Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) has made traveling time much shorter and become more convenient nowadays. It takes only about 1.5 hours to go from Taipei to Kaohsiung, which makes one-day trip in the western Taiwan available now.
There are 12 stations so far, passengers may transfer to railway or MRT if needed. But notice that some of them aren’t in the same stations, so make sure that you save enough time to get to the other transportation station.
- Seat
Seats are divided into business class and standard seat. Business class is designed 2-2, and standard class is 3-2. Basically, passengers will buy the tickets for having a cozy trip. Still, there are non-reserved seats available, which means passengers can take a seat without reserving. However, chances are little since usually there is no much vacancy.
- Ticket
Passengers may buy the tickets through the official website, app, and convenience stores including 7-11, Family Mart, Hi-Life, and OK Mart, and of course, in the stations. Except for booking via the app, you may pick up your tickets at the station or the convenience stores. And for the app, there will be a QR code after your purchase. Therefore, you don’t need to collect your tickets. All you have to do is to scan the ticket on your phone.
- Discount
If you would like to save more money, you may consider early-bird tickets, group tickets, multiple-ride tickets, periodic ticket, and college student tickets. If you are traveling with young kids, notice that children below 3.8 feet (115cm) or less that 6 years old can enjoy free rides, and children less than 12 years old can enjoy half-priced tickets.
For more and detailed information: http://www.thsrc.com.tw/index_en.html