Bringing Pets on HSR Without a Ticket? Practical Test at 4 Stations Across Taiwan 20
Last time I brought my pet from Taipei back to Tainan, I spent an entire afternoon just researching whether pets were al
Taking Pets on HSR Without a Ticket? Testing 4 Stations Across Taiwan
Last time I brought my pet from Taipei back to Tainan, I spent an entire afternoon just researching whether pets were allowed on the High Speed Rail—half the forum users said you needed to buy a ticket, the other half said you didn't, and I only found out about the specific rules after being stopped at the station. This time, Editor Mao has compiled Taiwan High Speed Rail's current pet policy and selected the 4 stations most commonly used by pet owners, explaining everything from station entry routes to carrier dimensions in one go.
Why Take the HSR with Your Pet?
Fast Speed, Short Total Travel Time
The HSR takes only 1 hour and 45 minutes at the fastest from Taipei to Zuoying, and stations are located almost entirely within urban areas—making it very friendly for short trips with pets. Compared to driving long distances yourself, your pet spends significantly less time in transit, greatly reducing the risk of carsickness, holding their bladder, or emotional breakdowns.
No Extra Ticket Needed for Pets
This is what matters most to many pet owners—small pets placed in compliant carriers can board with their owners at no additional ticket purchase. However, "no ticket needed" comes with conditions: the carrier must meet size requirements, the pet must remain inside at all times, and the carrier must not occupy a seat.
The Restrictions Are Also Clear
"No ticket" absolutely does not mean no regulations. There are limits on carrier size and weight, restrictions on which types of pets can board, and the requirement that pets stay inside their carriers for the entire journey—Editor Mao will break down all these details below.
Taiwan HSR Pet Policy at a Glance
Eligible Pet Types
Taiwan High Speed Rail currently allows small pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and turtles to travel with their owners when placed in a designated carrier. For the complete list of accepted pets, please check the latest announcements on the official website before departure.
Carrier Requirements
This is where pet owners are most likely to run into trouble. The combined length + width + height must not exceed 220 cm, and the shortest side must be at least 30 cm. The carrier itself must be sturdy, have a securely lockable latch, and a leak-proof bottom.
After testing several commercially available pet strollers, it's not uncommon to find that the folded dimensions exceed 220 cm—measure at home before purchasing to avoid being turned away at the station.
Weight Limit
The combined weight of pet and carrier must not exceed 10 kg. This is a hard limitation for owners of medium and large dogs—pets over 10 kg essentially cannot board (service animals such as guide dogs are governed by separate regulations).
Onboard Placement
The carrier can be placed under the seat or on the owner's lap—it must not occupy a seat, be placed in the aisle, or be put on the luggage rack. The pet must remain in the carrier for the entire journey and cannot be let out.
Testing 4 Stations: From Entry to Boarding
1. Nangang Station — Northern Terminus
Address: No. 359, Sec. 7, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Nangang Dist., Taipei City
Nangang Station is the secondary terminal in the Taipei area, with fewer crowds than Taipei Main Station and straightforward entry routes. For pet owners transferring from Yilan or Keelung, this station is actually friendlier than Taipei Main Station. The station building and surrounding sidewalks are spacious, making it easy to maneuver with a pet stroller.
Entry tips: After entering through the 1F concourse, go directly through the manual ticket gates (automatic gates are not friendly to strollers), then take the elevator down to the B2 platform level.
2. Taipei Main Station — Taiwan's Largest Transit Hub
Address: No. 3, Beiping W. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City
Taipei Main Station has the most complex passenger flow in all of Taiwan—it can take several minutes just to find the elevator. Editor Mao recommends arriving 30 minutes early when bringing pets through Taipei Main Station, giving yourself enough time to locate accessible elevators and avoid peak-hour crowds.
Family and accessible restrooms are distributed across various floors at Taipei Main Station, which can be used in case of emergency cleaning needs. The taxi stand outside Taipei Main Station has frequent service, making it convenient to head straight home when arriving late at night.
3. Taichung Station — The Central Transit Choice
Address: No. 8, Station Area 2nd Rd., Wuri Dist., Taichung City
Many pet owners heading to central Taiwan choose Taichung Station for transfers. The station building is modern with clear signage. It's especially friendly for pet owners being dropped off by car, with well-planned parking lots and loading zones surrounding the station area.
After entering Taichung Station, there's a larger indoor waiting area near the north exit where you can let your pet settle down inside the carrier before boarding at a relaxed pace.
4. Zuoying Station — Southern Terminus
Address: No. 1, Station E. Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung City
Zuoying is the southernmost end of the western corridor, with convenient connections to Kaohsiung city center and Kenting. The station itself is an integrated hub for HSR, TRA, and MRT, with short transfer routes.
For pet owners, the most convenient feature of Zuoying Station is the direct transfer to MRT and TRA without leaving the station. If you're heading to Kenting, you can transfer to a coach bus right outside the station.
Travel Planning Tips
Choosing a Train
Taiwan HSR does not have "pet-only cars"—all trains follow the same regulations. It's recommended to choose off-peak hours (weekday mornings before 9 AM, or 2-4 PM), when cars are relatively empty, the carrier won't block the aisle, and other passengers are less likely to complain.
Preparing Your Pet Before Departure
Do not feed your pet a full meal 3-4 hours before departure to prevent carsickness or accidents onboard. Carry a set of backup pee pads, wet wipes, and a few small treats just in case.
Key Points to Test with the Carrier
When buying or selecting a carrier, have your pet try it out together:
- Whether the pet can stand up, turn around, and lie down
- Whether the zipper or latch can be pushed open by the pet
- Whether the bottom has a waterproof layer
For cats or small dogs, a soft-shell carrier with a sense of enclosure is recommended, as it gives pets a greater sense of security and reduces their urge to escape.
Practical Information Summary
Cost
No separate ticket is required for the pet—owners simply purchase their own tickets at regular prices. There are no additional pet fees or deposit requirements.
Operating Hours
Taiwan HSR stations generally operate from 05:30 to 24:00 (subject to official website announcements), with no trains running during certain early morning hours. You can check the departure time of each train when booking.
Pet Policy Summary
| Item | Regulation |
|---|---|
| Pet types | Small pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and turtles |
| Carrier dimensions | Combined L+W+H ≤ 220 cm, shortest side ≥ 30 cm |
| Total weight | Carrier + pet ≤ 10 kg |
| Ticketing | No separate ticket needed, no seat occupied |
| Carrier placement | Under seat or on owner's lap, not in aisle or on luggage rack |
| Service animals | Guide dogs etc. are exempt from carrier requirements; separate regulations apply |
Editor Mao's Reminders / FAQ
Q1: My cat keeps meowing—will I get complaints?
Cats tend to get nervous in fast-moving train cars and may meow continuously. It's recommended to start carrier acclimation training 1-2 weeks in advance to get your cat used to being inside. Choosing a quieter car and avoiding Car 6's accessible seating area can also reduce environmental stimulation.
Q2: Can medium or large dogs ride the HSR?
Currently, dogs over 10 kg cannot board (subject to official announcements). Owners of large dogs can only choose to drive themselves, rent a car, or take low-floor buses. This is also why many large dog owners opt to drive for their trips.
Q3: I forgot my carrier—can I buy one on-site?
There are no stores selling pet carriers inside any station. Be sure to bring a carrier before departure, otherwise you'll be turned away at the station and will have to get a refund and go home.
Q4: Can I bring my pet into convenience stores inside the station?
This depends on each individual store's policy and is unrelated to the HSR. Some in-station convenience stores allow pets inside, but pets are not permitted to be fed onboard. Actual conditions are subject to station announcements.
Q5: What about guide dogs and emotional support dogs?
Guide dogs, hearing dogs, and mobility assistance dogs may sit on the seat, are exempt from carrier requirements, and their accompanying persons receive ticket discounts. Emotional support dogs currently face stricter recognition standards under Taiwan HSR—be sure to confirm with HSR customer service before departure.
Taking pets on the HSR is one of the most comfortable options for medium-to-long-distance travel—no long drives, no worries about pet carsickness, and air conditioning throughout. Although it's not yet an option for large dog owners, owners of small dogs, cats, and rabbits can essentially head out on a whim once they've figured out the carrier details.
A final reminder from Editor Mao: Taiwan HSR's pet policy is subject to rolling adjustments, so be sure to check the latest announcements on the official website 1-2 days before departure, and do a test run with your pet in the carrier to confirm that dimensions, weight, and fit are all in order before heading out.
