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Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) Train – Survival Guide

Home >> Taiwan Travel Guide >> Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) Train – Survival Guide

Before 2007, the Taiwan High Speed Rail (a.k.a. the HSR, THSR, Taiwan Gao Tie) did not exist, meaning the Taiwanese had to endure long rides on the railway train or bus to reach destinations around the country. Now, the Taiwan HSR has graciously given us less time on the road and more time at our destinations. No complaints here.

The high-speed rail runs approximately 345km (214 miles) across the Taiwanese western coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung. It reaches speeds close to a whooping 300km/hour, making it possible to get from top to bottom in just 96 minutes. And although it’s the most popular choice of transportation for long distance travel in Taiwan, people will still use the train and bus. Budget travelers may still want to look into alternatives like the bus. You save quite a bit of money for round trip to, for example, Tainan.

Taiwan HSR Train Stations & Map

So where does Taiwan’s high speed train take you? The THSR currently has 12 stations set up but only 8 are operating at this moment. It’s been rumored that the remaining 4 stations will open up sometime in 2015.

Pro-tip: Not all HSR trains will stop at all the stations along the way to your destination. It’s why going from Taipei to Zuoying (Kaoshiung) station will fluctuate between 96 minutes and 120 minutes. So make sure you pick the faster train to your destination. Prices will be the same.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_accordion collapsible=”yes” disable_keyboard=””][vc_accordion_tab title=”Taipei HSR Station”][vc_column_text]Address: No.3, Beiping W. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City
Operation hours: 6 AM to 12 AM

City: Taipei

Connecting services:

TRA Western Line – Taipei Main Station

Taipei MRT Red Line, Taipei MRT blue line – Taipei Main Station[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Banqiao HSR Station”][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Taoyuan HSR Station”][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Hsinchu HSR Station”][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Taichung HSR Station”][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Chiayi HSR Station”][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Tainan HSR Station”][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Zuoying HSR Station”][/vc_accordion_tab][/vc_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″ css=”.vc_custom_1440888395722{margin-top: -25px !important;}”][vc_column_text]

Taiwan High Speed Rail Prices

So how much exactly does it cost to travel using the THSR? Well depending on how far you’re traveling, it can run anywhere from $45 NTD to $1,630 NTD for a one-way standard adult ticket. Going from say, Taipei to Banqiao will cost $45 NTD, whereas going from Taipei to Zuoying will cost $1,630 NTD.

There are three types of tickets you can purchase:

Standard ticket – This is the recommended choice. Standard is a regular ticket for a reserved seat on the HSR train like they do on planes.

Non-reserved ticket – There will be areas on the train dedicated to non-reserve seats (usually cars 10, 11 and 12). I would not recommend this route because it’s only slightly cheaper but there is a risk you don’t get a seat at all. Yes, its possible you’ll have to stand.

Business ticket – These are nicer seats for a considerably higher price. Not worth it in my opinion because you won’t be spending more than 2 hours in one of these HSR trains.

Note: HSR fare prices are subject to change.

 

Discounts For High Speed Rail Tickets

Early bird discount – You can get a huge discount of 35%, 20% or 10% off if you purchase 5 to 28 days before the departure date. If 35% off early bird tickets are sold out for a certain date, the 20% price will be offered, then 10% and finally reverting back to original price 5 days before departure.

Student discount – I tried with my U.S. student ID, but was told I needed a valid student ID from a school in Taiwan. This discount is pretty significant – about 50% off last time I checked.

Group discount – You may be eligible for a group discount if you’re traveling with 11 or more people.

Senior Citizen discount – A discount will be given if you’re over 60 years old.

Small children – If you’re traveling with a child under the age of 5, they may be eligible for a discount.

Where to Buy THSR Train Tickets?

There are numerous ways you can purchase tickets for Taiwan’s high speed rail. Below are the three most popular ways:

HSR train station – The first and most obvious place to buy your ticket is the HSR train station. Each station has a counter for ticket sales, where you can pick up tickets in advance or shortly before departure. But of course, buying tickets in advance does save you a ton of money (see: early bird discount).

Note: If you’re in Taipei, then Taipei Main Station is where you buy your HSR ticket because main station is where the HSR departs.
Convenience Store – Yes, it’s possible to purchase HSR tickets in one of Taiwan’s uber convenience store. This means any 7-Eleven, Hi-Life, Family Mart and OK Mart will sell tickets. These stores in Taiwan are truly ‘convenient’ stores.

Online Booking – Probably the most convenient way of purchasing train tickets is through the company’s online website. But if you plan to go this route, there are some rules that apply:

• You cannot purchase a ticket more than 28 days in advance.
• You cannot purchase a ticket less than 1 hour in advance.
• You may only book 10 tickets per order (round trip counts as 2 tickets).

If you’re all good, go ahead and purchase tickets here.

Taiwan High Speed Rail Schedule

There are trains that operate daily and trains that operate on certain days. But on a given day, the Taiwan HSR has a normal set schedule, which makes travel planning much easier to do. To find the Taiwan HSR schedule, follow the links below:

Complete Schedule // Northbound Trains // Southbound Trains

* Make sure to always check the schedule before purchasing. Schedule are subject to change without prior notice, but should be updated in the schedules.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]