Getting Around Taipei
Taipei is well-connected by multiple public transport options that make it easy to navigate the city. Whether you're arriving from the airport or moving between neighborhoods, you have several practical choices depending on your budget, speed preferences, and destination.
Arriving from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is the primary international gateway to Taipei, located approximately 30 kilometers from the city. Several transport options connect the airport to the city center, each suited to different needs and budgets.
Taoyuan Airport MRT Rail: The fastest and most convenient option is the dedicated airport rail line. Between 06:00 and 23:00, trains depart every 15 minutes in each direction—one Express train and one Commuter train. The Express train takes roughly 38 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station and costs NT$160 (or NT$150 if you use an EasyCard, a rechargeable transit card). The Commuter train costs the same fare but stops at every station, making it significantly slower. For most visitors heading to central Taipei, waiting for the Express train is worthwhile. The rail line terminates at Taipei Main Station, which connects to the red and blue Metro lines, and an underground walkway links to Beimen MRT Station on the green line. Note that the airport MRT platform is about 300 meters from the Metro platforms.
Express Airport Buses: Bus services offer a cheaper alternative, costing between NT$120–150 depending on the operator. Journey times range from 50–70 minutes depending on traffic. Routes are divided into western and eastern lines, with buses departing every ten to fifteen minutes. The western line buses terminate at Taipei Main Railway Station and stop at Yuanshan MRT Station. The eastern line buses terminate at Taipei Grand Hyatt Hotel and stop at Zhongxiao-Fuxing MRT Station. Less expensive non-express buses are available but take longer as they pass through towns before reaching the freeway. Ticket counters at the airport display route maps showing all stops.
Taoyuan High Speed Rail: Another option is taking the MRT from the airport to Taoyuan High Speed Rail station, then catching an HSR train to Taipei Main Station. This journey takes roughly one hour total, including waiting time.
Taxis and Pre-Arranged Cars: A one-way taxi fare will cost at minimum NT$900, though fares typically range from NT$1,000–1,200. Pre-arranged car services through your hotel cost between NT$1,300–1,500 and offer a more comfortable, reliable option with the driver meeting you at baggage claim. Night service buses and overnight bus services to Taipei Railway Station are also available, though information is limited.
Important Note: Taipei has two airports. Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the main international airport about an hour's drive away, while Songshan Airport (TSA), located downtown, is much closer. Ensure you clarify which airport you're using, as confusion between the two can lead to costly mistakes.
Arriving from Songshan Airport
Songshan Airport, the smaller domestic and limited international airport, is conveniently located in central Taipei. It is served by the Taipei Metro Wenhu Line's Songshan Airport Station and can be reached in about 15 minutes from Taipei Main Station by Metro. Many city and long-distance buses also connect to the airport.
Metro System
The Taipei Metro is the backbone of public transport within the city. The system includes multiple colored lines that serve different parts of the city:
- The Red Line (Tamsui Line) and Blue Line (Bannan Line) both serve Taipei Main Station, the city's primary transport hub.
- The Green Line (Songshan Line) connects via Beimen MRT Station to the airport rail link.
- The Nangang and Muzha lines serve the eastern parts of the city, with stops accessible from express airport bus routes.
- The Wenhu Line (Wenshan-Neihu Line) serves Songshan Airport Station.
- The Xindian Line includes Yuanshan MRT Station, accessible from airport bus routes.
All Taipei Metro stations accept EasyCards, a rechargeable transit card that provides convenient payment across all public transport modes and often offers slight discounts compared to single-journey tickets.
Buses and Long-Distance Transport
Beyond the Metro, Taipei is served by bus networks for both city and intercity travel. Freeway buses connect Taipei with nearby cities and Taichung in central Taiwan. Taipei Main Station and other major transport hubs have bus terminals where you can access these services. The Taipei West Bus Station adjacent to Taipei Main Railway Station is a major hub where express buses to the airport depart every 15–20 minutes.
Inter-city trains operated by the Taiwan Railway Administration and Taiwan High Speed Rail arrive at and depart from Taipei Railway Station on Zhongxiao West Road. This vast complex facility has ticket counters on the ground floor, train platforms on B2, and connects directly to the Metro's Taipei Main Station served by the red and blue lines. Three other train stations serve Taipei: Wanhua Station in the southwestern part of the city, Songshan Station near the Raohe Street Night Market, and Nangang Station on the eastern end, which connects to both the Metro and Taiwan High Speed Rail.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available throughout Taipei for point-to-point travel. They are a practical option for specific destinations or when arriving with luggage. However, they are generally more expensive than public transport for standard city trips.
Walkability
Taipei is pedestrian-friendly in many areas, particularly around major Metro stations and commercial districts. The city center is sufficiently compact that many destinations are accessible on foot, especially when combined with short Metro rides between neighborhoods.
Purchasing Transit Cards and Tickets
The EasyCard is the most convenient way to travel in Taipei. This rechargeable card works across the Metro, buses, and other transport modes. Single tickets can be purchased at vending machines or ticket counters at Metro stations. For baggage storage at Taipei Main Station, lockers range from NT$20–50 per three hours with a maximum storage period of three days.