Taiwan’s High Speed Rail (HSR) is a wonderful project. From northern Taipei to southern Kaohsiung in less than two hours is a conceptual revolution in the way distance is perceived in Taiwan.
The way everything looks is extremely professional. The parking lot, taxi stand and drive-in are neatly arranged.
The stations are modern and spotless…
The waiting area in the Tainan station is quiet and spacious with a view…
And the bullet train itself just looks cool.
The train ride is so … smooooooooth with the usual 4 language commentary. Here’s how it goes when it we take off…
Here’s how it goes when we’re about to land…
While on the train, there’s food and drinks that you can order, and the general promotion gifts that you can buy – like a tiny THSR model
Most stations situated far from the cities, like Tainan’s station is, have free shuttle buses that stop in various city locations.
As for myself, I actually drove there on the scooter, and it took about 25-30 minutes, which isn’t too bad but is annoying since I have no alternative but to come back with the HSR to get my bike back. Want to know how to get to/from Tainan station by scooter?
You take the 182 to the east till you hit the new 39 road they built with the HSR and follow that down south till the station. Here’s the map they provided me.
It’s a great service, and although a little expensive with 1215NT$ for an un-reserved seat from Tainan to Taipei (around 35-40US$) I think that folks on a rush might find that it’s well-worth it.
Wow! That is one hell of a nice train travel… i’d love to be on that train someday…