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Isn’t it nice to share? Well, that’s what’s happening in Taiwan, where an exciting new pass allows locals and tourists alike to enjoy the benefits of unlimited train travel.
Some countries can be stingy and only allow locals to enjoy the benefits of such a pass, but not in this case.
While Taiwan has certainly been in some high-profile headlines in recent months, security concerns are null and void at this point.
The latest travel advice was issued in July 2023, and even then it was the lowest safety risk designation Level 1 status.
Taiwan has received the agreement. Its vast wonders, from the bustling streets of Taipei to lesser-known Chiayi, are safe to explore, and what better way than by train?
Especially at high speeds!
The need for speed
There are 3 different pass packagesbut we’ll start with the most exciting and continue our way down.
Asia is synonymous with lightning-fast bullet trains when it comes to train travel. Taiwan is no different, except here unlimited travel for 3 days with the new Taiwan Pass.
Those with a need for speed and looking for a fast-paced adventure through Taiwan’s breathtaking locations need look no further.
In fact, this pass for Taiwan’s high-speed rail line is only for foreignersso take advantage! For just $67This seems more than worth it to me, right?
Your starting point will most likely be the capital Taipei, as it is the most popular entry point into Taiwan.
High-speed trains run from north to south, ending in the highly underrated city of Kaohsiung with stops for transfers to other Taiwanese treasures.
Why is this important? Because you not only get 72 hours of access to unlimited bullet train rides, but also:
- Choice of 1 Taiwan MRT (Local Subway) pass
- Choice of 1 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle pass
Drive low and slow through Taiwan: A 2-for-1 deal
Next is the Taiwan Railwaya more traditional train ride where you can take some photos along the way.
This package is for those who adopt the popular perspective of ‘it’s not the destination, it’s the journey’.
Slightly more expensive than the high-speed line, for $86 you can drive through some of Taiwan’s most beautiful scenery while essentially doing a loop around the entire island.
Better yet, if you take a page from Southwest Airline’s book, this package comes with an accompanying pass. So basically you and a friend spend just $43 – an unbeatable deal.
Because this train does not run very fast, you also get a few extra days of unlimited train travel.
Go anywhere you want within one 5 day period and also take full advantage of the same benefits as above with an additional Metro and Tourist Shuttle Pass.
MRT and tourist shuttle add-ons
It would be foolish not to take advantage of the freebies thrown into your package, but knowing where the MRT and Tourist Shuttle go is probably your net question.
Only four cities have that MRT lineswhich are:
- Taipei
- Taoyuan
- Taichung
- Kaohsiung
In addition there are 4 Tourist shuttle service stops (marked A, B, C and D on the route map):
- Nantou Qingjing Line
- Nantou Sun Moon Lake Line
- Chiayi Alishan Line
- Kenting Express Line
Taipei is where your adventure begins, and not necessarily where it should end. Milking the benefits of free MRT tickets is an unnecessary excuse to explore this great city.
If you were to travel south from Taipei on the high-speed train or the Taiwanese Railway, the last thing you should do is feel guilty about being loaded onto the Tourist Shuttle.
For example, it goes to some really cool places like Chiayi. You can get out and take the Chiayi Alishan Line and discover a hidden gem that no one ever talks about.
Full of fascinating temples, scenic nature reserves and delicious local cuisine, you’ll soon realize that Taiwan has so much more to offer than Taipei’s urban sprawl.
Wherever you go, whether high speed, low and slow, or shuttle, just download the file Taiwan Pass app from the Apple Store or Google Play for easy access for the ultimate adventure.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
