Taiwan High Speed Rail

Taiwan High Speed Rail is the principal high-speed railway serving Taiwan’s western corridor. Commonly known as THSR, it connects Taipei and northern Taiwan with major cities and counties extending south to Kaohsiung.

The railway is operated by Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation. Its 12 stations support fast intercity travel, business journeys, tourism, airport connections, and transfers to Taiwan Railway, metro systems, buses, taxis, and local transportation.

Contact Information

Information	Details
Official Name	Taiwan High Speed Rail
Common Names	THSR, Taiwan HSR
Category	High-Speed Intercity Railway
Operator	Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation
Corporate Headquarters	13F, No. 66, Jingmao 2nd Road, Nangang District, Taipei City 115, Taiwan
Customer Service Hotline	4066 3000
Mobile and International Telephone	+886 2 4066 3000
Telephone Booking	4066 0000
Mobile and International Booking Number	+886 2 4066 0000
Online Contact	Available through the official customer contact form
Website	www.thsrc.com.tw
Route	Nangang Station to Zuoying Station
Number of Stations	12
Route Length	Approximately 350 kilometers
Maximum Operating Speed	300 kilometers per hour
Service Area	Western Taiwan

Overview

Taiwan High Speed Rail operates between Nangang in Taipei and Zuoying in Kaohsiung. Its stations are Nangang, Taipei, Banqiao, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, and Zuoying.

Train stopping patterns vary according to the service. Selected trains stop only at major stations, while other services call at more intermediate destinations along the route.

THSR stations provide ticketing facilities, automatic fare gates, passenger platforms, waiting areas, information counters, shops, restaurants, toilets, lockers, and access to local transportation. Several stations connect directly or indirectly with Taiwan Railway, metro lines, airport railways, shuttle buses, and city transport services.

Stations and Passenger Facilities

Taiwan High Speed Rail stations provide ticket counters, vending machines, automatic fare gates, waiting areas, passenger information displays, toilets, shops, restaurants, lockers, and access to surrounding transportation services.

Major stations may also offer visitor information, convenience stores, nursing rooms, charging facilities, taxi stands, parking areas, car rentals, shuttle buses, and connections to Taiwan Railway or local metro systems. Available facilities differ by station.

Transfers to Other Railway Services

Nangang, Taipei, Banqiao, Taichung, Tainan, and Zuoying stations provide connections to Taiwan Railway or urban metro services. The railway systems generally have separate fare areas, so passengers must complete the required exit and entry procedures when transferring.

Some THSR stations are located outside the central city area. Travelers may need to use a local train, metro, shuttle bus, taxi, or other transport service to reach their final destination.

Tickets and Fare Payment

Passengers can purchase tickets from station counters, ticket vending machines, the official booking website, the T Express mobile application, telephone booking, and participating convenience stores. Available payment and ticket-collection methods depend on the sales channel.

Reserved tickets are valid for the train, date, carriage, and seat shown on the ticket. Non-reserved tickets are valid on the specified travel date and allow passengers to use designated non-reserved carriages, subject to space availability.

Reserved and Non-Reserved Seats

Standard Class includes reserved and non-reserved seating. Business Class requires a reservation and provides wider seating and additional onboard amenities.

Passengers using a reserved ticket should board the assigned train and occupy the seat printed on the ticket. Travelers with non-reserved tickets should follow station signs to the designated carriages.

T Express Mobile Tickets

The T Express application allows eligible passengers to book, pay for, and receive mobile tickets. A QR code displayed on the registered device can be scanned at supported ticket gates.

Passengers should ensure that the device has sufficient battery power and that the ticket is available before approaching the gate. Transfer or sharing procedures must be completed through the application when tickets are purchased for multiple travelers.

THSR Passes

Eligible international visitors may purchase THSR passes offering unlimited travel during a specified validity period. Options include consecutive-day and flexible-day passes, with conditions depending on the selected product.

Passholders must reserve a seat before using reserved accommodation. A valid passport and the documents required by the pass conditions may need to be presented during redemption, reservation, or inspection.

Operating Services

THSR trains operate daily between Nangang and Zuoying. Departure frequencies and station stops vary according to the service, time of day, passenger demand, holidays, maintenance, and operating conditions.

Passengers should check the train number and complete stopping pattern before booking. Faster services may skip several intermediate stations, while other trains stop at most or all stations along the route.

Baggage and Passenger Rules

Each item carried aboard must generally measure no more than 150 centimeters on its longest side, have combined dimensions no greater than 220 centimeters, and remain within the permitted total weight limit. Passengers are responsible for safely supervising their belongings.

Small and personal items should be placed on the overhead racks when possible. Larger luggage should use the designated storage areas and must not block doors, aisles, seats, or emergency routes.

Dangerous substances, weapons, flammable materials, leaking items, and other prohibited objects are not permitted. Bicycles and animals may be accepted only when packed and transported according to THSR requirements.

Accessibility and Passenger Assistance

THSR stations provide barrier-free gates, elevators, accessible toilets, tactile guidance, wheelchair routes, and assistance for passengers with limited mobility. Trains include designated wheelchair spaces and accessible seating.

Passengers requiring boarding assistance or a wheelchair-accessible seat should notify station personnel or arrange the service before departure whenever possible.

Getting to and From Stations

Taiwan Railway and Metro Connections

Several stations connect with Taiwan Railway, Taipei Metro, Taoyuan Metro, Taichung Metro, and Kaohsiung Metro. Passengers should check the connecting system’s fare, operating hours, and station location separately.

Shuttle Buses and Local Buses

Shuttle buses and local bus routes serve many THSR stations and connect them with city centers, transport terminals, universities, business districts, and visitor destinations. Routes and schedules differ by station.

Taxis, Rental Cars, and Private Vehicles

Taxi stands, rental-car services, passenger drop-off zones, and parking facilities are available at THSR stations. Availability, fees, and operating arrangements vary by location.

Before You Go

Confirm the departure station, arrival station, train number, and stopping pattern.
Check whether the ticket provides reserved or non-reserved seating.
Prepare the paper ticket, mobile QR ticket, or valid THSR pass.
Bring the passport and documents required for an international visitor pass.
Allow sufficient time when transferring to Taiwan Railway, a metro, or a local bus.
Keep baggage within the permitted dimensions and weight limits.
Store belongings without blocking doors, aisles, seats, or emergency routes.
Check current service information before beginning the journey.