Taiwan’s round-island sightseeing train has had a glow-up. Last year’s Disney-wrapped Formosa Express is now all about Sanrio since January 2025. The Formosa Express is operated by Taiwan Railway in collaboration with ezTravel. It’s less commute, more play. It’s also a novel way to enjoy the sights of Taiwan from Fridays to Mondays.
We’ve been leaning into more rail journeys lately, including a ride on the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Seward back in May. You can check out that story here. More recently, on 28 July 2025, we boarded the 1.28pm Formosa Express at Zhiben station in Taitung and arrived in Taipei right on time at 7.29pm.
Running four days a week, Friday to Monday, two trains leave Taipei in opposite directions so you can circle the island clockwise or anticlockwise in just one day. Onboard, you’ll find eight themed carriages decked out with My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, Gudetama and Hangyodon.
Each carriage has its own personality. Belt it out in a karaoke car, snap away in the activity car with gashapon and photo booths, sip free-flow soft drinks in a bar-lounge car, or settle into business-class seats with wide 1-2 seat configuration, which swivels and recline.
Expect DIY craft sessions, local snacks or hot meals on some routes, plus guided audio pointing out the scenery as you sweep through 22 stops including Taipei, Hualien, Taichung, Chiayi, Taitung and Kaohsiung among them.
The western loop usually departs Taipei at 6.22am and gets you back before 7.30pm, while the eastern loop rolls out at 8.10am and returns before 9.45pm. Perfect timing whether you’re chasing sunrise shots or sea views for your photo dump.
Comparing Formosa Express with Taiwan High Speed Rail
Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) is a modern bullet train system that connects major cities along Taiwan’s west coast at speeds of up to 300 km/h, making it the fastest way to travel long distances across the island. It’s designed for efficiency, comfort and business or leisure travellers who need to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung in under two hours. The Formosa Express, on the other hand, is a themed sightseeing train run by Taiwan Railways that loops around the island at a slower pace. Instead of speed, it focuses on the journey itself, with Sanrio-character decorated carriages, activity and karaoke cars, and scenic views, turning the ride into a playful travel experience rather than just a way to get from point A to B.
| You want… | Round-the-Island Star, Sanrio Formosa Express train | Taiwan High Speed Rail |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Sightseeing with themed cars and activities. | Fast A-to-B along the west coast |
| Typical day pattern | Two loop trains from Taipei, one clockwise and one anticlockwise, covering 22 stops each way. | Trains all day, roughly every 10 to 20 minutes on the core Taipei to Kaohsiung section. |
| Sample itinerary – duration, Taipei to Kaohsiung area | Full-day loop. 12 to 13 hours door to door, with scenic pauses in the timetable. | About 1 hour 35 minutes to under 2 hours to Zuoying, depending on service. |
| Onboard | Themed decor, business-style swivel seating, KTV car, activity car, bar with free-flow soft drinks, scheduled DIY sessions, and occasional snacks or meals by segment. | Reserved or non-reserved seating, quiet cars on some services, at-seat power on newer seats, simple trolley service at most. |
| Booking | Via TRA’s Round-the-Island Star page and partners, including ezTravel, KKday and others. | Direct on THSR site or app. Advance booking window is 29 days. |
| Best for | Families, content creators, anyone who wants the journey to be the story. | Travellers on a schedule, business trips, quick city hops. |
Besides the Formosa Express, Taiwan Railway also operates other sightseeing trains, including the Haifeng, Shanlan and Breezy Blue (Fangliao to Taitung). These three trains are operated in collaboration with Lion Travel.
Sanrio Character-themed Boarding Passes
You don’t just get a train ride, you get a collectable too. There are six different themed tickets handed out at random – Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, Kuromi, My Melody, Hangyodon, and Gudetama. With bright illustrations of trains, characters, and landscapes, these tickets double as keepsakes, making the ride as memorable offboard as it is onboard.
A Sanrio Character Themed Train Livery
Expect dedicated carriages for Kuromi, My Melody, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll and Hangyodon, each channelling its character’s signature palette, Kuromi’s black and purple, My Melody’s candy pink, Pompompurin’s custard yellow, Cinnamoroll’s sky blue and Hangyodon’s teal. The theme is not a sticker-and-go situation, it is a full look. From the platform you clock a wrap that is unapologetically loud, then you step in and see the same personality carried through the space, colours, icons and typography that make the whole carriage feel like a set piece. The result is wonderfully cohesive, your photos line up inside and out and your camera roll panics in the best way.
Outside matches inside, so your journey starts before the doors even open. Bulkhead art lines up with what you just shot on the platform, the signage and small details keep the character story going, and even the mood lighting stays on brand. You will want to linger, do a quick carriage hop, then pick the backdrop that suits your feed. It feels like those themed planes we all notice, ANA’s Star Wars jets where even the napkins and safety cards play along, EVA Air’s Hello Kitty world in full pink, or Scoot’s Pokémon aircraft that turns boarding into a photo call. Same idea here, fun first, commute second, perfect for families, collectors and anyone who enjoys a touch of whimsy with their window views.
The Business Class carriage offers 33 reclining seats arranged in a 1-2 configuration. The real scene-stealer is the generously wide car windows. The near-unobstructed panoramas make it feel like a travel film playing right outside your seat.
Larger luggage can be tucked away in storage spaces at the front or back of each carriage, while smaller bags fit neatly into the overhead racks above your seat. Don’t expect in-seat charging though. I didn’t spot any outlets at my bulkhead seat. Instead, public charging stations are available at every embarkation point on the train if you need a quick top-up.
Sing Karaoke onboard the Formosa Express
The karaoke car is where the ride flips from scenic to downright fun. Sanrio characters on the walls, bright lights, and potentially a queue of strangers-turned-cheerleaders await their turn at the mic. The song list swings between Mandarin hits and English crowd-pleasers, so there’s always something familiar to belt out. It’s not a private KTV room, it’s a moving stage, which makes it even better when everyone claps along.
Tip: go mid-journey when the crowd thins, keep your setlist short, and snap a quick clip for Reels before soaking up the vibe. It’s loud, lively and a little chaotic, but that’s exactly why this slow travel train ride feels unforgettable.
The Lounge, Karaoke and Activity cars operate from 7.30am to 6.30pm.
Selfies in the Activity Carriage
The Activity Car is your play stop. Swap a few dollars for a token and jump in front of the self-service photo booth with your friends. Props and headgear are available on request, so you can dial the look up or keep it classy.
There is also a mini scavenger hunt. Track down 10 hidden Sanrio characters in this carriage, snap a photo of each one, then head to the activity room to redeem a prize snack when you have the full set.
Free activities are hosted here too. Tables and seats are set up in the same space, so you can settle in comfortably while you join the sessions.
Free activity onboard – Customise your own Pouch
You get to customise a canvas zip pouch. Pick a blank pouch, ink up the Sanrio stamps, then layer on felt stick-ons, flowers, stars, even a tiny planet if you’re feeling cosmic. In a few minutes you’ve got a cheery, one-of-a-kind souvenir that actually fits in your bag, and yes, it doubles as a cable pouch for the rest of the trip. Cute, quick, and very giftable.
Enjoy Free Drinks and Buy Sanrio Character Merchandise at the Lounge Car with Bar
The Lounge and Bar car on the Formosa Express is one of the liveliest spots on the train. Dressed head-to-toe in Sanrio charm, the space doubles up as a mini café and souvenir shop. You’ll find themed drinks and snacks, from coffee and tea to sodas and juices, all served in cups splashed with your favourite characters. Beverages can be topped up free of charge, as part of your train ticket.
Themed merchandise such as plush toys, embroidered patches and colourful tote bags line the shelves, making it hard to leave empty-handed. There are bar-style tables by the windows where you can sip a drink while watching the scenery roll past, or just snap that perfect Instagram shot with PomPomPurin or Cinnamoroll peeking over your shoulder.
Dinner Bento on the Formosa Express
Part of the journey is the meal itself. Dinner is served in a bento box that includes a warm bamboo rice. This traditional dish, once a staple for Taiwan’s indigenous tribes and now a beloved street food, is prepared by packing glutinous rice into bamboo tubes before roasting or steaming. The bamboo lends the rice a gentle aroma and earthy taste, while doubling up as a natural serving vessel.
The sides rotate, but this set included sweet tamagoyaki, sautéed greens with tomato, roasted meats, fried prawn, sausage, and a medley of root vegetables like pumpkin and purple yam. There’s also a cheesy baked slice of chicken and a battered fritter to keep things hearty. It’s playful, filling, and just the right companion while you watch the scenery roll by.
Of course, when the train hits a bumpy stretch, the real test begins. Juggling your bamboo rice while keeping the bento from staging a dramatic escape. We can attest to that with first-hand experience.
