According to the latest operational data, Taiwan HSR currently has a total operating mileage of 350 km, with 12 stations connecting major metropolitan areas including Taipei, Banqiao, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Chiayi, and Zuoying. The fastest journey from Taipei to Zuoying takes only 1 hour and 45 minutes, with over 1,000 trains operating daily and a punctuality rate exceeding 99.5%—making it the key transportation for creating one-day life circles. Want to know how to smartly purchase tickets and plan your itinerary?

• Taipei Station：Taiwan's largest transportation hub, with HSR, Taiwan Railway, and MRT all under one roof,Learn more
• Zuoying Station：Kaohsiung's gateway, connected to MRT Red Line and directly to major attractions,Learn more

Ticket Booking Guide: Master All HSR Tickets in One Read

Understanding Taiwan HSR ticketing is the first step to smart travel. Whether it's regular tickets, Early Bird discounts, free seating, or business class—choosing the right ticket type can significantly reduce your travel costs while ensuring a comfortable journey.

1. Standard Ticket vs. Early Bird Discount

Standard tickets are the most basic ticket type, available for purchase at any time. The main difference from Early Bird discounts is flexibility:

• Standard Ticket: Full price, fully refundable and changeable (handling fees apply)
• Early Bird 28: 35% off, must specify date and train, non-refundable/non-changeable
• Early Bird 14: 25% off, must specify date and train, non-refundable/non-changeable

Tip: If your itinerary is flexible, standard tickets offer better value. If dates are fixed, Early Bird discounts can save up to 35%.

2. Reserved Seating vs. Free Seating

The biggest difference is seat assignment:

• Reserved Seating: Assigned seat number, guaranteed seating, approximately 5-10% more expensive
• Free Seating: Cars 10-12, no seat assignment, first come first served, suitable for short-distance travel or off-peak hours

Insider Tip: During non-peak hours (weekday mornings, early afternoon), free seating often has empty seats—you might even get a reserved seat experience for free seating prices!

3. Business Car Experience

Business Car is the premium service of Taiwan HSR, featuring wider seats, greater legroom, and complimentary snacks and beverages. Business Car Early Bird discounts also apply, typically offering 20-30% off compared to regular business pricing.

4. Purchase Channels

• Official Website: thsrc.com.tw (supports multilingual interface)
• Taiwan HSR App (iOS/Android)
• Station ticket machines
• Convenience store kiosks (7-ELEVEN ibon, FamilyMart FamiPort)
• Travel agencies
• HSR Pass (for foreign tourists, 3-day/5-day unlimited pass)

Recommendation: The official App is the most convenient—besides booking, you can also set ticket alerts, check real-time arrival status, and access exclusive promotions.

12 Stations City Guide: Full Map of Western Taiwan Attractions

Taiwan HSR connects 12 stations, each with unique attractions. Below is a detailed guide to all station areas:

Nangang Station / Taipei Station / Banqiao Station

As the northern terminus, these three stations cover the Greater Taipei area:

• Taipei Station: Ximending, Taipei Main Station Underground Mall, National Theatre and Concert Hall
• Banqiao Station: Lin Family Mansion and Garden, Banciao Police Department (Japanese-era building)
• Nangang Station: Nangang Software Park, Taipei Nanmen Plaza

Recommended itinerary: Start from Taipei Station, explore Ximending in the morning, have lunch at the Underground Mall, head to Banqiao for afternoon tea, then take HSR south.

Taoyuan Station

Taoyuan Station is close to Taoyuan Airport, making it the first choice for inbound tourists:

• Destination: Taoyuan Airport (10-minute Airport MRT), met to get off at A18 station
• Nearby attractions: Qingpu Baseball Stadium, Home Plus Taoyuan
• Food recommendations: Qingpu rice noodles, oyster vermicelli

Pro tip: If you have a long layover at Taoyuan Airport, take HSR one stop to Taoyuan Station for a quick local food tour!

Hsinchu Station

Hsinchu is known as the "Silicon Valley of Taiwan"—it's not just about science parks:

• Nearby attractions: Hsinchu City God Temple, Hsinchu Zoo, 17 km of coastline
• Food recommendations: Hsinchu rice noodles, oyster vermicelli, Hsinchu cookie
• Special feature: The old city walls and moat by the station are well-preserved, perfect for a stroll

Insider recommendation: Don't miss Hsinchu's famous night market—it's one of Taiwan's oldest night markets, with over 40 years of history!

Taichung Station

Taichung is the geographical center of Taiwan and the most popular HSR destination:

• Must-visit attractions: Gaomei Wetlands,

  Taiwan High Speed Rail Market Overview and Development Trends

  The Taiwan HSR line spans 345 kilometers, connecting Nangang Station in northern Taiwan to Zuoying Station in the south, with a design speed of 300 km/h. It is the third high-speed rail system in Asia, following Japan's Shinkansen and Korea's KTX. After years of financial restructuring and service upgrades, the HSR has become an indispensable backbone of Taiwan's tourism industry, with annual passenger volumes exceeding 65 million and tickets in high demand during holidays.

  The most direct tourism impact of the HSR is reflected in the "city equalization" trend: Cities such as Taichung, Tainan, and Chiayi—previously considered requires an overnight stay to fully explore—have now become the most popular same-day "island-hopping" destinations for Taipei residents thanks to the distance-compression effect of the HSR. The convenient Taipei Metro system combined with diverse local cuisines has created a whole new metropolitan tourism ecosystem.

  12-Station Line Overview

  Station	Location	Distance from Taipei (km)	Fastest Travel Time	Nearby Highlights
  Nangang	Taipei City	0 (Terminal/Origin)	—	Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Nangang Station
  Taipei	Taipei City	6	6 min	Taipei Main Station Underground Shopping Area, Ximending
  Banqiao	New Taipei City	14	11 min	New Banqiao Business District, Lin's Manor
  Taoyuan	Taoyuan City	48	23 min	Taoyuan Metro Airport Line, Gloria Outlets
  Hsinchu	Hsinchu County	82	36 min	City God Temple, Hsinchu Science Park
  Miaoli	Miaoli County	120	52 min	Sanyi Woodcarving, Old Mountain Line Railway Bridge
  Taichung	Taichung City	157	57 min	Fengchia Night Market, Gaomei Wetland, Shenji New Village
  Changhua	Changhua County	183	70 min	Bagua Mountain Buddha Statue, Lukang Old Street
  Yunlin	Yunlin County	219	82 min	Beigang Chaotian Temple, Gukeng Coffee
  Chiayi	Chiayi City	253	90 min	Alishan Forest Railway, Wenhua Road Night Market
  Tainan	Tainan City	291	100 min	Chihkan Tower, Fort Zeelandia, Bao'an Road Food Stalls
  Zuoying	Kaohsiung City	345	96 min	Formosa Boulevard Station, Pier-2 Art District, Cijin

  Recent Trend Observations

  With the spread of remote work (Work from Anywhere) culture, a group of "HSR nomads" has emerged in Taiwan—they rent smaller apartments in Taipei, regularly take the HSR to Taichung or Tainan for a few days of work, enjoy the different city rhythms, and bring back local specialty products on their return journey. This lifestyle has driven the booming development of coworking spaces and boutique accommodations around various HSR stations. Additionally, with the push for "regional revitalization" policies, previously overlooked HSR stopover stations like Miaoli and Yunlin have seen a surge of design-oriented guesthouses and local F&B brands in recent years, becoming hidden gem destinations recommended by experts.

  TOP Recommended: High-Speed Rail One-Day Circle Selected City Guide

  The following are the best cities for a high-speed rail day trip, each providing from morning to evening itinerary suggestions so you can maximize your experience in minimal time.

  Tainan: A Culinary Journey Through a Thousand-Year-Old Capital

  Tainan is Taiwan's oldest city, having served as the Taiwan capital during the Qing Dynasty for over 200 years, leaving behind an exceptionally dense concentration of temples, historic sites, and snack food culture. Tainan's culinary philosophy emphasizes "the pure taste of fresh ingredients," with each snack having verifiable historical roots. Taiwan High-Speed Rail's Tainan Station is located in the Xinxiang District, and combined with the TRA Shuan Line, provides quick access to the city center in approximately 20 minutes.

  One-Day Itinerary Suggestions:

  • 08:30 Arrive in Tainan; have breakfast (beef soup, rice bowl cakes, milkfish porridge) around Bao'an Road and Yongle Market
  • 10:00 Chikan Tower → Sitian Temple → Shennong Street (Tainan's most beautiful ancient alley)
  • 12:00 Enjoy danzai noodles, coffins, and other signature Tainan lunches in the Central and Western Districts
  • 14:00 Anping Fort → Anping Old Street → Anping tofu pudding
  • 16:30 Blue Print Cultural and Creative Park → hipster café afternoon tea
  • 18:30 Take the TRA back to the high-speed rail station; depart on the 19:00 train back to Taipei

  Tainan's beef noodles exemplify the aesthetic of purity and local ingredients. At some traditional shops, you can even find innovative options made with plant-based protein, creating an interesting balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary dietary needs.

  Taichung: A Half-Day Leisure Tour of the Arts Capital

  In recent years, Taichung has become one of Taiwan's most design-conscious cities, thanks to its opera house (designed by Pritzker Prize winner Toyo Ito), the Shenji Xin Village creative market, and its thriving café culture. Taichung's high-speed rail station is approximately 20 minutes by bus from the city center, or you can take the Taichung Metro to Wuri-Wenxin-Nangang Station and transfer, making transportation connections increasingly convenient.

  Taichung's seafood culture centers around the Wuci Fishing Harbor, offering a remarkably affordable seafood experience. Because Taichung serves as a transportation hub for the western corridor, seafood catches from across the region converge here through the wholesale markets, making Taichung's seafood price-to-quality ratio quite outstanding among Taiwan's major cities. The Wuci Fishing Harbor cooked food area (approximately 30 minutes by car from the high-speed rail station) is a popular weekend destination for locals, where you can enjoy fresh-caught, freshly cooked seasonal fish at prices far more reasonable than tourist restaurants.

  Chiayi: The Starting Point of the Alishan Forest Railway

  Chiayi serves as an important gateway to Alishan, and is also the hometown of Taiwanese turkey rice. Chiayi City has an exceptionally high density of dining options, with Wenhua Road Night Market and Zhongzheng Road Snack Street as the main gathering spots. Chiayi Station is approximately 15 minutes from Chiayi City. If planning to visit Alishan, you can take the Alishan Forest Railway (Fenqi Lake section) from the Chiayi Beimen Station to experience one of Taiwan's most historically valuable narrow-gauge railways.

  Kaohsiung: Exploring the Diverse Harbor City

  Kaohsiung is Taiwan's second-largest city and the most southern tropical port city. The Zuoying high-speed rail station is directly connected to the Kaohsiung Metro Red Line, providing quick access to attractions like Love River (Galaxy Hall), Yancheng District, and Qijin Peninsula. Kaohsiung's street food culture is closely tied to work schedules—from breakfast stalls for port workers in the early morning, to seafood stir-fry spots in the evening when fishing boats return, forming a unique temporal map of the harbor city. Liuhe Night Market is known for tourists, but to truly experience the layers of Kaohsiung's local food culture, you'll need to explore Santanzhong Street and Yanchengpu Market.

  Budget Travel: Practical Tips for Saving on High-Speed Rail Trips

  Ticket Savings Tips

  Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) fares are based on "full fare" tickets, but you can significantly reduce travel costs through the following methods:

  • Early Bird 28 (35% off): The most discounted ticket type. Must be purchased 28 days before the travel date, assigned seats only, non-refundable and cannot be changed. Recommended for those with fixed travel plans. Assuming a full fare of NT$1,490 from Taipei to Zuoying, Early Bird 28 would be approximately NT$968, saving NT$522 per one-way trip.
  • Early Bird 14 (25% off): More flexible. Purchase 14 days in advance. Suitable for travelers with more flexible itineraries.
  • Group Tickets (10+ people): Enjoy 20% off. Ideal for family trips or groups of friends.
  • Children's Ticket: Half price for ages 6-12. Free for children under 6 (no seat), children under 2 ride free.
  • Senior Ticket: Seniors aged 65 and above with ID card enjoy 50% off (applicable to selected services).
  • Student Ticket: Full-time students with student ID enjoy special discounts. Inquire at station service counters.

  Accommodation Savings Strategies

  If your trip extends beyond a single day, accommodation choices significantly impact total costs. Here are recommended strategies:

  • Use Taipei or Taichung as Your Base: Stay in one city and explore different destinations via HSR day trips. This saves the hassle and cost of multiple check-ins.
  • Business Hotels Near HRS Stations: Areas around Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Taichung HSR stations offer numerous business hotels priced 30-50% lower than Taipei city center, yet equally convenient for transport.
  • Multi-day HSR Pass Combinations: If you need to take HSR multiple consecutive days, foreign travelers should calculate the cost difference between a Pass and individual tickets. A Pass is usually more economical if taking two or more rides per day.

  Urban Transport Savings Tips

  After arriving in each city, making good use of public transportation can save substantial taxi expenses:

  • Tainan: HSR Shiguan Line connecting to TRA, single ride NT$25. YouBike is most convenient within the city.
  • Taichung: Taichung Metro Green Line connects major commercial districts. Bus from HSR station to city center is approximately NT$35.
  • Kaohsiung: Kaohsiung Metro day pass NT$180. Directly connected to Zuoying Station, unlimited rides for the entire day.
  • Chiayi: City area is compact. YouBike rental can reach nearly all attractions, starting at NT$10 per ride.

  Food Savings Guide

  Taiwan's market cuisine, traditional snacks, and night market culture are globally recognized as high value-for-money dining experiences. Here are the most recommended budget-friendly eats in each city:

  • Tainan: Traditional breakfast/brunch around Bao'an Road and Yole Market area. A satisfying meal costs NT$80 to NT$150.
  • Chiayi: Chicken rice bowls near the Pen Shui Roundabout. A bowl costs NT$45 to NT$65—a must-try local comfort food when visiting Chiayi.
  • Taichung: Second Market (historic establishment) offers authentic Taichung breakfast culture. A set costs NT$60 to NT$100.
  • Kaohsiung: Yanchengpu Market area has numerous traditional noodle stalls. A bowl of plain noodles or dry noodles costs NT$35 to NT$60, with soup included.

  Practical Information: Complete Guide to Tickets, Riding, and Trip Planning

  HSR Ticket Types Comparison

  Ticket Type	Discount	Refundable/Changeable	Suitable For	Purchase Channels
  Standard Ticket (Reserved Seat)	No Discount	Yes (fees apply per regulations)	All Passengers	Website, App, Station, Convenience Stores
  Free Seating	~10% Off	Yes	Spontaneous travel, Off-peak hours	Website, App, Station
  Early Bird 28	35% Off	No	Those with fixed itineraries	Website, App
  Early Bird 14	25% Off	No	Those with relatively fixed itineraries	Website, App
  Business Class	None (higher fare)	Yes	Business travelers, those seeking comfort	Website, App, Station
  HSR Pass (International Passengers)	Varies by number of days	Per regulations	Foreign travelers, multi-city itineraries	Website, Airport, Designated Travel Agencies

  Taiwan HSR App Features

  The official App (free download for Android / iOS) is the most important tool for independent travelers. Key features include:

  • Booking & Payment: Supports credit cards, LINE Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other payment methods
  • Mobile Ticket: After purchasing, you can enter the gate directly using your phone's QR Code—no paper ticket needed
  • Timetable Search:
  • Early Bird Booking Alerts: Set notifications for Early Bird ticket releases for specific date ranges
  • Booking History & Management: View, refund, or change bookings

  Station Transportation Connectivity Guide

  Most HSR stations are located in suburban areas, making transportation connectivity crucial to your journey's success:

  • Taipei Station: Integrated HSR, TRA, and MRT; walking distance. Connects the MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Line, Songshan-Xindian Line, Bannan Line, and Zhonghe-Xinlu Line—making it the station with the highest transportation density in all of Taiwan
  • Taoyuan Station: Airport MRT provides direct access to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2; the express train takes approximately 17 minutes—making it the best choice for arriving and departing passengers
  • Taichung Station (Wuri): Connected to Taichung Metro Green Line Wuri-Wenxin-Nangang Station; takes about 20 minutes to Taichung City Center Station; trains run at all hours
  • Tainan Station: TRA Shagang Line runs 4 trains per hour; takes about 20 minutes to Tainan Station; TRA fare is NT$25—recommend pre-loading your EasyCard
  • Zuoying Station (Kaohsiung): Directly connected to KMRT Red Line; takes about 15 minutes to Formosa Boulevard Station and about 20 minutes to Yanchengpu Station

  Trip Planning Golden Rules

  Practical principles summarized by veteran HSR independent travelers:

  1. Train frequency is higher than you might think: Taipei→Taichung runs approximately 6 to 8 trains per hour on weekdays; if you miss one, the next train usually arrives in 15 to 20 minutes
  2. Make use of "Delay Insurance": Several credit card companies in Taiwan offer HSR delay compensation services; cardholders can file for claims if delays exceed a certain time
  3. Book tickets the day before holidays: During the three days before and after Qingming, Dragon Boat, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Lunar New Year, tickets are in highest demand—recommend booking Early Bird tickets 28 days in advance
  4. Prefer window seats: When the HSR runs along western Taiwan, on clear days you can catch views of the Taiwan Strait or the Central Mountain Range at certain sections—worth the scenic value
  5. Station food is worth exploring too: Both Taipei and Taichung HSR stations have platform levels and lobbies featuring specialty souvenirs and local food sections—great opportunities to bring back gifts

  Extended Travel Recommendations: Premium Restaurants Along the High-Speed Rail Greater China Travel Circuit

  Many travelers starting from Taiwan often extend their trips to Macau, Hong Kong, or even farther destinations. Below are some selected restaurants in Macau featured by various travel platforms, for readers planning to extend their travels to Macau. Please note that the confidence level for this information is rated as "LOW". It is recommended to call ahead to verify business status before your visit.

  Macau Fine Dining Recommendations

  Huaiyang Xiaoyan

  • Address：Londoner Shopping Centre Level 2, Macau
  • Phone：+853 8118 8822
  • Price：Approximately MOP 400–600 per person (Fine Dining)
  • Rating：4.9 / 5
  • Specialty：Specializing in refined Huaiyang cuisine, featuring signature dishes such as Yangzhou Lion's Head Meatballs and Wensi Tofu. The elegant setting combined with the luxurious atmosphere of the Londoner Shopping Centre makes it a popular choice for business banquets.

  Market Bistro

  • Address：Shop 101, Level 1, Parisian Shopping Centre, Macau
  • Phone：+853 8118 8822
  • Price：Approximately MOP 200–350 per person (Mid-Range to Fine Dining)
  • Rating：4.8 / 5
  • Specialty：A buffet restaurant featuring diverse international cuisines, located on the first floor of the Macau Parisian Shopping Centre. Offers Chinese, Western, Japanese, and Southeast Asian dishes, ideal for large family dining.

  Londoner Food Court

  • Address：Level 1, Londoner Grand, Macau
  • Phone：+853 8118 8822
  • Price：Approximately MOP 180–300 per person (Mid-Range)
  • Rating：4.8 / 5
  • Specialty：Located in the Grand area of the Londoner Hotel in Macau, featuring British afternoon tea and Hong Kong-style dim sum. The atmosphere exudes a distinctive British style, making it a popular hotspot for travelers seeking themed dining experiences.

  Don Alfonso 1890

  • Address：MO Level 3, Palazzo Versace, Macau
  • Phone：+853 8881 1390
  • Price：Approximately MOP 500–800 per person (Luxury)
  • Rating：4.8 / 5
  • Specialty：A refined restaurant under Palazzo Versace, specializing in Italian fine dining. The restaurant space incorporates Versace's design aesthetics, making it one of the most visually striking dining destinations in Macau.

  ALBERGUE 1601

  • Address：8 Rua do Faixo
  • Phone：+853 6386 3796
  • Price：Approximately MOP 300–500 per person (Fine Dining)
  • Rating：4.6 / 5
  • Specialty：Located on the most culturally rich street in Macau, the restaurant building retains its Portuguese colonial style, serving Portuguese and Macanese cuisine. An excellent choice for experiencing Macau's historical culture, it is also a popular venue for wedding banquets and anniversary dinners.

  The Manor

  • Address：1/F, The St. Regis Macao The Londoner, Estádio澳门路氹連貫公路, Macau
  • Phone：+853 2882 8898
  • Price：Approximately MOP 600–1,200 per person (Luxury)
  • Rating：4.6 / 5
  • Specialty：The flagship restaurant of The St. Regis Macau, specializing in refined European cuisine. The overall environment carries the classical aristocratic atmosphere of the St. Regis brand, with seasonal chef's menus. The top choice for those seeking the ultimate Macau dining experience.

  All Macau restaurant information above is sourced from third-party databases with a LOW confidence level. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm or make reservations through official websites before visiting.

  FAQ: Taiwan High Speed Rail Free Travel FAQs

  How to purchase Taiwan HSR tickets? What channels are available?

  There are various channels for purchasing Taiwan HSR tickets, catering to different user preferences. Online channels include the official website (thsrc.com.tw) and the Taiwan HSR official App (Android / iOS), which support credit cards and mobile payments. After purchasing, you can directly use your mobile QR Code to enter the station—no paper tickets needed. Physical channels include ticket machines at all HSR stations (supporting Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean), service counters, as well as 7-ELEVEN ibon and FamilyMart FamiPort machines island-wide. During peak travel seasons (Chinese New Year, holidays and surrounding dates), it is recommended to book Early Bird tickets 28 days in advance via the official App. For last-minute purchases, convenience store machines are the most convenient option.

  How to use HSR Early Bird discounts? What is the maximum discount?

  Taiwan HSR offers two Early Bird options: Early Bird 28 (35% off) must be purchased 28 days before the travel date, and Early Bird 14 (25% off) must be purchased 14 days in advance. Using Taipei→Zuoying full-fare ticket NT$1,490 as an example, Early Bird 28 is approximately NT$968, and Early Bird 14 is approximately NT$1,118, representing savings of NT$522 and NT$372 respectively. Early Bird tickets are for designated trains only and cannot be refunded or changed—please confirm your travel plans before purchasing. Business class seats also have corresponding discounts, though the discount rate is slightly lower. The official App can be set to notify you when Early Bird tickets become available for specific dates. Popular holiday routes often sell out within hours of opening, so it is recommended to purchase promptly on the opening day.

  What is the difference between HSR free seating and reserved seating? Can you get a seat during peak season?

  Free seating (cars 10–12) is approximately 5–10% cheaper than reserved seating, with no assigned seats—first come, first served. The advantage is flexible ticket purchasing with no train restrictions (same-day free seating tickets allow you to board any train); the downside is that during peak hours, standing room is often full, and you may need to stand for 1–2 hours. Recommended guidelines: During off-peak weekday hours (10 AM to 4 PM), free seating is a safe choice; on weekends, holidays, and during Chinese New Year, it is strongly recommended to purchase reserved seating in advance. If you have a free seating ticket and find an empty seat, you may sit, but must yield when reserved-seating passengers arrive—please remain flexible.

  How long does it take to travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung on the HSR? What are the travel times for each segment?

  The fastest direct service from Taipei (not Nangang) to Zuoying (Kaohsiung) takes approximately 96 minutes; the more stops, the longer the journey, with the slowest taking about 115 minutes. Reference travel times for common routes: Taipei→Taichung 50–60 minutes (fare approximately NT$700); Taipei→Chiayi 80–90 minutes (fare approximately NT$1,080); Taipei→Tainan 95–105 minutes (fare approximately NT$1,350); Taipei→Zuoying 96–115 minutes (fare approximately NT$1,490). HSR timetables can be checked on the website or App, with approximately 4–6 direct or near-direct services from Taipei to Zuoying per hour on weekdays.

  Are there exclusive HSR discounts for foreign tourists? How to purchase?

  Taiwan HSR offers the HSR Pass for foreign tourists, available in 3-day and 5-day options, allowing unlimited rides on the HSR within the validity period (reserved seats must be obtained at the station or free seating can be used). Reference prices: 3-day pass NT$2,980 (approximately USD 95), 5-day pass NT$4,380 (approximately USD 140), with purchase requiring a foreign passport. Purchase channels: Taiwan HSR website (online booking available, tickets collected after arriving in Taiwan), HSR service counters at Taoyuan Airport, major HSR station service counters, and select travel agencies (such as KKDAY and Klook). Combining with other transport passes (such as EasyCard, Taipei day passes) can effectively manage overall travel transportation costs.

  What are the HSR luggage regulations? How to handle large luggage?

  Each passenger can carry free checked luggage with the following regulations: total dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 158 cm, weight not exceeding 14 kg, with a limit of 2 items (including carry-on bags and checked luggage). Oversized items (such as bicycles, surfboards, ski equipment) require advance "special luggage application." Folding bicycles can be carried in a bike bag (not exceeding 220cm × 30cm × 100cm); regular bicycles must be in a bike bag (within 240cm × 30cm × 120cm), charged NT$200 per trip. Japanese large Spinner luggage (29 inches or larger) should be measured in advance to ensure it fits in the overhead luggage rack or the凹槽 behind the seat.

  Can HSR tickets be refunded or changed? How are the fees calculated?

  Reserved seats and full-fare tickets can be refunded or changed, with fees calculated as follows: More than 2 days before departure—refund with no fee; 1 day before departure—10% refund fee; From departure day to 30 minutes before departure—20% refund fee; Within 30 minutes after departure—30% refund fee; refunds are not accepted more than 30 minutes after departure. Early Bird tickets (28-day/14-day) are generally non-refundable and non-changeable; free seating tickets can be refunded with a 10% fee. Ticket changes (changing trains) can be processed once for free before departure via the App or station service counters; any fare difference will be refunded or charged accordingly.

  What must-visit attractions or shopping districts are near HSR stations?

  Each HSR station area has its own unique character. Here are the five stations most worth exploring in depth: Taipei Station connects to Taiwan's densest MRT network, with Taipei Main Station underground shopping district, Ximending, and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall within walking distance; Taoyuan Station is near Gloria Outlets and the Airport MRT, suitable for shopping and transit passengers; Taichung Station (Wuri) provides MRT access to the Taichung Opera House, Shenji New Village, and Tunghai University; Tainan Station is connected to the city via the Shalun Line, with Blue Print Cultural Park, Anping Fort, and Chihkan Tower forming a three-point route; Zuoying Station (Kaohsiung) offers MRT access to Liuhe Night Market, Pier-2 Art District, and Qijin Coastline. It is recommended to allocate at least half a day at each station to truly experience the city's charm.

  Is there a dining car or onboard food service on the HSR?

  Taiwan HSR has a food service cart (mobile dining cart) that periodically moves between cars, selling bentos, snacks, beverages, etc. Passengers may also bring their own food onboard—HSR does not restrict bringing your own food, but please note that strongly odored items (such as stinky tofu, durian) may affect other passengers and should be avoided. Tray tables are available next to seats for dining while traveling. Business class passengers receive additional services, including scheduled meal service (on select trains). During long holidays, it is recommended to purchase bentos at Taipei Station or convenience stores in your departure city before boarding—station stores have more variety and you won't need to wait for the dining cart.

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