Here’s the 101 on the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Pass: a journey cross you’ll need for exploring Taipei and past!
Travelling to Taiwan will be fairly overwhelming. You’ll have a laundry listing of stuff you wish to do and cities you wish to go to, however money and time simply aren’t in your facet.
When we had been planning a 3-day journey by Taiwan’s West Coast, we realized a couple of golden nugget known as the Taiwan High-Speed Rail Pass (THSR Pass) — that saved us some huge cash and time!
Researching concerning the THSR was a doozy so we hope that this all-in-one information will enable you to resolve whether or not or not it’s best to get one!
Do you really want a Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) Pass?
The Taiwan-High Speed Rail gives varied ticket choices which can be extra optimum for you than getting the THSR Pass.
There are two necessary issues to contemplate to search out out if a THSR Pass will prevent more cash: validity interval, and the variety of stops.
Validity Period: You’ll be capable of use the THSR Pass for both two or three days, relying on which one you purchase. We discover this extra later!
Number of Stops: If you’re going by a minimum of 15 stops throughout your validity interval, you’ll positively need a THSR Pass.
For instance, a spherical journey from Taipei to Kaohsiung/Zuoying (20 whole stops) will already get you your cash’s price should you purchase a THSR Only Pass.
A visit with fewer stops, like Taipei to Taoyuan which has solely 4 whole stops, could be higher with a single-ride ticket.
How a lot will I save if I trip the Taiwan Railway (TRA)?
Photo credit score: Taiwan Railway Administration
The Taiwan Railway (TRA) is slower than the HSR because it takes on extra stops however should you’re in no hurry, it’s a fantastic various to save lots of you more cash. Here’s a desk evaluating the approximate journey time and fare between the TRA, and the THSR.
| Route | TRA Time | THSR Time | TRA Fare | THSR Fare |
| Taoyuan to Tainan | 3 hr 54 min | 1 hr 22 min | NT$671 | NT$1,190 |
| Taipei to Kaohsiung | 5 hr 2 min | 2 hr 14 min | NT$843 | NT$1,490 |
| Chiayi to Tainan | 1 hr 5 min | 18 min | NT$90 | NT$280 |
| Taipei to Taoyuan | 29 min | 21 min | NT$42 | NT$160 |
Use the Taiwan Railway fare calculator to verify how a lot it is going to take to get to your vacation spot.
*Pro-tip: The schedule inquiry device helps you discover out which TRA prepare/s passes by your vacation spot. Then examine this quantity with how a lot you’d be spending by way of the THSR by viewing their fare desk.
Which THSR Pass ought to I get?
There are 4 sorts of THSR passes, all with limitless entry to the Taiwan High-Speed Rail which runs alongside the West Coast. The largest distinction is the variety of days they’re legitimate for, and whether or not or not it has entry to Taiwan Railway trains, which let you discover each the East and West Coasts of Taiwan.
How do I buy a THSR Pass?
Passes will be bought on-line so you can also make seat reservations early!
I booked my 3-Day THSR Pass by way of Klook which made it simpler to redeem as soon as I acquired to Taiwan. After buy, they emailed me a voucher with a redemption code. All I needed to do was current the voucher together with my passport at a THSR station ticket counter.
The course of was fast, and eradicated the necessity for any lengthy backwards and forwards with any personnel on the ticket counter!
If you’re planning to pre-book your tickets, you possibly can redeem your cross on-line from the THSR official web site earlier than your journey. Click on the Manage tab and key within the redemption code which yow will discover in your Klook digital voucher.
However, you’ll nonetheless have to gather your bodily cross from a THSR ticket counter (together with your passport and accompanying entry doc) to board the prepare.
For versatile day passes (e.g. Flexible 2-Day Pass), you’ll have to substantiate on the ticket counter which days you’ll be utilising the cross.
Read additionally: The Ultimate THSR Taiwan Food Guide: 25 Must-eats in Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung
THSR route and prepare schedule
Photo credit score: THSR Pass web site
To be completely certain that you just’re taking the appropriate prepare, verify the timetable on the Taiwan High-Speed Rail’s official web site to plan your itinerary!
Every THSR station has signboards scattered all through the station (above the ticket counter and beside the escalator) detailing the route that the trains will take. You will be capable of discover their anticipated departure and arrival instances by them.
How do I reserve seats?
For rides over an hour lengthy, like from Taoyuan to Tainan, make certain to guide your seat reservations early — all of the THSR passes include free limitless seat reservations.
We visited Taiwan throughout an off-peak season so we didn’t want to order till the morning of our prepare departure. But through the holidays, the prepare can get fairly full so we suggest reserving your seat a minimum of 36 hours forward.
You can reserve a seat inside 90 days from the day your voucher was issued (even earlier than amassing the bodily cross), up until an hour earlier than prepare departure.
Online: Make a reservation by the Manage tab of the official web site.
Physical: You may simply head to the ticket counter to order a seat, as an alternative of doing it on-line. They will replace your bodily cross with particulars about your departure.
*Pro-tip: Only three automobiles (Cars 10 to 12) are allotted at no cost seating, and so they can get fairly full through the holidays. Be certain to order early!
Getting on the THSR
Once you’ve gotten your bodily THSR Pass, merely current your cross to the officer on the gates, alongside together with your passport, and legitimate entry doc (if relevant) to them and they’ll open a gate for you! You will want this each time you hop on the THSR prepare.
Read additionally: 8D Taiwan Itinerary: Insider’s Guide to Hidden Adventures from Taipei to Kaohsiung by way of THSR
Finding the appropriate platform and seat
Once you acquire your bodily cross with the up to date departure info, find the digital signboard to search out your prepare automobile quantity.
For reserved seating, yow will discover your seat quantity on the high of the window.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Where can I’m going with my THSR Pass?
With the THSR, you possibly can discover plenty of gems on the West Coast or southern elements of Taiwan. Check out our Taiwan guides and itineraries! Here are some iconic sights you could wish to add to your itinerary:
Alishan Forest (Chiayi)
The quiet and tranquil Alishan Forest is a good place to disconnect from town with scenic prepare rides, and varied strolling trails beneath the tall timber. Visit round March to April to expertise a cherry-blossom-themed day journey from Taipei.
Address: 605, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Alishan Township, 59號
How to get there: Take the THSR to Chiayi Station, then stroll to the Chiayi Bus Station. Take a 2hr bus trip to Alishan by way of the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus 7322.
Fire Mountain (Tai’an)
Hike up Fire Mountain to absorb the Grand Canyon-esque panorama. The path is match for learners which makes it a fantastic day journey vacation spot for household and associates alike.
Address: Jianfeng Rd, Sanyi Township, Miaoli County, Taiwan 367
How to get there: Take the THSR to Taichung Station, then the MRT to Tai’an Station. From Tai’an Station, take Bus 839 to Bogongkeng and stroll 10 minutes.
Cijin Island (Kaohsiung)
A 5-minute ferry trip from Kaohsiung will lead you to the charming Cijin Island. Popular picture spots right here embrace the Cijin Star Tunnel, Rainbow Church, and the breathtaking view of town skyline from the Kaohsiung Lighthouse!
Address: No.10, Hai’an Rd., Qijin Dist., Kaohsiung City 805, Taiwan
How to get there: Take the THSR to Kaohsiung/Zuoying Station, then take Bus R52 to Shaochuantou. Walk 3mins to Gushan Ferry Station and take the ferry to Cijin Island.
Jiufen Old Street (Jiufen)
Try Taiwan’s avenue meals on a day journey to Jiufen and discover the Old Street! This mountain city constructed by the Japanese is paying homage to the animated traditional Spirited Away with lanterns and cobblestone walkways all over the place.
Address: Jishan St, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224
How to get there: Take the THSR to Taipei Station, then take the TRA to Ruifang Station. Take Bus 788, 827, or 1062 to Jiufen Old Street.
Read additionally: Taipei Day Trip: Shifen & Jiufen Guide To All The Must-Eat-See-Dos
Sun Moon Lake (Nantou)
Sun Moon Lake is the most important lake within the nation with clear waters and an attractive view of the mountains. There are many issues to do right here like stand-up paddleboarding, visiting Wen Wu Temple, and attempting their well-known black tea!
Address: Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan
How to get there: Take the THSR to Taichung Station, then take Nantou Bus 6670 to Sun Moon Lake.
Some itineraries and guides to assist plan in your Taiwan journey:
– 8D Taiwan Itinerary: Insider’s Guide to Hidden Adventures from Taipei to Kaohsiung by way of THSR
– 9D Taiwan Itinerary Under S$120/day From Taipei to Kaohsiung
– 21 Unique Things to Do in Taiwan’s West Coast — Muslim-friendly Guide to Exploring Iconic Spots and Hidden Gems
2) Can I eat contained in the THSR?
Jam-packed itinerary and haven’t any time to eat? Good information is, each seat contained in the Taiwan High-Speed Rail comes with its personal fold-down tray desk, so you possibly can take pleasure in your meals on board so long as the odor of the meals isn’t too pungent.
3) What facilities can I take pleasure in on the THSR?
The Taiwan High-Speed Rail is loaded with varied facilities together with bogs, free WiFi, charging stations in Cars 4 and 12, merchandising machines, and even a meals trolley service!
4) Can I modify or cancel my THSR reservation?
If you’re utilizing the THSR Pass, you possibly can cancel or modify your reservation as a lot as you please with none costs.
Reservations will be modified on the Manage tab of the THSR Pass web site, or any HSR Station ticket counter a minimum of half-hour earlier than the prepare departs.
Modifying your reservations on a single-ride ticket is free the primary time solely, whereas subsequent modifications will incur a NT$20 dealing with payment.
Cancelling a reservation is free solely you probably have not collected your bodily ticket but. Otherwise, you’ll incur an analogous payment of NT$20. You can acquire your refund at any THSR ticket counter.
We hope this THSR Guide is useful for planning your personal Taiwan adventures! Did we miss something out? Let us know within the remark part beneath!
This put up was dropped at you by Klook.
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