Taiwan High Speed Rail: "I thought it would be like KTX," but it was really confusing.

On my first trip to Taiwan, I was really flustered when going from Taipei to Taichung.

"Why am I told to get off at Zuoying (左營) when I'm going to Kaohsiung Station?"
"What's the difference between Taipei Station and Nangang Station?"
"There's a foreigner discount, but where do I buy it?"

I thought it would be as simple as buying a ticket and boarding, just like Korea's KTX, but once I got there, I found many confusing things.
There are separate regular trains (TRA) and high-speed trains (THSR), some cities have two stations, there are non-reserved, standard, and business class seats, and there's a separate 15% discount for foreigners...

If you're like me and going on your first free trip to Taiwan, reading this article will truly put your mind at ease.
Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) is slightly more complex than KTX, but it's a really convenient system once you understand it.

So, in this article, I've thoroughly organized everything for first-time travelers, including Taiwan High Speed Rail routes and stations, how to buy tickets, how to get foreigner discounts, seat types, common confusions, and the actual boarding procedure.
Read it once, and you won't be fumbling when buying tickets.

📑 Table of Contents

1. What is Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)?
2. Confusing Station Names and Locations Explained
3. Three Seat Types: What's the Difference?
4. How to Get the 15% Foreigner Discount
5. How to Get the Early Bird 35% Discount
6. THSR Pass: To Buy or Not to Buy?
7. Actual Boarding Procedure (Step-by-Step)
8. Regular Train (TRA) vs. High Speed Rail (THSR)
9. Things That Really Confuse First-Time Travelers
10. Taiwan High Speed Rail Checklist Before Departure

🚄 What is Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)?

It's Taiwan's high-speed rail, similar to Korea's KTX and Japan's Shinkansen.

💡 Comparison with Korea's KTX

💡 12 THSR Stations (North→South)

1. Nangang (南港) - Taipei outskirts (starting point)
2. Taipei (台北) - Central Taipei ⭐
3. Banqiao (板橋) - New Taipei City (next to Taipei)
4. Taoyuan (桃園) - Near the airport
5. Hsinchu (新竹) - Hsinchu City
6. Miaoli (苗栗)
7. Taichung (台中) - Taichung City ⭐
8. Changhua (彰化)
9. Yunlin (雲林)
10. Chiayi (嘉義)
11. Tainan (台南) - Tainan City ⭐
12. Zuoying (左營) - Kaohsiung ⭐ (terminus)

⭐ = Major stations frequently visited by foreigners

💡 Not all trains stop at all 12 stations

THSR trains stop at different stations depending on the train number (service number).
- Trains with many stops: Stop at all 12 stations (local)
- Express trains: Only stop at Taipei, Banqiao, Taichung, and Zuoying

When buying a ticket, you must "check if this train stops at my destination station."

On my first trip, I didn't know this and accidentally chose an express train that passed through Chiayi when I wanted to go from Taipei to Chiayi, so I had to buy another ticket.

🗺️ Confusing Station Names and Locations Explained

This is truly the most confusing part for first-time visitors.

⚠️ Two or Three "Taipei Stations"?

Taiwan has separate regular trains (TRA) and high-speed trains (THSR). Therefore, there are often multiple stations in the same city.

⚠️ The Biggest Trap - When Going to Kaohsiung

"I'm going to Kaohsiung" confuses everyone.
The high-speed rail station for downtown Kaohsiung is 'Zuoying (左營)' Station, not 'Kaohsiung (高雄)' Station!
- THSR Zuoying Station = Arrival in Kaohsiung City (where foreigners go)
- TRA Kaohsiung Station = Central Kaohsiung, regular train station

When buying a ticket, even if you search for "Kaohsiung," it will show Zuoying.

⚠️ Tainan Trap

Similarly, in Tainan, the THSR Tainan Station and the TRA Tainan Station are in different locations. You'll need about a 30-minute shuttle bus or a TRA transfer.
- To get to the city from THSR Tainan Station, use a free shuttle bus or a connecting TRA train.

💡 THSR Stations Directly in the City (Convenient)

• Taipei Station - City center
• Nangang Station - East Taipei
• Banqiao Station - New Taipei, next to Taipei
• Zuoying Station - Kaohsiung City (connected to MRT)

These four locations are convenient as they are within the city.

💡 THSR Stations Outside the City (Shuttle Bus Needed)

• Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan
• Additional transportation (usually free shuttle bus, or TRA transfer) needed to reach the city center.

💡 Tip to Avoid Confusion

When buying a ticket, double-check your departure and arrival stations. Common routes for foreign travelers:
- Taipei → Taichung: Taipei (台北) → Taichung (台中)
- Taipei → Kaohsiung: Taipei (台北) → Zuoying (左營)
- Taipei → Tainan: Taipei (台北) → Tainan (台南) ← Note: THSR Tainan Station is outside the city

On my first trip, I struggled for a long time trying to search for "Kaohsiung." The high-speed rail ticket system does not show Kaohsiung, only Zuoying.

💺 Three Seat Types: What's the Difference?

Taiwan High Speed Rail offers three seating options.

🥇 Standard Class - Most Popular

• 5 seats per row (2+3 arrangement), similar to Korea's KTX standard class
• Advance reservation required (popular times sell out)
• Foreigner discount applicable
• Sufficient seat width, power outlets available
• Free Wi-Fi

🥈 Business Class - For a Relaxed Journey

• 4 seats per row (2+2 arrangement), wide and comfortable
• Complimentary beverages and snacks
• 25~60% more expensive than standard class
• No special services other than the seats
• Foreigner discount applicable

🥉 Non-reserved Class - Cheaper but Risky

• No seat assignment, sit freely in any empty seat
• 5% cheaper than standard class
• Only available for purchase on-site (no advance reservation)
• Only 3 out of 12 cars are non-reserved
• Can board with EasyCard/iPASS
• Disadvantage: May not find a seat during rush hour or weekends

💡 Recommended Situations for Non-reserved Seats

• Short distances (e.g., Taipei→Taoyuan)
• Off-peak hours (not rush hour)
• Boarding at terminal stations like Nangang, Taipei, or Zuoying

I once took a non-reserved seat from Kaohsiung to Taipei, and since I boarded at Zuoying (the starting station), I was able to find a seat. If I had tried to board at an intermediate station, I would have stood for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

💡 Which Seat to Choose?

🎫 How to Get the 15% Foreigner Discount

Here's a real tip. Taiwan High Speed Rail offers a 15% discount exclusively for foreigners.

🎁 Foreigner Discount Eligibility

• Visa-exempt visitors or tourist visa holders
• Short-term stay within 180 days
• Not applicable to Taiwan residency permit holders or citizens
• Passport must have an entry stamp

💰 Where to Get the Discount

The official Taiwan High Speed Rail website does not directly offer foreigner discounts.
You can only get it through overseas travel platforms.

1️⃣ KKday
- Sells 15% foreigner-exclusive discount tickets
- Often runs 1+1 promotions
- Provides additional discount codes
- Supports Korean

2️⃣ Klook
- Sells 15% foreigner-exclusive discount tickets
- Additional discounts possible with coupon codes
- Supports Korean

3️⃣ MyRealTrip, WAUG
- Sell similar discount tickets
- Familiar Korean payment systems

💡 Price Comparison Example (Taipei→Zuoying)

The longer the distance, the greater the discount amount.

💡 Foreigner Discount Usage Procedure

1. Book and pay on KKday/Klook before departure
- Enter passport English name and passport number
- Receive voucher (email)

2. Reserve seats on the official Taiwan High Speed Rail website
- Access the site indicated on the voucher
- Select departure date, time, and seat
- Receive reservation code

3. Exchange for physical ticket upon arrival in Taiwan
- At the high-speed rail station ticket counter
- Present passport + reservation code + proof of entry (e.g., entry stamp)
- Receive physical ticket

4. Boarding
- Go to the gate and seat indicated on the physical ticket

⚠️ Important Notes

• Foreigner discount tickets are refundable before exchanging for a physical ticket, but not after.
• Enter your passport English name accurately; typos may result in ticket exchange refusal.
• Refusal if no entry stamp (get a stamp when passing through automated immigration gates).

The first time I entered through the automated immigration gate and didn't have a stamp, I was refused when exchanging my ticket and had to go back to the immigration office to get a stamp. Make sure to get a stamp.

⏰ How to Get the Early Bird 35% Discount

Besides the foreigner discount, there's also an early bird discount. You can't combine them, but a larger discount might be possible depending on your schedule.

🎁 Early Bird Discount Tiers

💡 Early Bird vs. Foreigner 15% Discount

💡 Which One to Choose?

• If your schedule is firm and you can book 28 days in advance: Try for the Early Bird 35% (first-come, first-served!)
• If your schedule is flexible and you want freedom: Foreigner 15% discount
• If convenience is a priority: Foreigner 15% discount (KKday/Klook support Korean)

On my second trip to Taiwan, I aimed for the Early Bird 35% discount, but popular routes during rush hour sold out really quickly. For off-peak hours (10 AM, 2 PM), it's easier to get the 35% discount.

🎟️ THSR Pass: To Buy or Not to Buy?

If you're visiting multiple cities, a THSR Pass might be the answer.

🎫 THSR Pass Types

1️⃣ THSR 2-Day Pass (Standard)
- Price: Approx. NT$2,500 (approx. 110,000 KRW)
- Unlimited use for 2 consecutive days
- Exclusive for foreigners

2️⃣ THSR 3-Day Pass (Standard)
- Price: Approx. NT$3,500 (approx. 150,000 KRW)
- Unlimited use for 3 consecutive days

3️⃣ THSR + TRA Joint Pass
- Price: Approx. NT$2,900-4,500 (approx. 125,000~190,000 KRW)
- Can use both high-speed rail and regular trains
- Various options, including 5-day passes

💡 Pass vs. Individual Ticket Purchase Comparison

Based on departure from Taipei:
- Taipei↔Kaohsiung Round Trip (with discount): Approx. NT$2,600
- 2-Day Pass: NT$2,500 (breaks even with just a round trip)
- 3-Day Pass: NT$3,500 (worth it if you go to Taichung one more time)

🥇 Itinerary Where a Pass is Advantageous

• If you visit Taipei-Taichung-Kaohsiung all within a 2-night, 3-day trip
• If you visit Taipei-Tainan-Kaohsiung all within a 3-night, 4-day trip
• If your itinerary involves freely traveling to multiple cities

❌ Itinerary Where a Pass is Disadvantageous

• If you only stay in Taipei
• If you only make a simple round trip to Kaohsiung
• If you only visit 1-2 cities

💡 Where to Buy

• KKday, Klook, MyRealTrip, WAUG, etc.
• Purchase in advance in Korea → Exchange for physical ticket at the station ticket counter upon arrival in Taiwan

On my second trip, I bought a 3-day pass and traveled to Taipei→Taichung→Tainan→Kaohsiung→Taipei, saving about 50,000 KRW. A pass is the right choice for itineraries with extensive travel.

🚉 Actual Boarding Procedure (Step-by-Step)

A step-by-step guide for first-time travelers.

🎯 Step 1. Book Before Departure (from Korea)

1. Purchase foreigner discount tickets on KKday/Klook, etc.
2. Receive voucher via email
3. Reserve seats on the THSR official website indicated on the voucher
4. Select departure date, time, and seat
5. Receive reservation code (QR code)

🎯 Step 2. Exchange for Physical Ticket Upon Arrival in Taiwan

• Arrive at the high-speed rail station ticket counter at least 30 minutes before departure
• Present reservation code, passport, and entry stamp (in passport) at the ticket counter
• Receive physical ticket (showing train number, car number, seat number)

🎯 Step 3. Proceed to the Platform

• Arrive at the platform 10-15 minutes before departure time
• Check the car number (Car) (1~12)
• Car numbers are displayed on the platform
• Queue at the indicated location

🎯 Step 4. Boarding

• When the train arrives, board in line
• Check your seat number (indicated on the ticket)
• Place luggage on the overhead rack or in the large luggage compartments at the front/rear of the car
• Take your seat and you're done

🎯 Step 5. Onboard Services

• Free Wi-Fi (ask staff for password)
• Food allowed (except strong-smelling items)
• Power outlets at each seat (110V, US-style)
• Restrooms between cars

🎯 Step 6. Arrival and Disembarkation

• Arrival announcement (Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean)
• Collect luggage and disembark
• Pass through the ticket gate (automatic, ticket not collected)

💡 Time Management Tips

• 30 minutes before departure: Arrive at the ticket counter (to exchange for physical ticket)
• 15 minutes before departure: Arrive at the platform
• 5 minutes before departure: Train arrives
• On-time departure (Taiwan High Speed Rail is highly punctual)

The first time I went, I arrived 10 minutes before departure and broke a sweat in the ticket exchange line. Allow 30 minutes of buffer time.

🚂 Regular Train (TRA) vs. High Speed Rail (THSR)

Taiwan has two railway systems. Don't get them confused.

💡 Which One to Choose?

🚄 High Speed Rail Recommended Situations
- Time-sensitive (commute/tight schedule)
- Long distance (e.g., Taipei→Kaohsiung)
- Comfort is a priority
- Business travel

🚂 Regular Train Recommended Situations
- Plenty of time
- Short distance (e.g., Taipei→Hualien)
- City center arrival is important
- Budget-conscious
- Need to go to the East Coast (Taitung, Hualien) → THSR does not go there

💡 If You're Going to the East Coast

THSR only travels along the western traverse. If you're going to East Coast cities like Hualien or Taitung, you must use the Regular Train (TRA).

🤔 Things That Really Confuse First-Time Travelers

A collection of common confusions often seen in travel reviews.

❓ Q1. I searched for "Kaohsiung Station" but it didn't show up.

→ For Kaohsiung, search for "Zuoying (左營)"!
The official name of the THSR Kaohsiung Station is Zuoying Station.

❓ Q2. Can I not buy foreigner discounts on the official website?

→ No, you cannot buy them directly on the official website. Only available on overseas travel platforms like KKday and Klook.

❓ Q3. Are non-reserved seats always unavailable?

→ If you board at a terminal station (Nangang, Taipei, Zuoying), you have a high chance of finding a seat. It can be difficult if you board at an intermediate station or during rush hour.

❓ Q4. Can I ride with an EasyCard?

→ Only for non-reserved seats. Standard and business class require a separate ticket.

❓ Q5. If I'm going to two cities, is a pass worth it?

→ For a simple Taipei↔Kaohsiung round trip, the foreigner discount is more advantageous. If you visit 3 or more cities, a pass is more beneficial.

❓ Q6. I entered through the automated immigration gate and don't have a stamp.

→ Ticket exchange may be refused. Next time, use the regular gate, or get a stamp at the immigration office beforehand.

❓ Q7. Can I eat food on the train?

→ Yes, it's OK (except for strong-smelling items). It's similar to Japan's Shinkansen, where people buy and eat bento boxes.

❓ Q8. How do I get the Wi-Fi password?

→ Ask the train attendant "WiFi password?" and they will tell you. It's free.

❓ Q9. Where do I put my luggage?

→ On the overhead rack above your seat or in the large luggage compartments at the front and rear of the car. For large suitcases, the luggage compartment is recommended.

❓ Q10. What happens if I miss my train?

→ You can change to a non-reserved seat on the next train (ask a station attendant). However, refunds are not available.

📋 Taiwan High Speed Rail Checklist Before Departure

✅ Check your destination city (is it a THSR station?)
✅ For Kaohsiung, search for "Zuoying (左營)"
✅ Book foreigner discount tickets on KKday/Klook before departure
✅ Keep your reservation code + voucher email
✅ Reserve your seat (on the THSR official website)
✅ Enter your passport English name accurately
✅ Get a passport stamp upon entry (avoid automated gates if you need one)
✅ Arrive at the ticket counter 30 minutes before departure
✅ Check your car number (Car) + seat number
✅ Compare THSR Pass vs. individual ticket costs (if visiting multiple cities)
✅ Check if it's a suburban station (if a shuttle bus is needed)
✅ Don't confuse Regular Train (TRA) vs. High Speed Rail (THSR)

📚 More Detailed Official Information

Official information regarding Taiwan High Speed Rail can be found below.

• Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Official English Website
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs Overseas Travel Safety - Taiwan

On the THSR official website, you can check timetables, exact fares, and station information (Korean is not supported). On the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Overseas Travel Safety website, you can find Taiwan safety information and consular assistance details. It's a good idea to check them before you depart.

🚄 At the Departure Platform

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) is a truly convenient mode of transport once you understand it.

• Route → 12 stations from Nangang (Taipei) to Zuoying (Kaohsiung)
• Seats → Non-reserved, Standard, Business (Standard is common)
• Discounts → Foreigner 15% or Early Bird 35%
• Confusion → For Kaohsiung, search for Zuoying; for foreigner discounts, use KKday/Klook
• Time → Taipei→Kaohsiung 1 hour 30 minutes, slightly faster than KTX

At first, I also thought, "Why is this so complicated?"
But once you ride it, you'll find it much cleaner than Korea's KTX, and with the foreigner discount, it's also great value for money.

On your next free trip to Taiwan, don't just stay in Taipei; take the high-speed rail to Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.
Taiwan may seem small, but each region has a truly different character, and a THSR trip can make it feel like a different country.
From the departure platform, the real Taiwan begins.