2500 Yuan Gone! Ignoring This One Rule on High-Speed Rail Results in Instant 2500 Yuan Fine Upon Exit – Many Only Learn After Being Fined

High-speed rail is an important mode of transportation for many people traveling between northern and southern Taiwan, yet one entry and exit rule often goes unnoticed. Recently, a netizen posted online about waiting for a friend inside a high-speed rail station for 3.5 hours without exiting. When their friend exited, they were blocked by the gate. Station staff explained that staying inside the station for too long without exiting incurs a 2500 yuan滞留 fee. After the post went viral, many users commented, 'I didn’t know this until now.'

A user on the social platform 'Threads' shared that they waited 3.5 hours inside the station to meet a friend before exiting together. However, when their friend exited, they were stopped at the gate. Staff said, 'You didn’t exit after getting off the train. Staying inside the station for 3.5 hours requires a 2500 yuan滞留 fee.'

The user clarified they had simply sat in the waiting area without moving or using facilities. Fortunately, after reviewing surveillance footage, staff confirmed no movement and waived the fine. They urged others: 'Remember to exit first if you’re waiting for someone!'

After the post gained attention, many netizens responded: 'Restrooms and food are outside the gate. Holding out on the platform for 3.5 hours is impressive,' 'Good thing you mentioned you didn’t move around,' 'I never knew you couldn’t wait inside—thanks for the info,' 'I once took a train from Tainan to Kaohsiung, fell asleep from exhaustion, and overshot to Pingtung. Staff asked why I stayed so long, and I said I was too tired,' 'I didn’t know this rule existed! Once I overslept a stop, but staff kindly updated my ticket without extra charge,' 'This is common knowledge—Taiwan Railways has had this rule for decades,' 'Actually, I think you might get stopped after about two hours. I calculated my own stay was just over two hours, under three.'

Others noted: 'They could have legally fined you—don’t do this again,' 'Because HSR is so fast, three hours could cover multiple round trips—that’s why the fee is high. TRA fines might be lower,' 'With a short-distance free seat ticket, 3.5 hours is enough to go from Taipei to Kaohsiung, meet someone without exiting, and return to Banqiao,' 'MRT systems have similar rules—fees accumulate slowly, but I’m not sure about large penalties,' 'By the way, TRA also charges for excessive station dwell time,' 'These rules exist because some passengers exploited loopholes to avoid paying fares.'

HSR Overstay Fine Amount: According to official Taiwan High-Speed Rail regulations, passengers must not remain within the station for more than 3.5 hours from entry to exit. After ticket supplementation upon arrival, passengers must leave the paid area within one hour. Those exceeding these limits without valid reason may be charged a penalty equal to the full fare of a business-class round-trip across the entire route.