Taiwan has an extensive metro network that operates within and between its major cities. This includes the Taipei Metro (MRT), which is the country’s first rapid transit system, as well as metro systems in Taoyuan, New Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.
Aside from these, there’s another transport network that makes land travel even faster and more convenient: Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR). Through this system, passengers can traverse the northern and southern parts of the country in less than two hours!
OFW Guide to Using Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)
Need to travel over a long distance quickly? The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) could be just what you need! Read on to learn more about this system, where it operates, and how you can buy or book tickets.
What is TSHR?
Opened on January 5, 2007, the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) is a high-speed railway network that spans 350 kilometers along the western part of the country. Capable of running at a top speed of 300 kilometers per hour, the network is managed and operated by the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC).
Currently, the THSR connects 12 stations, namely: Nangang, Taipei, Banqiao, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, and Zuoying. Visit this link to view the latest travel schedule or timetable of the railway network.
THSR Tickets and Prices
How much is a THSR ticket? This depends on the type of ticket (standard or business class), and also on your stations (departure and arrival). For instance, the standard fare from Taipei to Taichung is TWD 700, while the business fare is TWD 1,250. Meanwhile, the standard fare from Taipei to Zuoying (Kaohsiung) is TWD 1,490, whereas the business fare is TWD 2,440.
Aside from tickets for standard and business class, there are tickets for non-reserved seats, children’s seats, early-bird discounts, multi-rides, group rides, periodic tickets, travel passes, and more. Each type of ticket can be purchased at varying prices.
Ordinary Tickets
Ordinary THSR tickets include regular/adult tickets, children’s tickets, non-reserved seats, and group tickets.
- Regular/Adult Tickets. These are full fare tickets issued to adults, and also to children ages 12 years old and above.
- Children’s Tickets. Children below 12 years old, and whose heights are 115 centimeters or above, are entitled to 50% discount off the regular price. Meanwhile, children below 6 years old, whose heights are less than 115 centimeters, are exempted (FREE) from tickets.
- Non-Reserved Seats. These refer to tickets sold and valid only during the day of the ride; reservations for these are not accepted.
- Group Tickets. Groups of 11 or more persons traveling together, with the same itinerary, train number, and cabin type — can avail of 5% discount off the regular price. In case a passenger is eligible for multiple discounts, he/she can avail of only one type of discount.
Discount Tickets
Speaking of discounts, the THSR offers multi-ride tickets, early bird discounts, periodic tickets, T Holiday, and THSR passes.
- Multi-Ride Tickets. As the name says, this type of ticket provides multiple rides to and from designated stations at a discounted rate (up to 18% off), within a specific validity period.
- Early Bird Discount. Passengers who will be traveling 5 days after the booking date can avail of early bird discount tickets, which include 10%, 20%, or 35% discounts off the regular price.
- Periodic Tickets. This ticket provides an unlimited number of rides to and from designated stations at a discounted rate (51% off), within a particular validity period.
- T Holiday Packages. These are premium deals offered by THSR, combining train tickets with hotel stays, shuttle transportation, car rentals, admission tickets, and tours into a single package.
- THSR Passes. These are travel passes offered exclusively to foreign tourists, providing unlimited rides for certain periods. These include: (a) 3-Day Pass, with unlimited rides for three consecutive days; (b) Flexible 2-Day Pass, offering unlimited rides for any two days within a seven-day period; (c) 5-Day Standard Joint Pass, with unlimited rides on Taiwan Railway Chu-Kuang Express and other trains for five days, or THSR for any two days within a five-day period; and (d) 5-Day Premium Joint Pass, offering unlimited rides on Taiwan Railway Tze-Chiang Limited Express and other trains for five days, or THSR for any two days within a five-day period.
- One-Way Ticket. This provides passengers with one ride on a reserved seat in a standard car, between designated stations, for a specific validity period.
How to Buy THSR Tickets
There are several ways to purchase THSR tickets. First, you can buy them at the train station, from the ticket counter or through a ticket vending machine. You can pay using cash or credit card.
Another method is to purchase tickets at convenience stores. Usually, the store has a multi-media machine, where you can order tickets and have them printed out at the counter.
Finally, you can also buy tickets online. To book and purchase a ticket, just go to the THSR Online Booking System.
How to Take THSR Train
Once you’ve bought tickets, how do you use them? It’s pretty simple, really! At the station, simply insert your ticket from the right side of the gate, and get it back after you pass through the gate. Then, head to the platform area to wait for your train.
During the ride, the conductor may ask to check your ticket; be sure to present yours. After the ride, head to the gates again. Insert your ticket from the right side of the gate. Unless you bought a multi-ride ticket, the ticket will not be returned..
Reminders for THSR Riders
To ensure a safe, smooth, and convenient ride for everyone, THSR passengers must follow some rules, such as:
- Do not smoke or chew betel nuts in the train.
- Do not consume “smelly” food on the train.
- Switch your mobile phone into silent mode throughout the ride. If you must take a call, keep your voice low.
- Do not sit on the armrests or dinner tables on the train.
- Do not take off your shoes or put your feet on the seat pocket.
- Keep your seat clean. Use the trash bin and resource recycling bin at the car’s entrance to get rid of trash.
Video: Featuring THSR
To have a better idea about THSR and its operations, watch this video shared by the company’s official Facebook page:
Contact Information: THSR
If you have any questions or concerns for THSR, you can get in touch with the company through these contact details:
Telephone: +886-2-4066-3000 (International Calls) / 4066-3000 (Local Calls) / +886-2-4066-3000 (Miaoli, Taitung, Kinmen, and Matsu areas)
Website: https://en.thsrc.com.tw/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thsrco
The THSR is a safe, fast, and comfortable way to travel across major cities in Taiwan. What’s more, it offers different types of tickets for passengers, including group travelers, children, and foreign tourists. If you have always wanted to ride this high-speed rail, then consider trying it out now!
Meanwhile, if you’re a cyclist or cycling enthusiast, you’d be happy to know that there’s a nationwide bicycle rental system in Taiwan. Check out this guide on how to rent YouBike as an exciting way to travel across different parts of the country!