The Complete Guide to Bringing Your Bicycle on Taiwan Railway: A Train-and-Bike Travel Handbook

Taiwan boasts an extensive rail network that, when combined with cycling, opens up nearly limitless riding possibilities. From the riverside bike paths of New Taipei in the north to the Hengchun Peninsula in Pingtung in the south, taking your bike on the train has become an increasingly popular way for cyclists to travel. This article offers a complete overview of bike-carrying rules and practical tips across Taiwan’s various rail systems.

Overview of Bike-Carrying Options on Taiwan Railway (TRA)

The Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) offers several ways to bring your bicycle along, catering to riders with different needs:

1. Bike-and-Train Combined Service (Riding Along Together)

The bike-and-train service is the most convenient option — no disassembly required. You simply wheel your bike straight into a dedicated carriage.

Applicable train types:

• Local trains (select runs)
• Chu-Kuang Express (select runs)
• Designated eco-friendly bike-carrying services

Rules and restrictions:

• Only standard two-wheeled bicycles are allowed, with wheel diameters of 20 inches or more
• E-bikes (pedal-assist) are permitted, but electric mopeds/scooters are not
• Each train has a fixed, limited number of bicycle slots
• Weekday services are generally more relaxed; on weekends, advance reservations are strongly recommended

Fare calculation:

• The bicycle fare is half the standard fare for that section
• Total cost = passenger ticket + bicycle ticket
• Children traveling with a bike also enjoy the child-fare discount

How to reserve:

• Book via the TRA “e订通” (T-Express) app
• Purchase at a station ticket counter
• Some services offer on-the-spot standby seating

2. Bike Bag Method (Disassembled Transport)

Disassemble your bicycle and pack it into a bike bag, which is then treated as regular luggage.

Rules:

• The bicycle must be fully enclosed in the bag, with no parts exposed
• The bag’s maximum dimensions must not exceed 150 x 100 x 60 cm
• Store it in the carriage’s designated luggage area
• Must not block aisles or inconvenience other passengers

Applicable train types: All trains, including the Taroko Express and the Puyuma Express.

Advantages:

• Not restricted to specific runs — any train will do
• No need to purchase a separate bicycle ticket
• You can ride the faster reserved-seat express trains

Disadvantages:

• Requires removing at least the front wheel
• The bike bag takes up considerable space
• Awkward to maneuver through crowded carriages

3. Checked Baggage Shipping

Send your bicycle as checked baggage — drop it off at your departure station and pick it up at your destination.

Rules:

• Must be properly packaged to avoid damage in transit
• Shipping fees are calculated by weight
• Typically takes 1 to 2 days for delivery
• Available at select stations only

Best suited for: Situations where you don’t need the bike right away, are traveling long distances, or prefer not to carry your bike while riding the train yourself.

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Bike-Carrying Rules

THSR’s bike-carrying rules are comparatively strict:

Bike bag method:

• The bicycle must be disassembled and packed into a bike bag
• Bag size limit: length + width + height must not exceed 220 cm
• The longest side must not exceed 150 cm
• Store it in the large-luggage area or in front of your seat (provided it doesn’t inconvenience others)

Things to note:

• THSR currently does not offer a bike-and-train combined service
• The bike bag packaging must be complete, with nothing exposed
• Carriages get crowded during peak hours, making bike-carrying less pleasant
• Off-peak travel or the free-seating carriage is recommended

Handy tips:

• Compact folding bikes (like a Brompton) fold down small and are the easiest to bring on THSR
• For road bikes, a dedicated lightweight bike bag is recommended
• After arriving, find an open, spacious area to reassemble your bike rather than doing it on the platform

Metro (MRT) Bike-Carrying Rules

Taipei Metro (MRT)

Weekends, all day: Bicycles are allowed all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.

Weekdays, limited hours:

• Permitted hours: from the first train until 06:00, and from 22:00 until the last train
• Bicycles are prohibited during peak hours (06:00–22:00)

Restrictions:

• Boarding and alighting are only allowed via the first or last carriage
• Maximum of 4 bicycles per carriage
• A single-journey bicycle ticket (NT$80) is required
• Folding bikes packed in a bike bag ride free, treated as ordinary luggage

Kaohsiung Metro (KMRT)

• Bike-carrying rules are similar to Taipei Metro
• Allowed all day on weekends; restricted to off-peak hours on weekdays
• Board and alight only through designated doors
• The light rail line has separate rules — check before you ride

Practical Bike-Carrying Tips

Improving Packing Efficiency

1. Practice disassembly: Practice removing your front wheel and packing your bike bag a few times at home. Once you’re comfortable, it should only take 3 to 5 minutes at the station
2. Bring tools: Carry 4mm and 5mm hex wrenches and a 15mm pedal wrench
3. Protect key parts: Wrap the derailleur and disc brake rotors with an old towel
4. Choosing a bike bag: Pick one with a shoulder strap for easier carrying

Trip Planning Suggestions

Route 1: Northeast Coast

• Take the train to Fulong Station → ride through the Old Caoling Tunnel → follow the coast to Ruifang → take the train back
• About 30 km total, suitable for a relaxed ride

Route 2: Sun Moon Lake Loop

• Take the THSR to Taichung → transfer to a bus to Sun Moon Lake → ride the lakeside bike path
• The full loop is about 30 km; you can pair it with the ropeway

Route 3: East Rift Valley (Hualien–Taitung)

• Take a bike-and-train service to Hualien → ride through the East Rift Valley → take the train in sections
• Choose your riding segments based on your fitness level

Route 4: South-Link Line Adventure

• Take the train to Fangliao → ride the South-Link Highway → take the train back from Taitung
• About 100 km, best suited to experienced riders

Things to Keep in Mind

• Arrive early: Get to the station at least 20 minutes ahead of time to allow for disassembly and queuing
• Avoid peak times: Bike-and-train services on weekends are very popular — an early train is recommended
• Confirm the schedule: Not all trains offer the bike-and-train service, so always confirm before you head out
• Prepare for rain: Bring a lightweight raincoat and waterproof bags, as Taiwan’s weather can change quickly
• Plan your supplies: Rest stops can be sparse on remote sections, so carry enough water and food

Bringing Your Bike on Other Transportation

Intercity Buses

Some bus operators allow bicycles in the luggage compartment, but you should confirm in advance. Some Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport routes offer bike-carrying service.

Ferries

Ferries to outlying islands such as Xiaoliuqiu, Green Island, and Orchid Island generally allow bicycles on board, usually for an extra fee.

Bike-Share as an Alternative

YouBike 2.0 is available across Taiwan’s major cities. If you’re only doing a short commute or urban sightseeing, a shared bike may be more convenient than bringing your own.

Conclusion

Taiwan’s rail environment for cyclists has improved significantly in recent years — bike-and-train services run more frequently, and the various bike-carrying rules have become more rider-friendly. By making the most of the combination of rail and bicycle, you can easily explore Taiwan’s beautiful cycling routes without being limited by stamina or distance. Next time you’re planning a cycling trip, why not try the train-plus-bike approach? It’s sure to give you a whole new kind of travel experience.

Related Reading

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• Bicycle × Public Transit: The Ultimate Multimodal Commuting Connection Guide
• The Complete Guide to Cycling in Japan: From Traffic Rules to the Most Scenic Routes, for Taiwanese Riders
• Taiwan’s Cyclist-Friendly Lodging: A North-to-South Guide to Bike Hotels and Bike Shops