THSR (Taiwan High Speed Rail) allows passengers to bring personal belongings up to 150 cm in length per piece, with a total combined dimension (L+W+H) not exceeding 220 cm per piece and a total weight limit of 40 kg. No separate checked baggage service exists everything travels in the cabin with you. Station luggage storage is available at all THSR stations for a fee.

Planning a trip on Taiwan’s high-speed rail? Getting your luggage rules right before you board can save you from last-minute scrambles on the platform. THSR connects Taipei to Zuoying (Kaohsiung) in as little as 96 minutes, and millions of passengers locals and tourists alike ride it every year. Yet one topic consistently trips travelers up: what you can and cannot bring on board.

What Is the THSR Baggage Allowance?

THSR does not operate a checked baggage system. Every item you bring must travel with you in the cabin. The baggage allowance covers the total weight and size of everything you carry on board there are no separate hold allowances, and no fees for standard baggage within the limits.

These rules apply to all passengers regardless of ticket class. A standard 28-inch suitcase (typically around 70 cm × 50 cm × 30 cm, totaling 150 cm) sits comfortably within limits. A large 32-inch suitcase (around 81 cm × 57 cm × 33 cm, totaling 171 cm) also falls within the 220 cm threshold but push beyond this and THSR staff have the authority to deny boarding.

What Are the THSR Luggage Size Rules?

THSR luggage size rules set a maximum of 150 cm for the longest single dimension and a combined total of 220 cm (length + width + height) per piece. These limits ensure luggage fits safely in storage areas without blocking emergency egress or disturbing other passengers.

Items measured at exactly 220 cm total are permissible. Anything above 220 cm triggers the oversized item rules which carry additional requirements and, in some cases, additional ticket purchases.

What Carry-On Luggage Can You Bring on THSR?

THSR carry-on luggage refers to any personal belongings you bring into the cabin. Since THSR has no checked baggage service, all your items suitcases, backpacks, duffel bags, laptop cases are technically carry-on. You can store them in two locations on the train.

Where to store your luggage on THSR trains:

• Overhead luggage racks above your seat  best for smaller bags and backpacks
• Designated luggage storage areas near the front and rear doors of each car  recommended for large suitcases; at least one large storage area exists per car
• In front of your seat  for small bags and personal items

Tips to avoid storage conflicts:

• Board early, especially on busy routes like Taipei–Taichung or Taipei–Kaohsiung
• Place smaller items overhead and large suitcases at the door-area storage zones
• Do not place luggage in the aisle or block emergency exits

Does THSR Business Class Have Different Baggage Rules?

THSR Business Class (called the “Business Car”) does not offer a higher baggage allowance than Standard Class. The same weight and dimension limits apply across the entire train. What Business Class does offer is a more spacious, premium cabin environment that makes traveling with luggage physically more comfortable.

Practical note: Business Car’s wider seats and fewer passengers per car can make stowing larger bags near your seat easier in practice even though the rules are identical on paper.

What Counts as THSR Oversized Luggage?

THSR defines oversized luggage as any item exceeding the standard personal belongings limits (220 cm total L+W+H or 150 cm in a single dimension). Two common categories bicycles and musical instruments have specific rules and may require purchasing an additional ticket.

Bicycles

THSR allows folded or bagged bicycles, subject to specific conditions:

• Soft bicycle travel bags and hard cases: Free if within standard personal belongings limits (220 cm total)
• Oversized bicycle bags: Maximum combined L+W+H of 240 cm; height ≤ 120 cm; length ≤ 100 cm; width ≤ 35 cm; weight ≤ 40 kg
• Ticket requirement for oversized bikes: You must purchase an adult window seat ticket for a seat in the first three rows of Cars 1–5 in the direction of travel. Visit a ticket window before departure to arrange seating.
• Not available during peak periods as announced by THSR on their official website

Musical Instruments

Instruments that exceed the standard carry-on limits but remain within 200 cm (height) × 40 cm (width) × 70 cm (length) can board with you but require an additional full-fare adult ticket purchased for the instrument itself. The passenger and their instrument are seated in the first row of reserved cars.

Real-world example: A cello case measuring approximately 135 cm × 45 cm × 30 cm totals 210 cm over the 220 cm threshold but within the 200 cm height instrument exemption. The musician must buy a second full-fare ticket for it.

What Are the THSR Luggage Rules for Prohibited Items?

THSR strictly prohibits certain items from entering any station or train zone. These rules exist for passenger safety and align with national transport safety legislation in Taiwan.

Prohibited items on THSR:

• Explosives, flammable, or volatile substances
• Radioactive, toxic, or oxidizing materials
• Corrosive or infectious materials
• Non-medical compressed gas cylinders
• Non-braking trolleys (a commonly missed rule free-wheeling luggage carts without brakes are banned)
• Inflated balloons (helium balloons pose a risk near rail infrastructure)
• Birds of any kind (all other specified pets are allowed in containers)
• Dangerous goods not listed above but deemed unsafe by THSR staff

Power bank rules (often overlooked by competitors): THSR requires all portable power banks to carry BSMI or NCC certification marks. During the journey, keep power banks on your person at all times never store them inside checked or overhead bags while charging. Any power bank showing signs of deformation or overheating cannot be brought on board at all.

How Does THSR Luggage Storage Work at Stations?

THSR station luggage storage refers to paid baggage storage facilities available at all THSR stations. These are separate from in-cabin storage and allow passengers to leave their bags at the station before or after travel particularly useful when exploring a city between trains.

THSR station luggage lockers: All THSR stations are equipped with coin or card-operated lockers. Based on community-reported pricing for Taiwan rail stations:

Lockers accept cash and, in many stations, EasyCard (Taiwan’s rechargeable transit card). THSR’s official services page confirms that “baggage storage services are provided and charged in THSR stations,” though exact pricing is set per station. Always confirm current rates at the station’s Passenger Service Counter.

Pro tip: For a half-day city stop say, dropping your bag at Taichung Station before exploring the city for four hours expect to pay NT$80 for a large locker (4 hours × NT$20). That’s roughly US$2.50. It’s a cost-effective alternative to dragging luggage through busy tourist areas.

What Are the Special Rules for Pets, Strollers, and Sports Equipment?

Traveling with Pets on THSR

THSR permits dogs, cats, turtles, rabbits, fish, and shrimps in approved containers. Birds are explicitly prohibited.

• Approved container dimensions: Max 55 cm × 45 cm × 38 cm
• Containers must be leak-proof and escape-proof
• Animals may not be released from containers on board
• Containers cannot be placed on seats, tray tables, or overhead racks only at the front of your seat
• One container per ticket; to bring a second container, purchase an adjacent adult-fare seat
• Maximum of two animal containers per passenger

Baby Strollers

Strollers must be folded before storing in luggage areas. THSR recommends informing the ticket officer at purchase time so appropriate seating near the storage area can be arranged. Actual storage availability depends on the train at departure time it is not guaranteed.

Guide Dogs and Police Dogs

On-duty guide dogs and police dogs accompanied by certified trainers are permitted on board without a container, regardless of the standard pet policy.

Quick Packing Tips for a Smooth THSR Journey

• Measure your suitcase total (L+W+H) at home if it’s under 220 cm, you’re within limits
• Label bags clearly with your name and destination station
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure on peak routes
• Use the luggage storage areas near car doors for large bags rather than blocking the aisle
• If traveling with a bicycle, visit the ticket counter (not a vending machine) to book the required seat
• Store power banks in your seat pocket or personal bag not in your checked luggage
• For instrument transport, call THSR ahead of travel to confirm seat availability in the first row of reserved cars

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the total luggage weight limit on THSR?
THSR sets a total weight limit of 40 kg across all personal belongings per passenger. There is no per-bag weight limit only a combined total. A passenger with two bags weighing 25 kg and 15 kg is compliant; two bags totaling 45 kg would exceed the limit.

Can I bring a 30-inch suitcase on THSR?
Yes. A standard 30-inch suitcase (typically around 76 cm × 54 cm × 32 cm) totals approximately 162 cm well within THSR’s 220 cm combined dimension limit. However, confirm your specific bag’s measurements before travel, as sizes vary by manufacturer.

Does THSR charge extra for oversized luggage?
THSR does not charge a fee for standard oversized items per se, but certain categories require additional ticket purchases. Oversized bicycles require an adult window seat ticket, and musical instruments that exceed standard dimensions require a full-fare adult ticket for the instrument itself.

Are non-braking trolleys allowed on THSR?
No. THSR explicitly prohibits non-braking trolleys from all station and train zones. Only luggage with functional wheel brakes or no wheels (standard suitcases with spinning wheels are typically fine) is permitted.

Can I bring a helium balloon on THSR?
No. Inflated balloons including helium balloons are prohibited on THSR trains and station zones. Deflated balloons in luggage are not addressed by current regulations and fall under the general baggage rules.

How much does THSR station luggage storage cost per day?
THSR station lockers charge by the hour (approximately NT$10–NT$20 per hour depending on locker size), not per day. Storing a large suitcase for 8 hours would cost around NT$160 (approximately US$5). Some stations require a minimum rental of 2–3 hours.

Can I bring two cats on a THSR train?
Yes, but you must purchase an additional adjacent adult-fare ticket to accommodate the second pet container. The two containers must each comply with the 55 cm × 45 cm × 38 cm dimension limit and be placed at the front of their respective seats.

What happens if my bag exceeds the 220 cm limit?
THSR staff can refuse boarding for non-compliant items. Bicycles and musical instruments have separate oversized provisions with specific seating requirements. For all other items, there is no upgrade path the bag simply cannot board.

Are power banks allowed on THSR?
Yes, but only if they carry BSMI or NCC certification marks. Power banks must be kept on your person during the journey, not stored in bags. Damaged or overheating power banks are strictly prohibited from all THSR carriages.

Does THSR Business Class include a higher baggage allowance?
No. Business Class and Standard Class passengers share the same baggage allowance: 150 cm maximum per piece length, 220 cm combined L+W+H per piece, and 40 kg total. Business Class offers a better travel experience, but no additional luggage privileges.