Saving a reservation code is not the last step for a seated Taiwan Railway journey. Connect the passport-number entry, payment deadline and ticket collection. TRA and THSR use separate bookings and tickets.
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Match the TRA station, train and passenger details, then confirm payment and collection. Check every companion’s assigned car and seat rather than assuming the party will sit together.
Compare at a glance
| Option | Best fit | Check before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Advance booking | Normally from 28 days before departure | Friday extensions and special notices may apply |
| Foreign passenger details | Passport or resident-certificate number | Bring the booking holder’s original identity document |
| Same-day online booking | At least 30 minutes before departure | Payment due no later than 20 minutes before departure |
| Station collection | Ticket counter or multifunction machine | Check opening hours at the relevant station |
Confirm the railway and departure station
Taiwan Railway TRA and Taiwan High Speed Rail THSR have separate reservations and tickets. A shared destination name does not make a high-speed ticket valid on TRA. Choose the date, departure station, destination and train in the TRA search, save the resulting journey details and allow separately for travel from your hotel to the station.
Keep the passport number with the reservation code
The online guidance allows foreign travellers to book using a passport or resident-certificate number and requires the booking holder’s original identity document for counter collection. Ordinary advance bookings open 28 days ahead; Friday availability extends through the applicable weekend, and special notices take priority. Save the code and the number entered together to avoid confusing family bookings.
Read the deadline that applies to your booking day
The general payment deadline is midnight on the day after booking. A booking made the day before departure must be paid by midnight that same day, and a same-day booking by 20 minutes before departure. Same-day online reservations must be made at least 30 minutes before departure. Use the actual deadline on the order screen; an expired reservation code does not continue to secure the seat.
Check collection hours and every seat assignment
Station counters and multifunction machines operate within the relevant station’s hours; the reviewed station-collection guidance lists no service fee. Tickets must be collected before departure. A party booked together can receive different cars if adjacent seats are unavailable. Read every car and seat number and leave time for collection and the walk to the platform.
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Before you book
- TRA rather than THSR booking and the correct station
- Passport or resident-certificate number and reservation code
- Actual payment deadline on the order
- Original identity document and collection method
- Station opening hours and each passenger’s car and seat
Common questions
Can I reserve using a passport number?
The official guidance supports passport or resident-certificate numbers. Bring the booking holder’s original identity document for counter collection.
Are two tickets always assigned adjacent seats?
Adjacent seats are prioritised, but availability may lead to different cars. Check the assigned car and seat for each ticket.
Sources and booking conditions
- www.railway.gov.tw — operator, destination or property information
- www.railway.gov.tw — operator, destination or property information
English edition published 2026-10-06. Source review date inherited from the original guide: 2026-10-05. Editorial recommendations are not firsthand reviews or live quotes. Check current prices, availability and conditions before purchase.