© Jimmy Liao・Pexels License

Taiwan

Taipei

Taiwan's basin capital, glowing with night markets. The MRT reaches the Beitou hot springs and the zoo alike.

TRA & HSR trains

Local TRA trains take an EasyCard tap with 10% off - no ticket queue. Try the same trick on an express, though, and you're riding standing-room only. For the HSR, early-bird fares from 28 days out save up to 35%.

Updated on July 30, 2026

How to ride

  1. 1
    Tap your EasyCard straight onto local trains
    For local trains, tap in exactly like the MRT - no ticket needed, 10% discount applied automatically.
  2. 2
    Want a seat on an express? Reserve it
    EasyCard rides on Tze-Chiang expresses are standing-room. For a seat, book at counters, machines, or the TRA app.
  3. 3
    Book HSR early-bird fares
    The official site and app sell 10-35% early-bird fares 28 days out (limited). Foreigner-only unlimited passes need a passport.
  4. 4
    Allow time inside Taipei Main
    Taipei Main houses TRA, HSR, the metro, and the airport line - give yourself 15 minutes for first-time transfers.

Fares

Single fares2

TRA local (Taipei - Ruifang)
10% off with EasyCard. Exact fare to be verified.
45〜60 TWD ≈ $1–2
HSR (Taipei - Taichung, reserved)
10-35% off early-bird. Exact fare to be verified.
700 TWD ≈ $21

Estimates use exchange rates as of November 3, 2026

Payment

Tap to ride
VISAMastercard
For buying tickets at machines and counters
IC card
10% off local trains - standing-only on expresses
Paper tickets
Cash

Quick facts

Hours
6:00–23:30
Fares from
45 TWD+

Heads-up

  • EasyCard on an express buys standing room only

    EasyCard on express trains buys standing room only - if you take an empty seat, yield it when the ticket holder arrives.

Timetable

Operating hours 6:00–23:30
Typical duration About 45 minutes to Ruifang (for Jiufen) by local train; an hour to Taichung by HSR
Check the official site for the latest times and service status Official site
Editor Naotaka