Can you use EasyCard for HSR (Taiwan High-Speed Rail)
Taiwan is famous for its fast, modern transportation, and the High-Speed Rail (HSR) is one of the best ways to travel between cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. It’s quick, clean, and super convenient for tourists and locals alike.
But here’s the catch: not all EasyCards work on the HSR.
EasyCard on the HSR? Only If It’s Credit-Linked
You can use an EasyCard on the Taiwan HSR—but only if it’s a special version that’s linked to a credit card.
These are co-branded EasyCards (like EasyCard + Visa or Mastercard) that work like credit cards and can automatically pay for tickets.
Accepted: Credit-card EasyCards (linked to a bank account)
Not accepted: Regular reloadable EasyCards, most tourists buy
Why Regular EasyCards Don’t Work
The HSR is different from local trains or MRT systems. It’s a reserved-seat system, so you can’t just tap and ride.
That means you need a ticket with your seat info, and regular EasyCards can’t handle that.
Best Ways to Ride the HSR as a Tourist
If you’re visiting Taiwan and want to ride the HSR, here’s how to do it stress-free:
- Buy tickets at any HSR station
- Book online through the HSR website or app
- Use a Taiwan HSR Tourist Pass for unlimited rides over a few days (perfect for travel adventures!)
EasyCard Is Still Super Useful—Just Not for the HSR
The EasyCard is perfect for:
- MRT systems (Taipei, Kaohsiung)
- Buses across Taiwan
- Taiwan Railway (TRA) lines
Just remember—it won’t work for the HSR unless you’ve got the credit-linked version.
So if you’re planning to ride Taiwan’s High-Speed Rail, don’t get stuck at the gate. Pick the right ticket option and enjoy the ride.
