Taiwan High Speed Rail
Taiwan High Speed Rail
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
2,026 reviews
Excellent
1,296
Very good
597
Average
108
Poor
13
Terrible
12
Travelove58
15,579 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
THSR is an affordable, efficient, fast, clean & comfortable mode of transport to move around Taiwanese cities. Not as huge or comprehensive as Japan's Shinkansen but definitely much cheaper. The main station at Taipei connects you to all the cities. Big station with lots of shops, right in city centre. Take note that once you are issued an advance RESERVED ticket for forward trips, & if you want to change - it is not allowed. But you can just take any other schedules on UNRESERVED seats only ( free seating cars only ).
Written March 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,538 contributions
Aug 2020
The best way to catch the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) is at Nangang, which is serviced by the MRT and the THSR. It makes for a quick connection. It is a modern station, and you can forward your luggage from the station. Most staff speak good English.
Written November 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
platypus150
Melbourne, Australia32,016 contributions
Mar 2023
I traveled from Kaohsiung to Taipei in about two hours by this train. The cast was 1,340NTD (about $A67). It was fast, reasonably comfortable, and full. The HSR station in Kaosiung is shared with other long distance trains and the city Metro, so interchanges are easy, just a bit of walking and many escalators. There was some catering on the train, but it is easy to bring your own food. This is the only high speed line, although some limited expresses are quick over shorter distances.
Written March 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ZhuZhu B
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
High Speed Rail (HSR) only gives senior (65 years of age or older) discounts to Taiwanese people. Non-Taiwanese that live, work and pay taxes in Taiwan are not allowed a senior citizen discount. I even have permanent residence in Taiwan but HSR refuses to accept everyone for a senior discount…except Taiwanese.
I have even contacted HSR and they will not explain their policy.
HSR should allow all seniors the opportunity to save money on travel in Taiwan…whether they are tourists or permanent residents, give all seniors a discount.
I have even contacted HSR and they will not explain their policy.
HSR should allow all seniors the opportunity to save money on travel in Taiwan…whether they are tourists or permanent residents, give all seniors a discount.
Written November 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,538 contributions
Jan 2022
The Taiwan High Speed Rail whisks passengers between Taipei and Kaohsiung in not much more than an hour. There are several stops along the way. Taiwan is only a small island, the High Speed Rail is a great improvement on the old days. The trip on the North South Freeway took more than five hours,
Written March 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David W
Christchurch, New Zealand20 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We took Taiwan High Speed Rail. I shorten our time spent on transportation, which is good. It also costs quite significantly more than the standard Train. Overall good experience, have luggage storage onboard.
Written November 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul S
Bath, UK15 contributions
Feb 2020
Had a return journey from Taipei to Khaosuing. The staff was very helpful and the food and drinks trolley comes round. The seats were comfortable and clean. Leave and arrive on time. The station shops and cafe selling food and drinks was good and reasonable to buy. The staff was were very professional and very helpful. The fares was reasonable. Will travel on the high speed train again.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heng How N
Singapore, Singapore7,584 contributions
May 2019 • Business
Take train from Taipei Central Station to Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung. Intend to purchase a reserved seat but end up in non-reserved seat. There are trip that stop with lesser stations depending on the timetable or schedule. Experienced it travels up to 278km/h and average about 248km/h.
Written May 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R W
Chicago, IL65 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
I have taken the HSR (High Speed Rail) from North to South in Taiwan and it is always a very comfortable ride. The trains are very quiet and very smooth and it feels like you are floating on air.
There are really 3 different tickets you can get:
1. Business Class with a Reserved Seat
2. Standard Class with a Reserved Seat
3. Standard Class with no Assign Seat
In Business class the seats are much wider and you get a drink (Water, Coffee, Tea, or Juice) and snack while you are on your way. There are 2 seats on each side in the business class cabin.
For the standard class, one side has 3 seats and the other side has 2 seats. I have been on the train where it was standing room only so getting a reserved seat ahead of time is highly advised.
I recommend using the app to book your tickets and to check availability. I usually do a walk up ticket so when my taxi is almost to the station, I will pull up the app to book my ticket and then use the barcode on my phone as my ticket. Saves paper and saves time. If you buy more than 1 ticket, make sure the other people in the party have the app downloaded onto their phone so that they can access their ticket.
To get around the island, High Speed Rail is the way to go.
There are really 3 different tickets you can get:
1. Business Class with a Reserved Seat
2. Standard Class with a Reserved Seat
3. Standard Class with no Assign Seat
In Business class the seats are much wider and you get a drink (Water, Coffee, Tea, or Juice) and snack while you are on your way. There are 2 seats on each side in the business class cabin.
For the standard class, one side has 3 seats and the other side has 2 seats. I have been on the train where it was standing room only so getting a reserved seat ahead of time is highly advised.
I recommend using the app to book your tickets and to check availability. I usually do a walk up ticket so when my taxi is almost to the station, I will pull up the app to book my ticket and then use the barcode on my phone as my ticket. Saves paper and saves time. If you buy more than 1 ticket, make sure the other people in the party have the app downloaded onto their phone so that they can access their ticket.
To get around the island, High Speed Rail is the way to go.
Written September 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelsAndVoyages
131 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
The High Speed Rail is THE way to travel Taiwan's west coast. Speedy, punctual and fun.
Reservation can be made via internet prior to arriving in Taiwan. You may face some trouble when you are asked to type in your passport number: For foreign passports that to not fit the usual scheme, solution is to type in your passport number PLUS your birthdate in four digits (month/day). That information is a bit hidden on HRS's booking page. Once successfully reserved and paid, you need to get your ticket prior to departing. That can be done at the train station, or at any 7/11. But be aware: The 7/11 ticket machines work in Chinese only, not in English. So if you are not fluent in reading Chinese you may need someone to help you - or go to the train station.
The train itself is excellent: Speedy, punctual, and great fun to get to the south so quickly. You may want to consider to go business class, as this makes the ride even more comfortable.
In case you go from Taipei to Tainan: The Tainan HRS is a little out of town, but either the metro/train takes you to the city, or a taxi ride which is quick and not too expensive
Reservation can be made via internet prior to arriving in Taiwan. You may face some trouble when you are asked to type in your passport number: For foreign passports that to not fit the usual scheme, solution is to type in your passport number PLUS your birthdate in four digits (month/day). That information is a bit hidden on HRS's booking page. Once successfully reserved and paid, you need to get your ticket prior to departing. That can be done at the train station, or at any 7/11. But be aware: The 7/11 ticket machines work in Chinese only, not in English. So if you are not fluent in reading Chinese you may need someone to help you - or go to the train station.
The train itself is excellent: Speedy, punctual, and great fun to get to the south so quickly. You may want to consider to go business class, as this makes the ride even more comfortable.
In case you go from Taipei to Tainan: The Tainan HRS is a little out of town, but either the metro/train takes you to the city, or a taxi ride which is quick and not too expensive
Written October 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joanna k
Singapore, Singapore
Hi there, need some advice as I will be travelling with mum and 2 kids gonna tae the HSR from zuoying to taipei with 2x 28inch and 1 24inch luggages hence wanna know whether if standard class seat space is big enough to place luggages?
Written July 13, 2019
Chii Fen C
Taipei, Taiwan
Each coach have a place to store your luggage but others also need the space, too., better to queue first on line then you have the first right to put them in, above your seat also have space to handle your small one, your seat space is good to put some in front of your feet or under the seat.
Written July 23, 2019
Hello, appreciate your help please. How long in advance do we need to be at the station before the HSR's departure time please? Taking from Taipei to Chiayi 6:50am train. Thanks alot!
Written February 11, 2019
Mustafa K
Singapore, Singapore
Try and be there at least an hour before departure time. Gates open 20-25 minutes before train leaves. Trains are very punctual. And don’t stop at the station for very Long. Safe travels!
Written February 17, 2019
xtine13
San Mateo, California
A couple of questions:
1) Do reservations get snatched up or is there generally room on the rail? We're a party of two looking to travel Taipei to Taichung 12/27, and Taichung to Tainan 12/29.
2) On the mobile app registration, it asks for a Taiwan ID #. What do people use? I've tried a generic A11111111C as a stand-in but that didn't work.
Written November 26, 2018
Sylvia K
Singapore, Singapore
There are basically 2 types of tickets to purchase - one that is fixed seating, ie, a seat is allocated to you when you are purchasing the ticket (be it over the counter or the ticketing machine) and the price for such ticket tend to be higher (depending on the time of the day you travel).
The second type of ticket is the free seating tickets. This means that you are not allocated a seat and you risk standing when you board the train.
The train carriages will indicate also whether the carriage is for free seating or designated seating. The signage around the station and on the train itself are clear and self-explanatory. There is also the guard station whom is friendly and knowledgeable that you can also ask if you are still not sure.
Honestly, there is no need for pre-booking a ticket, unless you have a tight travel schedule. Also, the train do get lesser crowd nearer to Kaohsuing station and hence, if you are travelling from Taipei to Kaohsuing and dont mind the little standing time, you can try the free seating option.
Written December 12, 2018
ruhang1356
Los Angeles, California
Could I ask if the Taiwan High Speed Rail Counter accept American credit card?
Written September 24, 2018
John A
Austin, Texas
Yes Amex is taken at the HSR Ticket Counter. I did not have any luck using Amex in 7-11 or Family Mart
Written December 25, 2018
Janelau91
Singapore, Singapore
I’m going to taiwan on nov I’m looking at Klook offer stating Taipei to and from taichung tickets. But I not sure whether can I buy tickets as I’m planning to go Taichung one day trip and back to Taipei on the same day. Can I get and redeem the tickets on the same day? Or should I just get the offer from Klook from Taipei to Taichung and when I want to change my ticket at the main station I get the tickets at the counter to come back Taipei?
Written July 28, 2018
I believe is cheaper to buy the tickets in the train station. Check in the internet first. Enjoy!
Written September 24, 2018
Solkerickjahn
Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
出来ません。
MRT窓口で悠遊カード EASY CARD を購入しチャージすればMRT LRT 台鉄 さらには高雄の旗津フェリーにも使えます。
Written August 18, 2018
秀樹 下
Kyotanabe, Japan
KKdayでチケットを予約し、高鉄（台湾新幹線）切符販売窓口で電子バウチャーを切符に引き換える際、差額料金を支払って、ビジネス車両の座席を指定する事はできますか？
Written November 8, 2017
ここで質問では無くkkday に直接メールしてみたら良いと思います。チケット予約は何度かしていますが、そんな事考えた事も無かったので。
Written November 9, 2017
vincentnghc
Singapore, Singapore
From Tao Yuan airport to Taipei city, what is the time taken via HSR and shuttle bus
Written November 8, 2017
Victorianlad
Melbourne, Australia
The MRT (new airport rail line, opened in 2017) is one's best option, as it avoids possible traffic delays and is environmentally friendly. At Taipei's 'Main' railway station as it is named, one can easily connect to numerous city and suburban Metro stations.
Written November 9, 2017
MonkeyHaiJie
Singapore, Singapore
I need to buy 4 tickets from Taipei to Zuoying. If i buy them online from THSR online, how can i choose the seating? As i know there's a reserved seat and non-reserved seat.
Which is better if i buy it from THSR online or from klook?
Written August 13, 2017
MettaJo's Mind X
Greater London, United Kingdom
The seat(s) of a reservation will be selected automatically based on your seating preference and seat availability of the train. If the train is out of your preferred seats, seats will be assigned automatically by the system to complete the booking.This function is only suitable for one passenger.
Written August 20, 2017
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