Exploring Taiwan by Taiwan High Speed Rail–The Ultimate Traveler’s Guide for Seeing Taiwan’s Best Cities

Taiwan High Speed Rail Overview – Connecting Taiwan from North to South

The Taiwan High Speed Rail, commonly called THSR, is one of the country’s greatest engineering achievements. Running along Taiwan’s west coast, this advanced system links 12 major cities—from Taipei in the north to Zuoying (Kaohsiung) in the south—in less than two hours. Modeled after Japan’s Shinkansen, it’s famous for its punctuality, cleanliness, and world-class service.

THSR has transformed the way travelers experience Taiwan. Instead of long drives or multiple train transfers, visitors can easily explore destinations such as Taichung’s National Museum of Natural Science, Tainan’s historic Anping District, or Kaohsiung’s Love River all within a single day. Check out this taiwan hsr map and plan your itinerary around the west coast.

🗺️ taiwan high speed rail map:

Source: THSR

Route and Stations

The THSR line runs approximately 345–350 km along the western coast of Taiwan, starting in the north at Nangang Station/Taipei Station and ending at Zuoying Station (near Kaohsiung) in the south. There are 12 dedicated taiwan hsr stations: Nangang, Taipei, Banqiao, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan and Zuoying.
Travel time between the farthest endpoints is as short as around 96 minutes on express services.
Some practical notes for travellers:

• Many of the stations are built slightly outside the city centres (especially outside Taipei).
• The northernmost four stations (Nangang, Taipei, Banqiao and Taoyuan) were built underground and the other stations are built outside of city centers.
• Since most stations are located in rural areas, you’ll often need a short transfer (MRT, city bus, taxi) for the “last mile” into the city.
• Each station offers bilingual signage (Chinese & English) and links to local transit when you exit the THSR gate.

Train Types and Seat Classes

The THSR trains are based on Japanese Shinkansen technology, adapted for Taiwan’s geography and requirements. Key technical highlights:

• Top service speed: ~300 km/h (185 mph).
• Rolling stock: the “700T” trainset derived from Japan’s 700 Series Shinkansen.
• Car configuration: Each train is 12 cars and have a total of 977 seats: 1 car for Business Class (Car 6, 66 seats) + 11 cars for Standard Class (911 seats).
  • Business Class: Premium experience with larger seats, complimentary drinks, and quiet cabins.
  • Standard Class: Comfortable, spacious, and affordable.
• Safety / Infrastructure: For example the long Changhua–Kaohsiung viaduct (≈157 km) is designed to withstand seismic events.

Source: THSR

For travellers this means: smooth ride, reliable schedule, modern facilities.

All THSR trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, clean restrooms, and overhead storage. For long-distance travelers, Business Class offers extra comfort, but Standard Class already meets international comfort standards.

Why It’s Valuable for Travelling Taiwan

For international visitors (especially from the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore) the THSR offers major advantages:

• Time-saving: Instead of long bus rides or multiple transfers, you can travel between cities in under 2 hours.
• Comfort & punctuality: Stations and trains are clean, efficient and tourist-friendly.
• Access to multiple destinations: With THSR as the backbone, you can explore cities like Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung and more, even on a short itinerary.
• Integration: Combined with local buses, MRT and taxis, you can build multi-city loops that maximise sightseeing and minimise wasted transit time.

The THSR line essentially opens up Taiwan’s west-coast corridor in a way that makes multi-city travel much more feasible for short-stay visitors.

How to Book and Ride the Taiwan High Speed Rail

Booking THSR tickets is straightforward for both locals and international visitors. Travelers can purchase online, at station counters, or through convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart.

Ticket Prices, Passes & Discount Options

Ticket prices depend on travel distance. A one-way ticket from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs around NT$1,490 (USD 46) for Standard Class and NT$2,440 (USD 75) for Business Class. Early-bird discounts may apply when booked in advance online.

🎫 Regular Fare Tickets

Passengers aged 12 and above are required to purchase a full-fare THSR ticket, in accordance with company policy and relevant transportation regulations.

Regular Full Fare Tickets ⬇️

Source: THSR

Non-Reserved Seat Tickets ⬇️

Source: THSR

🎫 Concession Tickets

• Children Tickets: Children, whose heights are 115cm or above but less than 12 years of age may purchase Child Tickets; provided that those whose heights are 150 cm or above shall present their IDs.
• Concession ticket holders are required to present valid identification when purchasing, picking up the tickets and boarding.

Concession Tickets ⬇️

Source: THSR

Non-Reserved Seat Tickets ⬇️

Source: THSR

THSR offers special passes for foreign tourists:

• 3-Day Unlimited Pass: 
  • Unlimited THSR rides for 3 consecutive days.
    💰 Price: Adult NT$2,200 / Child NT$1,100
• Flexible 2-Day Pass: 
  • Any two days of a designated seven-day period.
    💰 Price: Adult NT$2,500 / Child NT$1,250
• THSR&TR (Taiwan Railway Administration) Joint passes:
  • 5-Day Standard Joint Pass: Unlimited rides on Taiwan Railway Chu-Kuang Express or trains at a lower price than Chu-Kuang Express for five days and on Taiwan High Speed Rail trains for any two days within the designated five days.
    💰 Price: Adult NT2,800 / Child NT1,400
  • 5-Day Premium Joint Pass: Unlimited rides on Taiwan Railway Tze-Chiang Limited Express or trains at a lower price than Tze-Chiang Limited Express for 5 days and on Taiwan High Speed Rail trains for any two days within the designated five days.
    💰 Price: Adult NT3,600 / Child NT1,800

Other useful discount information:

• Children under 12, seniors over 65 and disabled passengers may travel at half-price under Taiwanese law.
• Early bird tickets (online booking several days ahead) may offer up to ~35% off in promotional periods (depends on availability).
• Student Discounts & Credit Card Promotions: Available for select groups.

👉🏻 Important tip: Online booking is available via the official THSR website or mobile app, supporting multiple languages.

Step-by-Step Booking Guide

Here’s how to book your THSR ticket:

1. Visit the official THSR English-language website or app. Choose “One-Way”, “Round-Trip”, or “Pass”.
2. Choose seat class (Standard or Business) and optionally your seat preference (window/aisle). On THSR trains seats A and E = window.
3. Select your departure and destination stations, date and time.
4. Choose number of passengers and train preferences (early bird).
5. Enter the verification code.
   
   Source: THSR
6. Choose a train according to your plan.
   
   Source: THSR
7. Confirm the trip details and fill in your personal information
   
   Source: THSR
8. Complete payment a credit card, T Express or go to a convenience store to pay in cash.
   
   Source: THSR
9. Retrieve your actual ticket at station kiosk (input your reservation number) or at a convenience store, or use the QR code if mobile ticketing is enabled.
10. On travel day, arrive at least 15 minutes early (preferably more). Gates usually close ~2 minutes before departure.

Booking tips for international travellers:

• If you have a pass, you may still need to redeem/reserve seats online and print or pick up tickets.
• Consider reserving your seat even for short segments during peak holidays or weekends.
• Choose earlier trains for more flexibility, especially if you plan onward connections to local transport.
• Foreign travelers are encouraged to use the English-language interface, which also supports international credit cards.

Non-Reserved Seat Tickets

Non-Reserved Seat Tickets on the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) offer travelers flexibility and affordability, making them perfect for short trips or spontaneous travel. These tickets allow you to board any train on your selected date and route without a fixed seat—just head to the designated non-reserved cars and find an available spot. They’re popular among solo travelers, commuters, and those who prefer not to plan ahead.

Information for non-reserved seats:

🚆 Available Cars: Usually Cars 10–12 are designated for non-reserved seating.

💺 Seating Rule: First-come, first-served — arrive early to secure a seat.

💳 Purchase Options: Buy at ticket counters, vending machines, or convenience stores on the same day.

💰 Pricing: Slightly cheaper than reserved-seat tickets.

🕐 Flexibility: Valid for any departure on the same date and route printed on your ticket.

⚠️ Peak Travel Tip: You may need to stand if all seats are taken during busy periods or holidays.

Boarding and Riding Experience

Knowing these details will help ensure your boarding and riding experience is smooth, efficient, and completely stress-free.

• Arrive at the station at least 15 minutes early. Gates close 2 minutes before departure.
• Platforms are clearly marked with bilingual signage. Audio announcements may be in Chinese and English.
• Food and drink can be purchased from the onboard trolley service, or you can bring your own bento box (biandang) from the station.
• The THSR trains offer these facilities: wide aisle, overhead luggage racks, designated large-luggage spaces, power outlets, free WiFi (SSID：THSR_freeWIFI_ALL).
• Seat map: Standard Class is 2 (Seat D,  E) + 3 (Seat A, B, C) seating per row; Business Class offers 2 (Seat A, C) + 2 (Seat D, E) and greater leg-room.
• If the train arrives later than 30 minutes beyond scheduled arrival, you may apply for a refund of the actual fare within one year.

Suggestions for travellers:

• Bring a power bank or plug adapter if you plan to work on board.
• If you have bulky luggage, store it near the door area but keep valuables with you.
• If you plan to hop off in the middle of your pass day (i.e., do a stop-over), make sure your seat reservation covers the segment you plan to ride.

Source: Unsplash｜Kaden Taylor

Luggage and Accessibility

The THSR is traveler-friendly, with wide aisles and designated areas for large suitcases.
Facilities include:

• Barrier-free access for wheelchair users (Car 7)
• Priority seats
• Nursing rooms and accessible restrooms
• Clear English signage throughout stations

Ticket Cancellation and Refund Policy

If your travel plans change, the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) offers several easy ways to cancel or refund your ticket. Understanding the refund process helps you save time and avoid unnecessary fees.

• Online Payment Cancellations: When canceling a ticket purchased through the THSR website or T Express app, a small handling fee (NT$20 per ticket) will be deducted. The remaining amount will be refunded directly to your credit card within 7–15 business days (excluding weekends and holidays).
• Before Payment Completion: You can cancel your booking free of charge before completing payment.
• After Payment but Before Ticket Collection: Cancellations must be made at least 30 minutes before departure through the same system where you booked.
• Tickets Collected from Convenience Stores or T Express: The partnering convenience stores are 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, Hi-Life and OK mart. Refunds must be applied through the designated refund process listed on the THSR website.
• Station Cancellations: If canceling at a THSR station, present the same ID number and reservation code used during booking.

RTR Tip: Always double-check your departure time before confirming payment — canceling early online saves you time, avoids higher fees, and ensures a smoother refund process.

Taiwan High Speed Rail Transportation Connections

The THSR is integrated with Taiwan’s extensive transportation network, making it easy to continue your journey once you arrive.

Connecting to MRT, Buses & Local Transport

At each THSR station you’ll find links to city transit:

• Taipei (Taipei HSR Station, Banqiao HSR Station, Nangang HSR Station): You can transfer to multiple MRT lines or regional rail.
• Taichung HSR station: This station connects to city bus services and a shuttle to downtown; from station to Taichung city takes ~15–20 minutes by bus/taxi.
• Zuoying HSR Station (Kaohsiung): You can transfer to the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line and reach downtown quickly.
• Shuttle buses and taxis are available at most stations for nearby attractions (for example Alishan via Chiayi HSR Station).

Travellers should allow transfer time: exiting THSR station, choosing the correct bus/MRT line, buying tickets if required — factor in 10-20 minutes extra.

Convenient Transfers with tripool

While the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) efficiently connects Taiwan’s major cities, some of the country’s most scenic destinations—like Sun Moon Lake, Cingjing Farm, and Alishan—are not directly accessible by rail. That’s where tripool comes in.

Tripool is a shared-ride and private car transfer service designed to bridge the “last-mile” gap between THSR stations and remote attractions. It’s especially popular among international travelers who value comfort, predictability, and transparent pricing. Instead of juggling local buses or waiting for taxis, tripool provides door-to-door service that starts the moment you step off your THSR train.

Key benefits of using tripool for THSR transfers:

🚗 Door-to-Door Convenience – Get picked up directly at your THSR station (e.g., Taichung, Chiayi, or Taoyuan) and dropped off right at your hotel, lodge, or scenic destination. No transfers or waiting required.

💰 Fixed, Transparent Pricing – Tripool’s rates are shown upfront with no hidden fees, surge pricing, or meter worries. Prices are often lower than traditional taxis for long-distance routes.

🧳 Luggage-Friendly – Vehicles can accommodate large suitcases and bulky travel gear, ideal for families, groups, or travelers heading to mountain lodges or farm stays.

🗣️ English-Friendly Booking – The tripool website and app support English, and driver details are communicated clearly to ensure peace of mind for non-Mandarin speakers.

👨‍✈️ Professional Drivers – Drivers are licensed, experienced, and trained to serve international guests with courteous, safe driving.

📍 Covers Hard-to-Reach Destinations – Especially useful for areas not served by public transport, such as Cingjing Farm, Alishan, Sun Moon Lake and rural homestays.

RTR Tip: When planning your Taiwan itinerary, coordinate your THSR arrival time with your tripool pickup to ensure a seamless transition. For example, arrive at Taichung Station via THSR, meet your tripool driver immediately after exiting the platform, and continue effortlessly to Sun Moon Lake in under 90 minutes. This combination of THSR + tripool gives travelers the perfect balance of speed, comfort, and convenience across Taiwan.

Alternatives to THSR

While THSR is the fastest option, alternatives include:

• Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) for scenic coastal routes.
• Intercity Buses like Kuo-Kuang for budget-conscious travelers.
• Domestic Flights for reaching remote islands like Penghu or Kinmen.

However, for most mainland destinations, THSR offers the best balance of speed, comfort, and value.

 

Taiwan High Speed Rail Tips for Travelers

Traveling with the THSR can be even more enjoyable with a few insider tips from locals.

Best Times to Travel

• Avoid peak hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM) on weekdays.
• Book early for weekends and holidays.
• For sightseeing, mid-morning and early afternoon trains offer the most relaxed experience.

Recommended Stops Along the Line

If you have time, hop off at these THSR stops for a quick taste of local culture, scenery, and cuisine:

• Hsinchu: Visit Beipu Old Street to explore Hakka heritage and enjoy traditional dishes like lei cha (ground tea rice).
  
• Taichung: Discover Rainbow Village, indulge in desserts at Miyahara Ice Cream, or take a side trip to Sun Moon Lake, about 1.5 hours away.
  
• Chiayi: Gateway to Alishan National Scenic Area, famous for its sunrise, ancient forests, and scenic railway. Don’t miss Chiayi’s signature turkey rice.
  
• Tainan: Taiwan’s oldest city — visit Anping Fort, Chihkan Tower, and enjoy local street food at Garden Night Market.
  
• Kaohsiung (Zuoying): Explore the creative Pier-2 Art Center, admire Lotus Pond’s temples, and relax along the Love River at sunset.
  

 

RTR Editor’s Note – Why Round Taiwan Round Loves the THSR

At [Round Taiwan Round] (RTR), we’ve spent years designing customized travel itineraries for visitors from around the world. Among all the transportation methods in Taiwan, the Taiwan High Speed Rail stands out as our favorite.

What makes THSR so special isn’t just its speed—it’s the way it connects modern cityscapes with authentic local culture. Imagine leaving Taipei’s skyscrapers in the morning, having tea in Taichung by noon, and watching the sunset over Kaohsiung’s harbor in the evening—all in a single day. That’s the magic of the THSR experience.

From our firsthand journeys, we’ve found that first-time visitors often underestimate how convenient it is. The stations are spotless, staff are helpful and bilingual, and trains always depart on time. For families or groups with luggage, it’s stress-free compared to flying or driving.

Our editors often recommend pairing a THSR pass with tripool transfers for destinations like Sun Moon Lake, Cingjing, or Alishan. These areas aren’t directly on the THSR line, but with tripool’s station pickup service, the transition is seamless.

RTR travelers also appreciate that THSR stations are near great attractions—Taichung Station for art lovers, Tainan Station for history enthusiasts, and Zuoying Station for foodies.

As Taiwan continues modernizing its infrastructure, THSR remains a symbol of its efficiency and hospitality. It’s not just transportation—it’s part of the Taiwan experience itself.

Whether you’re here for business, sightseeing, or culinary adventures, let the Taiwan High Speed Rail be your gateway to discovering Taiwan’s beauty, culture, and heart. At RTR, we truly believe it’s the best way to see the island—fast, comfortable, and unforgettable.

Soure: Unsplash｜Winston Chen

Taiwan High Speed Rail FAQs

Q: Can foreign tourists use the Taiwan High Speed Rail Pass? 

Q: How early should I arrive before my train departure? 

Q: Is WiFi available on the Taiwan High Speed Rail trains? 

Q: What is the luggage policy on THSR? 

Q: What are the differences between Standard Class and Business Class? 

Q: Are the THSR stations located in city centres? 

Q: Can I hop off mid-journey, explore a city, then continue on a later train with the same ticket/pass? 

Q: What happens if the train is significantly delayed? 

Q: Is the THSR the best option for all of Taiwan or are there better alternatives? 

Q: How many times per day do trains run, and what times of day is service available?