In Taiwan, must you reserve train tickets in advance, or can you buy tickets a few minutes before trains are supposed to depart?
Specifically, I am taking the train from Taipei to Keelung, getting off at Badu and going to Pingxi, and then returning at night.
Do trains tend to sell out in Taiwan, or should I be OK purchasing my ticket immediately before departure?
Best Answer
If you are doing any amount of travel in Taiwan it's a good idea to pick up an EasyCard. You get discounted travel and you can also use them on trains, metro and many buses, plus they are valid in lots of shops like 7Eleven, great for picking up a snack without having to get money out.
For Pingxi you are better changing at Ruifang rather than Badu as you get better connections. There are a mix of local and various grades of express go there from Taipei Main Station (or Songshan) - locals you will be fine with the Easycard, express you will need to buy a ticket at the counter. If you're travelling at very busy times you might not be able to get on the next train but generally there is no problem.
Another option from Taipei is to get the 1062 bus from near Zhongxiao Fuxing Station to Ruifang. This also goes on to Juifen with is worth a visit.
Make sure you stop off at Houtong (many of the Pingxi trains start from here) as it's worth seeing the station cats.
http://www.easycard.com.tw/english/use/index.aspx http://www.taiwanbus.tw/information.aspx?Line=4479&Lang=En
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Do I need to pre book my train ticket?
You must book in advance* of travel and fares are sold in limited numbers and so subject to availability. In general, the further ahead you book, the cheaper the Advance fare will be. You can mix and match Advance fares for a return journey.How far in advance do you need to book advance train tickets?
Typically, train companies release their Advance tickets 12 weeks before the departure date, although some go on sale as far as 24 weeks in advance! Only a limited number of tickets will be available, so be quick to secure yours as the fare can rise as the date of travel gets nearer.How do I buy a train ticket in Taiwan?
How to Book TAIWAN TRAIN Online (TRA)Can I collect my train tickets day before I travel?
They can be collected at any time, but you'll need to make sure you have them with you before you travel.How to book train ticket and collect at 7/11 | Taiwan railways | TAGALOG TUTORIAL
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