Taiwan’s rail network loops the whole island, linking major towns and cities. An important form or transport of over 100 years, the train line passes through Taiwan’s incredible nature and is a wonderful and comfortable way to experience some of it for yourself. Alongside the conventional line, a high-speed line runs between Taipai and Kaohsiung, using bullet trains very similar to shinkansen.
In fact, you may notice similarities between Taiwan’s and Japan’s rail system, from station design to train bento boxes, due to their shared history. Also like Japan, Taiwan’s train feature great onboard amenities and a safe, efficient and fast service.
Types of trains in Taiwan used by Wendy Wu Tours
On our private Taiwan by Rail tour, you will take multiple types of trains to ensure you experience life like the locals.
Standard Trains
Taiwan railways operates five service classes of standard train, the highest two of which are Tze-Chiang, a limited express train and the fastest of the classes, and Chu Kuang. Tze-Chiang trains travel up to 130km an hour, are fully airconditioned, have comfortable seats and an at-seat trolley refreshment service.
The Taroko Express is part of the Tze-Chiang service class, an electric tilting train that runs up and down the scenic east coast line. While most Tse-Chiang trains have both reserved and unreserved seating, the Taroko Express is all reserved.
Chu Kuang trains, also limited express, are fully air-conditioned but are considered less comfortable that TTSE-Chiang and are a slower and cheaper option for those travelling intercity. Below Chu Kuang are local trains that stop at all stations.
The seating configuration is 2 x 2 and each seat is equipped with a fold-down tray. There is a food trolley service available onboard, along with western toilets in most carriages.
We used a standard train to travel between Taipei and Hualien on our private Taiwan by Rail tour.
High speed trains
Taiwan’s high speed line runs for 350 KM, at up to 300km an hour, along the island’s west coast, between Taipei and the pot city of Kaohsiung. It is based on Japan’s Shinkansen system and the experience of riding it is very similar.
Onboard the train, you’ll find spotlessly clean carriages with all seats forward facing, as they can be flipped around, in a 3+2 layout. Comfortable and spacious with a handy tray table, you can just sit back, relax and watch the landscapes of Taiwan fly by. There’s a food and drinks trolley to buy snacks from, or you can grab something at the train station before boarding but as the longest possible journey on the high speed train is only 1 hour 55 min, there is no full meal option. Western toilets are available on board most carriages.
* Please note, cold or hot drinking water is not available on trains. Passengers may use the automatic vending machines.
We travel between Chiayi and Taipei on a high speed train on our private Taiwan by Rail tour.
Where to store your luggage
Larger suitcases and such can be stored in luggage storage areas found near the train door entrance. Passenger's belongings may be put on the luggage rack above the seat of the window region. Luggage should not exceed 150cm in length per piece, or 220cm in total length,
width and height per piece.
Please note: you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the train. For private tours, whilst onboard you will be unescorted by a guide.
Other travel tips
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Take an extra layer to keep warm on the train. The air conditioning makes the cabins much cooler than the outside temperature.
- Please refrain from smoking onboard, taking shoes off, chewing betels nuts,
and odorous food - Please switch mobile devices to silent mode and talk in a low voice.