Introduction to Taiwan High Speed Rail
A Complete Guide to Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR): Fast, Efficient, and Traveler-Friendly
Taiwan may be a small island, but getting around it is made incredibly easy thanks to the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR). Whether you’re a local commuter or a first-time visitor exploring the island, THSR is one of the most reliable, efficient, and convenient ways to travel between Taiwan’s major cities.
Stretching from the capital Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung in the south, the high-speed rail offers comfort, speed, and panoramic views that turn the journey into part of the adventure.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about THSR — including how it works, ticket options, station access, travel tips, and why it’s the go-to choice for fast travel across Taiwan.
What Is the Taiwan High Speed Rail?
The Taiwan High Speed Rail is a modern bullet train system that runs along the western corridor of the island. Operational since 2007, it spans approximately 350 kilometers and connects 12 major cities, including Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung (Zuoying).
Trains can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph), cutting what used to be a 5-hour car ride from Taipei to Kaohsiung down to just 90 minutes.
The system is modeled after Japan’s Shinkansen technology, which means you can expect a smooth, quiet, and efficient ride. THSR trains depart frequently — typically every 15 to 30 minutes — and operate from early morning until around 11 PM.
How to Buy THSR Tickets
Getting a ticket for the THSR is easy and flexible. You can purchase them in a number of ways:
● Online via the THSR official website (English version available)
● THSR mobile app for smartphones
● Ticket counters and machines at THSR stations
● Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Hi-Life (limited availability)
● On Klook: Book Taiwan High Speed Rail (Discounts or Buy 1 Get 1 on klook)
Three types of seating:
Standard Class (comfortable and affordable)
Business Class (spacious seating, complimentary snacks and drinks)
Non-reserved Seating (cheaper, good for off-peak travel)
For travelers, it’s worth checking out the THSR Pass, available only to foreign visitors. This pass allows unlimited rides for 2, 3, or 5 days — perfect for exploring multiple cities on a budget.
THSR Station Access and Routes
The THSR line runs north to south and stops at the following 12 stations:
● Nangang
● Taipei
● anqiao
● Taoyuan
● Hsinchu
● Miaoli
● Taichung
● Changhua
● Yunlin
● Chiayi
● Tainan
● Zuoying (Kaohsiung)
Most THSR stations are well-connected to Taiwan Railways (TRA) and metro systems, making it easy to transfer between trains and reach popular tourist areas.
For example, you can take the MRT from Taipei Main Station to Ximending in minutes, or from Zuoying Station to the Kaohsiung city center.
Why Ride the THSR?
There are many reasons why the THSR is the best choice for intercity travel in Taiwan:
● Speed: Reach any major city in under two hours.
● Reliability: On-time performance is consistently above 99%.
● Comfort: Spacious, clean seats with lots of legroom.
● Convenience: Multiple departures daily and easy booking options.
● Scenic Views: Enjoy lush rice fields, coastal towns, and mountains as you glide across the island.
It’s especially useful for day trips from Taipei to Taichung, weekend getaways to Tainan or Kaohsiung, or even a full island tour.
THSR Travel Tips
To make the most of your high-speed rail journey, keep these tips in mind:
● Book early during weekends or holidays, as seats fill up quickly.
● Arrive at the station at least 15 minutes early, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the layout.
● Bring snacks or buy meals at station shops before boarding — though food carts are also available onboard.
● Use lockers or luggage services at major stations for convenient storage.
● Download the THSR app for real-time schedules and seat availability.
Final Thoughts
The Taiwan High Speed Rail is more than just a way to get from point A to point B — it’s an experience in itself. Safe, comfortable, and incredibly efficient, it’s no wonder locals and tourists alike rely on THSR to explore the island’s cultural, historical, and natural highlights.
Whether you’re racing to a business meeting or embarking on a scenic adventure, THSR makes it easy to enjoy all that Taiwan has to offer — fast.
Taiwan High Speed Rail Map
Why You Should Buy the Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass
If you’re planning to explore multiple cities in Taiwan quickly, the Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass is one of the smartest and most budget-friendly options available.
Designed specifically for tourists, this pass offers unlimited rides on the THSR for a set number of days — making it ideal for travelers who want to see more of the island without the hassle of booking individual tickets.
Unlimited Travel = Maximum Flexibility
With a THSR Day Pass, you can travel to any city along the high-speed rail route as many times as you want within the pass period. This is perfect if you’re planning a day trip from Taipei to Taichung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, or even multiple destinations in a single day.
For example:
● Morning: Taipei to Taichung (National Museum of Natural Science or Rainbow Village)
● Afternoon: Taichung to Tainan (historic temples and street food)
● Evening: Tainan to Kaohsiung (night markets, Love River)
No need to purchase separate tickets — just hop on and go.
Save Money on Long-Distance Rides
Buying individual THSR tickets for each journey can add up quickly. A round-trip from Taipei to Kaohsiung alone can cost over NT$3,000 (~USD 100). But with a THSR Day Pass, you get unlimited rides for a fixed price, often for less than the cost of one round trip.
Types of passes available:
● 1-Day Standard Pass
● 2-Day Consecutive Pass
● Flexible 2-Day Pass (choose any 2 days within 7 days)
● THSR + MRT Combo Pass
These options provide excellent value for budget-conscious travelers, especially those visiting multiple cities.
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass
■ (Taiwan Pass) HSR + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
■ (Taiwan Pass) Taiwan Railways + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
Easy, Tourist-Friendly Travel Across Taiwan
The THSR Day Pass is available exclusively to international travelers, which means it’s designed with tourists in mind. You can book it online in advance or purchase it through authorized travel agents, including Klook.
Other benefits:
● Reserved seating available (recommended during peak travel)
● English-friendly service at all THSR stations
● Valid for travel between all 12 THSR stations, from Nangang (Taipei) to Zuoying (Kaohsiung)
With Taiwan’s top destinations all connected by high-speed rail, the Day Pass offers stress-free travel and eliminates the need for constant planning.
Key Benefits Recap:
● Unlimited THSR rides for 1, 2, or 3 days
● Big savings on long-distance and multi-city travel
● Flexible use for spontaneous day trips or regional tours
● Convenient booking and foreign visitor eligibility
● Perfect for backpackers, family vacations, or scenic rail journeys
If your Taiwan itinerary includes more than one city, the THSR Day Pass is a no-brainer. It gives you the freedom to explore Taiwan’s most vibrant destinations at high speed — without worrying about ticket prices or availability.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets at Sun Moon Lake, exploring temples in Tainan, or enjoying street food in Taichung, the THSR Day Pass helps you see more, spend less, and travel smarter.
THSR Discounts or Buy 1 Get 1 on klook
Book Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket
Discounts or Buy 1 Get 1 for Adults – Promo Code [G02TAIWAN] for non-Taiwanese
Children over the age of 6 years and under 12 years old may purchase the child ticket. Children under 6 years old who do not occupy a seat are not required to purchase a ticket, but those who would like to occupy a seat will have to purchase a ticket.
Buy one get one free is already half price, which is cheaper than children’s tickets, so you can just buy the tickets using the buy one get one free deal. Because Klook promotions change frequently, you can compare the two booking systems. Taiwan High Speed Rail Joint Ticket
Taiwan High Speed Rail Schedule
Taiwan High Speed Rail Schedule
After Purchasing Tickets, You Must Reserve Seats
All tickets must be redeemed at one time; partial redemption is not allowed. After you purchase your ticket from the link above, you need to go to Taiwan High Speed Rail website to to reserve a seat. You have to wait a day (After midnight Taiwan time zone) before you can start making reservations. You will receive a confirmation from klook. They will provide detailed information.
Please follow the reservation process shown below to go to the to book your seat online, and collect your physical ticket at the Taiwan High Speed Rail ticket counter.
Click image to enlarge
Bring a ID and Exchange for a Physical Ticket
Once you have completed your seat reservation you will be given a reservation code. You need to bring a valid identification to the station to exchange for a physical ticket.
Reminder
You must redeem and reserve your seat within 89 days from the day after purchase. You can reserve seats up to 29 days in advance. For example, if the redemption date is Monday, August 5, 2024, you can book up to Monday, September 2, 2024.
Reservations are required to board a train.
The information on this website is for reference only. Please refer to the official website for correct information.
Taiwan High Speed Rail Joint Ticket
This is a different way to buy tickets. Locals can also buy tickets using this system, so the discount is not very good.
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Joint Ticket Discounts
Pick up your tickets from the ticket counter/machine at least 1 hour before departure. You can also collect your tickets in advance from an ibon or FamiPort machine.
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.
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.