No ticket needed to take your furry friend on the high-speed rail? Real test across 4 stations in Taiwan, 2026

The last time I took my pet on the High Speed Rail, I spent an entire evening just trying to figure out whether I needed to buy a ticket — some people said a half-price ticket was required, others said it was free, and still others claimed pets weren't even allowed on board. This article lays out the currently confirmed rules, the actual boarding process, and the pet-friendly details at the station, all in one place.

Why Choose the HSR for Traveling with Pets?

Traveling with a pet often makes choosing transportation a headache. Driving means worrying about traffic jams, car sickness, and stuffy interiors. Buses and regular Tzu-Chiang trains have unpredictable schedules and tend to be crowded and chaotic. The HSR has become the top choice for many pet families on long-distance trips for several key reasons:

First, reliable scheduling. With frequent departures and a low delay rate, pets don't have to endure hours of uncertainty on board. Second, climate-controlled environment. The air conditioning is stable throughout the car. Compared to a hot car interior in summer, the temperature is far more controllable, making heatstroke less likely. Third, barrier-free access throughout every station. From the ticketing hall to the platform, every HSR station has elevators and accessible routes, so pushing luggage or a pet stroller never runs into stairs.

Most importantly: pets do not need a separate ticket on the HSR. This is completely different from the common public transit concept of "pets require a half-price ticket," and it's one area where the HSR is comparatively pet-friendly.

Trip Planning Recommendations

Booking and Pre-Departure Preparation

The human ticket is purchased through the normal process — pets do not require an additional ticket. However, the preparation before departure is more involved than usual:

Start acclimating your pet to the carrier 1–2 weeks in advance. This is crucial. If it's your pet's first time in a carrier on the day of travel, nervous barking or escape attempts will disturb other passengers. The recommended approach is to place the carrier in an open area at home, let your pet explore and enter on their own, leave some treats inside, and gradually extend the time spent in the carrier.

Choose a carrier that meets regulations. This is the core of the HSR pet policy and will be detailed in the "Practical Information" section. In short, it must be a fully enclosed hard-shell or semi-hard-shell carrier, with no part of the pet exposed.

Withhold food 2–3 hours before departure. This isn't cruel — it prevents car sickness and vomiting during the long ride. You can offer a small amount of water, but no full meals.

Navigating Inside the Station

Once you arrive at the station, allow yourself an extra 30 minutes compared to a normal trip:

• Security screening: The carrier will go through the X-ray machine, just like regular luggage. Your pet stays inside the carrier. Security staff usually don't cause issues, but occasionally they'll ask to confirm the contents. Stay calm and hold the carrier steady.
• Restrooms and relief: Every HSR station has restrooms. Make sure your pet has relieved themselves before passing through the gates.
• Platform waiting: Choose a waiting area with fewer people, near the elevator entrance. This prevents your pet from becoming nervous around too many strangers.

In-Car Etiquette

Once on board, the carrier must remain on the floor in front of your own seat at all times. It cannot be placed on the seat, cannot block the aisle, and cannot be moved to another passenger's seating area. Opening the carrier to let your pet out — even for a bathroom break — is prohibited in the car.

My personal approach: line the carrier bottom with a pee pad and bring along a small towel that your pet uses regularly. A familiar scent helps reduce anxiety. For long trips (over 2 hours), bring a sealed water bottle and ask a service attendant to fill it with room-temperature water from a dispenser when they pass by. Feed your pet along the edge of the carrier (without opening it).

Practical Information

Pet Ticketing Rules

Highlights of 4 Major Stations for Pet Passengers

Of the 12 HSR stations across Taiwan, the vast majority allow pets to board in carriers. The key factors to consider are the entry route, the convenience of supplies, and the ease of transferring to other transport nearby. Below are four stations commonly used by pet families as long-distance departure or arrival points:

Taipei Station. A transportation hub where five rail lines converge, making transfers to TRA, MRT, and intercity buses convenient. For pets, the biggest advantage is the clearly marked station layout and well-signed elevator locations on every floor. The plaza in front of the station is flat and easy to navigate with a stroller.

Taoyuan Station. The main transfer point connecting to the airport, making it ideal for "HSR + flight" international connections. If your pet is heading overseas, Taoyuan Station is the top choice for completing the HSR leg. The station interior is relatively spacious with a simple layout.

Taichung Station. The most important gateway to central Taiwan, and a common starting point for many pet families traveling to Wuri, Changhua, or Nantou. Taichung Station's biggest advantage is its manageable size — unlike Taipei Station, it's hard to get lost, making it less stressful to navigate with a pet.

Zuoying Station. The southern terminus, with convenient transfers to TRA, MRT, and the Kenting Express bus. Driving from Zuoying to Kenting or Pingtung is a classic route. Zuoying Station sees lighter foot traffic during off-peak hours, making it relatively friendly for anxious pets.

Carrier Guidelines in Detail

• Fully enclosed: Top, bottom, and all four sides must have solid structure. Mesh ventilation fabric is not an acceptable substitute.
• Size measurement: Calculate based on the outermost dimensions of the carrier — the longest, widest, and tallest points.
• Stability: The carrier must not slide or tip over once on board. Adding a non-slip mat to the bottom is recommended.
• Ventilation holes: Required, but the openings must be small enough to prevent your pet's nose or paws from poking through.

Pets Not Suitable for Boarding

• Large dogs whose size exceeds the carrier limits and cannot fit inside a compliant carrier
• Pets with serious illness or suspected contagious conditions
• Wild animals or protected species
• Pets with aggressive tendencies that may disturb other passengers

Editor's Reminders / FAQ

Q1: My pet is too large to fit into a compliant carrier. What can I do?

Unfortunately, the HSR currently does not offer any alternative boarding option for oversized pets. If you need to transport a large dog over a long distance, driving remains the primary option. There's a rumor that you can "buy a seat for your pet to sit in" — this is misinformation. Please don't attempt it, or you may be asked to disembark.

Q2: Can I bring cats, rabbits, or birds?

Cats, rabbits, and small pet birds are generally allowed, provided they fit inside a compliant carrier and don't make disruptive noise. Birds require extra attention regarding feather dander and odor — the sealed HSR cabin can affect other passengers over long periods.

Q3: What about service dogs (guide dogs, hearing dogs, mobility assistance dogs)?

Service dogs are completely free of charge and do not need to be in a carrier. They may walk on a leash beside their handler. This is a right protected by law, and station staff cannot refuse them.

Q4: What if my pet vomits or has an accident on board?

Bring your own garbage bags, wet wipes, and spare pee pads. Vomit or waste should be cleaned up immediately to avoid inconveniencing other passengers. Withholding food for 2–3 hours before departure is recommended, with only a small amount of water offered.

Q5: Can I enter at one station and exit at another with my pet?

Yes. The HSR allows boarding and alighting at different stations — it's a basic function. As long as your ticket is the correct type with the right origin and destination stations, your pet will not face additional restrictions.

Q6: Can my pet use the regular restrooms at the station?

No. Pets are not allowed inside human restrooms at the station for public hygiene reasons. Please make sure your pet relieves themselves at home or at an outdoor park before departure. Before entering the station, you can take a slight detour to a nearby park or green space to let your pet stretch and relieve themselves.

Q7: Are the rules the same for other modes of transportation?

No. TRA, MRT, intercity buses, and airplanes all have different regulations. For example, TRA's current carrier rules are more lenient than the HSR's, while the MRT essentially prohibits pets from entering the station. It's recommended to check the latest announcements before each trip, regardless of the mode of transport.

Q8: Does a pet stroller count as a carrier?

No. The HSR defines "pets" as animals, not as carriers or vehicles. A pet stroller must be folded inside the cabin, must not block the aisle, and must not inconvenience other passengers. When on board, your pet still needs to be inside an actual carrier.

Note: The regulations above are based on the current official announcements from Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation. Pet-friendly policies may be adjusted according to actual operational conditions. It's recommended to check the official website or call the customer service center 1–2 days before departure to confirm the latest rules, and to allow sufficient time for your pet to become familiar with their carrier.