Book high-speed rail tickets early to enjoy a 30% discount

Taiwan High Speed Rail stated that for all trains eligible for the early bird discount, the company will offer 30% and 10% discounted tickets starting 28 days before departure. The 30% early bird tickets will be available until 15 days before departure, and if sold out, 10% early bird tickets will be offered earlier. The 10% tickets will be available until 8 days before departure, after which the original price will apply. Starting January 26, passengers can book standard-class reserved seat tickets (business and free-seating cars not included, nor group, senior, disabled, child tickets, or other promotional fares) for trains eligible for the early bird discount departing on or after February 9 via the 24-hour THSR online booking system, partner convenience stores, voice booking service, or at THSR station ticket counters and vending machines during operating hours. The early bird discount does not apply during the 2011 Lunar New Year travel period (January 31 to February 8, 2011). Discounts are allocated based on peak and off-peak passenger loads, with nearly 84% of trains (768 services) offering early bird discounts each week, and 65 to 332 discounted seats per train.

THSR will adjust the allocation of early bird discount seats according to passenger demand and market conditions. For peak trains not eligible for the early bird discount, any changes will also be announced on the THSR corporate website. Starting January 26, a new “Check Early Bird Discounts” feature has been added. By selecting it and entering your travel date, time, origin and destination stations, and number of tickets, you will see which trains offer “30% Early Bird” or “10% Early Bird” options—plan ahead for the best deals. Currently, peak trains are mainly scheduled during the following times:

1. Southbound: Trains departing between 1:30 PM and 9:36 PM on Fridays, between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM on Saturdays, between 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM as well as between 7:30 PM and 8:54 PM on Sundays.

2. Northbound: Trains departing between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM on Mondays, between 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM on Fridays, between 9:00 AM and 9:36 AM on Saturdays, and between 2:00 PM and 9:48 PM on Sundays.