Travel Taiwan by Train! A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Must-Visit Attractions & How to Ride the Taiwan Railway

easyta
1 day ago
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Travel Taiwan Efficiently with the Taiwan Railway (TRA)

If you want to explore Taiwan efficiently, the Taiwan Railway (TRA) is highly recommended. Simply hopping on a train allows you to travel while enjoying Taiwan’s beautiful landscapes—one of the true privileges of being a traveler. In this article, we’ll introduce the basics of using the Taiwan Railway, how to buy tickets, and beginner-friendly recommended attractions in a clear and easy-to-understand way.

Get to Know the Basics of the Taiwan Railway

Types of Trains & Features

The Taiwan Railway offers several types of trains. Choosing the right one based on your travel style will make your journey more comfortable.

Train Type	Description	Price & Speed
Tze-Chiang Limited Express	Fast express train between major cities	Higher price, fewer stops
Chu-Kuang Express	Semi-express with more stops	Moderate
Local / Commuter Train	Stops at every station	Cheapest, slower

Example: Taipei to Kaohsiung takes about 4 hours by Tze-Chiang Express, with scenic views along the way.

How to Buy Tickets (Beginner-Friendly)

Station counters: English is available. Just tell the staff your destination and travel date.
Ticket machines: English interface available; supports cash and credit cards.
Online booking (TRA official website): Ideal for avoiding crowds. Advance booking is recommended for weekends and holidays.
Official app “TRA eBooking”: Easy reservations and timetable checks via smartphone.

Seat Types

Reserved seats: Recommended for Tze-Chiang and Chu-Kuang trains
Non-reserved seats: Common on local trains and more budget-friendly

Recommended Attractions Accessible by Taiwan Railway

Northern Taiwan (Near Taipei)

Jiufen (Ruifang Station + bus): A nostalgic town famous for its lantern-lit streets and movie-like scenery.
Pingxi Line (Shifen, Jingtong): Releasing sky lanterns is a must-have Taiwan travel memory.

Central Taiwan

Sun Moon Lake (Taichung Station + bus): Cycling around the lake while enjoying scenic views is perfect for a relaxing trip.

Southern Taiwan

Kaohsiung: Lotus Pond, Cijin Island, and Liuhe Night Market—sightseeing and street food in one trip.
Tainan: A historic city known for its old-town charm and famous local food such as Danzai noodles and douhua.

Eastern Taiwan

Hualien & Taroko Gorge: Spectacular nature and trekking routes that make your trip truly special.
Taitung: Indigenous culture and hot springs for total relaxation.

Tip: Trains running along Taiwan’s east coast offer stunning views of both the ocean and mountains—just riding the train already feels like sightseeing!

The Taiwan Railway is not just transportation—it’s part of the travel experience. Even first-time visitors can ride easily using stations and apps, while efficiently exploring scenic spots and local food. On your next Taiwan trip, be sure to enjoy a relaxing and memorable train journey.

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