Taking pets on the high-speed rail without a ticket? Field test at 4 stations across Taiwan, 2026

Last time I took my pet south on the High Speed Rail, just figuring out whether I needed to buy a "pet ticket," whether I'd be stopped at the gate, and whether I could take them out for a bathroom break mid-journey took half a day of pre-trip preparation. This article pulls together the latest regulations for bringing pets on the HSR, the complete process from entering the station to disembarking, and how friendly the major stations are.

Why Choose This Option?

When traveling long distances with pets, your options are limited. Driving takes 4–6 hours and often causes car sickness; buses are cramped and bumpy; and flying requires quarantine procedures, purchasing a specialized carrier, and advance booking. For medium to short distances, the HSR is actually the most comfortable option—fast, frequent departures, stable carriages, and pets are less likely to get anxious.

But the HSR's pet regulations have always been the biggest headache for pet owners. Whether you need to buy a ticket, whether your pet can sit at your feet, how to get through security, how to exit at your destination—every step can be a landmine. To make matters worse, outdated articles and forum posts are mixed together online, making it hard to tell what's still valid and what's obsolete. Just researching this takes a full day.

This article distills the core rules—when you don't need an extra ticket, when you must purchase a pet ticket, how to handle every stage from entry to exit, and the differences in friendliness across major stations island-wide.

Travel Planning Tips

Core Categories of HSR Pet Regulations

The HSR divides pets into two main categories: "Carry-on Items Not Occupying a Seat" and "Requires Pet Ticket."

The determining factors are mainly the carrier's "combined length, width, and height" and the "total weight of pet plus carrier." Within certain limits (combined dimensions not exceeding 220 cm and total weight not exceeding 8–10 kg as a baseline), the carrier is essentially treated as part of your seat space with no additional fee, and your pet can sit directly at your feet or on your lap.

"Non-seat-occupying" does not mean "no rules." The carrier must remain fully closed at all times, must stay within the owner's line of sight, must not block the aisle or disturb other passengers, and pets cannot be released inside the carriage. This is a baseline principle every owner needs to understand.

Complete Process: From Entry to Exit

Step 1: Pre-Trip Preparation

One week before departure, measure your carrier's length, width, and height, add them up, and confirm they're within the regulated range. A hard-shell or semi-hard-shell carrier is recommended; soft bags can easily be compressed during peak hours, causing pets to become anxious or injured.

Step 2: Arriving at the Station and Entering

Each station's entry flow for pets is not identical. Most stations allow owners to carry or wheel their pets in, but some will guide you through accessible channels or away from peak-hour gates. For large dogs or oversized carriers, be sure to notify when booking.

Step 3: Boarding and Riding

After boarding, place the carrier at your feet or on your lap (per regulations). Pets must remain in the carrier at all times and must not obstruct the aisle. Pets can drink water on board, but open water bowls aren't recommended—a leak-proof travel water dispenser is safer.

Step 4: Arrival and Exit

After arriving at your destination, leave the train with your pet remaining inside the carrier and walk to the exit through the carriage. A few stations offer pet-friendly passages or pet relief areas; check the station's official service facility information before your trip.

Observations on Four Representative Stations

Although the same pet regulations apply across the entire network, stations differ significantly in terms of "entry flow," "facility support," and "crowd pressure." Below is a summary of four typical scenarios to help you identify which category your frequently used station falls into.

Major Transit Hubs: Taipei / Banqiao / Kaohsiung Zuoying

These stations have heavy foot traffic, numerous gates, and strict security. When entering with a pet, avoid rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM), otherwise pets can become anxious while queuing at the gates.

Address: Core metropolitan stations in the Greater Taipei and Kaohsiung areas, adjacent to MRT and TRA transfer points

Tourism Gateway Type: Nangang / Taichung / Tainan

These stations are common tourism starting points, and the stations themselves or surrounding areas often feature pet-friendly facilities (pet relief areas, parent-and-pet restrooms, pet lockers, etc.). The entry flow is relatively friendly, but weekend crowds still require attention.

Address: Major tourism gateway stations in major cities, adjacent to shopping districts and scenic area connections

Central Rural Type: Hsinchu / Miaoli / Changhua / Yunlin / Chiayi

These stations are smaller in scale with simpler foot traffic, and their entry flows are more flexible. If your pet is sensitive to crowded environments, these stations are a relatively friendly choice—particularly suitable for connecting to mountain or coastal destinations.

Address: Mid-sized stations along Taiwan's western rural corridor

Special Case: Hardware-Constrained Stations

A small number of stations, due to older facilities or limited space, cannot offer independent pet entry routes. At these stations, you'll still need to go through regular gates with your pet, so pay special attention to carrier dimensions and maintaining safe distance from fellow travelers.

Address: Stations with older facilities or limited space

Practical Information

Pet Ticket vs. Free Carry-On Determination

Which Pets Are Covered?

Current regulations primarily cover household pets such as cats, dogs, rabbits, poultry, and turtles. The limit is one per passenger; additional pets require case-by-case confirmation.

When Is Advance Application Required?

Large dogs, oversized carriers, and specific animal types (snakes, birds of prey, arthropods, etc.) require confirmation from HSR customer service at least one week before departure.

Carrier Recommendations

Hard-shell or semi-hard-shell, well-ventilated, allowing the pet to turn around freely, with sufficient sealing to prevent leaks. Top-opening designs are safer than side-opening ones in carriages, as pets are less likely to push them open and escape.

Ticket Purchase Channels

Per current HSR announcements, tickets can be purchased through the HSR App, station counters, and convenience stores (partial support). Actual channels are subject to official website announcements; it's recommended to handle pet tickets when booking.

Pet Editor's Reminders / FAQ

Before Bringing Your Pet on the HSR, the Pet Editor Recommends Confirming These Items:

• Measure your carrier dimensions — Add up length, width, and height, and calculate the weight; anything over the limit counts as oversized
• Notify when booking — Especially when purchasing a pet ticket or requiring special seating arrangements
• Avoid peak hours — 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM are the busiest times
• Bring familiar items — Blankets, toys, and treats to reduce anxiety
• No full meals within 2 hours of departure — Reduces the risk of car sickness or vomiting

FAQ

Q1: Can I put my cat in a backpack?

Yes, as long as the backpack meets carrier requirements (hard-shell or semi-hard-shell, sealed, pet can turn around freely). The key is that dimensions and weight stay within range.

Q2: Can my pet drink water on the train?

Yes, but a leak-proof travel water dispenser is recommended to prevent open water bowls from spilling in the carriage.

Q3: Can I take my pet to relieve itself right after arrival?

Most stations primarily offer standard exit routes, though some have pet-friendly facilities. Check your destination station's official information before departure to confirm whether pet relief areas or nearby outdoor spaces are available.

Q4: What if my pet gets restless mid-journey?

Cover the carrier with a blanket and offer familiar toys or treats to soothe them. Never open the carrier inside the carriage.

Q5: Where can I buy a pet ticket?

Per current HSR announcements, pet tickets can be purchased through the HSR App, convenience stores, and station counters. Actual channels are subject to official website announcements.

Q6: Should I mention I'm bringing a pet when booking?

Yes, it's recommended to notify when booking—especially when purchasing a pet ticket or requiring designated seating. Without prior notice, you may be asked to adjust your route or seating on the day of travel.

Q7: How much does it cost to bring a pet on the HSR?

Pets meeting the free carry-on requirements incur no additional fee. Specific pet ticket prices are subject to current HSR announcements; the Pet Editor recommends checking the official website or calling customer service for confirmation.

Q8: Are pets likely to get car sick on the HSR?

HSR carriages are far more stable than cars and buses, so the chance of motion sickness is low. However, it's still recommended to avoid feeding full meals within 2 hours of departure and to avoid large meals during the journey.

HSR pet policies are adjusted annually based on actual operations. For the most accurate details, refer to the latest announcements on Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation's official website. It's recommended to check the official website or call customer service one month before booking or departure—especially regarding carrier dimensions, pet ticket prices, and pet-friendly facilities at specific stations. The content compiled in this article is based on the Pet Editor's observations from publicly available information; official announcements take precedence.