_edited.png)
Transit in Taiwan
- Rachel Faulds
- Jul 4
- 4 min read
Right from the start, I have to say: as a Canadian, Taiwan’s transit infrastructure puts ours to shame, in every metric possible. We're talking speed, cleanliness, affordability, accessibility, user experience, and sheer efficiency. It’s not even close.
Like most triathletes, we were traveling with way too much luggage: two people, three large suitcases, a backpack, and a full-sized bike box. Despite this, we were able to get around the city and between regions via public transit and not once did it feel inconvenient.
Photo by Nabeel Chirathodi: Taipei Main Station
Arrival and City Transit (Taipei)
After landing at Taoyuan International Airport, we made our way to Taipei Main Station using the Taoyuan Airport MRT. This dedicated line connects the airport to the city in about 35–40 minutes, running every 15 minutes or so. Even with our luggage, the elevators, signage, and layout made the process smooth. The train was spotless and air-conditioned, with designated luggage areas. Additionally, there were clear and marked locations for people to line up with their luggage. This was well respected and made onboarding really easy and efficient.
Photo by Rachel Faulds. Waiting in line at the Taoyuan Airport MRT
Once in Taipei, we relied on the Taipei MRT system—a subway network that is hands-down one of the best I’ve used globally. Trains are frequent (every 2–4 minutes during peak hours), stations are clearly marked in Mandarin and English, and everything is impeccably clean.
We used the EasyCard, which is Taiwan’s reloadable contactless transportation card (similar to an Oyster card in London or Presto in Toronto). You can purchase and top it up at any MRT station, convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, etc.), and even use it to pay for things like drinks and snacks in stores. The tap-in, tap-out system worked seamlessly on subways, local buses, and even the YouBike system (Taiwan’s public bike-share program).
Every MRT station has elevators, escalators, and tactile paving for accessibility. Train cars are air-conditioned and equipped with priority seating, and there are strict rules about food, drinks, and noise—rules that people actually follow.
Intercity Travel :Taiwan Railways and High-Speed Rail
Taiwan has two main types of intercity rail:
Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) – conventional trains that go around the entire island.
Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) – a bullet train that runs along the west coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung.
Since we were traveling to Taitung on the east coast, we took a TRA express train. The ride took around 5 hours, covering roughly 350 km through mountains and coastlines. We booked tickets in advance using the Taiwan Railways e-Booking System, which lets you reserve seats up to two weeks ahead.
View from the TRA express train
Payment was easy (credit card), and you can store your tickets on your phone. We chose to travel Business Class, which cost about NT$800–NT$1000 per person (roughly $35–$45 CAD), compared to the standard fare of NT$600–700. The ticket came with a drink and a meal (an important thing to note is that you can eat and drink on this train, unlike the subway system).
Some key features:
All seats are reserved—no scrambling to find a spot.
Extremely punctual—our train left at the exact scheduled time to the minute.
Cleanliness is taken seriously—the train cars are spotless and bathrooms are maintained.
Luggage is stored in racks or overhead compartments (though the bike box was bulky, we still managed).
High-Speed Rail (West Coast Option)
We didn’t use the High-Speed Rail (HSR) on this trip, since it doesn’t run to Taitung, but it’s worth mentioning how impressive it is. The HSR runs from Nangang Station in Taipei to Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung, stopping in major cities like Taichung and Tainan.
Top speed: 300 km/h
Travel time from Taipei to Kaohsiung: 90–120 minutes (versus ~5 hours by regular train)
Frequency: Every 15–30 minutes
Cost: Around NT$1500 ($65 CAD) for a full-length trip
Business class, standard reserved, and non-reserved seating options available
Booking is available online or via the T Express app, and stations are connected to MRT/subway lines in most major cities, making transfers seamless.
High-Speed Rail (HSR) departing from Taipei Main Station
Transit Etiquette and Culture
A huge difference between Taiwanese transit compared to other transit systems we have been able to try, was the transit etiquette displayed.
People speak quietly, and phones are usually silent.
No eating or drinking on the MRT (and people actually follow this rule).
Priority seating is respected—no one sits there unless they need to.
Train platforms have designated queue areas, and people line up patiently.
There are designated "quiet cars" on some trains for uninterrupted travel.
Final Thoughts
Taiwan’s transit system is a masterclass in how public transportation should function: efficient, affordable, accessible, and deeply respectful of the passenger experience. Whether we were navigating the city of Taipei or traveling over 350 km to Taitung with a bike box and multiple bags in tow, using public transit wasn’t just feasible—it was genuinely comfortable and convenient.
That said, it’s worth noting that in previous years, some athletes reported transit disruptions due to natural disasters such as typhoons or landslides, which can affect rail service—especially to and from eastern Taiwan. While I absolutely plan to rely on Taiwan’s train and subway systems again on future visits, I’ll also be keeping a backup plan in mind. Fortunately, Taiwan has domestic flights that connect major cities across the island, offering a reliable alternative if needed.
