Text by / MOOK Travel & Lifestyle Network Editorial Team
Taiwan High Speed Rail launched three new stations in December, which may divert passengers from Taiwan Railways. In response, Taiwan Railways plans to introduce Taroko Express round-trips between Taipei and Kaohsiung starting February, with a travel time of 3 hours and 50 minutes. Although it is still over two hours slower than the high-speed rail’s direct Taipei-Kaohsiung service (1 hour 36 minutes), the Taroko Express ticket price is only NT$843—nearly half the price of high-speed rail—and remains an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
Taiwan Railways plans to launch a direct Taipei-Kaohsiung service. (Image source / Taitung County Government)
Taiwan High Speed Rail adds three new stations. (Image source / Taiwan High Speed Rail)
Newly opened HSR stations in Miaoli, Changhua, and Yunlin offer a “buy one get one free” promotion. (Image source / Taiwan High Speed Rail)
The newly opened HSR stations in Miaoli, Changhua, and Yunlin have seen a significant boost in ridership thanks to a “buy one get one free” promotion. To compete with HSR, Taiwan Railways plans to deploy newly acquired Taroko Express trains for Taipei-Kaohsiung round-trips starting February 4, operating one daily trip with just 3–4 stops and a total travel time of 3 hours and 50 minutes. At NT$843, the fare is NT$647 cheaper than the HSR’s Taipei-Kaohsiung fare of NT$1,490—an appealing choice for some passengers.