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Taiwan's High Speed Rail makes getting from Taipei (台北) to Kaohsiung (高雄) feel like a quick coffee break instead of a day-long journey.

But here's the thing: booking tickets can be confusing if you don't know where to start. Whether you're planning day trips or island hopping, you'll want the HSR working in your favor.

This guide walks you through every booking method and shows you exactly why having reliable internet matters more than you'd think.

We'll also show you why getting a Taiwan eSIM or Asia eSIM before you land can save you from the headache of hunting for WiFi when you're trying to secure tickets at midnight.

HSR vs TRA vs MRT: What's the Difference?

Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR/HSR) (台灣高鐵)

This is Taiwan's bullet train, and it's up to 300 km/h fast. You can get from Taipei to Kaohsiung in 90 to 105 minutes, which used to take a full day.

It runs exclusively along the west coast, connecting Nangang (南港) in Taipei to Zuoying (左營) in Kaohsiung, with 12 stations in between.

But most HSR stations are outside city centers. You'll often need to catch a shuttle bus or hop on the MRT to reach your actual destination.

The exceptions? Taipei Main Station (台北車站), Banqiao (板橋), and Zuoying all connect directly to TRA or MRT, so transfers are seamless.

Taiwan Railways (TRA/TRC) (台灣鐵路)

While the former governmental agency, Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA), was restructured into the state-owned Taiwan Railway Corporation (TRC) on 1st January 2024, the acronym TRA is still commonly used.

 had to make my way to the Nanjing railway station (南靖車站) in Chiayi county (嘉義縣) on my way to Alishan (阿里山).

It manages slower, comprehensive services connecting both coasts and smaller towns, distinct from the faster, west-coast-only HSR.

We're talking a complete loop around the island, including the stunning east coast city of Hualien (花蓮) and the small town of Toucheng Township (頭城鎮) in Yilan County (宜蘭縣), which HSR completely skips.

TRA is slower and cheaper than HSR. It takes two hours by HSR from Taipei to Taichung (台中), but the TRC trains take about 45 minutes.

Stations are right in city centers, which means you step off the train and you're already where you need to be. No shuttle buses required. The system offers multiple train types.

Express trains like Puyuma (普悠瑪) and Taroko (太魯閣) are faster and more comfortable, while Chu-Kuang (莒光) and Local trains take their time and stop more frequently.

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) (捷運):

MRT systems are city metro networks designed for short hops within urban areas.

• Taipei (台北捷運) has the most comprehensive network by far
• Kaohsiung (高雄捷運) has both MRT and light rail (LRT), and
• Taichung (台中捷運) has a more limited system.

These are perfect for getting around once you've arrived in a city.

Fares are affordable, usually NT$20-30 (around S$0.90-1.50) per trip, and the systems are clean, efficient, and easy to navigate even if you don't speak Chinese.

You'll want to grab an EasyCard (悠遊卡) or iPASS (一卡通) when you arrive. These rechargeable cards work across all MRT systems and even on buses, convenience stores, and some taxis.

HSR vs TRA Trains vs MRT: A Quick Comparison Table

Use HSR when traveling between major West Coast cities such as Taipei, Taichung, Tainan (台南), or Kaohsiung. It's built for exactly this kind of trip: fast, efficient city-to-city connections. If time matters more than money on your trip, HSR is worth every dollar.

Before You Book: Internet Connection Requirements

Why Stable Internet Matters

A stable, secure connection is critical when booking flights, especially for payments, 3D authentication, and seat selection.

If your connection drops mid-booking, seats aren't held, and payments may still process, leaving you stuck and scrambling for support.

Public Wi-Fi only increases the risk, with unstable speeds, dropouts during peak times, and serious security concerns when entering credit card details.

The smartest move you can make is securing your own data connection with Airalo’s Taiwan eSIM or Asia eSIM before you even leave home.

The main benefits are straightforward:

• Wide range of data plans — 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, 50GB, and unlimited
• Plans are priced at competitive prices
• Easy top-up process whenever required
• Skip airport lines for physical SIM cards and get connected as soon as you land
• Avoid costly roaming fees (remember to turn roaming off)
• Works smoothly with dual-SIM smartphones

Here's how it works:

Download the Airalo app, install the Taiwan eSIM before you leave home, and activate it when you land in Taiwan.

Airalo offers Taiwan data plans ranging from 1GB to 20GB, priced around $4.50 to $28 USD, depending on how much data you need.

Booking Method #1: In-Person at HSR Stations

Source: Unsplash

Ticket Windows (Counters)

Walking up to a ticket counter is the most straightforward way to buy HSR tickets, especially if it's your first time or you need help figuring out the best route. Major stations have English-speaking staff at ticket windows.

How to Book at Ticket Windows

Show up at any Taiwan High Speed Rail (台灣高鐵) station, head to the ticket window, and tell the staff your:

• Departure station
• Arrival station
• Preferred date and time, and
• How many passengers.

Then you can pay with cash or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, or JCB accepted), and they'll hand you a physical ticket right there. No handling fees.

Self-Service Ticket Machines (Kiosks)

These machines have an English language option and they're easy to use once you've done it once. The ticket types available here are:

• Reserved seats (you get a specific train and seat number)
• Non-reserved seats (board any train that day in cars 10-12, but no guaranteed seat)
• Standard class, or business class.

How to Book with Self-service Ticket Machines

1.) Select English language
2.) Choose one-way or round-trip
3.) Pick your departure station
4.) Pick your arrival station
5.) Select date and time
6.) Choose number of tickets (adult/child options available)
7.) Decide between reserved or non-reserved seats
8.) Review everything and confirm
9.) Pay by credit card or cash
10.) Grab your ticket

Payment heads-up: If you're paying cash and use a large bill (say, NT$1,000 for a NT$250 ticket), the machine gives change only in coins. You'll walk away with a pocket full of NT$50 coins. A credit card is easier.

Booking Method #2: T Express Mobile App

Source: Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp

Booking on T Express

T Express is the official mobile app of Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (台灣高速鐵路公司).

It generates QR code e-tickets, so there are no paper tickets to worry about. You can book 24/7, and it works on both iOS and Android.

Note that each phone counts as one ticket. So if you're traveling with others, each person needs their own device, or you'll need to collect physical tickets instead.

You can't just screenshot the QR code and share it.

How to Book on T Express

Search "T Express" in the App Store or Google Play, download it, and open it up. English is available. Then follow this process:

1.) Select "Ticket Booking"
2.) Choose departure and arrival stations
3.) Pick your date and time
4.) Enter number of passengers
5.) Choose reserved or non-reserved
6.) Select seat preference if available
7.) Review your booking
8.) Complete payment within the deadline
9.) Your QR code ticket appears in the app immediately

Payment options: Credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, but Taiwan-issued cards only for AmEx), Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

Importing Website Bookings to T Express

Maybe you already booked on the official HSR website but decided you'd rather have an e-ticket instead of dealing with paper. This is how you move that booking to your phone.

How to Import bookings to T Express

1.) Book your ticket on the official HSR website first 
2.) Open the T Express app
3.) Select "Import Booking"
4.) Enter your reservation number
5.) Enter the passport or ID number you used when booking
6.) Your QR code ticket appears

Important note: This only works for tickets booked through the official HSR website. You can't import Klook or KKday bookings into T Express.

Booking Method #3: Official HSR Website

The official website is https://en.thsrc.com.tw/, and yes, there's an English version.

You can book 29 days ahead, and bookings open at midnight Taiwan time.

How to Book on the HSR Website

Visit the HSR online booking system

1.) Select one-way or round-trip
2.) Enter departure and arrival stations
3.) Choose your date and time
4.) Specify number of tickets (maximum 10 per booking, but only 5 for round-trips)
5.) Pick seat preference
6.) Review and confirm
7.) Enter passenger details (name and passport number for foreigners)
8.) Complete payment OR select "Pay Later"

Payment options: Pay online with VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, or UnionPay. You'll need 3D Secure authentication, which is why a stable internet connection matters.

Alternatively, choose "Pay Later" and collect or pay at the station or at a convenience store within the deadline.

Booking Method #4: Klook and KKday (For Tourists)

Eligibility

You need a non-Taiwanese passport to use this booking method. You must be visiting Taiwan (台灣) for less than 180 days on either a visa-exempt entry or a tourist visa.

Deals for foreigners are not available to Taiwan residents with a work visa, student visa, or Alien Resident Certificate (外僑居留證).

HSR staff may check your passport for your Taiwan entry stamp. You must present the passport that matches your booking.

If you're a dual citizen, you need to use your non-Taiwan passport for this.

How to Book on Klook

1.) Search "Taiwan HSR tickets" on the Klook travel app
2.) Select your departure and arrival stations
3.) Choose date and number of passengers
4.) Complete payment (credit card, PayPal, etc.)
5.) Receive a booking code (screenshot this because Klook doesn't email it)
6.) Collect your physical ticket at any HSR station counter with your booking code and passport

Note: you can't import these tickets to T Express, so you'll need to collect a physical ticket. Seats are auto-assigned (no choosing your preferred spot).

Plus, you can only collect tickets at HSR station counters, not at convenience stores. Any changes or refunds have to be done at a station counter in person.

KKday (Alternative Platform)

KKday works similarly to Klook with a 15% discount for tourists, occasional buy-one-get-one promotions, advance booking, and foreign pricing.

The main differences are the interface and promotion timing. So, check both platforms to see which has better deals running when you're booking.

Booking Method #5: Convenience Stores

Buying Tickets at 7-Eleven/FamilyMart

Taiwan has over 10,000 convenience stores with multimedia machines that sell HSR tickets. You'll find them at:

• 7-Eleven (iBon machine)
• FamilyMart (FamiPort machine)
• Hi-Life, and
• OK Mart.

How to Book at 7-Eleven/FamilyMart

1.) Go to the multimedia machine (iBon or FamiPort)
2.) Navigate the system (it's in Mandarin only, so ask the clerk for help or use a translation app)
3.) Select HSR tickets
4.) Enter your trip details
5.) Machine prints a voucher
6.) Take the voucher to the counter
7.) Pay the ticket price plus NT$10 handling fee per ticket
8.) Receive your physical ticket immediately

Payment options: Cash is preferred. Some locations accept credit cards, but it's limited.

Best for: Travelers already in Taiwan who prefer paying cash, need tickets urgently, or have a convenience store near their accommodation.

Collecting Pre-Booked Tickets at Convenience Stores

If you've already booked online through the official HSR website, you can collect physical tickets at convenience stores.

How to Collect Pre-Booked Tickets

1.) Bring your reservation number and passport to the convenience store
2.) Ask the clerk for help at the iBon or FamiPort machine
3.) Enter your reservation number and passport number
4.) Pay the NT$10 handling fee when the machine prints a voucher, and
5.) Collect your physical ticket at the counter.

Important: You can't use convenience stores to collect Klook or KKday tickets. Those must be picked up at HSR station counters.

Book Smart, Travel Smarter

Booking HSR tickets isn't complicated once you know your options. The key is understanding which method fits your travel style and booking early enough to get the seats and prices you want.

The one thing that makes all of this easier? Reliable internet when you need it.

A Taiwan eSIM from Airalo means you're not scrambling for airport WiFi or hoping your hotel connection doesn't drop mid-payment. You land, activate your data, and book tickets on your own terms.

Plans change, trains get missed, and sometimes you just need to modify a booking while you're standing on a street corner in Tainan.

That's when having your own secure connection becomes the thing that keeps your trip running smoothly.

FAQs about booking Taiwan HSR tickets

How to get from Taoyuan Airport to Taoyuan HSR?

From Taoyuan International Airport, take the Taoyuan Airport MRT (purple line) directly to Taoyuan HSR Station (A18). The journey takes about 20 minutes from Terminal 1 or 2, with frequent trains running throughout the day. Once you arrive at A18, follow the clear signs to the Taiwan High Speed Rail station, which is connected via a short walk.

How many Taiwan HSR tickets can I book?

You can book up to 10 Taiwan HSR tickets per transaction when purchasing online or at ticket counters, making it convenient for families or group travel. Each passenger needs a valid ticket, and seat availability depends on the selected train and travel date.

Can I buy HSR tickets after I arrive in Taiwan?

Yes, you can easily buy Taiwan HSR tickets after arriving in Taiwan at HSR station ticket counters, self-service kiosks, or through official online platforms. Same-day tickets are often available, but during weekends, holidays, or peak travel periods, it’s recommended to book in advance to secure your preferred train and seat.