For complete version, please visit Transportation Between Taipei And Hualien
It is also asked about the transportation between Taipei and Hualien. For sure, railway is the most common transportation.But there are some useful tips and alternatives.
By the Train
Tze-Chiang Limited Express is the fastest class. However, there are some different types of Tze-Chiang Limited Express.Taroko Express and Puyuma Express, which are both Tze-Chiang Limited Express, are tilt train and takes about 2 hours to transport between Taipei and Hualien and costs NTD 440. Because Taroko Express and Puyuman Express will tilt in moving, you should book a seat in advance. But Taroko Express and Puyuman Express are the only choices if you want to take the train?
The mark for Puyuma Express is 新. The mark for Taroko Express is 2 peaks
If you want to go to Hualien from Taipei, there is another choice. Fu-Hsing Semi Express 684 costs only NTD 200 and arrive in 2h35m. 55% off and only half an hour more then Taroko Express and Puyuman Express. But be note, Fu-Hsing Semi Express 684 only operates in Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Why Fu-Hsing Semi Express 684 is so fast? Fu-Hsing Semi Express 684 stops only at Taipei, Sunsang and Hualine.
By Combo Transportation
In fact, there is another alternative which you don't need to worry about the seat and the alternative is my best favorite. If you check google maps, you will find the railway goes through the north east corner of Taiwan. But there is a freeway providing a short cut. The length of railway is 40 KM more than the freeway alternative!!. And most important of all, there is no local train between Taipei and Hualien but you can take local train by this alternative. Another advantage for the combination is that the local train stop at Xincheng (Taroko) Raiway Station and you can take the bus the Taroko Gorge directly.
The fare for the combo ticket is 222, in which the train fare is sold at NTD 100 for original price NTD 130 and the bus fare is sold at 122 for original price of NTD 135. You can upgrade to other class of train if available. The discount of train part is for local train only and you just need to pay the fare difference between local train and the train you choice. For example, the train fare after discount is 100 and the fare difference between local train and Tze-Chiang is 73. Therefore the train fare is 10073=173 and the total fare, including shuttle bus is 173122=395.
Another feature for this alternative is that the shuttle bus goes through Hsuehshan Tunnel, about 13 km in length and ranked NO 5 among road tunnels in the world. For safety management, there are some interesting designs that you should never miss:
The sound from the radios is very clear.
The broadcast outside will remind the drivers keep their speed above the lower speed limit. The broadcast will even notice a specific car to drive faster because there are video cameras and speed radars everywhere inside the tunnel to monitor.
Buy the combo ticket at the railway station counter and choice your terminal(Taipei Bus Station or Taipei City Hall Station). You can also decide to take the train of other class.
Go to Luodong Bus Station and reserve a seat at the bus ticket window.
Buy the combo ticket at Taipei Bus Station or Taipei City Hall Station and reserve your bus seat.
Go to Luodong Railway Station. If you want to upgrade to another class, please exchange your ticket at the ticket window. If you want to take the local train, just go to the platform. You can check the time table of the train at the hall of the railway station.
Further Information:
Please choice I-Lan area if you want to check the time table in the railway website .
The shuttle bus between Taipei and Luodong is about 50 minutes if the traffic condition is good. Pleas choice the direct bus.
The combo ticket is sold at counter only.
1.How to book a train ticket.
1) Railway Station
2) Booking on line
3)7-11 (there are over 5,000 7-11 in Taiwan)
2.You can book a train ticket 14 days in advance.
3.You should pay within 2 days if you don't pay by credit cad when booking.
4.You can pay and take your ticket at any railway station or 7-11 after booking.