Landing in a new place can feel a little confusing, especially if it’s your first time. If you’re a Filipino traveler arriving at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is how to get to the city center.
Don’t worry—it’s actually easy! There are a few good options depending on what you need. Some are fast, some are cheap, and some are comfortable, so you can choose what’s best for you.
This quick guide will help you find the best way to reach popular places like Taipei Main Station, Ximending, or Shilin. We'll keep things simple, budget-friendly, and easy to follow—just like a tip from a fellow kabayan who's been there before.
🧭 How to Get from Taipei Airport to the City Centre?
Here are the main ways you can travel from Taoyuan International Airport to the city center (Taipei Main Station). Choose what fits your time, budget, and comfort.
| Transport Option | Where to Find It | Travel Time | Cost (TWD / PHP) | Convenience | Best For | Extra Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Airport MRT (Train) | Inside the airport, just follow the signs | 35–45 mins | TWD 160 / ₱290 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Most travelers | Fast, clean, easy to use |
Taxi | Outside the arrival area | 40–60 mins (depends on traffic) | TWD 1,000–1,200 / ₱1,800–2,200 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families or late-night arrivals | More expensive, but very convenient |
Airport Bus | Ticket counters inside airport; buses outside | 55–70 mins | Around TWD 140 / ₱250 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Budget travelers | Good value, runs until late night |
Private Transfer (Trip.com or other apps) | Pre-book online | 35–60 mins | Varies (starts around ₱2,000) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Groups or travelers with luggage | Door-to-door service, good for comfort |
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🚈 Airport MRT: Your Easy Ride to Taipei City
Sources: Taoyuan International Airport
The Airport MRT is one of the best ways to get from Taoyuan Airport to the city. It’s clean, fast, and simple—even if it’s your first time in Taiwan.
🛤️ Train Line & Stations
There are two types of trains: Express and Commuter. Both are easy to ride. The Express is faster and more direct.
📍 Main Stations & What’s Nearby:
- Airport Terminal 1 & 2 – Where you start
- Taipei Main Station – City center, near hotels, MRT lines, shopping
- Beimen Station – Close to Ximending shopping area
- New Taipei Industrial Park – Transfer station (for some routes)
🕒 Operating Hours
| First Train | Last Train | Train Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Around 6:00 AM | Around 11:00 PM | Every 15 minutes |
Trains run every 15 minutes, so you don’t need to rush. Just follow the signs in the airport to the MRT station.
💸 Ticket Prices & How to Buy
| Destination | Adult Fare (TWD / PHP) | Child Fare | How to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
Taipei Main Station | TWD 160 / ~₱290 | Around TWD 80 | - Ticket machines - MRT counter - Use EasyCard or credit card |
You can buy a one-time ticket or use an EasyCard (recommended if you plan to use the MRT a lot during your trip). You can buy EasyCards at the airport.
🧳 Pros & Who It’s Best For
✅ Fast – No traffic
✅ Affordable – Cheaper than taxi
✅ Easy to use – English signs everywhere
✅ Clean & safe – Great for first-timers
Best for:
- Solo travelers
- Couples
- Anyone with light luggage
- First-time visitors
⚠️ Watch Out For
⚠️ Big luggage – There's space, but it might be tight if it's crowded.
⚠️ Late-night arrivals – Trains stop running around 11 PM. If you land after that, you’ll need to take a bus or taxi.
🚌 Airport Bus: A Budget-Friendly Way to Reach the City
If you're traveling on a budget or just want a simple ride with no train transfers, the Airport Bus is a good choice. Several buses run from Taoyuan Airport to different parts of Taipei.
🚍 Where to Get a Bus
- ✅ Go to the Arrival Hall (after immigration)
- ✅ Look for Bus Ticket Counters — clearly marked in English
- ✅ Choose your destination and buy a ticket
- ✅ After buying, go outside to the bus boarding area (there are signs)
💸 Fare Estimates & Cost Range
| Bus Route | Approx. PHP | Main Destinations |
|---|---|---|
1819 (Kuo-Kuang) | ~₱250 | Taipei Main Station |
1960 | ~₱260 | Ximending, Zhongshan |
1961 | ~₱160–₱180 | Songshan District |
1840 | ~₱240 | Banqiao, New Taipei |
🕒 Duration & Traffic Considerations
| Time of Day | Estimated Travel Time | Traffic Tip |
|---|---|---|
Morning (6 AM – 9 AM) | 60–75 mins | Some traffic on expressways |
Midday (10 AM – 3 PM) | 50–60 mins | Smooth ride |
Rush Hour (4 PM – 7 PM) | 70–90 mins | Expect delays |
Night (8 PM – 12 AM) | 50–60 mins | Less traffic, smooth trip |
💳 How to Ride?
- Go to the bus ticket counter at the airport
- Tell them your destination (e.g. “Taipei Main Station”)
- Pay by cash or card
- Get your ticket and boarding gate info
- Wait at the correct platform (shown on your ticket)
- Show your ticket to the driver and hop on!
🧳 Who It’s Best For
✅ Travelers on a budget
✅ People with large luggage (plenty of space under the bus)
✅ Those arriving before midnight
✅ Backpackers or solo travelers
✅ First-timers who want a direct ride to their hotel area
⚠️ What to Watch Out For
⚠️ No late-night buses – Most stop running after 12:00 AM
⚠️ Longer travel time during rush hours
⚠️ Limited English – Drivers may not speak English, but signs and instructions are easy to follow
⚠️ Make sure to check the bus number — Some routes have similar destinations but different stops
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🚖 Taxi: A Comfortable, Door-to-Door Option
If you’re carrying heavy bags, arriving late at night, or just want a smooth ride straight to your hotel, taking a taxi from the airport is a good choice. It’s more expensive, but very convenient—no transfers, no waiting.
🚖 Where to Get a Taxi or Book a Ride
- ✅ After customs, head to the taxi stand outside the arrival area (Terminal 1 or 2)
- ✅ Signs will say “Taxi” in English and Chinese
- ✅ There are official airport taxis—safe, metered, and reliable
- ✅ If you prefer an app, you can also book a ride online (see below)
💸 Fare Estimates & Cost Range
| Type | Approx. PHP |
|---|---|
Regular Taxi | ₱1,800 – ₱2,200 |
Large/Van Taxi | ₱2,300 – ₱2,700 |
🕒 Duration & Traffic Considerations
| Time of Day | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
Morning (6 AM – 9 AM) | 50–70 mins (traffic) |
Midday (10 AM – 3 PM) | 40–50 mins (smooth) |
Rush Hour (4 PM – 7 PM) | 60–80 mins (slow traffic) |
Night (8 PM – 12 AM) | 35–50 mins (light traffic) |
📱 Ride-Hailing Options
Want to book a ride from your phone? Try these local apps:
- LINE TAXI – Taiwan’s most common taxi app
- Uber – Works in Taipei, but limited availability from airport
- Trip.com – You can pre-book a private car or airport pickup
🧳 Who It’s Best For
✅ Families with kids or elderly
✅ Travelers with big luggage or shopping bags
✅ Late-night arrivals (after MRT closes)
✅ Those staying far from MRT stations
✅ People who want no transfers or waiting
⚠️ What to Watch Out For
⚠️ Not all taxis accept cards – It’s best to carry Taiwan Dollars (TWD)
⚠️ Avoid unofficial taxis – Always go to the official taxi stand
⚠️ Traffic can affect cost and time – Especially during rush hour
⚠️ Drivers may not speak English – Show your hotel name/address in Chinese (Trip.com app helps!)
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🚗 Private Transfer: Hassle-Free Door-to-Door Travel
If you want to skip the lines, avoid public transport, and go straight to your hotel in comfort, a private airport transfer is a great choice. It’s easy, especially if you’re traveling as a group or with a lot of luggage.
🕒 Duration & Availability
- ⏱ Travel Time: Around 35–60 minutes (depends on traffic)
- 📅 Available 24/7 – Great for late-night or early-morning arrivals
- 🧍♂️ The driver meets you right at the arrival hall with a sign (your name)
💸 Cost Range
| Vehicle Type | Approx. PHP | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Standard Car (1–3 pax) | ₱2,200 – ₱2,900 | Couples, solo travelers |
Van (4–6 pax) | ₱3,300 – ₱4,500 | Families, groups |
💡 Booking Tips
- ✅ Book in advance through apps like Trip.com, Klook, or your hotel
- ✅ Double-check if the driver speaks basic English or if there’s chat support
- ✅ Enter correct flight info so the driver can wait if your flight is delayed
- ✅ Ask if they offer a child seat, if needed
✅ When It Makes Sense
- 👨👩👧👦 You’re traveling with family or senior citizens
- 💼 You have lots of bags or bulky luggage
- 🕛 Your flight lands very late or super early
- 💒 Your hotel is far from MRT stations
- ✨ You just want a stress-free arrival after a long flight
📱 Perks & Advantages
✅ Meet-and-greet at the airport
✅ Fixed price — no need to worry about meter or hidden charges
✅ Spacious & comfy — ideal after a long trip
✅ Direct to your hotel door
✅ No language barrier if booked via app (pickup details in Chinese for the driver)
⚠️ Considerations
⚠️ More expensive than bus or MRT
⚠️ Must book ahead — not available for last-minute arrivals
⚠️ Double-check hotel location to avoid extra charges
⚠️ Some providers charge extra for night pickups or extra waiting time
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✈️ What’s the Best Way from Taipei Airport to the City?
Not sure how to get to the city from Taoyuan International Airport? Don’t worry! The best option depends on your travel style — whether you’re in a rush, saving money, or traveling with family.
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
| Travel Style | Best Option | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
Budget Traveler | 🚌 Airport Bus | Cheap, direct, and good for solo or backpackers |
First-Time Visitor | 🚈 Airport MRT | Easy, fast, and with English signs everywhere |
Group or Family | 🚗 Private Transfer / Taxi | No transfers, more space, and door-to-door |
Late-Night Arrival | 🚖 Taxi or Private Car | Available 24/7 when buses and MRT are closed |
Comfort Seeker | 🚗 Private Transfer | Meet-and-greet, fixed price, no hassle travel |
No matter which one you pick, getting from the airport to Taipei city is safe, simple, and traveler-friendly — so relax, enjoy the ride, and welcome to Taiwan, kabayan!✨