🎫Early Bird 35% off — book 28 days ahead, limited seats
⚠️TR Pass ≠ THSR Pass — they are different products. Don't mix them up.
12 THSR Stations — Prices & Times from Taipei
Standard Class full prices shown (before any discounts)
Station
Chinese
Time from Taipei
Fare (NT$)
Notes
Taipei
台北
Origin
—
Origin
Banqiao
板橋
~7 min
NT$30
Very close
Taoyuan
桃園
~21 min
NT$160
Connect Airport MRT
Hsinchu
新竹
~34 min
NT$290
—
Miaoli
苗栗
~45 min
NT$390
—
Taichung
台中
~55 min
NT$700
Major city
Changhua
彰化
~62 min
NT$790
—
Yunlin
雲林
~73 min
NT$890
—
Chiayi
嘉義
~85 min
NT$990
Alishan connection
Tainan
台南
~97 min
NT$1,180
Major city
Zuoying (Kaohsiung)
左營
~115 min
NT$1,490
Kaohsiung station
⚠️ Stations are often outside city centres
Most THSR stations require an onward transfer. Taichung HSR → take MRT Green Line to the city. Kaohsiung Zuoying → MRT Orange Line connects directly.
Discounts & Special Tickets
🎯
Early Bird 35%
Released 28 days in advance — book immediately when the window opens. Sells out fast on weekends and public holidays.
Best deal
🌙
Off-Peak 15%
Travel during designated off-peak hours for a 15% discount. Check eligible time slots on the T-EX app.
Flexible
🎫
THSR Tourist Pass
3-day pass (~NT$4,100) worth it for multi-city trips: Taipei–Taichung–Kaohsiung–Chiayi. Buy at stations with passport.
For tourists
👶
Child / Senior
Children under 12: 50% off. Seniors 65+: 35% off (with ID). Great if you're travelling with family.
Group specific
Standard vs Business Class
🪑 Standard Class
Layout: 3-2 (5 seats per row)
✅ Comfortable for 2–3 hour rides
✅ Overhead luggage rack
✅ Good value
❌ Less legroom than Business
❌ No warm towel service
💼 Business Class
Layout: 2-2 (4 seats per row)
✅ Wider seats, more legroom
✅ Warm towel service
✅ Quieter carriage
💰 ~40% more than Standard
⭐ Worth it for longer trips or business travel
🎫 Buy THSR Pass on Klook
Planning multiple cities in 3 days? The THSR Tourist Pass is available on Klook — buy online before you fly, collect at the station.
1. THSR Website (thsrc.com.tw)
Book up to 28 days in advance. International credit cards accepted. Collect ticket at station or show QR code on your phone.
2. T-EX App (Official THSR App)
Easiest for mobile booking. You can see Early Bird availability the moment it opens. Available in English.
3. Station Counter
Walk-up tickets available at all stations. No Early Bird discount available at counter — buy online for savings.
4. Klook / KKday
Best for buying the THSR Tourist Pass — simple checkout without creating a THSR account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is THSR and how long does Taipei to Kaohsiung take?
THSR reaches a top speed of 300 km/h. The Taipei–Kaohsiung (Zuoying) journey takes about 1 hour 45 minutes (express) or 2 hours 15 minutes (all stops).
How do I get the 35% Early Bird discount?
Early Bird tickets are released exactly 28 days in advance on thsrc.com.tw or the T-EX app. Seats are limited — set an alarm and book the moment the window opens.
What is the difference between Standard and Business Class?
Business Class features wider 2-2 seating, more legroom, and warm towel service. It costs around 40% more. Standard (3-2) is comfortable enough for a 2–3 hour journey.
Is the THSR Tourist Pass worth buying?
The 3-Day Pass (~NT$4,100) is worth it for multi-city itineraries like Taipei–Taichung–Kaohsiung–Chiayi. For a single route, an Early Bird ticket is cheaper.
Are THSR stations located in city centres?
Most are on the outskirts. Taichung requires a transfer to the MRT Green Line. Kaohsiung Zuoying connects directly to the MRT Orange Line. Always check onward connections before you travel.
Plan Your Taiwan Journey
Now that you know the rail network, explore our hotel picks and city guides for every stop along the way.