Intro: For the Love of Trains and Taiwan
At Taiwan Free and Easy, we proudly admit it, we’re train junkies. The rhythmic clatter of wheels, the quiet hum of anticipation, the landscapes rolling by your window; train journeys have always stirred our souls. From Europe to Russia, Japan to Vietnam, and of course, Taiwan, we’ve experienced the world one rail at a time. And now, we bring that same magic to our clients through our Taiwan Train Tours, uniquely combining scenic train rides with seamless private escorted experiences.
Very few travel providers do what we do. Why? Because it’s not a money-making project. It’s a logistical challenge that demands precision and heart. But for us, it’s never been about profit. It’s about passion, adventure, and sharing the nostalgia of train travel done right.
The Hidden Challenge Behind a Seamless Ride
Creating a flawless train experience in Taiwan requires more than just ticket bookings. It’s a dance of details:
- Effortless transfers from hotel to train station
- Smooth pick-ups from train stations to places of interest
- Timely coordination between rail schedules and private tours
Every journey must flow seamlessly, so our travellers never have to think about logistics. That’s where we shine. We love the adrenaline of piecing together perfect experiences, every track, every transfer, every moment timed to precision.
Why We Do It
Trains tell stories. They connect people, cultures, and time zones. They offer a rare window into real life beyond tourist sights and highways. On a three-day journey from Moscow to Irkutsk years ago, we discovered how trains open your world: new foods shared by strangers, laughter across languages, and scenery that changes as time zones shift. That trip changed us and inspired us to design train tours in Taiwan that do the same.
Through our carefully curated itineraries, we help you travel like a local, seeing the island’s beauty at a gentler, more meaningful pace.
Our Favourite Train Routes in Taiwan
The East Coast Line: Yilan to Hualien to Taitung
If there’s one route we’ll never tire of, it’s this. The East Coast train journey is often called the most beautiful in Taiwan, and for good reason. It glides past rugged cliffs, rolling waves, and emerald-green fields that meet the Pacific.
Start from Yilan and take the train to Hualien. You’ll skip the nerve-wracking Suhua Highway while gaining a front-row seat to Taiwan’s stunning coastal scenery. In Hualien, our driver will meet you at the station, ready to show you Qixingtan Scenic Area and Taroko Gorge.
Our Insider Tip: Stay in a seafront minsu (Taiwanese B&B) and watch the sun rise from the Pacific. Cycle through lush countryside or simply unwind by the waves. Two days here are perfect for reflection and recharging.
Continue south to Taitung, a place that feels almost like paradise. Remote, cultural, and deeply local, Taitung slows everything down. Our driver will guide you through indigenous villages, cooking classes, and cycling trails along the famous Brown Boulevard. Don’t miss a stop at the Duoliang Railway Station, often called the most beautiful in Taiwan.
The Jiji Line: Ershui to Jiji to Shuili to Checheng
In contrast to the ocean-hugging East Coast Line, the Jiji Line runs through lush farmland, charming villages, and tranquil greenery. Begin your adventure in Taichung (just a high-speed rail ride from Taipei), then head to Jiji for cycling and local street eats.
From Jiji, hop aboard the local train to Checheng, the final stop, a nostalgic little town steeped in railway history. Our driver will be there to greet you for a private tour of Checheng and its surroundings. Stay overnight in this peaceful village before heading back to Taichung for your high-speed train return to Taipei.
This line captures rural Taiwan at its best, simple, warm, and real.
The Alishan Forest Rail: Chiayi to Fenqihu to Alishan
No list of iconic Taiwanese train routes is complete without the Alishan Forest Railway. Departing from Chiayi Station, this narrow-gauge line ascends into the misty mountains, passing bamboo forests and cloud-kissed peaks.
After a 2.5-hour ride, alight at Fenqihu, known for its old street and famous lunchboxes. Our driver will meet you here for a private Alishan tour, including fruit or tea picking, light hiking, and perhaps a forest walk before heading to your mountain lodge.
Spend the night in Alishan and wake up early for a magical sunrise. You can even take the vintage Zhushan Sunrise Train, a truly unforgettable experience.
Why Clients Love Our Train Tours
Our Taiwan train tours is the best of both worlds, scenic freedom and private comfort. You enjoy the romance of train travel without worrying about transfers, luggage, or schedules. Every connection is handled for you. Every moment flows naturally.
We’ve been running these curated Taiwan Train and Escorted Tours for over a decade, and our clients keep coming back for one simple reason, it’s an experience you can’t find anywhere else.
Ready to Ride the Rails of Taiwan
If you crave something different, a slower, deeper, more authentic way to explore Taiwan, our Train Tours are your answer. Let’s bring back the joy of the journey, not just the destination.
Contact Taiwan Free and Easy to start designing your personalised rail adventure today.