Taipei Airport to City: Best Ways to Get Downtown – MRT, Bus & Taxi

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.

🚈 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

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

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, which are 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

💳 How to Ride?

1. Go to the bus ticket counter at the airport
2. Tell them your destination (e.g. “Taipei Main Station”)
3. Pay by cash or card
4. Get your ticket and boarding gate info
5. Wait at the correct platform (shown on your ticket)
6. 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

🚖 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, with no transfers and 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 that are safe, metered, and reliable.
• ✅ If you prefer an app, you can also book a ride online (see below)

💸 Fare Estimates & Cost Range

📱 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!)

🚗 Private Transfer: Hassle-Free Door-to-Door Travel

If you want a relaxing and worry-free start to your stay in Taipei, booking a private airport transfer is the best choice. You can arrange it before your flight, and when you arrive at Taoyuan International Airport, your driver will be waiting at the arrival area to take you straight to your hotel. It is perfect if you arrive late at night, travel with family, or carry many bags.

🚗 Where to Book

• Book online through trusted platforms like Trip.com before your flight.
• Your driver will meet you at the arrival area, holding a sign with your name.
• You can choose from a sedan, SUV, or van depending on how many passengers you have.

💸 Fares and Travel Time

• To Taipei Main Station or Ximending: from ₱2,200+ (2–3 passengers)
• To Zhongshan or Songshan: from ₱2,500+
• To New Taipei City (Banqiao or Tamsui): from ₱3,000+
• Travel time: 35–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Premium vehicles are available for families, business trips, or groups with luggage.

✅ Why Choose a Private Transfer

• Fixed price with no hidden charges.
• Direct hotel drop-off with help for your luggage.
• Safe and comfortable, especially after a long flight.
• Available 24 hours a day, ideal for early or late arrivals.
• No language problem because driver details are sent in Chinese.

💳 EasyCard and Payment

When you arrive in Taipei, one of the first things you should get is an EasyCard. It is a reloadable smart card that makes traveling around the city simple and cashless. You can use it for the MRT, buses, and even small purchases at convenience stores.

Where to Buy

• Available at Taoyuan International Airport, MRT stations, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart.
• You can also buy it at the EasyCard counter near the Airport MRT entrance.

How to Use

• Just tap your card when entering and exiting the MRT gates or when boarding and getting off the bus.
• The fare is automatically deducted from your card balance.

Top-Up Options

• Add value at MRT stations, convenience stores, or top-up machines.
• Minimum reload is usually NT$100 (around ₱180).

Where It Works

• MRT and city buses
• Taiwan Railway trains (some routes)
• Convenience stores and vending machines
• Some tourist attractions and museums

Refund and Balance Check

• You can check your balance on ticket machines or when you tap in and out.
• Before leaving Taiwan, you can return your EasyCard at major MRT stations to get a refund for the remaining balance and deposit.

✈️ 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:

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!✨