How long is the high speed rail from Taipei to Chiayi?

The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) journey from Taipei to Chiayi typically takes between 1 hour 13 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the number of stops. The distance is approximately 247 km to 265 km, and trains run frequently (roughly every 30 minutes).

Is it better to take the HSR or regular train in Taiwan?

They're both reliable, IMO the TRA is great if you have time to kill and want to check out the scenery. The HSR is great if you just wanna get to your destination ASAP, you can get from Taipei to Kaohsiung in 90 minutes on a nonstop express.

How fast does the Taipei high-speed rail go?

Developed on Japanese Shinkansen technology, trains can reach a top speed of 300 KM/H (185 MPH), with journey time as short as 96 minutes between.

Do you need to book Taiwan high speed rail in advance?

Tickets are available to book 29 days up to 1 hour prior to scheduled time of departure. Furthermore, when the advance booking date falls on a Friday or Saturday, it will be extended to the Sunday after. If the period opens for booking adjusted due to force majeure, THSRC will make additional announcements.

Is Taipei near Chiayi?

The distance between Taipei and Chiayi is 265 km. The road distance is 243.3 km.

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Train Guide 2025 – Tickets, Tips & Money-Saving Hacks!

Why do the Olympics not recognize Taiwan?

Taiwan participates in the Olympics as "Chinese Taipei" due to political pressure from mainland China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, forcing a compromise where Taiwan competes under a neutral name, flag, and anthem to avoid being excluded entirely from international sporting events. This stems from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognizing the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1971 and subsequent agreements like the 1981 Nagoya Resolution, which allows Taiwan's Olympic Committee to exist under specific conditions. 

How many days to stay in Chiayi, Taiwan?

Chiayi in 3 days

In the city, you'll find the Chiayi Park area and the Chiayi Tower, plus lively night markets like Wenhua Road Night Market serving classic Taiwanese street food. The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, just outside the city, showcases Asian art and culture in a striking modern building.

Can I bring luggage on Taiwan High Speed Rail?

Luggage storage area: There is at least one large luggage storage area in each car for passengers to place their large suitcases. It is recommended to place small luggage in front of your seat or on the luggage rack above the seats. Toilets: Located in Cars 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.

Can foreigners buy tickets on 12306?

The English website and mobile app of 12306 China Railway online ticketing platform is available for holders of foreign passport recognized by PRC Government. You can enjoy convenient ticketing service once you have activated a 12306 account and completed identity verification.

Can you choose seats on Taiwan High Speed Rail?

For every reservation, it is allowed to select seat(s) once for every single trip. (If the reservation includes round-trip tickets, it is allowed to choose seats once for each trip.)

What is the punctuality of the Taiwan high speed rail?

The punctuality rate is 99.5%, and the average delay time is only about 0.2 minutes.

Where to catch High Speed Rail in Taipei?

The Taipei Bus Station next to Taipei Main Station is a compound transportation hub that houses Highway Bus, Taiwan Railways Administration, Taiwan High Speed Rail, Taipei MRT and Taoyuan Airport MRT.

Is it okay to wear red in Taiwan?

Yes, you can absolutely wear red in Taiwan; it's a very auspicious color symbolizing good fortune, happiness, and celebration, used extensively in festivals, weddings, and temples, though you should avoid writing someone's name in red ink as it's considered bad luck and a sign of death. Red clothing is common and welcomed, especially during festive times, and generally, you can wear whatever you like, with few restrictions. 

What are the negatives of high speed rail?

High-speed rail is generally regarded as the pinnacle of attractive and green transportation. But all too often, it makes train travel more expensive and less flexible. In the end, costly high-speed lines may just push more people into cars.

How many days in Taiwan is enough?

Two weeks is a good amount of time if you want to do a full circle around Taiwan. You won't be able to hit every stop along the way (unless you are willing to rush and change hotels/locations almost every night). But you can at least cover most of the main ones.

Does 12306 have English?

Please note that the English platform of 12306 is for foreign passport holders only. Holders of other types of identification should use the Chinese platform for registration. It is also recommended to complete these steps in advance to avoid any last-minute issues that might affect your travel plans.

Is there food on 12306 trains?

All you need to order food on trains is your smartphone. There are two ways to order, including online and on-site. If you choose to order online, you must download the "Railway 12306" (铁路12306) app.

What if I miss my train?

Missed Train Confirm ticket

You may get refund from railways by filing TDR (ticket deposit receipt) as per extant rules citing reasons for not travelling. Since chart has been prepared you can't cancel the ticket, you can only file TDR within one hour after departure of the train from charting station.

What can you not bring into Taiwan?

These include:

• Drugs. ...
• Firearms , Ammunition , and Knives.
• Goods Infringing Upon the Rights of Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights.
• Antiquities pursuant to the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act.
• Fake or Spurious Currencies/Securities, or Moulds for Printing Counterfeit Currency.
• Live Wildlife or Protected Wildlife Products.

Is there a toilet in HSR Taiwan?

Sinks, soap dispensers, hand dryers, and baby changing stations are equipped with station toilets. Moreover, baby seats are equipped with assessable toilets. THSR trains have women-only toilets. Breastfeeding rooms are equipped with THSR stations for passengers to use.

What if I miss my HSR in Taiwan?

If you've missed your scheduled train, you can board any other train scheduled on the same day for the same destination with your ticket. Be aware that you'll need to board on the non-reserved seating area. Unfortunately, if you are unable to board any of the scheduled trains on the same day, no refunds will be issued.

Is there anything to do in Chiayi?

Check out must-see sights and activities: The Hinoki Village, Museum of Ancient Taiwan Tiles, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Historic Walking Areas. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.

When to avoid visiting Taipei?

The worst times to visit Taiwan are from April to June (the plum rain season) and from July to September (high temperatures and typhoons). April to June: The rainfall during this season is heavy and the wet drizzle usually lasts for the whole day.