Planning a Taiwan trip and wondering how to get around quickly?
The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) is your fastest option, zipping along the west coast at speeds up to 300 km/h, connecting Taipei to Kaohsiung in just 1.5–2 hours.
Whether you’re visiting Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, or Kaohsiung, the HSR is fast, reliable, and convenient. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about routes, maps, schedules, ticket prices, apps, and insider tips — plus advice for Singaporean travellers using multi-currency cards like YouTrip for hassle-free bookings.
💜 Stay Up To Date:
– SGD To JPY: How To Capitalise On The Japanese Yen Right Now
– 5 Family-Friendly Road Trips In Australia
– Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe
⚡️ TL;DR
| 📝 Item | 🚄 Quick Overview (2025) |
|---|---|
| What is it? | Taiwan’s bullet train connecting Taipei → Kaohsiung |
| Map & Route | 12 stations: Nangang, Taipei, Banqiao, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Zuoying |
| Speed | Up to 300 km/h |
| Schedule | Every 15–30 mins, 6 AM–11 PM |
| Tickets | Book via the T Express app, THSR website, or Klook |
| Pricing | Standard: 1,350–1,490 TWD (~S$56–62); Business: 2,000–2,400 TWD (~S$84–102) |
| Tip for SG travellers | Use YouTrip for zero FX fees and easy online payments |
📚 Table of Contents:
- What is the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR)?
- Map & Routes
- How Fast is the Taiwan High Speed Rail?
- Tickets & Prices
- Taiwan High Speed Rail Schedule
- Taiwan High Speed Rail App & Booking
- TRA vs HSR: Which Should You Take?
- Top Destinations Along the HSR
- Tips for Singaporean Travellers
- FAQs
What is the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR)?

Image credits: KKday
The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) is a high-speed bullet train operating along Taiwan’s west coast, from Taipei to Kaohsiung, spanning approximately 350 km. Modelled after Japan’s Shinkansen, the HSR is designed for speed, comfort, and convenience, with modern trains, reserved seating, and onboard facilities.
For Singaporean travellers, it’s the fastest way to explore multiple cities in a short time, skipping long bus rides or slower TRA trains.
🇹🇼 Travel essentials: Taiwan Power Plug & Socket Guide 2025: Types, Adapters & Travel Tips
Taiwan High Speed Rail Map & Routes

Image Credits: Klook
The THSR network currently has 12 stations:
- Nangang (Taipei)
- Taipei
- Banqiao
- Taoyuan
- Hsinchu
- Miaoli
- Taichung
- Changhua
- Yunlin
- Chiayi
- Tainan
- Zuoying (Kaohsiung)
The HSR serves major cities, while the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) covers both east and west coasts, connecting smaller towns and scenic routes.
🇹🇼 Money matters: SGD To TWD: How To Get The Best Taiwan Dollar Rate
How Fast is the Taiwan High Speed Rail?
- Top speed: ~300 km/h
- Taipei → Kaohsiung: ~1.5–2 hours depending on express or all-stop trains
- Frequency: Every 15–30 mins during peak hours
This makes the HSR faster than driving or taking conventional TRA trains, which can take 4–5 hours for the same route.
🇹🇼 Running out of cash in Taiwan? Check out: Taiwan ATM Withdrawal Guide: Fees, Locations, Exchange Rates (2025)
Taiwan High Speed Rail Tickets & Prices

Imaqe Credits: tealit.com
- Standard tickets: 1,350–1,490 TWD (~S$56–62) for Taipei → Kaohsiung
- Business class: 2,000–2,440 TWD (~S$84–102)
- Shorter trips: 130–820 TWD (~S$5–35) depending on route
Tickets can be reserved or non-reserved. Reserved seats are recommended during peak travel periods or holidays.
🇹🇼 Related guide: 15 Best Things To Do In Kaohsiung, Taiwan (2025)
Taiwan High Speed Rail Schedule
- Operating hours: ~6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Train frequency: Every 15–30 mins, more frequent on weekends or holidays
- Night trains: Limited; HSR is not 24 hours
Check the THSR website or T Express app for real-time schedules.
🇹🇼 Related guide: 15 Fun Things To Do In Taichung City, Taiwan (2025 Guide)
Taiwan High Speed Rail App & Booking

Image Credits: Klook
- T Express App: English interface, seat selection, real-time updates
- THSR Website: Online booking with e-ticket delivery
- Klook & KKday: Third-party platforms with early-bird discounts and flexible cancellation
💡 Tip for Singaporean travellers: Use YouTrip for online payments to avoid FX fees and get up to 5% cashback when booking via Klook.
🇹🇼 Related guide: 10 Affordable Leisure Farmstays In Taiwan
TRA vs HSR: Which Should You Take?
| Feature | TRA | HSR |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | East & west coast, smaller towns | West coast only, major cities |
| Speed | 60–120 km/h | Up to 300 km/h |
| Tickets | 100–700 TWD (~S$4–S$29) | 160–1,490 TWD (~S$7–S$63) |
| Ideal for | Scenic or local travel | Fast inter-city travel |
🇹🇼 Related guide: 15 Best Things To Do In Taipei (2025): Food, Attractions, Activities
Top Destinations Along the HSR

Image credits: KKday
- Taichung: Art scene, Rainbow Village, Sun Moon Lake nearby
- Tainan: Old town vibes, temples, night markets
- Chiayi & Alishan: Scenic mountain railways, sunrise spots
- Kaohsiung: Modern city, harbour, Liuhe Night Market
Stations are near city centres, making it easy to combine sightseeing and transport.
🇹🇼 Related guide: 8 Best Affordable Taiwan Accommodations From S$57/Night
Tips for Singaporean Travellers
- Pay smart: Use a multi-currency card like YouTrip for competitive TWD exchange rates and zero FX fees.
- Book early: Reserve seats for popular routes or peak holidays.
- Travel Passes: Consider purchasing a THSR pass for unlimited travel over a set number of days if planning to visit multiple cities.
🇹🇼 Related guide: Free Things To Do In Taiwan
Explore Taiwan at Bullet Train Speed!

What are you waiting for? It’s time for your next adventure to Taiwan! Don’t forget to bring along your YouTrip card for the best TWD rates all day with zero fees!
Not on YouTrip yet? Get a free YouTrip card + S$5 YouTrip credits with code <YTBLOG5>.
Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. Join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and Community Group (@YouTripSquad) for travel tips, event invites, and more!
Bon voyage!
FAQs:
Q1: How long is the train from Taipei to Kaohsiung?
A: About 1.5–2 hours on HSR; 4–5 hours on conventional TRA trains.
Q2: Is the Taiwan High Speed Rail 24 hours?
A: No. HSR runs approximately from 6 AM to 11 PM; there are no overnight trains.
Q3: Can foreigners buy HSR tickets online?
A: Yes. Use the THSR official website, the T Express app, or platforms like Klook for convenient bookings.
Q4: How fast is the Taiwan High Speed Rail?
A: Up to 300 km/h, making it the fastest way to travel Taiwan’s west coast.
Q5: How much are Taiwan HSR tickets?
A: One-way Taipei → Kaohsiung: NT$1,350–1,490 (~S$56–62). Business class is 2,000–2,400 TWD (~S$84–102). Shorter trips are cheaper.
Q6: How do I use the THSR app in English?
A: Open the T Express app, go to Settings > Language, and select English.
Q7: Are HSR tickets reserved or non-reserved?
A: Both options exist. Reserved seats are recommended during peak travel periods or holidays.
Related Articles
Did You Know Taiwan’s Giving 500,000 Tourists S$220 Incentives Each?
What Kind Of Traveller Are You Based On Your Taiwan Design Expo Innate Personality Traits Quiz?
Top 10 Things To Do In Taiwan That Aren’t Totally Basic








