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I've spent enough time riding Taiwan Railways (臺灣鐵路) to know that booking tickets can feel a little intimidating at first, especially if you don’t speak the language.

But once you understand the system, booking methods, and how Airalo’s Taiwan eSIM or Asia eSIM can save you from midnight panic-refreshing, it all clicks.

I’ll walk you through when to use TRA, how to book tickets online, even if you’re exploring places like Alishan or Xiaoliuqiu.

Differences Between TRA vs HSR vs MRT

I had to ride a TRA train to Wai’ao Station (外澳車站) when I was visiting Toucheng Township (頭城鎮).

Taiwan Railways (TRA/TRC) - 台灣鐵路

Although the former government body, the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA), was reorganised into the state-owned Taiwan Railway Corporation (TRC, 臺灣鐵路管理局) on 1 January 2024, the term “TRA” is still widely used.

It operates slower, more extensive rail services that connect both coasts and smaller towns, unlike the faster HSR, which runs only along the west coast.

This is your only train option for reaching the stunning east coast, including Hualien (花蓮), Taitung (台東), and Yilan (宜蘭). The HSR can't help you there.

Here's what makes TRA different: stations are right in city centers. You step off the train, and you're already where you need to be. No shuttle buses, no taxi rides from some suburb.

Speed-wise? It's slower than HSR, but that's the trade-off for going literally anywhere in Taiwan. A Taipei (台北) to Hualien run takes about 2.5 to 3 hours on the express trains.

Types of TRA trains

• Express trains: Puyuma (普悠瑪), Taroko (太魯閣), Tze Chiang (自強號): fastest TRA options
• Chu-Kuang (莒光號): Semi-express, cheaper
• Local trains: Stops everywhere, dirt cheap, no rush

When to use TRA

Use TRA when you're:

• Heading to the East Coast (it's literally your only train option)
• On a budget (cheaper than HSR, sometimes by half)
• Want to arrive right in the city center
• Taking scenic routes (the east coast line is breathtaking)
• Not in a massive hurry

TRA trains may be slower, but the views along the coast and the convenience of central stations more than make up for it.

Plus, you'll save enough money for an extra meal or two, and trust me, you want that budget for Taiwan's food scene.

High Speed Rail (HSR/THSR) - 台灣高鐵

The HSR (台灣高速鐵路) is Taiwan's pride and joy: a proper bullet train hitting 300 km/h. It's fast, comfortable, and gets you from Taipei to Kaohsiung (高雄) in 90 minutes.

The catch? It only runs along the west coast. Twelve stations total, and most aren't actually in city centers.

You'll often need to connect via local trains or buses to reach downtown.

Every seat is reserved (no standing allowed), and it's the priciest option. But if you're doing Taipei to Taichung (台中) or Kaohsiung for a day trip? Nothing beats it.

MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) - 捷運

The MRT (捷運系統) is your classic metro system. Currently operating in Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung. That's it.

Short hops within cities, frequent trains, NT$20-30 per trip. Clean, efficient, and air-conditioned (crucial in Taiwan's summer). But it won't get you between cities.

HSR vs TRA Trains vs MRT: A Quick Comparison Table

Before You Book: Internet Connectivity Matters

The booking system updates seat availability in real time and requires a secure, stable connection. If your internet connection drops mid-payment, you may lose your reservation or see outdated availability.

Public Wi-Fi only makes this worse. Hotel and café networks often slow or fail during booking rushes, and entering payment details on shared networks also carries real security risks.

With a Taiwan eSIM, you are sure of internet connectivity even before you embark on your journey, and here’s why you need one:

• A broad selection of data plans from 1GB up to unlimited
• eSIMs are priced affordably and easy to top up whenever needed
• Skip airport queues for physical SIM cards and get online immediately after landing
• Avoid expensive roaming charges (just keep roaming switched off)
• Seamlessly compatible with dual-SIM smartphones

The EasyCard Advantage (Unlike HSR)

Unlike High Speed Rail, many TRA trains accept EasyCard (悠遊卡) for tap-and-pay boarding. No ticket booking is needed whatsoever.

Which trains accept EasyCard

• ✓ All local trains
• ✓ Chu-Kuang Express
• ✓ Tze Chiang (except the 3000 series)
• ✗ Taroko Express
• ✗ Puyuma Express
• ✗ Tze Chiang 3000
• ✗ Tourist/themed trains

How EasyCard Works on TRA

1.) Buy or top up your EasyCard at any station or convenience store
2.) Tap at the entry gate
3.) Board any eligible train
4.) Then tap at the exit gate and your fare's automatically deducted.

There's no seat guarantee (first-come, first-served), but the freedom is incredible. You cannot use EasyCard for express trains requiring reservations. But for spontaneous day trips and local travel, it's perfect.

Benefits of Using EasyCard

• 10% discount on short trips (under 70km): You'll save a bit of money on those quick hops between cities.
• Zero planning required: See a train at the platform? Just hop on. There's no need to book in advance or collect tickets.
• Works everywhere in Taiwan: Your EasyCard isn't just for trains. Use it on the MRT (捷運), buses, at convenience stores, and even some vending machines.
• No ticket collection hassle: Forget hunting down ticket machines or convenience store kiosks. Your card is your ticket.

The Limitations You Should Know

You won't get a reserved seat. On popular routes or during holidays, this means standing for 2-3 hours if the train's full. You also can't use EasyCard for the fastest express trains (Taroko and Puyuma). Those require advance reservations anyway.

If you're planning a long journey where you definitely want to sit, book a reserved ticket instead. EasyCard works best for shorter trips or when you're flexible about standing.

Booking Method #1 - Official TRA Website

The official website is where you can book your tickets, and it's in English.

How to Book on the TRA Website

1. Click "General Booking" in the menu
2. Then select "Train Schedule/Code Inquiry."
3. Enter your departure and arrival stations
4. Select your search criteria (time period or specific train number), and
5. Click the "Ticket" icon next to your chosen train.

Now, you'll enter passenger details:

1.) Passport number for foreigners
2.) Trip type (one-way, round-trip, or multi-trip)
3.) Travel date, and
4.) Seat preference if available.
5.) Complete the CAPTCHA.
6.) Then review your booking details carefully.

Payment Options: Online payment accepts credit cards but requires 3D Secure.

The pay-later option lets you settle up at train stations, convenience stores, or post offices.

Ticket limits: 6 tickets per one-way booking, 12 for round-trip (6 each direction).

Ticket Collection After Website Booking

Option 1: Train Station (Free)

Any TRA station counter or machine works. Show your booking code and passport; there’s no handling fee.

Option 2: Convenience Store (NT$8 fee)

7-Eleven (iBon machine), FamilyMart (FamiPort machine), Hi-Life, or OK Mart all handle ticket collection.

Just show the booking code to the clerk. There's an NT$8 handling fee per ticket, but convenience stores are everywhere and open 24/7.

Option 3: Post Office (Free)

Show your booking code and passport during office hours. There's no handling fee, but it's limited by business hours.

Option 4: Import to TRA App for E-Ticket

Download the official "Taiwan Railway e-booking" app

Import your booking with the code and passport number

Then use the QR code to enter and exit stations. No physical ticket needed and this is my preferred method.

Booking Method #2: TRA Mobile App

App name: Taiwan Railway e-booking (台鐵e訂通)

You can download the app from the iOS App Store or Google Play. English available, though translations are incomplete in some sections

The app offers 24/7 booking, e-ticket QR codes, online payment, booking modifications and cancellations, live train information, and timetable search.

Best for: Getting e-tickets (this is the only way to get digital tickets for TRA), checking live train status, last-minute bookings, and if you're already familiar with Taiwan's train system.

How to Book on the TRA App

1.) Download and open the app
2.) Select English (expect mixed translations)
3.) Then tap "Booking."
4.) Choose your train type
5.) Enter departure and arrival stations
6.) Select date and time
7.) Choose ticket quantity
8.) Seat preference if available, and
9.) Enter your passport number
10.) Review, confirm, and complete payment.

Your QR code ticket appears in "My Tickets."

Payment options: Credit cards only, immediate payment required.

Important: Multi-ticket purchases on one device can get tricky. If you're traveling as a group, it's easier to collect physical tickets at a station or convenience store.

Booking Method #3: In-Person at Stations

Source: Unsplash

Ticket Windows (Counters)

Available at: All TRA stations during operating hours (varies by station)

Best for: When you need assistance, don't speak Mandarin (major stations have English speakers), want to ask route questions, need last-minute travel, or prefer face-to-face interaction.

How to book at ticket windows:

1. Go to the ticket counter
2. Tell staff (or write down) your departure and arrival stations, date and time preference, number of passengers, and train type preference.
3. Pay by cash or credit card
4. Receive your physical ticket immediately.

Payment options: Cash and credit cards accepted (most stations), no handling fees.

Self-Service Ticket Machines

You can use self-service ticket machines to book your ticket. Note that while English is available on the touchscreen interface, not all small stations have English-enabled machines.

They also may not show all train options, and first-timers can find them confusing.

How to Book using Self-Service Ticket Machines

1.) Select English
2.) Choose booking type
3.) Enter stations (type or select from the list)
4.) Select date
5.) Choose your train or search by time
6.) Choose the number of tickets
7.) Choose your seat preference
8.) Then complete payment, and
9.) Collect your ticket from the machine.

Payment options: Cash (coins and bills) or credit cards. Machines give change.

Booking Method #4 - Klook (For Tourists)

Source: Unsplash

Klook TRA Ticket Booking

Klook offers a pre-booking service for popular routes. So, you don't have to experience the midnight booking stress, even on their English platform.

Best for: People who don't want to wake up at midnight to book, are unfamiliar with the TRA booking system, prefer English support, and find the service fee worth the convenience.

How to Book TRA on Klook

1.) Browse Klook for TRA tickets
2.) Select your route and date
3.) Book and pay online
4.) Receive your voucher/confirmation
5.) Then collect the physical ticket in Taiwan at a station or convenience store.
6.) Payment options: Credit/debit cards, digital wallets (via the Klook platform).

Booking Method #5 - Convenience Stores

This option is available at 7-Eleven (iBon machine), FamilyMart (FamiPort machine), Hi-Life, and OK Mart.

How to Book at Convenience Stores

1.) Go to the multimedia kiosk in the store. The system is in Mandarin only, so ask the clerk for help.
2.) Select TRA train tickets
3.) Enter your trip details.

Then the machine prints a voucher

4.) Take it to the counter
5.) Pay the fare plus NT$8 handling fee, and receive your ticket.

Payment options: Cash preferred, limited credit card acceptance.

Common Issues and Solutions

"Website says 'No tickets available'":

Try different time slots or slower train types. You can also use an EasyCard on non-reserved trains or check again closer to your date. Sometimes, cancellations get released back into the system.

"App won't import my ticket":

For this, ensure you check that your booking number is correct and your passport number matches exactly. Then try importing later (the system has delays sometimes). Or just collect a physical ticket instead.

"Machine rejected my credit card":

Foreign cards sometimes don't work. Try a different card, use cash instead, or book online before your trip.

"I missed my train":

With a reserved seat, there's no refund. You can change at the counter for the next available train (subject to fees and availability), or use EasyCard for the next non-reserved train.

Your Ticket to Taiwan's Best Adventures

You've got five ways to book TRA tickets, and honestly? Pick whichever fits your style. Advance planner? Use the website. Spontaneous traveler? Grab an EasyCard (悠遊卡). Either way, you're getting where you need to go.

What makes the real difference is having internet when you actually need it.

A Taiwan eSIM keeps you connected from the second you land, so booking tickets becomes the easy part of your trip. No WiFi hunting, no stress, just smooth travel.

FAQs about buying TRA Railway Tickets

Can I Use an EasyCard for Buying TRA Tickets in Taiwan?

Yes, you can use an EasyCard to pay for Taiwan Railway (TRA) rides on local and regional trains by tapping in and out at supported stations, but it cannot be used to reserve seats on long-distance or limited-express services, which require standard tickets.

Can Foreigners Buy TRA Tickets on 12306?

The 12306 is the official railway booking platform of the People's Republic of China. Foreigners cannot use 12306 to buy TRA tickets, as Taiwan’s rail system is completely separate. TRA tickets must be purchased via official TRA channels such as station counters, ticket machines, or authorized online platforms.