market. As well as a sea of flowers, props such as pianos, swings, and tractors make for great fun and great photo opportunities.

Taiwan itinerary tip:  tour buses arrive at Rainbow Village shortly after its 8am opening so we recommend arriving as close to 8am as possible. Zhongshe Flower Market tends to get busy in the afternoon when families congregate for barbeques.

Animation Alley is a great pit stop with its cartoon and Magna themed street art.

The 921 Earthquake Museum is a poignant place to visit: it is located on the site of a former junior high school and crosses the fault on which the earthquake occurred. The exterior remains as it did after the earthquake on Tuesday, 21 September 1999.

There are endless food and drink options in Taichung: our three favourites are Chung Shiu Tang, the touted home of Taiwan’s famous bubble tea, Miyahara for its Pineapple Cakes and I’m Talato, an ice cream shop with an ice cream floatie filled pool.

Round up the day with a trip to Feng Chia Night Market where the food is good and the clothing unique.

Day 7: Sun Moon Lake

How to get to Sun Moon Lake: Sun Moon Lake is a 1hour 15-minute drive from Taichung and is easily accessible by bus from both Taichung (approximately 2 hours) or Alishan (up to 3.5hours).

The cycle path surrounding the turquoise blue waters of Sun Moon Lake is one of the most popular ways to explore the Sun Moon Lake area. There’s also a scenic gondola cable car that offers beautiful views of the lake and connects it with the Formosa Aboriginal Cultural Village.

Our other favourite stops were the Ci-En Pagoda and the Wen-Wu Temple . The 8 story Ci-En Pagoda requires a short uphill hike and is renowned for its views over the lake while the Chinese style Wen-Wu is vibrant and loud and there are lovely views of the lake over the burnt orange rooftops.

Finish the day with some street food at Ita Thao before returning to Taichung for the night.

Taiwan itinerary tip: the drive between Taichung and Sun Moon Lake takes about 75 minutes so we preferred to base ourselves in Taichung. Sun Moon Lake accommodation tends to be more expensive given its tourist draw and we were happy to drive.

Where to stay in Sun Moon Lake

If you wish to stay in the Sun Moon Lake area, some good options are:

• Fleur de Chine Hotel Sun Moon Lake: expensive but excellent with beautiful views over the lake – check prices now!
• Mei Jen House: homestay with great rooms, a vegan breakfast and an awesome sunrise tour. A great small but budget-friendly option in Sun Moon Lake – check prices now!

Click here for the best Sun Moon Lake Hotel prices

Day 8: Alishan

A mix of wilderness and tea plantations characterize the mountainous Alishan National Scenic Area. The Alishan sunrises are legendary in Taiwan and our time in Alishan was a highlight of our trip. From chasing the ‘Yun Hai’, the coveted sea cloud sunrise, to the historic railway and the stunning hiking trails Alishan is an excellent addition to any Taiwan itinerary.

Where to Stay in Alishan

• Alishan House/Alishan Hotel – the best hotel in the Alishan National Scenic Area and where we spent our night in Alishan. Rooms are expensive but the location is outstanding. It is worth the extra for the upgrade from the dated standard room in the old building to a superior room in the new building. Guests are not allowed to drive into the Scenic Area but the hotel runs a regular shuttle bus between the car park and the hotel – check prices now!
• Wankou Hotel: 5 minutes walk from the train station, Wankou Hotel is a good less expensive option to Alishan House. Nice views, clean rooms and good value accommodation – check prices now!
• Cing Shan Hotel : basic option located close to the train station, rooms are compact – check prices now!

Click here for the best Alishan Hotel prices

How to get to Alishan

The High-Speed Railway takes less than 40 minutes between Taichung and Chiayi Station and, from Chiayi, the bus takes 2 hours. Direct buses from Sun Moon Lake take up to 3.5hours. The drive from Taichung took around 3 hours in total.

Things to do in Alishan

There are 5 Wonders of Alishan and, although luck and weather dependent, most visitors strive to see them all. The 5 Wonders of Alishan are:

• Alishan Forest Railway
• The forest trails
• The sea of clouds

Taiwan itinerary tip: With some planning it’s possible to see Alishan’s Wonders during a one-night stay. If you wish to explore more extensively or at a more leisurely pace then extend the stay to two nights.

Aim to arrive in Alishan in the afternoon and take advantage of some of the stunning hiking trails in the area. Our favourite hike was to the Sacred Tree, estimated to be 3,000 years old before it collapsed in 1997. It’s located at the Sacred Tree (Shenmu) Railway and the trails pass giant red cypress trees which are over 1,000 years old.

After exploring the Alishan trails make sure to catch a famous Alishan sunset – we watched it from the amazingly located observation deck at the Alishan House Hotel , one of the best sunset spots in the Alishan Scenic Area.

Click here to reserve the Alishan House Hotel

It’s an early start in order to catch the legendary Alishan sunrise. We arranged our shuttle bus to the train station through the Alishan House Hotel on arrival the previous afternoon. After a 4:30 am wake-up call, we boarded the train to Chusan and watched the sunrise from the viewing platform.

After checking out we stopped by the Alishan Post Office and posted a traditional Alishan wooded postcard before leaving for Kaohsiung.

Day 9: Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is a large port city in Southern Taiwan. Although we used it as a stopover between Alishan and Kaohsiung, we soon discovered it is vibrant and charming in its own right.

Where to stay in Kaohsiung 

• Grand Hi La –  one of the best hotels in Kaohsiung. With a perfect location in the centre of the Sanduo shopping district, Hotel Cozzi has luxurious rooms and high-end furnishings which make for a truly amazing stay – check prices now!
• Hotel Cozzi  – this large luxury hotel is conveniently located above a shopping mall right in the centre of Kaohsiung and is a great option for exploring the city. There are lots of restaurants close to the hotel –  check prices now!
• Hotel Dua –  g reat transport connections via the adjacent MRT station the Hotel Dua is a great location for exploring the city  –  check prices now!

Click here for the best Kaohsiung Hotel prices

How to get to Kaohsiung

Take the bus from Alishan to Chiayi Station (journey time is around 2 hours 10 minutes) and, from there, take the train to Kaohsiung, a further 2 hours 10 minutes. Our drive time was around 3 hours in total.

Things to do in Kaohsiung

We only had a half day to explore Kaohsiung as we used the city as a stopover on our journey between Alishan and Kenting. The city deserves at least to days to see properly and if you are staying in the city, some of the best things to do in Kaohsiung are:

• Kaohsiung Night Markets: the Ruifeng Night Market is considered one of the best night food markets in Taiwan and its stalls serve up a mouth-watering array of local delicacies.
• Lotus Pond and the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas: visitors to Kaohsiung are encouraged run into the mouth of the dragon and out of the tiger’s jaws at the 7-story twin Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. The reward is a reversal in fortune and a turn from bad luck to good.
• Cycle Cijn Island: Cijn Island is a black sand beach on a narrow strip of island in the city. The island, accessible by ferry or bridge, is a popular day excursion in Kaohsiung.
• Dream Mall: Kaohsiung’s Dream Mall is the largest in Taiwan and East Asia and even boasts an amusement park with a Ferris Wheel on its rooftop!
• Pier 2: once an abandoned warehouse site, Pier 2 now houses a large scale open air public art display. The quirky sculptures and artworks are a real treat and the area is vibrant and lively and one of the best places to visit in Kaohsiung.

Day 10 and 11: Kenting

The seaside town of Kenting is located at the southern tip of Taiwan and is famous for its picturesque beaches and lush green national park.

Where to stay in Kenting

Accommodation in Kenting is a mix of resort-style beachside hotels and smaller, boutique-style options.

• Caesar Park Hotel – resort hotel with direct beach access and an abundance of kids activities including a kids recreation centre in the basement –  check prices now!
• Chateau Beach Resort – located by the beach, just 5 to 10 minutes from Kenting Main Street. The hotel has stunning ocean views and a nice pool area – check prices now!
• Amanda Kenting – we opted for the smaller Amanda Kenting Hotel. The Moroccan themed hotel has great rooms, a lovely indoor pool and free exotic costume rental for photos! – check prices now!

Click here for the best Kenting Hotel prices

How to get to Kenting:

take the Kenting Express Bus from Kaohsiung’s Zuoying HSR station to Kenting. The journey time varies between 2 and 3 hours. The drive time is less than 2 hours.

Things to do in Kenting

Kenting is the perfect spot for some rest and relaxation. While we didn’t follow a strict itinerary, our favourite activities included:

• a ride on the Kenting Hai World Semi Submarine with its glass-bottomed panoramic views of the Kenting coral reefs
• paddling in the tidepools and shallow swimming spots
• visiting Baisha White Sand Bay, a beautiful beach which featured in the movie The Life of Pi
• exploring Kenting National Park and its lighthouse
• standing at the southernmost point in Taiwan which is marked by an observation station
• indulging in the street food, clothes and carnival games at the Kenting Night Market
• Snorkeling in Wanlitong Beach

Day 12: Taitung

Taitung is a sprawling, coastal town and a popular stopover between Kenting and Taroko Gorge. It is home to the Beinan Cultural Park, one of the largest and most important cultural sites in Taiwan. Taitung also acts as a gateway to the volcanic islands of Green Island and Orchid Island.

Where to stay in Taitung

• Kindness Hotel – clean and comfortable option with good breakfast and evening night snacks in Taitung city –  check prices now!
• Papago International Resort – although one hour outside Taitung it is a great location for a stopover between Kenting and Taroko Gorge. Lovely outdoor pool, hot tub and hot springs with a children’s playground – check prices now!
• Inn by the Village – located close to the railway, rooms are modern and spacious and the breakfast decent – check prices now!

Click here for the best Taitung hotel prices

How to get to Taitung:

take the bus from Kenting to Fanglaio (journey time 1 hour). From there, take the train between Fanglaio and Taitung (90 minutes). The drive time is 2 hours 30 minutes.

Things to do in Taitung

If you have time to explore Taitung some of the best things to do are:

• Beinan Cultural Park: the largest and most important cultural site in Taiwan. It was excavated in the 1980s when thousands of slate coffins were unearthed together with jewellery, pottery and tools.
• Brown Road: home to the famous Mr Brown Taiwanese Coffee and surrounded by rice fields and mountains.
• Orchid Island and Green Island: volcanic islands off the coast of Taitung famous for snorkelling, hot springs, coastal scenery and strong Aboriginal culture.

Day 13 and 14: Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is another stunning stop in Taiwan. Taroko means magnificent and splendid and the mesmerizing scenery makes it more than deserving of the name. The steep mountains are covered in thick forest and a deep gorge carved out by the Liwu River, winds through the forest floor.

Where to stay in Taroko Gorge

Visitors to Taroko Gorge can stay in the Taroko National Park, close to the entrance to the park or in nearby Hualien where the trains from Taipei arrive and depart. We recommend staying in the park for both the close to nature experience and the convenience for sightseeing.

• Silks Place Taroko: we treated ourselves to a gorge view room in the luxury Silks Place Taroko which is located in the heart of the Taroko National Park. The facilities are amazing: there’s a rooftop outdoor pool (where we enjoyed a movie screening in the evening) and hot tubs, an indoor pool and tennis courts – check prices now!
• Taroko Village Hotel: located less than 1km from Swallow Grotto, the Taroko Village Hotel is a less expensive option to Silks Place for guests wanting to stay inside the Taroko National Park – check prices now!
• Chateau de Chine Hotel Hualien: if you opt for Hualien the Chateau de Chine Hotel is a good choice with its colourful exterior and spacious themed rooms– check prices now!

Click here for the best Taroko Gorge Hotel prices

How to get to Taroko Gorge:

we drove from Taitung to the Taroko National Park (around 4 hours). Public transport services the nearby city of Hualien, a 4-hour bus journey from Taitung. If you are arriving from Alishan you can take the bus to Taroko Gorge. If you are arriving from Taipei, an express train serves Hualien.

How to get around Taroko Gorge: there are a few options for navigating Taroko National Park. We used our rental car to explore. Many guests use a taxi/private car or rent a motorbike. If you are based in Hualien, it’s easy to join a tour – reserve a Taroko Gorge tour here!

Things to do in Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is all about nature and most visitors spend the day hopping between its best short trails, bridges and viewpoints!

Begin the day with a hike through the relatively easy 4km Baiyang Trail which rewards with a stunning water curtain as well as magnificent views of the gorge along the way. Start early to avoid the crowds, bring a flashlight to navigate the tunnels and beware of the monkeys! Due to loose rock visitors are only allowed to the entrance of the first Water Curtain.

The next stop is the ever-popular Swallow Grotto, one of the best places from which to view the gorge. It is a short and flat footpath in the middle of the park and the surrounding river walls are lined with swallow nests

The Taroko Eternal Spring Changchun Shrine is one of the most popular sites in the park. The stunning temple sits atop a natural spring and was built in honour of the many who lost their lives building the highway through Taroko National Park.

We also loved the Chingxi Suspension Bridge and the Cimu Bridge. On the way out of the park make sure to stop at the stunning Qinghui Cliffs where visitors have the opportunity to admire the three distinct color tones that make up the Pacific Ocean

Taiwan itinerary tip: some of the trails in Taroko Gorge are closed due to weather damage so make sure to check the official website for the latest trail availability. There is a Visitor’s Centre at the entrance to the park which also provides trail information.

Day 15: Depart Taipei

Day 15 is a day of leisure until it’s time for your flight from Taipei.

How to get to Taipei: take the bus from Taroko Gorge to Hualien or Xincheng Station and then hop on the train to Taipei. The drive took around 3 hours.

For more on Taiwan

• Check out our round up of the best things to do in Taipei!

16 thoughts on “The Ultimate Taiwan Itinerary (2023)”

My husband and I are planning a trip to Hong Kong & Taiwan in December. The plan was 7 days each; however, after reading your itinerary it is beginning to look like I’m going to have to wrangle more days in Taiwan. The experience looks amazing!! Also, I really like the layout of your page. It gives me what I’m looking for without having to hunt through the fluff. Thanks!!

Thanks Amy, so happy you liked the post. Taiwan is amazing, Hong Kong too!

Have an awesome trip!

My husband and I are also going to HK & Taiwan at the end of November into mid-December. We are spending 8 days each that’s because we have friends and relatives in HK so we planned 3-4 days meeting people. However, I think 8 days in Taiwan is still too short to explore and enjoy, every where we go is going to be a rush. We are skipping the east side of the island. If you have not finalize your trip, I would suggest to spend less time in HK since it’s a much smaller city, and allocate more days in Taiwan. Enjoy your trip!

How did you find travel with the little one, was it mostly pram friendly or did you use a carrier?

We used a mix of carrier and stroller. Sometimes on the subway it was easier to carry him than search for an elevator!

Overall, it was a really baby friendly trip! We cover our family travels on Show Them the Globe , there’s some Taiwan articles over there too!

Hi Elaine – great blog post! We are thinking of traveling to Taiwan, possibly next Dec and would like to hire a car for convenience, rather than use public transport. Are hotels with cheap/free parking easy to find outside Taipei? How about parking in general at tourist sites (esp. at Taroko Gorge)? Are tourist sites/viewpoints signposted at Taroko Gorge? Many thanks for any info you could supply!

Hi Elizabeth

Parking was included in places like Alishan (the public car park where the hotel shuttles pick up from), Taroko Gorge, Kenting. It was only included in a few hotels in Taichung but i guess that’s to be expected in a city. In Taroko Gorge, parking was easy to find at some viewpoints but there are only a few spaces at the smaller view points so you might have to wait. We did some of our sightseeing before breakfast and had the viewpoints almost to ourselves!

Have a great trip Elaine

Hi Elaine, Great blog. Thanks for sharing all this information on Taiwan. Can you please share something else? Did you book all your accomodation in advance or were you able to just drive into a place and find accom when you got there? I look forward to your reply as we are headed to Taiwan at the end of December this year. Thanks Janie

It was really busy when we were there in September. I’m sure you get accommodation as you go but, for the more popular places, I’d probably reserve in advance.

Great post. A question: what is the best season to tour Taiwan based on your research or experience? Many thanks. I probably will have more question as we go deeper into our planning. Many thanks.

Spring or Autumn. Winter is fine if you don’t mind low temperatures. Summer is hot and humid and avoid typhoon season. We got caught in the tail end of the season in late September but it was ok.

Did you every drive in the taipei city area? Is it easy to drive and to find parking?

Planning to rent car over there since we have elderly with us. Thank you

Hi Nabihah, yes we drove in and around Taipei City during our time in Taiwan. Driving was surprisingly easy and while parking was tricky if you plan it in advance there are parking spaces in most places. Have fun

We are thinking of going with our little one when she turns one in Sept/Oct (hopefully that is okay time,probably Oct though is better?). Since you have 3 little ones, do you have recommendations with traveling with a little one? She is currently 4 months old and we just booked our flight from Canada to Hong Kong. We plan to add Taiwan in there as well. It’s great to hear that your trip was baby friendly!

Oh one more question, is it better to fly with little ones during the day or night!?

I much prefer night flights so the kids can sleep through most of it. We just flew 10 hours from Dublin to LA and back over Christmas and the daytime flight was so hard trying to entertain our one year old! She just wants to be free to run around and explore! The night flight was so much easier as she slept for 90% of it. I’ve always been really lucky with night flights but you do run the risk that they won’t sleep at all – if you think there’s a good chance they won’t sleep I’d probably stick to a daytime flight.

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Spotlight: East Coast Scenic Route

Take one of Asia’s ultimate road trips

Hualien Starts Here   Tantalizing Taroko Gorge   Taiwan’s Best Beaches   Is Yilan Worth Visiting?   Renting a Car in Taiwan   The Truth About Taitung  

Spotlight: East Coast

Asia’s ultimate road trip

Hualien Starts Here   Tantalizing Taroko Gorge   Taiwan’s Best Beaches   Is Yilan Worth Visiting?   Renting a Car in Taiwan  

On the hunt for inspiration—or just information—for your next trip to Taiwan? My name is Robert Schrader, and you’ve arrived in the right place. I’m a veteran Taiwan traveler with half a dozen years under my belt—and I’m delighted you’re here.

Feel at home in Taiwan’s cozy capital

See the famous Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Take a delicious journey back in time

Whether you need tips on top Taiwan destinations, Taiwan trip ideas or travel advice about topics like Taiwan SIM cards and trains in Taiwan, my Taiwan travel blog is where you need to be. I’ve circled the island dozens of times—I’ve lived in Taipei for over a year!—and my posts combine the wisdom I’ve gained with insightful, informative personal anecdotes.

Enjoy a Whirlwind Week in Taiwan

Taiwan proves that big adventure comes in small packages—so small, in fact, that you can see everything in a week if you budget your time right. After a couple of nights in Taipei, rent a car and drive clockwise along the island’s wild east coast, ending in the southern metropolis of Kaohsiung before heading back north via the futuristic high-speed rail line.

A Whirlwind Week

Taiwan proves that big adventure comes in small packages—you can see everything in a week if you budget your time right. After two nights in Taipei, drive along the wild east coast, ending in Kaohsiung.

Taroko Gorge

Hike through enchanting grottos to forlorn shrines

Visit the home of high-mountain Oolong tea

Bask on Taiwan’s most beautiful beaches

Taiwan is a place I always think I know completely—then I get on a train or bus to somewhere seemingly random, and I’m blown away. As you’ll see browsing through my Taiwan travel blog posts, this capacity for spontaneous adventure is precisely what makes Taiwan such a joy to discover. In fact, I love it so much I decided to move here!

See All of Taiwan

If there’s one word I could use to describe Taiwan, it would be “harmony.” Taiwan’s cities are a pastiche of East-meets-West cosmopolitanism, while the larger culture perfectly mixed stoic Japanese traditions with wilder elements that might be more at home in Southeast Asia. To say nothing of the food—I could write a Taiwan blog just about that!

See Authentic Taiwan in Just Two Weeks

The longer you devote to Taiwan, the more authentically you can experience its culture. Whether you sip delicate oolong tea amid the emerald fields of Alishan, embark on exciting hikes from rough-and-tumble Hualien or discover history in the former capital city of Tainan, Taiwan is definitely worth a deep dive.

Taste Authentic Taiwan

The longer you devote to Taiwan, the more authentically you can experience its culture. Sip delicate oolong tea atop the emerald peaks of Alishan, or discover history in the former capital city of Tainan—Taiwan is definitely worth a deep dive.

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Taiwan earthquake disrupts trains in mainland China at start of Ching Ming travel rush

• High-speed rail services affected in Shanghai, with suspensions and delays for passengers in Fujian, Jiangxi, Guandong and Zhejiang provinces
• The disruptions could affect the plans of millions expected to be travelling for Ching Ming Festival over next five days

The earthquake that shook Taiwan on Wednesday also caused major disruptions to public transport in mainland China, with several coastal provinces reporting tremors that prompted suspensions and major delays to rail services.

Affected provinces included Fujian and Jiangxi in the southeast, Guangdong in southern China and Zhejiang on the east coast. The eastern metropolis of Shanghai also felt the impact, with some high-speed rail services suspended.

Local railway operators issued notices advising passengers that some services were suspended or operating at limited speed, and said they should expect delays.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge , our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

The 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the east coast of Taiwan at 7.58am local time, causing buildings to collapse and killing at least nine. There are 934 people reported to be injured, while efforts are continuing to rescue 56 trapped in the wreckage.

While Taiwan's eastern Hualien county suffered the brunt of the quake, its effects were felt across the island.

According to the China Earthquake Networks Centre, the quake was monitored at a depth of about 12km (7.46 miles), with its epicentre in the waters south of Hualien.

The Ministry of Natural Resources' tsunami warning centre issued a level 1 red alert - the highest of four levels - after the earthquake struck, which it lifted before noon.

Tremors were felt in cities in Fujian - the mainland coastal province facing Taiwan - and other metropolitan areas, including Shanghai, Suzhou, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Shantou.

Among the affected rail services were some linking Fujian to its neighbouring province Guangdong. Other trains operating within Fujian, Jiangxi and Zhejiang provinces were also suspended while tracks were inspected.

The delays left Fujian passengers stranded at stations in the provincial capital Fuzhou, as well as the cities of Quanzhou and Xiamen, according to media reports.

Passengers told state news agency Xinhua that they were evacuated from trains that stopped soon after they started to leave the station, and were waiting for operations to resume.

Media outlets reported that two stations in Fuzhou had suspended at least 28 serviceon Wednesday morning. The railway operator also announced delays of several services passing through the city.

A dozen high-speed rail services were suspended in Shanghai on Wednesday morning, including trains to Xiamen and Ningbo in neighbouring Zhejiang province, and Kunming, provincial capital of Yunnan in southwestern China.

The disrupted services could have a major impact, with a five-day travel rush expected for the Ching Ming Festival - also known as tomb-sweeping day - which starts on Wednesday.

The national rail operator forecast that 75 million trips will be made during the travel period, with an average of 15 million journeys each day.

The operator of services in the Yangtze River Delta region - which covers Shanghai and the three neighbouring provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui - was expecting to handle 3.15 million trips on Wednesday.

In Fuzhou, one station said it was expecting an average of 104,000 journeys for each day of the travel rush.

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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.

Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Taiwan Earthquake: What to Know About Travel and How to Help

By Rachel Chang

The strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan in almost 25 years shook the island of nearly 24 million people at 7:58 a.m. local time on Wednesday, causing buildings to crash, landmarks to crumble, and landslides to topple roadways and train tracks. As of press time, there are 10 reported deaths, as well as 1,099 people injured, 705 trapped, and 11 missing, according to an update from Taiwan’s Fire Agency posted Thursday morning.

While the US Geological Survey measured the quake at 7.4 on the Richter scale , Taiwan’s own monitoring agency clocked it at 7.2. The earthquake’s epicenter was about 11 miles southwest of Hualien City, the gateway to the popular Taroko National Park , which sees over 2 million visitors a year. With a population of about 101,000, the coastal city is around 100 miles southeast of the capital, Taipei.

The initial quake was followed by a series of aftershocks —some as strong as 6.4 and 5.7 —that have continued to rock the Hualien County region, which regularly experiences earthquakes. The area sits along seismic fault lines within the Ring of Fire, where most of the planet’s quakes occur. In 2018, a 2018 6.4-magnitude quake in the area killed 17 people, while a larger 7.7-magnitude quake killed 2,400 and injured about 1,000 in 1999.

While there had initially been a tsunami warning on Wednesday reaching as far as Japan and the Philippines, that alert has since been canceled. In many parts of the island, especially in and around the capital, schools, work, and businesses returned to normal quickly—including the high-speed rail and metro systems by the afternoon—much of it being credited to the island’s resilient infrastructure .

In fact, a US State Department spokesperson tells Condé Nast Traveler that there are no changes or updates to the current travel advisory for Taiwan, which remains as a Level 1 “Exercise Normal Precautions.”

“The current tourism environment and facilities in Taiwan remain safe and intact,” Yung-hui Chou, director-general of Taiwan Tourism Administration , said in a statement shared with Traveler. “International tourists are warmly welcomed to visit Taiwan without any concerns.”

However, in the eastern region, closer to the epicenter, rescue operations are still underway, as many people were reported trapped in the region’s tunnels and quarries, unable to get out because of blocked roadways. Among those were about 50 employees of Silks Place Taroko, a popular hotel located near Taroko National Park, who had been traveling in four buses, CNN reported .

Minimal disruptions for travelers

Despite the magnitude and devastation the earthquakes caused, travel in and out of Taiwan has remained rather status quo. A United Airlines spokesperson says there was “thankfully no impact” to its operations and that “all our people are safe."

Taiwanese carrier EVA Air also says the natural disaster hasn’t affected its current or future operations, and that all of its flights at Taoyuan International Airport remain on schedule. EVA Air’s domestic subsidiary UNI Air added extra flights to and from Hualien for residents and families, as well as for rescue workers and emergency supplies to be transported back and forth.

Taiwan's major airports, ports, and railways are all operating normally in major cities, according to the Taiwan Tourism Administration, which noted transit capabilities may vary by region, especially in the eastern mountainous area.

The railway in Hualien suffered “sustained significant damage,” says Ivy Yang, a Taipei-based travel consultant for My Taiwan Tour . Yang suggests travelers steer away from Hualien at this time due to dangerous road conditions and the numerous landslides on the coastline and in Taroko Gorge. Most hotels in Hualien will allow fee-free cancellations in light of the events, she says, with Silk Place Taroko being closed for several days. Otherwise, travel on Taiwan’s west coast remains safe, according to Yang, but those looking to travel around the island might have trouble between Hualien and Yilan.

A spokesperson for the tourism bureau’s New York office says the Taiwanese government is “actively arranging alternative options of transportation” in affected areas, reminding travelers “to stay informed about conditions in their specific destinations and adjust their plans accordingly.”

What to do if you have a future trip planned

For those with upcoming trips, the Taiwan Tourism Administration suggests keeping travel plans flexible while monitoring the situation and following the relevant advisories from authorities. “We believe most travel plans are expected to proceed smoothly,” the spokesperson for the administration says. “Travelers with plans to visit the eastern region of Taiwan are advised to remain vigilant and stay informed about the latest developments.”

Tour operator Intrepid Travel has canceled two upcoming Taiwan departures that were scheduled to start both this week and next week “to allow time for further safety assessments and to avoid the immediate risk of aftershocks,” the company’s president of the Americas Matt Berna tells Traveler. “Damage looks extensive in Hualien, but we are currently unaware of the full extent.” The company is working on rerouting its itinerary around Hualien for upcoming tours.

One of the biggest concerns is the potential of future aftershocks—some of which could be bigger than the original earthquake, according to Josh Dozor, a former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) official and the current general manager of Medical and Security Assistance at the global risk mitigation company International SOS .

“If you do not need to travel, it is best to stay put,” Dozor says, advising those with travel plans to Hualien County to postpone their trip until at least April 5.

“It’s important to note that Taiwan is an island that experiences earthquakes on a relatively frequent basis,” he says. “The locals are typically equipped with the knowledge and experience of handling earthquakes, which may be why it seems people are continuing life as usual. However, for travelers who are inexperienced in these types of natural disasters, it’s important to remain vigilant and be prepared.”

How to help Taiwan's earthquake victims

When it comes to supporting Earthquake victims, Taiwan “kindly request[s] friends from around the globe to stay updated with the latest developments and keep us in your thoughts and prayers,” the tourism association spokesperson says.

However, those who would like to offer monetary support to Taiwan’s earthquake victims can consider donating to the following organizations.

Taiwan Foundation for Disaster Relief Per a Facebook post from Taiwan’s National Fire Agency Thursday morning, a disaster relief foundation that accepts public donations has been set up through the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Donations can be transferred using the bank details here or via this site and will be accepted for one month through May 3.

Taiwan’s Red Cross Society Just hours after the earthquake struck, the local Red Cross posted on X that their Hualien relief team and military units are “rapidly mobilizing to minimize the impact and provide assistance to those affected.” Donations can be made to the organization here .

Peace Winds America’s Taiwan Disaster Preparedness Initiative The Washington, DC based NGO Peace Winds America currently has a Taiwan Disaster Preparedness Initiative to “strengthen Taiwan’s domestic disaster preparedness, response, and ‘whole of society’ coordination,” among other goals. Learn more about the program and how to donate here .

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Fierce earthquake rattles Taiwan, killing 9 and injuring more than 1,000

Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in nearly 25 years rocked the island during the morning rush hour Wednesday, leaving seven people dead. Damage was reported around the island but tsunami threats in Taiwan and Japan were later lifted. Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency gave the magnitude as 7.2 while the U.S. put it at 7.4.

Taiwan’s Vice-President viewed the damage caused by the earthquake in Hualien City on Wednesday. The quake, which killed at least nine people and injured hundreds, was centered off the coast of rural, mountainous Hualien County, where some buildings leaned at severe angles, their ground floors crushed.

Emergency services on Wednesday continued rescue operations at the scene of a partially collapsed building at the epicentre of Taiwan’s earthquake zone in Hualien City. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in nearly 25 years has so far caused the deaths of at least nine people. The quake, which also injured hundreds, was centred off the coast of rural, mountainous Hualien County, where some buildings leaned at severe angles, their ground floors crushed.

Emergency services were on Wednesday carrying out rescue operations at the scene of a partially collapsed building at the epicentre of Taiwan’s earthquake zone in Hualien City. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in nearly 25 years has so far caused the deaths of at least nine people. The quake, which also injured hundreds, was centred off the coast of rural, mountainous Hualien County, where some buildings leaned at severe angles, their ground floors crushed. (AP video by Johnson Lai)

Owner and her dogs woken up by tremors as Taiwan hit by strongest quake in nearly 25 years

Rescue workers stand near the site of a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, Taiwan, on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush hour Wednesday. (AP Photo/Johnson Lai)

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In this image taken from a video footage run by TVBS, a partially collapsed building is seen in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. A powerful earthquake rocked the entire island of Taiwan early Wednesday, collapsing buildings in a southern city and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. (TVBS via AP)

In this image taken from a video footage run by TVBS, a partially collapsed building is seen in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. A powerful earthquake rocked the entire island of Taiwan early Wednesday, collapsing buildings in a city and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on Japanese islands. (TVBS via AP)

Rescue workers stand near the site of a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush hour Wednesday, damaging buildings and highways (AP Photo/Johnson Lai)

Passengers wait to board a south bound train as some train services were suspended in the aftermath of an earthquake in Taipei, Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush Wednesday, damaging buildings and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

In this photo released by the Taiwan Air Force Command, members of a search and rescue team prepare to deploy on a Taiwan Air Force C-130 from southern Taiwan’s Pingtung military air base en route for Hualien on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush hour Wednesday, damaging buildings and highways. (Taiwan Air Force Command via AP)

In this photo released by the Hualien City Government, a leaning building is cordoned off in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush Wednesday, damaging buildings and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. (Hualien City Government via AP)

In this photo released by the National Fire Agency, members of a search and rescue team prepare outside a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush Wednesday, damaging buildings and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. (National Fire Agency via AP)

In this photo released by the National Fire Agency, members of a search and rescue team look for victims inside a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush Wednesday, damaging buildings and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. (National Fire Agency via AP)

In this image taken from a video footage run by TVBS, residents rescue a child from a partially collapsed building in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. A powerful earthquake rocked the entire island of Taiwan early Wednesday, collapsing buildings in a southern city and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. (TVBS via AP)

In this photo released by the National Fire Agency, members of a search and rescue team prepare to enter a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush Wednesday, damaging buildings and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. (National Fire Agency via AP)

People walk along a sidewalk by a TV showing a breaking news on tsunami for Okinawa region and Earthquake damage in Taiwan Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Tokyo. Japan issued tsunami alerts Wednesday after a strong quakes near Taiwan. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Rescue workers stand near the site of a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush hour Wednesday, damaging buildings and highways. (AP Photo/Johnson Lai)

A rescue worker stands near the cordoned off site of a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush hour Wednesday, damaging buildings and highways. (AP Photo/Johnson Lai)

HUALIEN, Taiwan (AP) — The strongest earthquake in a quarter-century rocked Taiwan Wednesday morning, killing nine people, stranding dozens at quarries and a national park, and sending some residents scrambling out the windows of damaged buildings.

The quake, which injured more than 1,000, struck just before 8 a.m. and was centered off the coast of rural, mountainous Hualien County , where some buildings leaned at severe angles, their ground floors crushed. Just over 150 kilometers (93 miles) away in the capital of Taipei, tiles fell from older buildings, and schools evacuated students to sports fields as aftershocks followed.

Rescuers fanned out in Hualien, looking for people who may be trapped and using excavators to stabilize damaged buildings. The numbers of people missing, trapped or stranded fluctuated as authorities learned of more in trouble and worked to locate or free them.

Some 70 workers who were stranded at two rock quarries were safe, according to Taiwan’s national fire agency, but the roads to reach them were damaged by falling rocks. Six workers were going to be airlifted on Thursday.

In the hours after the quake, TV showed neighbors and rescue workers lifting residents, including a toddler, through windows and onto the street. Some doors had fused shut in the shaking.

Strongest earthquake in 25 years rocks Taiwan, killing 9 people and trapping 70 workers in quarries

AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports on a strong earthquake in Taiwan.

Taiwan is regularly jolted by quakes and its population is among the best prepared for them. But authorities expected a relatively mild earthquake and did not send out alerts. The eventual quake was strong enough to scare even people who are used to such shaking.

In this image taken from a video footage run by TVBS, a man checks a partially collapsed building in Hualien, eastern Taiwan, April 3, 2024.(TVBS via AP)

“I’ve grown accustomed to (earthquakes). But today was the first time I was scared to tears by an earthquake,” said Hsien-hsuen Keng, who lives in a fifth-floor apartment in Taipei. ”I was awakened by the earthquake. I had never felt such intense shaking before.”

At least nine people died in the quake, according to Taiwan’s fire agency. Most of the fatalities were caused by falling rocks, including four people who were struck inside Taroko National Park, according to the state Central News Agency. One died in a residential building that was damaged, the news agency said.

A small tsunami washed ashore on southern Japanese islands but caused no damage.

At least 1,011 people were reported injured. Authorities initially lost contact with 50 hotel employees in minibuses in the park after the quake downed phone networks; three employees walked to the hotel, while the others remained stranded. About two dozen tourists were also stranded in the park, the state news agency said.

The quake and aftershocks caused many landslides and damaged roads, bridges and tunnels. The national legislature, a converted school built before World War II, and sections of the main airport in Taoyuan, just south of Taipei, also saw minor damage.

Hualien Mayor Hsu Chen-wei said 48 residential buildings were damaged in the city, which shares a name with the county. Hsu said water and electricity supplies were in the process of being restored.

Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency said the quake was 7.2 magnitude while the U.S. Geological Survey put it at 7.4. It struck about 18 kilometers (11 miles) from Hualien and was about 35 kilometers (21 miles) deep. Multiple aftershocks followed.

Traffic along the east coast was at a virtual standstill after the earthquake, with landslides and falling debris hitting tunnels and highways. Train service was suspended across the island of 23 million people, with some tracks twisted by the stress of the quake, as was subway service in Taipei, where sections of a newly constructed elevated line split apart but did not collapse.

The initial panic quickly faded on the island, which prepares for such events with drills at schools and notices issued via public media and mobile phone. Stephen Gao, a seismologist and professor at Missouri University of Science and Technology, said Taiwan’s readiness is among the most advanced in the world and includes strict building codes and a world-class seismological network.

By noon, the metro station in the busy northern Taipei suburb of Beitou was again buzzing with people commuting to jobs and people arriving to visit the hot springs or travel the mountain paths at the base of an extinct volcano.

The earthquake was felt in Shanghai and provinces along China’s southeastern coast, according to Chinese media. China and Taiwan are about 160 kilometers (100 miles) apart.

People evacuate to higher ground after a tsunami warning following a powerful earthquake in Naha, Okinawa prefecture, Japan, April 3, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)

The Japan Meteorological Agency said a tsunami of 30 centimeters (about 1 foot) was detected on the coast of Yonaguni island about 15 minutes after the quake struck. Smaller waves were measured in Ishigaki and Miyako islands. All alerts in the region had been lifted by Wednesday afternoon.

Taiwan lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” the line of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean where most of the world’s earthquakes occur.

Hualien was last struck by a deadly quake in 2018 that killed 17 people and brought down a historic hotel. Taiwan’s worst quake in recent years struck on Sept. 21, 1999, with a magnitude of 7.7, causing 2,400 deaths, injuring around 100,000 and destroying thousands of buildings.

The economic fallout from the quake has yet to be calculated. Taiwan is the leading manufacturer of the world’s most sophisticated computer chips and other high-technology items that are highly sensitive to seismic events. Parts of the electricity grid were shut down, possibly leading to disruptions in the supply chain and financial losses.

Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC , which supplies semiconductors to companies such as Apple, said it evacuated employees from some of its factories in Hsinchu, southwest of Taipei. Hsinchu authorities said water and electricity supplies for all the factories in the city’s science park were functioning as normal.

Bodeen and Mistreanu reported from Taipei, Taiwan. Associated Press journalists Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo, Ken Moritsugu in Beijing, Lorian Belanger in Bangkok, Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu, and Fu Ting and Didi Tang in Washington contributed to this report.

This story has been updated to correct that the 70 people stranded are in rock quarries, not coal mines.

• International

7.4 magnitude quake hits Taiwan, strongest in 25 years

By Nectar Gan , Wayne Chang , Jerome Taylor, Antoinette Radford, Deva Lee and Maureen Chowdhury , CNN

The majority of those trapped after Taiwan earthquake are caught in one tunnel

From CNN's Wayne Chang

About 60 of the approximately 77 people trapped after an earthquake struck Taiwan Wednesday are caught in the Jinwen Tunnel in northern Hualien County, Taiwan's National Fire Agency (NFA) said.

Separately, 15 people are trapped in the Dachingshui Tunnel, also in northern Hualien County, NFA said, adding that two German nationals were trapped in a third tunnel.

At least seven people have died in the 7.4 magnitude quake .

Some background: The 400-meter Jinwen Tunnel is one of more than a dozen that thread the Suhua Highway, a treacherous and narrow road that runs for 118 kilometers (73 miles) along Taiwan's eastern coast.

Winding along cliffs high above the Pacific Ocean, it is one of Taiwan's most dangerous — yet most scenic — drives.

The highway, which connects Hualien with the north of Taiwan, has been closed after it suffered severe damage from landslides and fallen rocks in the quake.

How earthquakes are measured

From CNN's Jennifer Gray

Measuring earthquakes is no easy task, given they strike suddenly and sometimes on a global scale.

When the Earth’s crust shifts abruptly, an earthquake occurs, with energy radiated out as seismic waves and shaking that’s sometimes experienced by people, buildings and infrastructure.

Seismic waves and factors related to the shifting ground determine an earthquake’s  magnitude , as measured through 10 on the scale most commonly used to describe quakes.

How strong the shaking feels is an earthquake’s  intensity , as measured on a scale that uses Roman numerals to assign categories based on assessed damage and people’s observations.

Read more about what the scales indicate .

23 million people live in Taiwan. Hualien County is home to 300,000. Here's what to know about the epicenter

From CNN's Jerome Taylor

Taiwan is a self-ruled democracy of about 23 million people, the vast majority of whom live in the capital Taipei and the cities that dot the heavily industrialized western coast.

Taipei has around 2.5 million inhabitants while the wider New Taipei City is home to a further 4 million people. The southern port city of Kaohsiung has 2.7 million residents.

In contrast, the eastern coast — where Wednesday's quake struck — is much less populated.

The island is regularly rocked by earthquakes. 

Here's what to know about the epicenter: Hualien County has a population of about 300,000, around 100,000 of whom live in the main city of Hualien.

But many in the region live in remote coastal or mountain communities that can be hard to reach, so it might take time to understand the extent of Wednesday's quake.

A magnitude 6.2 quake hit  the area in 2018 , killing at least  17 people and injuring more than 300 others.

Taiwan's global role: The small island is a major economy that has an outsized impact on global business and trade , mainly because of its world-beating chips industry .

It also lies at the center of geopolitical tensions.

China's Communist Party has claimed the island as its territory, despite never having controlled it. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has ramped up economic, political and military pressure on Taiwan and vowed to one day "reunify" the island, by force if necessary.

Taiwanese people have largely shrugged off that threat. Earlier this year, voters handed the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which Beijing loathes, a historic third consecutive presidency . Incumbent president Lai Ching-te will be inaugurated next month, replacing current president Tsai Ing-wen.

Foreign nationals trapped in Taiwan after earthquake

At least four foreign nationals are trapped in Taiwan after the island was hit by its most powerful earthquake in 25 years on Wednesday, according to the National Fire Agency (NFA).

Two Canadian citizens are among a dozen people trapped in Taroko Gorge, a popular tourist destination in Hualien County, the epicenter of the quake.

The 12 people are awaiting rescue on the Shakadang Trail, a popular walkway along turquoise water near the entrance of the famed marble-walled canyon, the NFA said.

Two German citizens are trapped in a tunnel on the Suhua highway on the island's eastern coast, the NFA said. The highway was severely damaged in the earthquake and has been closed.

Winding along cliffs high above the Pacific Ocean, the Suhua Highway is known as one of Taiwan's most dangerous — yet also the most scenic — drives. It's the main highway connecting Hualien with the north of the island and dotted with natural attractions.

Death toll in Taiwan earthquake rises to 7

Seven people have been killed in Taiwan after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the island's eastern coast on Wednesday morning, according to the National Fire Agency (NFA).

Another 736 people have been injured, the NFA said.

Three people who died in Taiwan earthquake were hiking in Taroko Gorge

From CNN’s Wayne Chang and Manveena Suri

Three of the four people who died after the most powerful earthquake in 25 years hit Taiwan were hiking in Taroko Gorge, a popular tourist destination, according to the National Fire Agency (NFA).

The three people were struck by fallen rocks while hiking the Dekalun Trail in Taroko Gorge, a rugged marble-walled canyon famed for its raw natural beauty in Hualien County, the epicenter of the quake.

The fourth victim was a truck driver who was hit by fallen rocks outside a tunnel on the Suhua Highway, a major highway winding along steep cliffs of Taiwan's eastern coast that was severely damaged in the earthquake.

A section of the road outside the tunnel where the driver was killed had collapsed, according to earlier reports by Taiwan's television stations. The entire highway has been closed down following the quake.

77 people trapped and 700 injured across Taiwan after powerful earthquake

At least 77 people are trapped across Taiwan after a powerful earthquake struck the island's eastern coast, according to the National Fire Agency (NFA).

Authorities did not elaborate on the condition of those trapped, but said that rescue operations were underway.

The 7.4 magnitude quake has killed four people and injured more than 700 others, according to NFA. Of those injured, 132 are in Hualien County, near the epicenter of the quake, the agency added.

In pictures: Powerful earthquake causes damage and disruption across Taiwan

From CNN staff

Taiwan was struck by its strongest earthquake in 25 years on Wednesday when a 7.4 magnitude tremor struck the island's eastern coast, collapsing buildings, killing at least four people and triggering tsunami warnings across the region that were later lifted .

The tsunami warnings also prompted airlines and airports to suspend flights, which were later resumed .

More than 100 buildings damaged in Taiwan following earthquake

The powerful tremors that rocked Taiwan on Wednesday morning have damaged 125 buildings across the island, according to the National Fire Agency (NFA).

About half of the damaged buildings are in Hualien County, near the epicenter of the earthquake, according to local officials.

Four buildings in the county had partially collapsed, Hualien County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei said at a news conference Wednesday.

Residents from three of the buildings have been safely evacuated, while search and rescue operations continue at the nine-storey Uranus Building, which is leaning to the right after the ground floor collapsed, Hsu said.

Twenty-two people have been rescued from the Uranus Building, with efforts still underway to contact one remaining resident, according to the National Fire Agency.

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