🚂 Taiwan Railways (TRA) Survival Guide for Foreign Travelers: Exploring Taiwan by Train

> Planning a trip to Taroko Gorge in Hualien, a food tour in Tainan, or even a round-island adventure? This TRA guide is exactly what you need.

Taiwan Railways (TRA) is Taiwan's most classic mode of transportation.
Unlike the High-Speed Rail (HSR), TRA trains circle the entire island of Taiwan (including the east coast). While slower, they are more affordable, and stations are often located in city centers, making TRA the best choice for trips to Hualien, Taitung, or for short-distance travel.

1. 🚄 Understanding the "Train Types" (The Most Confusing Part)

TRA trains come in many types, which can be confusing for foreign visitors. Simply put, you only need to know these two main categories:

A. Express / Reserved Trains

These trains are fast, make fewer stops, and usually require a reserved seat ticket.

• Tengyun Class / New Tze-Chiang Limited Express (EMU3000): The newest white trains, clean and comfortable. All seats are reserved.
• Puyuma Express / Taroko Express: The fastest trains to Hualien and Taitung. All seats are reserved.
• Tze-Chiang Limited Express: Older express trains, decent speed.
• ⚠️ Critical Rule:
  When riding EMU3000, Puyuma Express, or Taroko Express trains, you absolutely cannot use an EasyCard or iPass to tap directly into the station. Doing so will be considered riding without a valid ticket and will incur a fine! You must purchase a ticket in advance.

B. Local / Commuter Trains

• Description: Like a subway/metro, these trains stop at every station.
• Seating: Free seating (long bench-style seats, like a subway), no seat reservations.
• Suitable for: Short-distance travel (e.g., Taipei to Ruifang/Jiufen, or Tainan to Kaohsiung).
• Payment: Best to use an EasyCard to tap in and out directly; no need to buy a separate ticket.

2. 🎫 How to Buy Tickets? (Ticketing)

Method 1: TRA e-booking App

• Official App: Available in English.
• Pros: You can buy and pay for tickets directly on your phone, generating a QR Code e-ticket.
• Entry: Scan the QR code on your phone at the turnstile (remember to brighten your screen).

Method 2: IC Cards (EasyCard / iPass)

• Suitable Train Types: Only for Local Trains or Tze-Chiang Limited Express (standing room only).
• Usage: Just like taking the MRT/subway, tap your card to enter and exit.
• Note: A reminder again, not valid for Puyuma Express, Taroko Express, or EMU3000 New Tze-Chiang Limited Express.

Method 3: Automatic Ticket Machines & Ticket Counters

• Station Machines: Older machines only accept cash; newer ones accept credit cards.
• Ticket Counters: If your itinerary is complex or you need to purchase a TR PASS, please go directly to the counter staff.

Method 4: TRA Pass (TR PASS)

• Types: Available in "General Version" and "Foreign Student Version."
• Note: While it offers unlimited rides, reserved-seat trains can be full. It's still recommended to go to the counter to reserve a seat (free of charge) even with a Pass.
• Frankly: Unless you're doing a round-island trip or traveling for many days, buying single-journey tickets is usually simpler and more flexible.

3. 🗺️ Popular Route Suggestions

• Taipei ⮕ Hualien / Taitung:
  • This is the most popular East Coast route, and tickets are extremely hard to get!
  • Tip: Book your tickets online on the first day they become available (28 days before departure), or purchase tour packages from Klook/KKday.
• Taipei ⮕ Ruifang:
  • Travelers heading to Jiufen or Shifen should take a Local Train to Ruifang Station and transfer there; no need to buy a reserved seat.

4. 🧳 Luggage and Other Regulations

• Luggage Regulations:
  • Length + Width + Height must not exceed 220 cm.
  • Weight must not exceed 40 kg.
  • Most TRA train types (except EMU3000) have limited luggage space. Large luggage usually has to be placed in the gap behind the last row of seats or in your legroom.
• Food and Drink:
  • You can eat on the train (this differs from the MRT/subway).
  • TRA Bento: This is a classic Taiwanese experience! We recommend buying a pork chop bento at the station to enjoy on board.

5. 💡 Riding Tips

1. Platforms have A / B sides: Major TRA stations (like Taipei Main Station) often have platforms divided into 4A, 4B. Please check the signs on the screen carefully.
2. Look for floor markings: There will be carriage numbers on the floor. Match them with your ticket's train number (e.g., Train No. 408, Carriage 5) and queue at the corresponding spot.
3. Don't sit in the wrong seat: Ticket inspectors on reserved-seat trains are diligent. Make sure to sit in the seat number designated on your ticket.
4. Keep your ticket: Whether it's a physical ticket or a QR Code, you'll need to scan or insert it again when exiting the station. Don't lose it!