The fastest way from Taipei to Tainan is the high speed rail (HSR): from Taipei Main Station it takes between about 1 hour 20 minutes and 2 hours, and a standard reserved seat costs NT$1,350. The regular TRA train is slower but goes right into downtown Tainan, and intercity buses are the budget choice. Tainan is the city we love, and Inside Tainan has the full guide.
→ Taipei to Tainan: the full guide on Inside Tainan
At a glance
| Option | Time | Fare | Arrives at |
|---|---|---|---|
| High speed rail (HSR) | About 1 h 22 min to 2 h, depending on stops | NT$1,350 standard reserved, NT$1,305 non-reserved (adult, one way) | Tainan HSR Station, outside the city center |
| Taiwan Railway (TRA) | Several hours; express trains are quickest | Less than the HSR; check the TRA fare search | Tainan Station, downtown |
| Intercity bus | Depends on traffic | The budget option; check with the operator | Downtown Tainan |
High speed rail
The HSR leaves from Taipei Main Station (and also stops at Nangang and Banqiao). On a sample weekday in November 2026 there were 54 departures from Taipei to Tainan, the first at 06:26 and the last at 22:16, with the fastest trains taking 1 hour 22 minutes. The catch is that Tainan's HSR station is outside the city center, so you need a shuttle bus, a local train or a taxi for the last part. Inside Tainan explains each one.
Regular train (TRA)
Taiwan Railway trains also leave from Taipei Main Station and arrive at Tainan Station in the middle of the city, no transfer needed. They take much longer than the HSR. TRA fares rose by an average of 26.8% on June 23, 2025, so use the TRA fare search for the current price.
Bus
Intercity coaches run between Taipei and Tainan and are usually the cheapest option, but traffic decides how long the trip takes. See the Inside Tainan guide for operators.
Good to know: book ahead for weekends and holidays on the official HSR site or app, which also shows early bird discounts of up to 20% on some trains.
→ Getting to Taipei · → The full Taipei to Tainan guide
Sources: Taiwan High Speed Rail timetable and fare search (fares and timetable for Wednesday, November 4, 2026); Taiwan Railway; PTS News on the 2025 TRA fare rise. Checked October 2026.