🚅 Foreign Travelers' Guide to Taiwan: The Ultimate Survival Guide to Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)

> A plain-language guide for first-time visitors to Taiwan, covering everything from buying tickets to boarding.

Welcome to Taiwan! The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) is the fastest way to travel across western Taiwan, connecting Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung in the south in as little as 90 minutes.

To ensure a smooth journey, we've compiled official regulations and explained what you need to know in the simplest terms.

1. 🗺️ Routes and Key Stations (Don't Buy the Wrong Ticket!)

The THSR line has a total of 12 stations, stretching from Nangang in the north to Zuoying in the south. For travelers, the most important stations are:

• Taipei Station: A downtown hub, offering transfers to Taiwan Railways (TRA) and MRT.
• Taoyuan Station: Connects to Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). If you've just landed and are heading south, take the train from here.
• Taichung Station: The gateway to Central Taiwan. If you're going to Sun Moon Lake, transfer here.
• Zuoying Station: Located in Kaohsiung City.

> 💡 Pro Tip:
> If you're going to "Kaohsiung," please buy a ticket to "Zuoying"!
> There is no THSR station called "Kaohsiung"; Zuoying Station is the main THSR station for Kaohsiung.

2. 🎫 Ticket Types (Which One Should I Buy?)

A. Reserved Seat / Standard Car

• Description: Comes with a specific seat number.
• Best for: Travelers with large luggage, those who prefer not to search for a seat, or those with fixed itineraries.
• Booking window: Available for booking 29 days before departure.

B. Non-Reserved Seat

• Description: No assigned seat; first-come, first-served. Typically located in Cars 10, 11, and 12.
• Best for: Travelers with flexible itineraries who want to depart spontaneously upon arrival at the station.
• Note: If it's crowded, you might have to stand for the entire journey. Tickets are valid only for the "same day" and for any train service.

C. Business Class

• Description: Features purple seats, more spacious seating, power outlets at each seat, and complimentary snacks and beverages.
• Best for: Those seeking a quiet rest or a comfortable space.

> 💰 Money-Saving Tip (Early Bird):
> Look for "Early Bird Discounts"!
> If you book a reserved seat 5 to 29 days before your travel date, you might snag a discounted ticket at 65%, 80%, or 90% of the original price.

3. 📱 What's the Easiest Way to Buy Tickets?

Method 1: T Express Mobile App (Highly Recommended)

• Why choose it: Completely paperless, no need to queue for ticket collection.
• How to use: Download the App -> Book tickets -> Make payment -> Receive your mobile QR code ticket.
• Entering the station: Simply scan your phone screen at the gate's sensor area.

Method 2: Convenience Stores (7-11, FamilyMart, etc.)

• Why choose it: Convenience stores are ubiquitous in Taiwan and have multimedia kiosks (e.g., ibon).
• How to use: Operate the kiosk to print a slip -> Pay at the counter -> Receive your physical ticket.
• Note: A small service fee is charged per ticket.

Method 3: THSR Pass - For Foreign Travelers Only

• Content: Options include "3-Day Consecutive Pass" or "Flexible 2-Day Pass," allowing unlimited rides.
• Important Regulations:
  1. Only for short-term visitors (tourist visa) holding a non-Taiwanese passport.
  2. Typically needs to be purchased in advance on travel platforms (e.g., Klook, KKday).
  3. Upon arrival at the station, you must go to the "Manual Ticket Counter" and present your passport to exchange for a physical pass.
  4. You cannot use the automatic gates; you must use the manual lane and show your pass to the station staff when entering and exiting.

4. 🧳 Luggage Regulations

Don't worry, most travel luggage is allowed on board, unless you're moving house.

• Size limit: Length + Width + Height must not exceed 220 cm.
• Length limit: The longest side must not exceed 150 cm.
• Weight limit: Each item must not exceed 40 kg.
• Strollers: Please fold them before boarding.

> 💡 Plain Language Explanation:
> Common large suitcases, such as 28-inch or 30-inch ones, are perfectly fine.
> However, items like surfboards, oversized musical instruments, or bicycles (which must be bagged) may be refused or require special arrangements.
>
> Where to store luggage?
> * Carry-on bags/backpacks: On the overhead luggage racks above your seat.
> * Large suitcases: There are "large luggage storage areas" at the front and rear of each car.

5. 🚶 Boarding Instructions

1. Entering the Station (Gate):
   • Orange magnetic-stripe ticket: Insert into the slot (orange side up) -> Walk through -> Remember to retrieve your ticket.
   • App QR Code: Adjust your phone screen brightness to maximum -> Align with the sensor area and scan.
2. Confirming Your Platform: Check the LED screen to confirm if it's Northbound (towards Taipei) or Southbound (towards Zuoying).
3. Finding Your Car: Car numbers are marked on the floor; please queue up to wait for your train.
4. Onboard Etiquette:
   • Please speak softly.
   • Set your phone to silent or vibrate mode.
   • Do not use your bag to occupy an empty seat next to you.

6. 📶 Onboard Facilities

• WiFi: Search for the "iTaiwan" network. It's free, but may require a simple registration.
• Charging (Power):
  • Business Class: Every seat has a power outlet.
  • Standard Car: Outlets are usually next to window seats or on the walls at the very front/rear of the car (depending on the train model; bringing your own power bank is recommended for assurance).