If there's traffic, taxi'd be your better bet.   If you're arriving at 1830hrs, the chances of you getting stuck in traffic is pretty hight, so you might want to consider taking a taxi.   On top of that, you still need to take into consideration the time you need to go through custom and pick up your luggage.

Another way is to take a shuttle bus to take High Speed Railway.   But I don't think you'd get to Taipei Main Station much faster than a taxi.   One good thing is that HSR's Taipei station is the same as Main Train Station.

Thks Godzilla for your advice..

Hmm. any idea roughly how much will the taxi fare from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Train Station ?

Do you   think i need to book in advance for the TRA tickets to Hualien ? or i can buy on the night itself ? I'll be reaching in Taipei on Wednesday. If advance booking do i need to collect the tickets on an earlier date which is impossible for me.

Also for HSR , is it advisable to book in advance ?

Appreciate your help.

Once again, thanks for your advice..

The taxi in Taiwan dont run by meter ? You mean usually prices are quoted by taxi drivers ?

Yes this is my 1st time to Taiwan and the whole trip is free n easy.. That's why i'm having headache in getting my journey all according to the specific time.

Hope all goes well.. i'll check out the tickets from the chinatrust website which provided by you.

Thks alot !

Taxis in Taiwan are abided to run by meter.   However, taxis go between Taoyuan Airport and cities are usually quoted.   Even if you run by meter, it'd cost about the same.
(I think it's around NTD $900 by meter, but you'd have to pay the highway toll, which is NTD $80 round-trip, so it actually comes to almost NTD $1000).

If it's your first time, maybe it's not a really good idea to schedule your train ride so tightly on your arrival date?   You could still schedule it and hope to make it in time to get a ticket.   If it's Wednesday, the train shoudn't be sold out.

Wish all goes well for you...

Hey Godzilla,

Is there any food store in Taipei Main Train Station and Taichung HSR station whereby we can catch a quick bite during the train transfer ?

There are restaurants on the 2nd floor of Taipei Main Station.   There are also 7-11 and kiosks (I think) on the 1st floor and B1, where you proceed to platform.   It's easy to find a store that sells food and beverages easily.

There is a 7-11, MacDonald's, Starbucks, and I think Mister Donut at Taichung HSR station.

Convenient stores are everywhere, so no worries for your travel needs.

Thks alot Godzilla !!

Godzilla,

Need your help again.

Would like to check on TRA train tickets.

Understand that by buying a two way ticket is cheaper than getting it individually , but must the return on same day ? I'll be heading Hualien on 1st Day and back to Taipei on 3rd Day..

Pls advise.

Hi thks for reply.

I think i better   buy on the spot rather than getting my friend to buy in advance for me.