Popular Railway in Taipei

Taipei's main railway systems include the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR), Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA), and Taipei Metro (MRT). The Taiwan High Speed Rail primarily connects major cities along Taiwan's west coast, offering fast intercity transport. The TRA has a round-the-island network, covering more towns and scenic branch lines. The Taipei Metro is the most convenient transportation network within the metropolitan area. You can find the latest route maps and schedules on the official websites of each system, at information boards within stations, or by visiting service centers. For ticketing, HSR and TRA tickets can be purchased at station counters, self-service machines, or booked online. The MRT primarily uses stored-value cards like EasyCard or iPASS, or single-journey tickets. It's recommended to check information beforehand to ensure a smooth journey.

To travel from Taipei Main Station to Jiufen by train, you will typically need to take the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) train to Ruifang Station, and then transfer to other modes of transportation. You can purchase train tickets to Ruifang at the TRA ticket counters, self-service machines at Taipei Main Station, or through the TRA website. It is recommended to book an EMU or Tzu-Chiang Express train, with a travel time of approximately 40-60 minutes. Upon arrival at Ruifang Station, you can find bus stops right outside the station. Several bus routes (such as 788, 827, and 856) go directly to the entrance of Jiufen Old Street. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Ruifang Station, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Please note that the roads in Jiufen are narrow and hilly, so choosing the right mode of transport can enhance your travel experience.

There is a significant difference in travel time between the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) and the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) for a trip from Taipei to Kaohsiung. Taking the Taiwan High Speed Rail from Taipei Station to Zuoying Station (Kaohsiung) is the fastest option, with travel times ranging from approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the number of stops. The HSR is known for its speed, comfort, and punctuality, making it the preferred choice for those prioritizing efficiency. In contrast, taking a Tzu-Chiang Express train on the Taiwan Railways (TRA) from Taipei Station to Kaohsiung Station typically takes about 3.5 to 5 hours, varying with train schedules and the number of stops. While TRA trains are slower, they offer scenic views along the way and often stop closer to city centers. Therefore, the choice of transport depends on your preference for time efficiency versus travel experience.

The Lunar New Year period is a peak travel season for Taiwan's railway systems. Both the Taiwan High Speed Rail and Taiwan Railways (TRA) tickets are highly sought after. It is strongly recommended that travelers plan their trips well in advance and purchase tickets as early as possible. Typically, pre-sale tickets are released several weeks before the Lunar New Year; please pay close attention to official announcements for sale dates. It is advisable to utilize online booking systems or purchase tickets at station counters to avoid peak hours. If you cannot secure a direct ticket, consider buying tickets for separate segments or planning a transfer route. Given the large crowds, stations and surrounding areas will be very busy during this period. It is recommended to arrive at the station early and be mindful of your personal belongings. If train tickets are unavailable, other long-distance bus services can be considered as alternatives.

Taipei Main Station offers various convenient luggage storage services to facilitate easy travel. The primary options include automatic lockers and manual luggage consignment services. Automatic lockers are located in the station's main hall, on the B1 level, and near some connecting passages. They come in various sizes suitable for short-term storage. These lockers are generally situated along high-traffic routes, such as near the west exit or in areas connecting the HSR and TRA lines. Some locations accept payment via stored-value cards or mobile payments, adding to the convenience. For larger items or longer storage needs, there are also staffed luggage consignment centers within the station, typically located near information desks or specific exits. It is recommended to consult the station map or ask service personnel upon arrival to quickly locate suitable storage facilities.

Exploring Taipei in-depth by train is a wonderful way to experience Taiwan's charm. You can use the Taiwan Railways (TRA) to discover the attractions in Taipei's outskirts and along the eastern coastline. A recommended journey is along the Northeast Coast line, for example, taking a TRA train from Taipei to Fulong, where you can cycle on the beach or stroll along the shore. For a touch of nostalgia, take the TRA to Ruifang and transfer to the Pingxi Line for a ride to explore places like Houtong Cat Village, Shifen Waterfall, and Pingxi Old Street, experiencing the simplicity and nature of these small towns. Furthermore, trains are also suitable for trips to Yilan or Hualien to admire the magnificent mountains and seas of the east. When planning, consider purchasing day passes or multi-day passes for flexible hopping on and off. Itinerary planning can be combined with local specialty foods and cultural experiences to enrich your train journey.

The travel time from Taipei Main Station to Hualien by train varies depending on the type of train. Currently, Taiwan Railways (TRA) offers several types of train services. Taking tilted trains like the Puyuma Express or Taroko Express is the fastest option to Hualien, with journey times typically ranging from 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes. These trains are fast and comfortable, but seats are highly competitive, so booking in advance is recommended. If you take a Tzu-Chiang Express train, the journey will take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours. Local trains make more stops and will take longer, usually over 3.5 hours. You can choose a suitable train type to Hualien based on your schedule and preference for train comfort.

There are many exciting options for day trips from Taipei by train. One of the most popular is the Pingxi Line railway tour. You can take the TRA from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station, and then transfer to the Pingxi Line local train. Along the way, you can explore Houtong Cat Village and its abandoned mining ruins, enjoy the magnificent views of Shifen Waterfall, and experience the romance of releasing sky lanterns in Pingxi, soaking in the simple charm of these towns. Another recommendation is to visit Fulong on the Northeast Coast. After arriving at Fulong Station by train, you can rent a bicycle to ride the Old Caoling Tunnel Bike Path while enjoying the coastal scenery, or relax on the sandy beach at Fulong Beach. Additionally, taking the TRA to Keelung to savor the abundant street food at Miaokou Night Market, followed by a short train ride to Badu or the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology, is also a good choice combining culinary delights with intellectual exploration.

The Pingxi Line is a branch railway line primarily for tourism, connecting several characteristic towns in New Taipei City. Its route starts from Ruifang Station, with main stops along the way including Houtong (Cat Village), Dahua, Shifen (Shifen Waterfall, sky lantern release), Wanggu, Lingjiao, and the terminal stations of Pingxi and Jingtong (mining relics). This line allows travelers to deeply experience the natural scenery and nostalgic mining culture of Taiwan's Northeast Coast. The Pingxi Line typically runs once every hour with fixed departure times. However, it is recommended that travelers check the latest timetable on the official website of the Taiwan Railways Administration or at the information boards in Ruifang Station before their trip to ensure a smooth journey and avoid missing trains. Due to its single-track operation, trains may have brief waiting times for passing each other, adding a unique charm to the experience of riding this local train.

At Taipei Main Station, you can purchase the renowned 'TRA Bento' (台鐵便當), a classic choice for many travelers on train journeys. TRA bentos are popular for their traditional flavors, rich side dishes, and affordable prices. The most classic flavor is the pork chop bento, featuring braised pork chop with a hard-boiled egg, pickled vegetables, and various side dishes, which is a taste of Taiwan for many. These are mainly sold at the TRA bento counter in the main hall of Taipei Main Station, usually located near station entrances, ticket gates, or on the B1 level. Some platforms also have bento sales points, convenient for purchasing before the train arrives. Besides the traditional pork chop bento, TRA bentos also offer seasonal or nostalgic flavors from time to time, providing a diverse selection to enjoy delicious meals during your journey.