Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
High Speed Rail
Taiwan High Speed Rail
(HSR, THSR;
www.thsrc.com.tw
) started operations in 2007.
There is one 345km track between Taipei and Kaohsiung. So far eight stations have
opened (Taipei, Banciao, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan and Zuoying). More
are expected to open in the coming years. The HSR has a perfect safety record.
Trains offer airplane-like comfort. Reserved seating is available. Food is available
(though smelly foods such as stinky tofu are prohibited).
For timetables and fares, see the HSR website. In general, there are three trains per
hour. All stations have visitor information centres with English-speaking staff to help with
bus transfers, hotel bookings and car rentals.
Most stations are 30 to 40 minutes from downtown areas. Free (or inexpensive) and
frequent shuttle buses or commuter trains connect HSR stations and downtown areas.
Classes
There are two classes: standard and business. Business fares are about 50% higher than
the price of standard, and offer larger seats and 110V electrical outlets.
Reservations & Fares
SAMPLE TRAIN FARES
FARE (NT$; TZE-
CHIANG/CHU-KUANG
CLASS)
DURATION (HR; TZE-
CHIANG/CHU-KUANG
CLASS)
FROM
TO
Hualien
Taitung
345/266
2½/3½
Kaohsiung Taitung
362/279
2½/3½
Taipei
Hualien
440/340
2½/3½
Taipei
Kaohsiung 843/650
5-7
Taipei
Taichung 375/289
2-3
On weekends or holidays, it's advisable to buy tickets in advance (up to 28 days). You can
buy tickets at stations, online and at 7-Eleven stores. There are small discounts for unre-
served seating areas and 10% to 35% discounts when booking eight to 28 days in ad-
vance. Tickets for seniors, children and people with disabilities are half the standard fare.
