Overview
The Taipei Metro, also known as Taipei Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) or Metro Taipei, is a comprehensive rapid transit system serving the capital city of Taipei and New Taipei City. As the first rapid transit system built on the island, it is highly regarded for its effectiveness in reducing traffic congestion across the metropolitan area. For visitors, the system provides an efficient way to navigate the city, with trains running daily from 06:00 until 00:00 the following day (with final runs concluding by 01:00). Trains typically operate at intervals of 1.5 to 15 minutes depending on the specific line and time of day.
The network
The metro system is designed using a spoke-hub distribution model, where most lines radiate outward from central Taipei. The network includes several distinct lines, which are identified by color names in English announcements:
- Red Line (Tamsui–Xinyi line)
- Blue Line (Bannan line)
- Green Line (Songshan–Xindian line)
- Orange Line (Zhonghe–Xinlu line)
- Brown Line (Wenshan-Neihu line/Wenhu line)
Beyond the metro, other transit options include:
- Suburban Rail: Operated by the Taiwan Railway Administration (臺鐵), with major hubs like Taipei Main Station and Nangang Station (南港車站).
- High-Speed Rail: Taiwan High Speed Rail (臺灣高鐵) provides rapid connections between major cities.
- Bus Services: Various city buses and express airport buses connect different districts and the airports.
Tickets & fares
The system supports "EasyCard" for convenient tap-to-ride travel across both the metro and various rail systems. For example, using an EasyCard on the Taoyuan Airport MRT results in a lower fare (approximately NT$150) compared to purchasing a single ticket (approximately NT$160).
While specific multi-day tourist passes are not detailed in the source material, standard fares vary based on distance. You can purchase tickets at vending machines or counters at stations; however, using a smartcard like the EasyCard is often more convenient for frequent travel.
From the airport
Depending on which airport you arrive at, there are several ways to reach the city center:
- Taoyuan International Airport (TPE): The fastest option is the Taoyuan Airport MRT. The Express Train takes approximately 38 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station, while the Commuter Train stops at every station. Additionally, express buses are available with fares ranging from NT$120 to NT$150.
- Songshan Airport (TSA): This airport is located closer to the city and can be reached in about 15 minutes from Taipei Main Station via the Wenshan-Neihu Line (Brown Line). Many city and long-distance buses also connect to this airport.
Etiquette & customs
To ensure a smooth experience, please observe the following local customs:
- Prohibited Items: Smoking is strictly forbidden throughout the entire metro system.
- Food and Drink: Eating, drinking, and chewing gum or betel nuts are prohibited within the paid area of the stations.
- Crowd Management: Be mindful that stations can become extremely crowded during rush hours, particularly at major transfer hubs like Taipei Main Station, Zhongxiao Fuxing, and Minquan West Road.
Survival terms
Subway/metro: 地鐵 (Dìtiě)
Ticket: 車票 (Chēpiào)
Line: 線 (Xiàn)
Entrance: 入口 (Rùkǒu)
Exit: 出口 (Chūkǒu)
Transfer: 轉乘 (Zhuǎnchéng)
Single fare: 單程票 (Dānchéng piào)
Day pass: 日票 (Rìpiào)
If you are traveling from Taoyuan International Airport, choosing the Express Train is recommended to reach Taipei Main Station more quickly.