Taiwan High-Speed Rail: A Simple, Detailed Guide to Booking Tickets & Riding the Train

Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) is one of the fastest and most convenient means of travel, allowing visitors to easily explore major cities from Taipei to Kaohsiung. With a modern fleet, impressive speeds, and comfortable experiences, your trip becomes easier than ever. In the article below, Vietjet guides you on how to book tickets, find out the latest fares, and important notes when using Taiwan’s high-speed rail for your upcoming journey.

1. What is the Taiwan High-Speed Rail?

The Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) is a state-of-the-art railway system that serves the need for rapid north–south travel in Taiwan. Reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h, the THSR significantly reduces travel time between major cities—from the capital, Taipei, in the north to Kaohsiung in the south. Built on Japanese high-speed train technology, the THSR system is highly regarded for its safety, comfort, and efficiency. It is a popular travel choice for both tourists and locals, saving time on long journeys while ensuring a comfortable ride.

Taiwan High-Speed Rail: Simple, Detailed Guide to Booking & Riding the Train

Completed in 2007, the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) spans 345 km along nearly the entire length of the island.

See more: Self-Guided Taiwan Travel Guide: 8 Tips You Need to Know

2. Ticket Prices for Taiwan High-Speed Rail and How to Book

2.1 Latest Taiwan High-Speed Rail Fares (2024)

Fares for Taiwan’s high-speed trains are generally calculated based on the distance between stations and the seat class you choose. THSR offers three classes: Standard, Business Class, and VIP. Prices may vary depending on the season and promotional offers.

Below is a reference fare table for popular THSR routes:

Taipei – Taichung: approximately 700 TWD (~₫520,000)
Taipei – Chiayi: approximately 1,000 TWD (~₫740,000)
Taipei – Tainan: approximately 1,300 TWD (~₫960,000)
Taipei – Kaohsiung: approximately 1,490 TWD (~₫1,100,000)

2.2 How to Book Taiwan High-Speed Rail Tickets

Booking THSR tickets is easy and convenient. You can choose one of the following methods:

Online Booking:The official THSR website lets you book tickets online. The interface supports multiple languages, including English. After selecting your departure and arrival stations, travel date, and time, simply pay with a credit card or e-wallet. You’ll receive a QR code or e-ticket to scan when boarding.
Mobile App: THSR offers a dedicated mobile app for quick and easy booking. Download it from the App Store or Google Play, create an account, and reserve your seats in just a few taps.
At the Station: If you prefer not to book online, you can purchase tickets in person at any THSR station’s ticket counter or from multilingual ticket vending machines.
Through Travel Agents: You can also buy THSR tickets via local travel agencies in Taiwan or through international travel apps and websites.

Using Taiwan’s high-speed rail is a time- and cost-saving option, suitable for all types of travelers.

3. Common Taiwan High-Speed Rail Stations

To know how to ride the high-speed rail in Taiwan, you need to be familiar with the stations and your departure and arrival points. Below are the common THSR stations for your reference.

3.1 Taiwan High-Speed Rail – Taipei to Taichung

The Taipei to Taichung route is one of the most popular on the THSR network. Taichung is famous for attractions such as Fengjia Night Market and Sun Moon Lake, and serves as the gateway to Taiwan’s central tourist areas.

Fare: approximately 700 TWD (~₫520,000)
Travel time: 1 hour

A THSR station in Taiwan.

3.2 Taiwan High-Speed Rail – Taipei to Chiayi

Chiayi, situated between Taichung and Tainan, is a small city known for scenic attractions like Alishan National Forest, where visitors can hike and admire majestic sunrises.

Fare: approximately 1,000 TWD (~₫740,000)
Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes

3.3 Taiwan High-Speed Rail – Taipei to Tainan

Tainan is Taiwan’s oldest city, celebrated for its wealth of historical and cultural landmarks. The Taipei–Tainan route serves travelers seeking to explore famous sites such as the Confucius Temple, Anping Old Street, and Chihkan Tower.

Fare: approximately 1,300 TWD (~₫960,000)
Travel time: 2 hours

“Exciting attractions in Tainan are waiting for you!”

3.4 Taiwan High-Speed Rail – Taipei to Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s second-largest city and a must-see destination, with its bustling harbor and beautiful waterfront scenery. The Taipei–Kaohsiung line is both the longest route and the busiest on the THSR network.

Fare: about 1,490 TWD (~₫1,100,000)
Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Be sure to check the THSR timetable and station map carefully before you travel so you don’t miss your train or end up waiting too long!

4. Important Tips for Traveling on Taiwan High-Speed Rail

Book early: On weekends or holidays, trains often sell out quickly—reserve your seat in advance.
Carry your passport or ID: You may be asked to show your passport (international visitors) or national ID (Taiwanese citizens) when boarding.
Choose your seat class: THSR offers Standard, Business Class, and VIP seating. Upgrade for extra comfort if you wish.
Arrive early: Get to the station at least 20–30 minutes before departure to have time for ticket verification, finding the correct platform, and boarding. Be familiar with the THSR schedule and station layout.
Be on time: Taiwan High-Speed Rail is renowned for punctuality—trains depart right on schedule, so don’t be late.

To get to Taiwan, book your Vietjet flight from Vietnam to major hubs like Taipei or Kaohsiung. Fares start from just ₫790,000 during special promotional periods, and you can even snag 0₫ tickets daily between 12:00 and 14:00. Your Taiwan adventure is within reach—don’t miss out!

After you land, take a bus or taxi to the nearest THSR station and continue exploring Taiwan via the speedy THSR network.

Taiwan High-Speed Rail is not only a fast and convenient transport option but also provides a modern, comfortable experience as you explore Taiwan from north to south. With easy booking, reasonable fares, and a wide variety of routes, THSR is the ideal choice for anyone seeking to enjoy a seamless Taiwan journey. We hope Vietjet’s guide gives you the information you need to plan your high-speed rail travel smoothly and make your Taiwan trip even more memorable.

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