Taking the Express Trains from Taipei to Hualien
Taipei and Hualien are both very popular destinations to visit in Taiwan. One of the best ways to travel between Taipei and Hualien is by Express Train. The trains connecting the two cities offer an enjoyable ride with breathtaking views of mountains and ocean. The express trains from Taipei to Hualien offer comfortable seating, convenient schedules, and affordable prices. This post shares our personal experience riding the express trains from Taipei to Hualien and how we booked our tickets.
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Booking a train ticket online via the Taiwan Railway e-booking app is easy and hassle free.
The app is through Taiwan Railway. I found it easiest to find train stations and timetables using the Taiwan Railway website.
On the Taiwan Railway site, you can enter in your departure and arrival stations.
From Taipei Main Station (Station Code: 1000) to Hualien (Station Code: 7000) there are many Express trains that leave throughout the day.
I recommend booking the Taroko Express or T.C. Ltd. Express.
The travel time from Taipei Main Station to Hualien Station with the express train is around 2 – 2.5 hours.
We ended up booking our tickets through the Taiwan Railway website and transferred our bookings to the Taiwan Railway e-booking app.
Once the Taiwan Railway e-booking app is set up, you can access your current tickets, bookings, and view booking history. The active tickets will show on the app with a QR code that can be used at the gate.
Train tickets for the express trains from Taipei to Hualien cost 440 TWD ($13.94) one way.
What are the Express Trains Like
The express trains in Taiwan at least between Taipei and Hualien we about what I expected.
I didn’t expect Shinkansen type trains like in Japan, but something in between a local train and Shinkansen. That is exactly what the Taroko Express and T.C. Ltd Express was like.
The express trains in Taiwan were on time. I had reserved seats and was surprised by the spacious area and comfortable seats.
The express trains had restrooms on board that were about as clean as you’d expect for a train.
There was on board service. Here and there, a vendor would walk down the aisle selling treats, meals, and drinks.
Overall, I was very satisfied with the express trains between Taipei and Hualien. I found them to be very comfortable, spacious, clean, and punctual.
Hualien Day Tours
Once you get to Hualien, you are probably wondering what there is to do?
There are numerous things to do in Hualien but most visit Hualien to check out the stunning Taroko National Park.
There are many day tours to Taroko Gorge from either Taipei or Hualien. So after getting off the express train from Taipei to Hualien, why not let a guide take care of the rest?
We booked a private tour to Taroko Gorge and highly recommend it. I learned so much about Taroko Gorge, Hualien, and Taiwan. We booked this Full-Day Private Taroko National Park Tour from Hualien City.
Here are other similar tours that are worth looking in to.
Conclusion
Taking the express train from Taipei to Hualien is in my opinion the best and most convenient way to travel between the two cities. The Taiwan Railway e-booking app made booking and purchasing tickets a breeze. Given the comfort of the chairs, stunning views out the window, and option to purchase snacks and beverages onboard, made taking the train from Taipei to Hualien and vice versa an enjoyable and hassle free experience.
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Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇹🇼
Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖
For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com
Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁
Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.
In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘
I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
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