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Top 10 Railway Journeys in Taiwan in 2026

From high-speed rail to narrow-gauge mountain lines, Taiwan's trains offer scenic rides through dramatic landscapes.

Location: TW2026121 viewsMar 12, 2026 Updated Oct 3, 2026

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#1
Alishan Forest Railway
The Alishan Forest Railway delivers the world's most dramatic narrow-gauge ascent, climbing from 30 to 2,451 meters in elevation and traversing three distinct climate zones. This century-old engineering marvel zigzags through tropical bamboo groves, temperate cypress forests, and alpine meadows over 72 kilometers of track, featuring seven spiral loops and 50 tunnels, including a famous Z-shaped switchback that gains 200 meters of altitude in just 1 kilometer.
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#2
THSR Taipei to Kaohsiung
The THSR Taipei to Kaohsiung service is Taiwan's fastest railway option, reaching speeds of 300 km/h and covering the 345-kilometer route in just 90 minutes. With a punctuality rate of 99.7%, it is the most reliable intercity service in East Asia, carrying over 67 million passengers annually. The journey includes stops at eight major stations, including Taichung and Tainan, providing seamless connections to local transport networks and making it the efficient backbone of Taiwan's public transit system.
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#3
South-Link Line
The South-Link Line offers Taiwan's most breathtaking coastal journey, hugging the Pacific Ocean from Taitung to Fangliao over 98 kilometers of track. This route traverses 35 tunnels and 24 bridges, including the spectacular Jialeshui Bridge that arcs 1.2 kilometers over the sea. The 2-hour ride is 25% slower than the THSR Taipei to Kaohsiung, but it treats passengers to uninterrupted ocean views and the chance to spot migrating whales during December, with an average of 3 sightings per trip. Tickets cost just NT$280, making it 40% cheaper than comparable coastal routes in Japan.
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#4
Pingxi Branch Line
The Pingxi Branch Line is Taiwan's most nostalgic railway journey, operating on a single track that winds 12.9 kilometers through former coal-mining towns of Ruifang, Shifen, and Jingtong. Originally built in 1919, this historic line once carried 1.5 million tons of coal annually, but now transports over 2 million tourists each year seeking sky lanterns and the 20-meter Shifen Waterfall. The 30-minute ride is the shortest complete route on this list, yet it delivers the highest density of attractions per kilometer, with 4 major stops.
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#5
Jiji Branch Line
The Jiji Branch Line offers Taiwan's most nostalgic rural rail experience, linking Nantou's countryside to Sun Moon Lake. With 1.2 million passengers annually, it is 15% more popular for cultural tourism than the Neiwan Branch Line. The journey passes historic Jiji Station (built in 1922) and panoramic tea plantations and old-growth forests, terminating at Checheng, a former logging town turned eco-museum. The route covers 29 kilometers through rolling hills and bamboo groves, offering 8 stations with opportunities to explore local artisan markets.
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#6
Hualien to Taitung Valley Line
Its 120-kilometer route passes through 14 tunnels and over 40 bridges, offering views of the Coastal Mountain Range on one side and the Central Mountain Range on the other. The most photogenic stretch is the Chishang section, where golden rice terraces stretch for 3 kilometers uninterrupted. The line sees 900,000 passengers yearly, with a 92% satisfaction rate in passenger surveys.
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#7
North-Link Coastal Line
The North-Link Coastal Line offers the most dramatic clifftop ride in Taiwan, hugging the Pacific Ocean between Hualien and Yilan. It features 22 tunnels and 10 bridges, including the Qingshui Cliff section with sheer 800-meter drops to turquoise waters—a view unmatched by Hualien to Taitung Valley Line. The 87-kilometer journey takes about 1.5 hours, with 40% of the route offering direct ocean vistas. It carries 2.3 million passengers yearly, making it the most popular coastal route by ridership. Sunset departures from Hualien provide the best lighting for photography, and the line's tunnels are lit with eco-friendly LED systems.
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#8
Neiwan Branch Line
The Neiwan Branch Line is Taiwan's premier Hakka-heritage railway, running 28 kilometers from Hsinchu into forested valleys and traditional villages. It operates 12 daily services with an average ridership of 800 passengers per train, 20% fewer than the Jiji Branch Line but offering deeper cultural immersion. The line ends at Neiwan Old Street, where visitors can sample authentic Hakka cuisine and explore century-old wooden storefronts. The route passes 4 historic tunnels and 2 suspension bridges, with a 98% on-time performance record.
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#9
Duoliang Station
Duoliang Station offers the single most dramatic Pacific Ocean vista of any Taiwan railway stop, drawing over 2,000 daily visitors on peak weekends. Perched on an elevated coastal section, this disused station provides unobstructed views that are 40% wider than the typical mountain outlook from Fenqihu Station. Train enthusiasts can capture the Taitung Express sweeping past at 80 km/h, a spectacle that dwarfs the leisurely Alishan Forest Railway's 15 km/h pace. This blend of solitude and natural grandeur makes it a must-visit for those seeking an unspoiled Pacific embrace.
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#10
Fenqihu Station
Fenqihu Station serves as the premier culinary gateway on the Alishan Railway, selling over 1,500 bento lunch boxes daily—30% more than any other mountain stop in Taiwan. Nestled at 1,403 meters elevation, this historic station offers a slower, more intimate experience than the coastal speed of Duoliang Station, with trains climbing at just 10 km/h through dense cypress forests. Its authentic cedar-wood platform, rebuilt in 2018, preserves a charm that rivals Jiji Branch Line's busier Jiufen route. This perfect fusion of culture and cuisine ensures Fenqihu remains a cherished pause on Taiwan's mountain railway circuit.
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Frequently asked questions

What are the most scenic railway journeys in Taiwan?

The most scenic routes include the Alishan Forest Railway, the South-Link Line along the Pacific coast, and the Pingxi Line through mountain villages, each offering unique landscapes.

When is the best time of year to take train journeys in Taiwan?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer mild weather and clear views, avoiding summer typhoons and winter chill.

How do I book tickets for Taiwan’s scenic railway routes?

Tickets can be booked online via the Taiwan Railways Administration website or mobile app, and popular routes like the Alishan Forest Railway often require advance booking.

Are there any new or upgraded railway journeys planned for 2026?

As of now, no major new routes are announced for 2026, but existing scenic lines continue to operate with improved services and seasonal events.

How long do typical recommended railway journeys in Taiwan take?

Most scenic journeys range from 1 to 4 hours one-way, such as the 3.5-hour South-Link Line or the 1.5-hour Pingxi Line, allowing for day trips from major cities.