Taking Pets on the High-Speed Rail: A Practical Guide — Cage Size / Fare / Precautions 2026
Taking Your Furry Friend on the High Speed Rail: The First Hurdle Isn't Booking a Ticket — It's the Carrier A friend too
Taking Your Furry Friend on the High Speed Rail: The First Hurdle Isn't Booking a Ticket — It's the Carrier
A friend took her Corgi to Taichung last month and even bought a brand-new carrier. But when she got to the platform, station staff told her the height exceeded the limit, so she had to get a refund and drive instead. This isn't an isolated case — if you don't understand the specs, your trip comes to a halt before it even begins.
Why Choose the High Speed Rail to Travel with Your Pet?
Taiwan doesn't offer many options for long-distance travel with pets: driving can cause carsickness, buses are too cramped, and flying requires quarantine procedures. If your pet is small enough to fit in a compliant carrier, the High Speed Rail is actually the most comfortable choice for medium to long-distance trips.
With frequent departures and a fastest travel time of just 1 hour and 45 minutes from Taipei to Zuoying, you can cut your driving time in half. Pets stay in a familiar carrier inside a smooth-riding cabin — far more comfortable than the swaying of a highway drive.
But the catch is — you need to understand THSR's pet policy first. Carrier dimensions, fee structure, whether your pet counts as a half-fare ticket — every rule has its nuances. If you get one detail wrong or misremember a rule, you'll be sent home at the platform.
Trip Planning Guide: The Complete Process for Taking Pets on the HSR
One Week Before Departure: Prepare the Carrier and Essentials
The carrier is the heart of the entire journey. THSR requires that pets be placed in a "fully enclosed" container, meaning all four sides must have lids or mesh, and no part of your pet — head, paws, or tail — can stick out.
When choosing or checking a carrier, Editor Mao recommends measuring the length, width, and height first, then double-checking with a tape measure. If you don't have a suitable carrier at home, online marketplaces and physical pet supply stores carry models labeled "HSR-compatible," but make sure to distinguish between "carry-on luggage size" and "large luggage" categories.
Other items to prepare:
- Water: A fixed water bowl inside the carrier to prevent spills
- Liner cloth: Familiar scents help your pet feel more at ease
- Documents: Vaccination records on hand (they may not be checked, but better safe than sorry)
- Reservations: Some train services have capacity limits — check before departure
At the Station on the Day: Route Planning
Bringing your pet into an HSR station isn't as simple as walking through the turnstile. Each station has slightly different rules, but generally, pets cannot walk through the turnstile on their own. You'll need to use:
- Large luggage lane: Usually wider, with staff assistance at the counter
- Pet stroller: Place your pet inside the stroller to pass through the turnstile
- Accessible gate: Ask station staff in advance
Editor Mao reminds you: never carry your pet and rush through the turnstile — the sensor doors could hurt your pet, and it also violates station regulations.
On the Train: Where to Put Your Pet?
Seat space in the cabin is limited, so the carrier basically has only two placement options:
- Under the seat: Only if the carrier is small and flat enough
- On your lap or in your arms: Only if the carrier is light and doesn't disturb neighboring passengers
Try to choose an aisle seat or a seat in the accessible area for easier boarding and alighting, and to avoid bothering fellow passengers. During the ride, you can offer water through the carrier's bowl, but don't open the carrier mid-journey to let your pet stick its head out — this is explicitly prohibited by HSR regulations, and being reported could get you asked to disembark.
After Arrival: Retrieving Your Pet
When you arrive at your destination station, head toward the exit turnstile using the pet-friendly lane or accessible gate. Don't rush to open the carrier — first exit the station to an outdoor spot (such as the plaza outside the station) before letting your pet out, to prevent them from getting startled and running away.
Practical Information: Carriers, Tickets, and Regulations
Carrier Size and Categories
THSR has clear specifications for pet carriers, mainly divided into two categories: "carry-on luggage" and "large luggage":
| Category | Use | Suitable Pets |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on luggage size | Fits under the seat | Cats, small dogs, rabbits, hedgehogs, and other small pets |
| Large luggage size | Larger volume, requires checked luggage process | Medium dogs, larger cats, multiple small pets |
⚠️ The above table summarizes common categories as compiled by Editor Mao. For actual size limits, please refer to the latest announcement from Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation. Policies may be adjusted, so be sure to check the current year's version on the official website before departure.
Tickets and Fees
Pets are not considered "free carry-on luggage" and require an additional fee. Common fee structures include:
- Per-item fee: Priced according to carrier size, similar to baggage fees
- Half-fare discount: Some pets may qualify for a half-fare ticket, but this doesn't apply to all categories
- Pet-friendly ticket: Some services offer dedicated ticket types that require advance booking
⚠️ Specific rates vary by ticket type, origin and destination, and pet size. Please refer to the official THSR booking system or customer service announcements for the most accurate information. Editor Mao cannot confirm the latest 2026 fares — it's recommended to call customer service or check the official website 7 days before departure.
Pets Allowed and Not Allowed
Allowed on the HSR (in a compliant carrier):
- Cats
- Small to medium dogs
- Rabbits, guinea pigs
- Birds (require special caging)
- Turtles, reptiles (require enclosed containers)
Not allowed on the HSR:
- Aggressive dog breeds (some breeds regulated by certain municipalities)
- Pets not placed in a carrier
- Animals that emit odors or may disturb other passengers
- Protected species prohibited by law
- Pets that make noise and cannot be controlled (may be asked to disembark)
Situations to Avoid
- Sick pets or those with suspected contagious diseases: It's best to postpone the trip
- Non-compliant carrier: Direct refund, no exceptions
- Peak holiday services: Seats are crowded and pet space is compressed — try to avoid these
Editor Mao Reminds You: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will my cat get very nervous on the HSR?
Cats may feel anxious about the cabin's engine sounds and announcements. Editor Mao suggests:
- Place the carrier at home the day before so your cat can get used to it
- Put an item of clothing with your scent inside the carrier
- Consult a veterinarian for mild calming aids if necessary
- Avoid opening the carrier frequently to check on your cat during the trip
Q2: Can large dogs (over 20 kg) ride the HSR?
According to HSR regulations, the key factor is carrier size, not pet weight. In practice, however, a large dog's carrier rarely meets carry-on specifications and may need to go through the large luggage process — or may not comply at all. For large dogs, it's recommended to drive, rent a car, or hire a private car instead.
Q3: Can I buy a half-fare ticket for my pet?
HSR's child tickets and senior tickets don't apply to pets. Pet ticketing is calculated separately, and pets must pay an additional pet ticket or luggage fee per regulations — for specific rates, please refer to the official website.
Q4: How far in advance should I book?
Some services have "pet-friendly seats" or capacity restrictions. Editor Mao recommends completing your booking and contacting customer service to confirm 3–7 days before departure. Finding out the service is full when you arrive at the counter means you'll have to change your plans.
Q5: Can I put toys in the carrier?
You can include familiar toys or blankets, but avoid toys that make noise, such as those with bells. Don't put food in the carrier, and try to avoid feeding during the trip to prevent carsickness and vomiting.
Q6: What if my pet has an accident during the trip?
Bring plastic bags, wet wipes, and a backup liner cloth. If an incident occurs, clean it up promptly and report it to the onboard staff. This doesn't happen often, but traveling with a pet means being prepared for anything.
Q7: Are there special rules during New Year holidays or long weekends?
Holiday periods bring heavy crowds and relatively cramped seating, which compresses the space available for pets. Editor Mao recommends avoiding peak hours during long weekends, or driving instead. If you must take the HSR, book early, avoid red-eye services, and choose trains with lower occupancy.
Taiwan High Speed Rail's pet policy may be adjusted at any time. Please be sure to check the latest regulations on the official website before booking, or call customer service to confirm (contact number as posted on the official website). This article summarizes general principles and common nuances; for actual fares, carrier dimensions, and permitted pet categories, please refer to the latest 2026 announcement from Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation.
