2024 Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Guide: Price, Tickets & FAQs
We took the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) or the Taiwan bullet train when we explored the top Taiwan tourist spots on the West Coast. In less than two hours, we had already reached Tainan, which is more than 300km away from Taipei – that’s how fast it is.
Planning to cross multiple cities and towns in Taiwan via the THSR like we did? Here’s everything you need to know, from its schedule, price, and where to buy tickets to frequently asked questions.
What is a Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)?
The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) is a 345 km-long bullet train in Taiwan that spans the whole country from North to South, connecting Taipei to Kaohsiung in less than two hours. At 300kph, it is the fastest public transportation in Taiwan.
Taiwan High Speed Rail stations
The THSR passes through the following 12 stations:
- Nangang
- Taipei
- Banqiao
- Taoyuan
- Hsinchu
- Miaoli
- Taichung
- Changhua
- Yunlin
- Chiayi
- Tainan
- Zuoying
Taiwan HSR schedule and operating hours 2024
The Taiwan High Speed Rail operates from 5.50am to 11.59pm. The first train departs at 6.05am from Nangang Station in Taipei, and 5.50am from Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung. The last train departs at 10.50pm from Nangang Station, and 10.55pm from Zuoying Station.
*Check the latest THSR timetable and fares for specific schedules and fares of different stations.
How much is the Taiwan High Speed Rail ticket?
The Taiwan High Speed Rail ticket price depends on your route and type of ticket. Regular fare tickets between Taipei and Zuoying (Kaohsiung) cost NT$1,490 (US$46.55), while non-reserved seat tickets cost NT$1,445 (US$45). See Taiwan HSR ticket prices for some routes below:
Taiwan HSR tickets 2024
| Route | Business Fare | Standard Fare | Non-Reserved Seat |
| Taipei ⇆ Taichung | NT$1,250 | NT$700 | NT$675 |
| Taipei ⇆ Tainan | NT$2,230 | NT$1,350 | NT$1,305 |
| Taipei ⇆ Zuoying (Kaohsiung) | NT$2,440 | NT$1,490 | NT$1,445 |
| Nangang ⇆ Zuoying | NT$2,500 | NT$1,530 | NT$1,480 |
Notes:
- Prices above are accurate as of publication date. Check the official THSR fare table for more routes and fares.
- Seniors, PWDs, and children get 50% discount on regular fare tickets.
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Tip: Buy your THSR ticket on Klook to get up to 15% discount on regular fare + FREE Starbucks B1G1 coupon worth NT$100. For instance, instead of paying NT$1,490 standard fare for the Taipei – Zuoying (Kaohsiung) ticket, you will only pay NT$1,265 on Klook. You saved as much as NT$225 per ticket. |
Where to buy Taiwan High Speed Rail tickets?
Option 1: Online booking platforms
a) Klook: Taiwan High-Speed Rail Ticket for Non-Taiwanese
- Price:
- NT$595 (Taipei – Taichung)
- NT$1,145 (Taipei – Tainan)
- NT$1,265 (Taipei – Zuoying, Kaohsiung)
- Nice feature: 15% discount on regular fares + freebies
b) Klook: Taiwan High Speed Rail Unlimited Rail Pass
- Price:
- NT$2,500 (Flexible 2-Day Pass)
- NT$2,090 (Consecutive 3-Day Pass)
- NT$2,800 (5-Day Standard Joint Pass)
- NT$3,600 (5-Day Premium Joint Pass)
- Nice feature: Unlimited rides on THSR with different validity options
c) THSR online booking
- Price:
- NT$700 (Taipei – Taichung)
- NT$1,350 (Taipei – Tainan)
- NT$1,490 (Taipei – Zuoying, Kaohsiung)
- Nice feature: Can book up to 1 hour prior to departure time
Option 2: THSR ticket counters
If you failed to buy your THSR ticket or Unlimited Rail Pass online, you may proceed to the THSR ticket counters located at THSR train stations across Taiwan.
Option 3: Ticket vending machines
You may also buy your THSR tickets at ticket vending machines in subway stations.
Option 4: Convenience stores
If all else fails, you may go to any branch of 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, and OK Mart in Taiwan to buy your THSR tickets.
How to ride the Taiwan High Speed Rail?
- Step 1: Insert your THSR ticket into the ticket gate.
- Step 2: Pass through the gate and get your ticket back.
- Step 3: Proceed to the waiting area of the platform before boarding the train. Present your ticket to the conductor if inspected.
- Step 4: Before you exit the station, insert the ticket again.
*If you are using the THSR Pass, you must present it with your passport for inspection and pass through the manned gates.
THSR Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Taiwan High Speed Rail 24 hours?
Taiwan’s high-speed rail does not operate 24/7. It runs from 5.50am to 11.59pm. See the THSR timetable and fares for the specific schedule and fare of each station.
2. Can I ride the THSR from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei?
There is no direct bullet train from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei. But you can take the Airport Line MRT to transfer to Taoyuan HSR Station if you really prefer to ride the THSR going to Taipei. Alternatively, you can just take the Airport Line (Express) from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei.
3. How much is a high-speed train from Taipei to Kaohsiung?
The regular fare from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs NT$1,490. If you book via Klook, you can get a discounted fare of NT$1,265.
4. Can I use my EasyCard to ride the THSR?
You cannot use your Taiwan EasyCard to ride the THSR. You need to buy a THSR ticket or THSR Pass to board the bullet train.
5. Does my Taiwan High Speed Rail Pass expire?
Yes, the Taiwan High Speed Rail Pass expires depending on your chosen validity period: 2 days, 3 days, or 5 days. If you booked via Klook, the voucher is only valid for 90 days from the booking confirmation date. You can then reserve your travel date on THSR official website up to 29 days in advance.
6. Is buying the Taiwan High Speed Rail Pass worth it?
Yes, the Unlimited Rail Pass is worth it if you intend to travel to different cities and towns in Taiwan, especially on the West Coast, including the popular cities of Taipei, Tainan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.
That’s basically everything to know about the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR). When will you ride this bullet train in Taiwan?
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