Taiwan Sanrio Themed Sightseeing Train: A Cute Rail Journey Around Taiwan

Taiwan’s Sanrio themed sightseeing train is one of the cutest ways to explore the island by rail. Known as the Formosa Express or Round-the-Island Star themed train, this special Taiwan Railway experience combines scenic travel with colourful Sanrio character carriages, onboard activities, food, drinks, photo spots and a relaxed sightseeing pace.

Rather than being a fast commuter train, this is a travel experience in itself. The journey is designed for families, Sanrio fans, couples, content creators and travellers who want to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes without rushing from one city to the next.

What Is the Taiwan Sanrio Themed Sightseeing Train?

The Taiwan Sanrio themed sightseeing train is a special tourist train operated on the Taiwan Railway network. It is part of the Formosa Express sightseeing train experience and is designed around popular Sanrio characters, with decorated interiors, themed tickets, onboard entertainment and scenic rail routes around Taiwan.

This is not the same as Taiwan High Speed Rail. The high-speed train is the fastest way to travel between major west coast cities, while the Sanrio sightseeing train is slower, more playful and focused on the journey itself. You ride it for the scenery, the themed carriages, the onboard activities and the novelty of travelling through Taiwan in a character-decorated train.

What Makes It Special?

The main attraction is the full themed experience. From the outside of the train to the seats, walls, tickets and activity areas, the Sanrio theme is carried throughout the journey. It is not just a normal train with a few stickers. The train is designed to feel cheerful, colourful and photo-friendly from the moment you board.

Depending on the ticket and route, travellers may experience spacious business-class style seating, onboard meals or snacks, drinks, karaoke, photo booths, capsule toy machines, themed tickets and occasional DIY-style activities. This makes it especially appealing for travellers who enjoy quirky transport experiences.

Sanrio Characters on the Train

The train features well-known Sanrio characters across different themed carriage designs. Characters may include favourites such as My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin and Cinnamoroll, along with other Sanrio characters depending on the current design and carriage allocation.

It is worth noting that the current Sanrio sightseeing train is not simply a “Hello Kitty train”. Some older Taiwan themed train experiences heavily featured Hello Kitty, but the newer Sanrio-themed Formosa Express focuses on a wider Sanrio character lineup. If you are specifically hoping to see Hello Kitty, check the latest official train photos and carriage details before booking.

Route and Main Stations

The Sanrio themed Formosa Express is designed as a round-island sightseeing train. It can depart Taipei in different directions and stops at multiple stations around Taiwan. Major stops can include places such as Taipei, Banqiao, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Changhua, Chiayi, Tainan, Xinzuoying, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Taitung, Hualien and Jiaoxi, depending on the service and direction.

Some travellers book a full round-island experience, while others book a one-way or shorter segment between selected cities. Popular route ideas include Taipei to Taichung, Taipei to Hualien, Kaohsiung to Taipei, Taitung to Taipei or a longer scenic route that includes Taiwan’s east coast.

What to Expect Onboard

Themed Carriages

The carriages are decorated with Sanrio character designs, bright colours and playful details. Themed seats, wall panels and photo-friendly interiors make the journey feel very different from a standard train ride.

Comfortable Seating

The business-class style seating is one of the big advantages of this train. Seats are generally more spacious than ordinary commuter-style seating, making the journey more comfortable for longer routes.

Karaoke Car

One of the most memorable features is the karaoke car. This gives the train a fun group-travel feeling and makes the ride more interactive, especially for families, friends and travellers who enjoy lively onboard entertainment.

Lounge and Bar Car

The lounge car offers a more relaxed space where passengers can enjoy drinks and look out at the scenery. Depending on the package, drinks may be included or available as part of the onboard service.

Activity Car

The activity car may include photo opportunities, capsule toy machines, craft-style activities or other seasonal experiences. These features make the train particularly good for children and Sanrio fans who want more than just a seat and a view.

Meals and Snacks

Some ticket types include meals, snacks or drinks. The exact food offering can vary by route, time and package, so check the booking page carefully before you pay. On longer routes, meals can make the journey feel more like a full-day experience rather than simple transport.

Tickets and Booking Tips

Tickets are usually sold through Taiwan Railway tourism train channels and selected travel booking partners. Options may include one-way tickets, round-trip tickets, western route day trips, eastern route day trips, self-guided packages or more complete travel packages that combine train tickets with accommodation and tours.

Prices vary depending on distance, route, ticket type and what is included. A short one-way journey will usually cost less than a full one-day or round-island package that includes meals and activities. Before booking, compare what is included rather than judging only by the headline price.

When booking, check:

• Departure station and arrival station
• Train direction and travel time
• Whether meals, drinks or snacks are included
• Whether activities are included
• Refund and change rules
• Whether you receive physical tickets or digital confirmation
• Exact boarding instructions for your station

Who Is This Train Best For?

The Taiwan Sanrio themed train is best for travellers who want the train journey to be part of the holiday, not just a way to get from one city to another. It is especially good for Sanrio fans, families with children, couples looking for a quirky day out, and travellers who enjoy scenic rail travel.

It may not be the best choice if you are in a hurry. If your only goal is to travel quickly from Taipei to Kaohsiung, Taiwan High Speed Rail will usually be faster. The Sanrio train is better when you have time to enjoy the ride, take photos, join the activities and appreciate the slower route.

Simple Sanrio Train Itinerary

Option 1: Easy One-Way Scenic Ride

• Start in Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Hualien or Taitung depending on your travel plans.
• Book a one-way Sanrio themed train ticket to your next destination.
• Arrive early at the station to find the correct platform and carriage.
• Enjoy the themed interiors, food, drinks and onboard activities.
• Continue your trip from the arrival city.

Option 2: Taipei to Hualien Sanrio Train Trip

A Taipei to Hualien route can be a good option for travellers who want to combine the themed train with Taiwan’s east coast scenery. Hualien is a useful base for coastal landscapes, mountain views and nearby natural attractions.

Option 3: Full-Day Round-Island Experience

For travellers who love trains, the round-island option is the big experience. It can take around 13 hours, so it is a long day, but it gives you the novelty of circling Taiwan in a themed sightseeing train with meals, scenery and onboard entertainment along the way.

Travel Tips Before You Ride

Book Early

Themed trains can sell out, especially during weekends, school holidays and promotional periods. Book as early as possible if the train is a key part of your Taiwan itinerary.

Check the Current Theme

Character trains can change over time. Always check the latest official photos, route details and booking information before you travel, especially if you are expecting a particular Sanrio character.

Arrive at the Station Early

Because this is a special train, boarding instructions may be more specific than a normal train. Arrive early, check the platform, and make sure you are waiting near the correct carriage area.

Bring a Portable Charger

You will probably take a lot of photos and videos onboard. A portable charger is useful, especially if you are doing a long route or full-day journey.

Do Not Treat It Like a Fast Train

This is a sightseeing train, not the fastest transport option. Choose it because you want a fun and memorable journey, not because you need the quickest route between cities.

Plan Your Luggage Carefully

If you are travelling with large suitcases, check luggage space and boarding details before booking. A smaller suitcase or soft bag may be easier to manage on a sightseeing train journey.

FAQs About the Taiwan Sanrio Train

Is the Taiwan Sanrio train the same as the Hello Kitty train?

Not exactly. Taiwan has had Hello Kitty themed train experiences in the past, but the current Sanrio themed sightseeing train focuses on a broader Sanrio character lineup. Depending on the carriage, you may see characters such as My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin and Cinnamoroll.

Where does the Sanrio themed train go?

The train operates as a Taiwan Railway sightseeing train and can travel around the island, stopping at multiple cities and scenic regions. Routes and stops vary by ticket type and direction, so check the latest timetable before booking.

Can I ride the train for just one section?

Yes, some ticket options allow one-way or shorter segment travel. This can be a good choice if you want the themed experience without committing to a full round-island day.

Is the train suitable for children?

Yes, it is very suitable for children and families. The character interiors, activities, snacks, photo spots and karaoke-style entertainment make it more engaging than an ordinary train ride.

Is it better than Taiwan High Speed Rail?

It depends on your purpose. Taiwan High Speed Rail is better for speed and efficiency. The Sanrio themed train is better for sightseeing, novelty, photos and a fun travel experience.

Do tickets include food?

Some packages include meals, snacks or drinks, but inclusions vary. Always read the ticket details carefully before booking.

How long does the full round-island train journey take?

The full one-day round-island style journey can take around 13 hours. It is best for travellers who enjoy long scenic train rides and want the journey itself to be the main activity.

Final Thoughts

The Taiwan Sanrio themed sightseeing train is one of the most charming rail experiences in Taiwan. It turns a train trip into a playful day out, with character carriages, scenic views, comfortable seating, food, drinks and onboard activities.

For travellers who love Sanrio, themed transport or scenic rail journeys, it is a memorable addition to a Taiwan itinerary. Just remember to check the latest route, timetable, character theme and ticket inclusions before booking, as special train services can change by season and availability.