Taoyuan Airport to Taipei
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is about 40km from central Taipei. You have three realistic options:
| Airport MRT (Express) | The fastest and most convenient option for most travelers — roughly 35–40 minutes to Taipei Main Station on the express service, running directly from the airport terminals. |
|---|---|
| Airport MRT (Local) | Slightly cheaper, stops at every station along the line, closer to an hour end to end. |
| Taxi | Roughly 45–60 minutes depending on traffic, most convenient with luggage or arriving very late at night when trains have stopped running. |
See our full comparison of every airport transport option for a more detailed breakdown, including buses and private transfers.
Get an EasyCard immediately
Buy an EasyCard the moment you land — from a convenience store or vending machine at the airport MRT station. It's a rechargeable stored-value card that works across the MRT, city buses, YouBike bike share, some intercity trains, and even payment at convenience stores. You'll tap in and out on the MRT and tap once boarding buses. It also gives you a small fare discount over buying single paper tickets, and saves you queuing at ticket machines for the rest of your trip.
Using the MRT
Taipei's metro (MRT) is color-coded, clearly signed in English as well as Chinese, and runs roughly 6:00am to midnight. Google Maps handles Taipei MRT routing accurately, including transfer times, so real-time navigation is rarely an issue. A few practical notes:
- No eating or drinking is allowed on platforms or trains — this is enforced and fines are possible.
- Priority seating is taken seriously; avoid it unless you need it, even if the carriage looks empty.
- Queue in the marked lines on the platform and let passengers exit before boarding — commuters are generally orderly about this.
If you're doing a lot of MRT travel in a single day, compare the cost of a one-day MRT pass at a station kiosk against your expected number of trips — it can work out cheaper than paying per ride with an EasyCard if you're covering a lot of ground.
Buses
Taipei's bus network is extensive but more challenging for visitors than the MRT, since not every stop has clear English signage and routes can be complex. It's most useful for reaching specific spots the MRT doesn't cover directly (Yangmingshan National Park, for instance). Tap your EasyCard on boarding, and check whether your route charges on boarding, exit, or both — a small sign near the driver indicates which.
Taxis & ride-hailing
Taxis are metered, reasonably priced by international standards, and easy to hail on the street (look for the illuminated rooftop sign). Few drivers speak much English, so having your destination written in Chinese characters, or pulled up in a maps app, helps a lot. Uber also operates in Taipei and functions much as it does elsewhere.
YouBike
Taipei's public bike-share system, with docking stations across the city, works with the same EasyCard you're already using for the MRT. It's a pleasant way to cover riverside paths and flatter neighborhoods, though it's less practical for hillier areas like Beitou or Maokong.
Heading further afield: High Speed Rail
For day trips beyond what the MRT covers — Taichung and other west-coast cities — Taiwan's High Speed Rail (THSR) departs from a dedicated section of Taipei Main Station. See our full THSR guide for how booking and boarding work.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station?
The Airport MRT Express service is the fastest option, taking roughly 35–40 minutes directly from the airport terminals to Taipei Main Station.
Do I need cash for the Taipei MRT?
No — an EasyCard (bought at any station) is easier and slightly cheaper than single paper tickets, and works across MRT, buses and YouBike.
Is Uber available in Taipei?
Yes, Uber operates in Taipei alongside metered street taxis.