Taiwan High Speed Rail Train

The Taiwan High Speed Rail train is a fantastic public transportation system marvel linking North and South Taiwan. It provides a great and inexpensive means of transportation around Taiwan in a fast, safe and clean manner instead of taking internal flights. Unlike our terrible KTM train service, the Taiwan High Speed Rail service is efficient, timely and very convenient.

The great experience of taking the Taiwan High Speed Rail begins right at their stations. The High Speed Rail stations are tall modern steel and glass structures which resemble airports and there are lots of food and service outlets available for busy and hungry commuters. Ticket purchases are mainly done through one of the many automated ticketing machines available. The ticketing machines are very modern and even allow payment via your credit card so one does not have to fumble for loose change. At the machine, you have the option of purchasing designated seats or free seats. The free seats are slightly cheaper and have separate carriages where some commuters might have to stand if the seats have run out.

If you are a tourist with a planned itinerary, you can even opt to purchase your tickets online here.

Read about the convenience of the train service below.

It was very impressive to see how frequent their train services are to all the major towns around Taiwan. Their trains run with an average of a 20 minute frequency and are incredibly punctual which means no long waiting times or uncertainty about when the train might arrive.

Once you have bought your ticket, take the escalators or elevators to the platforms to wait for your train. The platforms are very clean and brightly lit. The train is incredibly quiet and as the carriages have been seperated according to your seating arrangements, there isn’t much pushing or shoving to board the trains. The train stops for just a few minutes for commuters to board and often, there will be a friendly attendant standing outside if you require any help.

The interior of the train is also very clean with seats that resemble airline seats. An empty area is provided in front of each carriage for bulky luggages while overhead compartments are available for smaller luggages. There are electronic boards at the front of the carriage which will display the name of the coming station so commuters can get ready to disembark. Despite having top speeds of up to 300 km/hr, the high speed is hardly felt within the carriage due to the stability of the Shinkansen series train. Safety features are top priority with a good fireproof design and excellent traction and brake power.

Toilets are also very clean and men have the option of using designated men toilets which are probably smaller than the conventional toilets. Shortly after the train has taken off, attendents will come by to sell refreshments and drinks and pick up trash to ensure the carriage remains clean. Commuters are, however, allowed to bring their own food on board and the train is usually filled with the delicious smells of food!

Currently, the Taiwan High Speed Rail has a total of 8 stations in service from North to South Taiwan.  An additional 4 will be added and are expected to begin service in 2010.

• Nankang*
• Taipei
• Banciao
• Taoyuan
• Hsinchu
• Miaoli*
• Taichung
• Changhua*
• Yunllin*
• Chiayi
• Tainan
• Zuoying

* To commence in 2010

The Taiwan High Speed Rail is a great way to get out of Taipei city to take in some beautiful sights and sounds around the other areas of Taiwan. It is an easy and convenient mode of travel, even for tourists and at a top speed of 300 km/hr, you can be assured of reaching your destination quickly and safely.