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Traveling around Taiwan by train offers both convenience and excitement. Join us as we delve into the various transportation passes available in Taiwan and select the most suitable one for your journey with Klook.
With sprawling night markets, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant nightlife, Taiwan truly is a country that never sleeps. Covering an area of 36,193 km2 and with a population of over 23 million, navigating Taiwan might seem daunting, especially for first-time visitors. However, thanks to its extensive railway network, traveling between its five major cities has become much more manageable.
To assist you in planning your trip to Taiwan, we've put together this handy guide on the best train passes for your journey. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of train passes and the most cost-effective and convenient ways to travel across Taiwan.
Types of Train Passes in Taiwan
1. Taiwan High Speed Rail Pass
The high-speed rail system in Taiwan (THSR) connects major cities from north to south. It's the fastest and most convenient mode of transportation in the country - you can travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung in just 90 minutes! Get your hands on these one-way high-speed rail tickets and explore other cities from Taipei at your own pace.
However, if you're in a rush to hop from one city to another, or simply not a fan of long and tedious train journeys, we recommend getting the Unlimited Taiwan High-Speed Rail Pass for tourists! With unlimited rides on the entire THSR network for two or three days, you'll swiftly visit all the destinations on your itinerary with these Taiwan high-speed rail tickets!
Insider tip from Klook: THSR only takes you to major cities in Taiwan, such as Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Banciao, Hsinchu, Taoyuan, Tucheng, Chiayi, Miaoli, and Banqiao. If you want to venture to other places in Taiwan, you'll need to take the Taiwan Railways (TR).
2. 5-Day Combined Train Pass for Taiwan Railways
Taiwan Railways (TR) is a massive railway network spanning 1,117.9 kilometers across Taiwan. With over 13 types of trains, you can reach anywhere. TR is one of the most popular transportation modes for locals as it covers major cities as well as suburban areas.
If you frequently use Taiwan Railways during your travels, consider trying the 5-Day Combined Train Pass! With five days of unlimited travel on the Taiwan Railways network, you'll experience seamless journeys across Taiwan. Even better, the 5-Day Combined Train Pass includes two days of unlimited travel on the Taiwan High-Speed Rail network - perfect if you plan to visit cities on the other side of Taiwan!
3. Taipei Metro Card
The Taipei Metro system originated with the Taipei Metro, the first metro system built in the country. Since you'll likely spend a good portion of your time in Taipei, it's wise to get acquainted with the Taipei Metro beforehand.
The Taipei Metro has six different lines spanning over a hundred stations throughout Taipei, including some lines that connect with other railway systems (e.g., THSR, Taoyuan Airport MRT, and Taipei LRT). To start planning your journey, check out the route map and schedules on the official Taipei Metro website.
If you don't plan on moving around much, you can simply purchase single journey tickets at all Taipei Metro stations either from ticket machines or counters. However, if your itinerary involves exploring the city extensively, you should opt for an Easycard. This is a reloadable card that you can use across the entire Taipei Metro system. Just top up your Easycard before your first train journey, and you're good to go!
The Easycard also comes with many other great benefits — you can use it for other train lines in Taiwan (such as the Kaohsiung MRT) and central city buses, YouBike, T Bike, and C Bikes services in various cities. It's also valid at select attractions and stores like 7-11, Family Mart, OK Mart, and Starbucks, so you'll have one card for almost all your shopping and travel transactions while in Taipei.
Klook's tip: For first-time travelers to Taiwan looking to explore Taipei and beyond (such as places like Kaohsiung), consider purchasing the 5-Day Combo Metro Card along with a Taipei Metro Card for comprehensive coverage.
1. The Subway to Dao Yuan
This may sound simple, the purpose of the Dao Yuan Airport subway is to transport travelers from the airport to key locations in Taipei City. With a mere 40-minute commute between the airport and Taipei, this is certainly a ticket you should secure for your journey!
2. Renting a Car for Exploration
However, if you're traveling with a group or carrying lots of luggage and want to explore one of Taiwan's beautiful routes, then renting a car to move at your own pace is advisable.
3. Which Taiwan Train Card Should You Get?
Each type of Taiwan train card comes with its own benefits. You should choose the card types that suit your destination and the duration of your trip.
4. Opt for the EasyCard Taipei
If you're spending most of your time in Taipei, the EasyCard Taipei is sufficient for your needs!
5. High-Speed Rail Pass for Quick City Tours
If you want to explore Taiwan's major cities in the shortest time possible, the Taiwan High-Speed Rail Pass is the suitable choice for you.
6. Combo Pass for Extensive Exploration
If you have plenty of time and wish to explore both major cities and suburbs, opt for the 5-Day Combined Railway Pass of Taiwan!
How to Easily Exchange THSR and Taiwan Railway Passes in 2 Simple Steps!
THSR Pass:
Step 1: Exchange your Taiwan High Speed Rail Pass on the official THSR website (click on 'Manage' and enter relevant information).
Step 2: Input your travel itinerary and make a reservation.
Step 3: Exchange your Taiwan High Speed Rail Pass at any THSR ticket counter by presenting your passport and valid entry documents.
Step 4: To board the train, present your THSR pass at the boarding gate.
TRA Card:
Step 1: Firstly, head to a TRA station to pick up the combined TRA Card.
Step 2: After exchanging your ticket, you'll need to use the up and down platforms through the manual ticket gate.
Traveling to Taiwan by train is simpler than you think. Let's begin jotting down the most interesting tourist spots for your Taiwan trip. You're sure to have time to visit most, if not all, of these places thanks to the efficient transportation provided by the Taiwan Rail System. But before you start planning, make sure you've met all the Taiwan travel requirements you need!
Don't forget to visit Klook Vietnam's Travel Blog for more exciting Taiwan travel experiences, Must-Visit Taiwan Tourist Spots That Are Extremely Attractive, Must-Visit Taiwan Tourist Spots That Must Be Visited Once In A Lifetime, Explore Budget Taiwan Tours With Full Experiences, Latest Taiwan Visa Application Experience, 20+ Famous Northern Taiwan Tourist Spots…
What are you waiting for? Why not travel to Taiwan by train today?
