2025-07-19
Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass
Taiwan may be a small island, but its high-speed rail network makes getting from one end to the other incredibly fast and convenient. If you’re planning to explore multiple cities along Taiwan’s western corridor—like Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung—then the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Day Pass might just be your best travel investment.
What Is the Taiwan High Speed Rail?
The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) is a modern bullet train system that runs along Taiwan’s western corridor, connecting major cities from Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung in the south. Modeled after Japan’s Shinkansen, this world-class railway makes travel across the island fast, efficient, and remarkably comfortable.
Trains reach speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph), turning long road trips into short, scenic rides.
What Is the Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass?
The Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass is a special pass offered exclusively to foreign travelers, allowing unlimited rides on the THSR system for a set number of days. It’s designed for convenience, cost savings, and maximum flexibility—perfect for tourists looking to pack multiple destinations into a short trip.
Why Travelers Love It
For tourists, the THSR is a game changer. Whether you’re hopping between cultural hubs like Tainan and Taichung or rushing from the beaches of Kaohsiung back to Taipei, the High Speed Rail slashes travel time and eliminates the stress of complicated transfers.
Most stations are directly linked to city transit systems, making it easy to explore attractions without needing a car.
Cost-Saving With Tourist Passes
One of the biggest advantages for foreign travelers is access to exclusive THSR passes—like the 3-Day Unlimited Pass or Flexible 2-Day Pass—which offer unlimited rides at a fixed price. These passes are often cheaper than buying individual tickets, especially if you plan to visit 2 or more cities.
Some passes even bundle local rail services, making it easy to explore areas like Alishan or Hualien.
What’s Included?
Unlimited rides on THSR trains during your pass’s validity period
Access to both reserved and non-reserved standard class seats
Easy boarding without needing to buy a separate ticket for each ride
Some passes include access to Taiwan Railways (TRA) local trains for regional trave.
Who Should Use It?
The Taiwan High Speed Rail is ideal for tourists on tight itineraries, digital nomads, and families who want to make the most of their time without dealing with local bus routes or expensive taxis.
Whether you’re planning a north-to-south adventure, a weekend getaway, or a multi-city cultural tour, the THSR offers unmatched convenience and value.
Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass Price
HSR Unlimited Tourist Pass Options (For Foreign Visitors Only)
Taiwan’s High Speed Rail offers special unlimited ride passes for tourists, allowing fast, flexible, and cost-effective travel across the island’s western corridor. These passes are only available to non-residents, making them a top pick for international travelers looking to explore multiple cities.
Where to Buy the THSR Day Pass
Online (Most Convenient)
- Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass (klook)
- Children’s fares are usually half-price
In Person
- At any THSR station ticket window (bring your passport)
3‑Day Consecutive Pass
Valid For: Unlimited rides over 3 consecutive days
Train Type: THSR Standard Class (Reserved or Unreserved)
Price:
- Adult: NT$2,200
- Child: NT$1,100
Best For: Travelers planning to visit multiple cities in 3 days, such as Taipei → Taichung → Tainan → Kaohsiung. Ideal for weekend warriors or fast-paced adventurers.
Flexible 2‑Day Pass
Valid For: Any 2 travel days within a 7-day window
Train Type: THSR Standard Class
Price:
- Adult: NT$2,500
- Child: NT$1,250
Best For: Travelers with a more relaxed pace who want to spread travel over a week—e.g., day trips or short hops between major cities.
5‑Day Joint Rail Pass – Standard (THSR + TRA Chu-Kuang)
Valid For:
- 5 Consecutive Days
- Unlimited rides on Taiwan Railway Chu-Kuang Express and Fu-Hsing Semi Express for 5 consecutive days
- 2 days of THSR rides within those 5 days
Price:
- Adult: NT$2,800
- Child: NT$1,400
Best For: Visitors traveling to both major cities and smaller rural towns, like combining Taipei, Tainan, and Alishan or Hualien.
5‑Day Joint Rail Pass – Premium (THSR + TRA Tze-Chiang)
Valid For:
- 5 Consecutive Days
- Unlimited rides on Taiwan Railway Tze-Chiang Limited Express, EMU 3000 series (business class are not included), Taroko Express and Puyuma Express for 5 days.
- 2 days of THSR within the same 5-day period
Price:
- Adult: NT$3,600
- Child: NT$1,800
Best For: Travelers who want faster regional train options on TRA lines, especially when visiting Taitung, Hualien, Yilan, or Taroko Gorge.
Summary: Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass Prices
There are several pass options depending on how many days you plan to use THSR:
| Pass Type | Price (Adult) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Consecutive Pass | NT$2,200 | Unlimited THSR rides for 3 consecutive days |
| Flexible 2-Day Pass | NT$2,500 | Any 2 days of unlimited travel within a 7-day window |
| 5-Day Joint Rail Pass (Standard) | NT$2,800 | 5 days of TRA + 2 flexible THSR days |
| 5-Day Joint Rail Pass (Premium) | NT$3,600 | Includes access to faster TRA trains (Tze-Chiang class) |
Children’s fares are usually half-price.
THSR Ticket Prices: Taipei to Kaohsiung (Zuoying)
One of the most popular routes on Taiwan’s High Speed Rail is the journey from Taipei to Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung—a quick and comfortable way to travel between the north and south ends of the island. Here’s what you need to know about pricing:
One-Way Ticket: ~TWD 1,490
A standard class one-way ticket between Taipei and Zuoying typically costs around TWD 1,490. This fare applies whether you’re traveling northbound or southbound. The price may vary slightly based on:
Time of day (peak or off-peak)
Seat selection (reserved vs. unreserved)
Special promotions or online deals
Round-Trip Ticket: ~TWD 2,980
While there’s no guaranteed discount for round-trip bookings, most travelers simply purchase two one-way tickets, bringing the total to around TWD 2,980. Klook and other third-party platforms may occasionally offer promotional rates, but round-trip discounts are not consistently available through official THSR channels.
Travel Pass Savings
If you plan to make multiple trips or visit other cities along the west coast (like Tainan, Taichung, or Chiayi), the THSR Tourist Passes (e.g., the 3-Day Unlimited Pass) offer far better value. These passes can reduce your average ticket cost significantly—especially if you’re planning a full island itinerary.
For example, with a 3-Day Consecutive Pass (TWD 2,200), you can travel unlimited times in any direction across the THSR system. That’s cheaper than just a single round trip between Taipei and Kaohsiung.
Other Price Factors
Business Class: Adds extra legroom and amenities, but increases cost to ~TWD 2,440 one-way.
Unreserved Seats: Slightly cheaper and more flexible, but limited to specific cars and subject to availability.
Advance Booking: Not always cheaper, but ensures seat availability—especially on weekends and holidays.
Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass vs. Round-Trip Ticket
If you’re just doing one round-trip journey, the standard ticket is usually sufficient. But if you plan to explore multiple destinations in Taiwan, the THSR Tourist Day Pass offers huge savings, convenience, and flexibility—especially with the 3-day or 5-day joint rail options.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the THSR Day Pass if:
You’re visiting multiple cities (e.g., Taipei → Taichung → Tainan → Kaohsiung)
You’re planning 3 or more THSR rides in 1–3 days
You value flexibility (no need to buy tickets for each leg)
You’re a foreign tourist eligible to buy it
Example: In 3 days, you visit Taipei → Taichung → Tainan → Kaohsiung → return to Taipei. That’s NT$3,000+ in one-way tickets — but just NT$2,200 with a 3-day pass!
Choose a Round-Trip Ticket if:
You’re only going from Point A to Point B and back (e.g., Taipei ↔ Zuoying)
You’re not eligible for a tourist pass (Taiwan resident or work visa holder)
You only need one round-trip ride during your stay
Example: A quick weekend trip from Taipei to Kaohsiung and back. NT$2,980 for a round trip may be cheaper than a 2-day pass (NT$2,500) if you don’t plan other stops.
The comparison of the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Day Pass vs. a Round-Trip Ticket, to help you decide which is more cost-effective and convenient for your travel needs.
Comparison Table
| Feature | THSR Day Pass | Round-Trip Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Unlimited rides (1–3 days) on THSR (tourist-only) | Two one-way tickets between two cities |
| Example Price | 3-Day Pass: NT$2,200 | Taipei ↔ Zuoying: NT$2,980 |
| Usage | Unlimited THSR travel during the pass validity | Fixed route, limited to one outbound + one return trip |
| Flexibility | Very flexible – travel to any THSR city any number of times | Limited – you must choose departure/return stations |
| Savings | Best for multi-city or long-distance travel | Cheaper if you only travel once round trip |
| Eligibility | Foreign tourists only | Available to everyone |
| Seat Reservation | Included (reserved or unreserved seats) | Reserved seating included in ticket |
| Booking | Must be purchased in advance and activated | Can be booked online or at station |
| Valid Period | 1, 2 (flexible), or 3 consecutive days | Valid only on specified date/time |
| Add-ons (Joint Passes) | Available with TRA rail (Standard/Premium Passes) | Not applicable |
Is the Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass Worth It?
Yes—if you’re traveling to multiple cities within a short period, the pass can save you significant money compared to buying single tickets.
Example:
- Taipei → Taichung: NT$700
- Taichung → Tainan: NT$670
- Tainan → Taipei: NT$1,350
- Total: NT$2,720 (more than the 3-day pass)
However, if you’re only traveling once or twice, buying individual tickets might be more economical.
Pro Travel Tip
Reserve your seats in advance on the THSR website or at station kiosks, especially on weekends and holidays. Even with the pass, you’ll want a reserved seat for longer routes.
2-Day THSR Itinerary: Classic Taiwan Highlights
Day 1:
- Morning: Taipei → Taichung (visit National Taichung Theater, Rainbow Village)
- Afternoon: Taichung → Tainan (Anping Old Street, Chimei Museum)
- Stay overnight in Tainan
Day 2:
- Morning: Tainan → Kaohsiung (Pier-2 Art Center, Love River)
- Evening: Kaohsiung → Taipei
3-Day THSR Itinerary: North to South Adventure
Day 1:
- Taipei → Hsinchu → Taichung (Science Park + Miyahara Ice Cream)
Day 2:
- Taichung → Tainan → Kaohsiung
- Explore historic temples, local eats, and night markets
Day 3:
- Kaohsiung → Chiayi (Alishan Forest Railway)
- Return to Taipei by evening
- Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass: Ideal for Tourists
Whether you’re a fast-paced traveler or a family exploring Taiwan’s cities, the THSR Day Pass is a smart, stress-free way to see more of Taiwan without worrying about ticket lines or transportation budgets.
From modern Taipei to the beaches of Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s High-Speed Rail takes you there—fast, easy, and scenic.
