2025 holiday travel with your pet: the complete guide to HSR, TRA, and bus pet policies!

The 2025 holidays are just around the corner — after a whole year of hard work, of course you want your beloved pet by your side when you head home or out on a trip! But if you’re planning to take the HSR, TRA, or an intercity bus, make sure you’re up to speed on each carrier’s pet policy to avoid any hassle.

Here’s a summary of the latest pet travel rules for each mode of transport:

🔹 HSR pet policy

• Carrier size limit: 55 cm (L) × 45 cm (W) × 38 cm (H)
• Fees: 1st item is free; a full-price ticket must be purchased for the 2nd item.
• Pet strollers must fold to no more than 150 cm in any single dimension, with a total not exceeding 220 cm, and may be placed free of charge in the train’s large luggage area.
• Pet backpacks used on the HSR must also meet the size limits above.

Further reading: Taiwan High Speed Rail passenger guidelines

🔹 TRA pet policy

• Carrier size: 55 cm (L) × 45 cm (W) × 38 cm (H)
• Pet ticket fees: standard pets ride free; however, if a pet stroller exceeds the carry-on size limit (220 cm total of L+W+H), you’ll need to check the pet as cargo or purchase a TRA pet ticket for designated trains.
• When checking pets or boarding with a pet, note that large dogs are not permitted in regular passenger cars — they must travel on designated trains or be checked as cargo.
• If your pet is vocal during the journey, it may disturb other passengers — it’s a good idea to get your pet comfortable with the carrier beforehand and bring along calming products.

Further reading: Taiwan Railways carry-on baggage (pets) regulations

🔹 Intercity bus pet policies (Kuo-Kuang, Ubus, Ebus)

• Kuo-Kuang Motor Bus: carrier volume must not exceed 27 cubic decimetres; a half-price ticket is required; limited to one item.
• Ubus (統聯客運): carrier size limit is 30 × 30 × 30 cm; a half-price ticket or NT$100 fee is required; limited to one item.
• Ebus (和欣客運): carrier size must be within 45 cm (L) × 36 cm (W) × 45 cm (H).

Further reading: Ubus official pet travel policy, Ebus official pet travel policy

5 things to keep in mind when travelling with your pet on the HSR, TRA, or intercity buses

1. The pet carrier must be placed on the floor in front of your seat — not on the seat, overhead rack, or in the luggage area.
2. Carriers with wheels or a handle must be carried by hand when boarding to prevent them from rolling.
3. Double-check that your pet stroller or backpack meets the size requirements before you travel.
4. Get your pet used to the carrier ahead of time and bring calming aids to reduce travel anxiety.
5. Where possible, choose the shortest route to minimise stress on your pet.

Conclusion

While most public transport options do allow pets on board, your furry companion may still feel anxious during the journey — especially on longer trips, which can cause discomfort and potentially disturb fellow passengers. For a relaxing and enjoyable holiday for both you and your pet, consider booking a professional in-home pet sitter so your pet can spend the holidays safe and comfortable in their own familiar home.

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