Overview of Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR)
Opened: 2007
Route: The THSR runs along Taiwan’s west coast, connecting major cities from north to south. It connects Taipei (in the north) to Kaohsiung (in the south), with several stops in between, including Taichung, Tainan, and Hsinchu.
Speed: The trains travel at speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph), which allows you to travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung in about 1.5 to 2 hours, compared to 4-5 hours by car or bus.
The Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) is an excellent way to travel around Taiwan, especially if you’re visiting multiple cities. It’s fast, efficient, and comfortable. Taiwan High Speed Rail has a shorter journey time and therefore more expensive tickets. It is only suitable for long distance travel to different cities
Key THSR Stations
Taipei Station (North) – Main station in the capital, where you can board the high-speed trains.
Banqiao Station – In New Taipei City, a convenient stop for those near the western part of Taipei.
Taoyuan Station – Close to Taoyuan Airport, ideal for travelers arriving in Taiwan.
Hsinchu Station – A tech hub with a stop along the way to the central part of Taiwan.
Taichung Station – Located in central Taiwan, great for exploring the city and surrounding areas.
Tainan Station – Near Taiwan’s oldest city, known for its historical attractions.
Kaohsiung Station (South) – The last stop in southern Taiwan, close to attractions like the Love River and Cijin Island.
Advantages of Taking THSR
Speed: The high-speed trains are the fastest way to travel between cities on Taiwan’s west coast.
Comfort: Spacious seats, clean facilities, and smooth journeys.
Convenience: Frequent departures, good connections to local transport, and excellent coverage of key cities.
Taiwan High Speed Rail Map
Ticketing
Fares: Ticket prices depend on the class of service (Standard or Business Class) and the distance. For example, a one-way ticket from Taipei to Kaohsiung is around NT$ 1,500 (about USD$46).
Types of Tickets:
Standard Class: Most common and affordable.
Business Class: More spacious seating, fewer passengers, and better services (at a higher price).
Seat Reservation: It’s not mandatory to reserve a seat in advance, but it’s recommended, especially during peak travel times. You can book tickets online, via the official THSR app, or at ticket counters in stations.
Discounts & Special Deals
Early Bird Offers: Sometimes, there are discounts for early bookings, so keep an eye on special promotions on the THSR website.
Group Discounts: If you’re traveling with a group, you might be eligible for discounts.
Overall, the Taiwan High-Speed Rail is one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to travel across Taiwan. It’s fast, reliable, and connects you to all the major cities with ease. Perfect for both tourists and locals!
Where can I buy High Speed Rail tickets?
Online: You can buy tickets on the official Taiwan High-Speed Rail website or use the THSR mobile app. Tickets can be purchased up to 28 days in advance.
At any HSR Station: Tickets can also be bought at ticket machines or counters in the station.
On the T Express app: Taiwan High Speed Rail T Express Mobile Ticketing Service. It is only option for e-tickets.
On Klook: Book Taiwan High Speed Rail
How to book Taiwan High Speed Rail tickets?
Travel Pass: The Taiwan High-Speed Rail Pass is a great option if you’re planning to take multiple trips on the THSR. It provides unlimited rides within a specific period (e.g., 3 days, 5 days) and can be a cost-effective choice.
Taiwan High Speed Rail Schedule
Taiwan High Speed Rail Schedule
When to book Taiwan High-Speed Rail?
Tickets are available to book 29 days up to 1 hour prior to scheduled time of departure. Furthermore, when the advance booking date falls on a Friday or Saturday, it will be extended to the Sunday after. If the period opens for booking adjusted due to force majeure, THSRC will make additional announcements.
Travel Tips for THSR
Travel Time: Check the THSR timetable to plan your journey. Train schedules are available on the official website and mobile app.
Stations at Major Hubs: Stations like Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung are well-connected to MRTs and bus networks, so you can easily transfer to other destinations within the city.
Luggage: There’s ample space for small to medium-sized luggage. Larger items, like oversized suitcases, may need to be checked in at the station’s baggage service.
Language: Most signs at the stations and on the trains are in both Chinese and English, and staff at the major stations can assist you in English.
Peak Travel Times: Weekends, public holidays, and the Chinese New Year period tend to be busy times for travel. It’s a good idea to book in advance during these times.
Boarding & Facilities
Boarding: Trains depart frequently (typically every 15-30 minutes), especially during the day. Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
Facilities: THSR trains are equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and restrooms. Business Class offers larger seats, more legroom, and refreshments.
Food & Drinks: There’s a bento box service (meal options) on most trains, as well as vending machines selling snacks and drinks.
How long is the High speed train from Taipei to Kaohsiung?
You can travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung by Taiwan High-Speed Rail as fast as 1h 34m, with tickets starting from just USD$45. For most days, the earliest departure is 06:15 and the latest is 22:16.
Can I bring luggage on Taiwan High Speed Rail?
Luggage storage area: There is at least one large luggage storage area in each car for passengers to place their large suitcases. It is recommended to place small luggage in front of your seat or on the luggage rack above the seats.
How to Get from THSR Stations to Popular Destinations
Taiwan High Speed Rail has its own station. Among them, only Taipei Main Station is located in the city center, and the rest are located outside the city center. On the other hand, Taiwan Railways trains stop in the city center. This means that once you arrive in a HSR destination city, you will usually need additional travel time to get from the HSR station to your city centre destination, incurring additional costs. My suggestion is to check if the HSR plus transfer time is actually faster.
Taipei: Once at Taipei Station, you can easily access the Taipei MRT to explore the city.
Kaohsiung: The Kaohsiung MRT is accessible from the THSR station, making it easy to travel to other parts of the city.
Taichung and other cities: You can take a bus or a taxi from THSR Station to get to the city center or other tourist destinations like Sun Moon Lake.
What time does the Taiwan High Speed Rail open?
High-speed rail general business hours 06:00 ~ 24:00 (This depends on the earliest and latest times of the high-speed rail, as well as the times of holiday overtime trains.)
Taipei High Speed Rail Station
No. 3, Beiping West Road, Taipei City
Opening hours: 06:00 ~ 24:00
Passengers can transfer from Taipei High Speed Rail Station to Taiwan Railway (Taipei Main Station), Taipei Metro, Airport Metro and buses to other locations.
Nangang High Speed Railway Station
No. 313, Section 1, Nangang Road, Nangang District, Taipei City
Opening hours: 05:50 ~ 00:05
Passengers can transfer from Nangang High Speed Rail Station to Taiwan Railways (Nangang Station), MRT and buses to other places.
Banqiao High Speed Rail Station
No. 7, Section 2, Xianmin Boulevard, Banqiao District, New Taipei City
Opening hours: 06:00 ~ 24:00
Passengers can transfer from Banqiao High Speed Rail Station to Taiwan Railways (Banqiao Station), MRT and buses to other places.
Taoyuan High Speed Rail Station
No. 6, Section 1, Gaotie North Road, Zhongli District, Taoyuan City
Opening hours: 06:20 ~ 23:45
Passengers can transfer to the Airport MRT and buses from Taoyuan High Speed Rail Station to other locations.
Hsinchu High Speed Rail Station
No. 6, Gaotie 7th Road, Zhubei City, Hsinchu County
Opening hours: 06:15 ~ 23:45
Passengers can transfer to Taiwan Railways (Liujia Train Station) and buses from Hsinchu High Speed Rail Station to other locations.
Taichung High Speed Rail Station
No. 8, Zhanqu 2nd Road, Wuri District, Taichung City
Opening hours: 05:40 ~ 24:00
Passengers can transfer from Taichung High Speed Rail Station to Taiwan Railways (Xinwuri Train Station), MRT and buses to other locations.
Miaoli High Speed Rail Station
No. 268, Gaotie 3rd Road, Houlong Township, Miaoli County
Opening hours: 06:05 ~ 23:45
Passengers can transfer to Taiwan Railways (Fuqiang Train Station) and buses from Miaoli High Speed Rail Station to other locations.
Yunlin High Speed Rail Station
No. 301, Zhanqian East Road, Huwei Township, Yunlin County
Opening hours: 06:15 ~ 23:45
Passengers can transfer to buses from Yunlin High Speed Rail Station to other locations.
Chiayi High Speed Rail Station
No. 168, Gaotie West Road, Taibao City, Chiayi County
Opening hours: 06:00 ~ 23:45
Passengers can transfer to buses from Chiayi High Speed Rail Station to other locations.
Tainan High Speed Rail Station
No. 100, Guiren Boulevard, Guiren District, Tainan City
Business hours: 05:45 ~ 24:00. Passengers can transfer to the Taiwan Railway (Shalun Train Station) and buses from Tainan High Speed Rail Station to other locations.
Zuoying High Speed Rail Station
No. 105, High Speed Rail, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City
Opening hours: 05:25 ~ 24:00
Passengers can transfer from Zuoying High Speed Rail Station to Taiwan Railways (New Zuoying Train Station), MRT and bus to other locations.