Taiwan enjoys exceptional geographical advantages, and while its total area isn’t vast, transportation between major cities is both frequent and essential. Whether you’re looking for the Taiwan High Speed Rail schedule (THSR) or planning your journey from Taipei to Kaohsiung on the high speed rail, THSR provides travelers with an excellent transportation option. For business travelers, tourists, and commuters alike, the high speed rail has shortened the space-time distance between cities, making Taiwan’s “single-day living circle” a reality and making Taiwan High Speed Rail reservations a necessary preparation for many before departure.
Compared to driving or taking the regular TRA train, high speed rail’s greatest advantage is its speed and punctuality. Through the convenient Taiwan High Speed Rail booking system, passengers can easily check high speed rail train times and ticket prices. In busy metropolitan life, high speed rail has become the best choice for rapid movement between major cities, eliminating worries about traffic jams or road conditions, making journeys more comfortable and predictable. Whether choosing reserved seats or the economical non-reserved seats, travelers can conduct high speed rail time inquiries according to their personal needs to find the most suitable train.
The Fastest Way To Travel Across Taiwan – Taiwan High Speed Rail schedule
Taiwan High Speed Rail’s general operating hours are:
- Weekdays: 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Additional trains may be added on weekends and holidays
For actual departure times, please refer to the official schedule, as adjustments may be made for seasons and special holidays.
Where Can You Book Taiwan High Speed Rail
Here are 5 ways that can help you to book your THSR traffic tickets.
1. Official Website
- Visit the Taiwan High Speed Rail official website (https://en.thsrc.com.tw)
- Register as a member to enjoy accumulated points and various discounts
- Tickets can be booked up to 28 days in advance
- Supports credit cards, WebATM, and various payment methods
2. THSR APP
- Download the “Taiwan High Speed Rail” APP
- Provides real-time seat availability and fare information
- Supports mobile barcode for direct entry, no physical ticket needed
- Quick access to schedules and delay information
3. Station Ticket Counters and Automatic Ticket Machines
- All THSR stations have manned ticket counters
- Automatic ticket machines operate 24 hours, with simple operation
- Cash or credit cards accepted
4. Convenience Store Ticket Purchase and Collection
- Tickets available at 7-11, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK and other convenience stores
- Additional handling fee required
- Supports reservation and ticket collection functions
5. Special Ticket Types
Flexible seating options and travel package deals can bring more convenience and make your vacation smoother.
Non-Reserved Seats:
- No need to specify a seat, can board any non-reserved car
- Suitable for flexible itineraries or last-minute departures
Travel Packages:
- THSR 3-Day Pass, THSR Flexible 2-Day Pass: Offers unlimited rides for foreign visitors within 2 or 3 days
- Airline partnership discounts: International airlines like China Airlines and EVA Air often offer high speed rail add-on packages with flight tickets
- T Holiday: Official packages combining high speed rail tickets, accommodation, and attraction tickets
Travel Quickly From Northern To Southern Taiwan By THSR (Taiwan High Speed Rail)
The greatest advantage of Taiwan High Speed Rail is shortening travel time between cities. Taking Taiwan’s two major cities at opposite ends as an example, the journey comparison from Taipei Nangang Station to Kaohsiung Zuoying Station:
| Transportation Method | Time Required | Approximate Fare (One-way) | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| High Speed Rail | About 1 hour 35 minutes | NT$1,490 | Fast, punctual, comfortable | Higher fare |
| TRA Tze-Chiang Express | About 4 hours 30 minutes | NT$738 | Lower fare, scenic views along the way | Longer journey time |
| Self-driving | About 4-5 hours | Fuel cost approx. NT$1,000 + toll fees | Flexible itinerary | Susceptible to traffic jams, more tiring |
| Express Bus | About 5-6 hours | NT$500-600 | Lowest fare | Longest journey time, less comfort |
As you can see, high speed rail reduces the travel time from Taipei to Kaohsiung to less than 2 hours, with efficiency far exceeding other transportation methods, especially for business travelers or those with limited time – THSR is undoubtedly the best choice.
Taiwan High Speed Rail Station Information
Taiwan High Speed Rail currently has 12 operational stations, from north to south:
1. Nangang Station
- Transfer Options: Taipei MRT (Bannan Line), TRA
- Features: The easternmost high speed rail station in Taipei, near Nangang Exhibition Center and Software Park
- Nearby Attractions: Nangang Station Mall, Nangang Exhibition Center, LaLaport Nangang
2. Taipei Station
- Transfer Options: Taipei MRT (Bannan Line, Tamsui-Xinyi Line), TRA, Taoyuan Airport MRT
- Features: Located in central Taipei, directly connected underground to Taipei Main Station, the busiest high speed rail station in Taiwan
- Nearby Attractions: Taipei Underground Mall, Zhongshan Underground Mall, Dadaocheng, Ximending
3. Banqiao Station
- Transfer Options: Taipei MRT (Bannan Line), TRA
- Features: New Taipei City’s main high speed rail station, station building integrated with shopping center
- Nearby Attractions: Banqiao Station Commercial Area
4. Taoyuan Station
- Transfer Options: Taoyuan Airport MRT
- Features: Near Taoyuan International Airport, with shuttle bus service to the airport
- Nearby Attractions: Gloria Outlets, Zhuwei Fishing Harbor
5. Hsinchu Station
- Transfer Options: TRA Zhubei Station shuttle bus
- Features: Located in Zhubei City, Hsinchu County, shuttle bus required to reach downtown
- Nearby Attractions: Liujia Ancient Residence, Xinwu Hakka Cultural Preservation Area
6. Miaoli Station
- Transfer Options: TRA shuttle bus
- Features: Located in a distinctive agricultural area, station design incorporates Hakka elements
- Features: Located in a distinctive agricultural area, station design incorporates Hakka elements
- Nearby Attractions: Miaoli Hakka Round House, Yingcai Academy
7. Taichung Station
- Transfer Options: Taichung MRT Green Line, TRA Xinwuri Station
- Features: Central Taiwan’s most important high speed rail station, spacious and modern structure
- Nearby Attractions: Rainbow Village, Wuri Beer Factory
8. Changhua Station
- Transfer Options: TRA shuttle bus
- Features: Station design incorporates local Changhua elements
- Nearby Attractions: Tianwei Highway Garden, Tianchung Kiln Creative Park
9. Yunlin Station
- Transfer Options: TRA shuttle bus
- Features: Located in Huwei Township, Yunlin County, station design has strong rural characteristics
- Nearby Attractions: Huwei Sugar Factory, Beixi Paper Cutting Art Village, Yunlin Puppet Theater Museum
10. Chiayi Station
- Transfer Options: TRA shuttle bus
- Features: Building design incorporates Chiayi forestry elements
- Nearby Attractions: Suantou Sugar Factory, Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum
11. Tainan Station
- Transfer Options: TRA Shalun Station, TRA shuttle bus
- Features: Station design incorporates Tainan city imagery
- Nearby Attractions: Chimei Museum, Tainan Mitsui Outlet, Ten Drum Cultural Village
12. Zuoying Station
- Transfer Options: Kaohsiung MRT (Red Line), TRA
- Features: Kaohsiung’s high speed rail station, station design incorporates harbor elements
- Nearby Attractions: Lotus Pond, Old Zuoying Fort
Taiwan High Speed Rail—The Best Choice for Taiwan Travel
For travelers planning to move between cities in Taiwan, especially families with elderly members and children, high speed rail is undoubtedly the ideal transportation choice. Compared to other transportation methods, high speed rail offers the following advantages:
- Saves valuable travel time: Especially for long-distance travel, such as from Taipei to Kaohsiung, high speed rail can save 3-4 hours of journey time.
- Comfortable riding experience: Spacious seats and smooth rides are suitable for elderly and children.
- Convenient supporting facilities: Stations are equipped with barrier-free facilities, nursing rooms, catering services, etc.
- High punctuality rate: Not affected by weather and road conditions, making schedules more reliable.
Although the fare is slightly higher than other public transportation options, considering the time saved and increased comfort, high speed rail remains the best mode of transportation for medium to long-distance travel within Taiwan, particularly suitable for travelers with tight schedules or special needs.
Through reasonable planning, advance booking, or choosing non-reserved seats, you can further reduce high speed rail travel costs, making your Taiwan journey both efficient and enjoyable!
