Taipei MRT Map: Lines, Stations and Travel Guide

I just came back from a food trip in Taipei, and one thing that made my trip really easy was the Taipei MRT. As Filipinos, we usually want transport that is simple, affordable, and can bring us to food spots, shopping areas, and famous places without getting lost. The MRT helped me reach places like Ximending, Beitou, and Taipei 101 quickly, and the stations are clean, organized, and easy to understand with English signs and color coded lines.

Taipei MRT Map

source from https://english.metro.taipei/

The Taipei MRT is very easy to use. Trains are fast, clean, and always on time. Signs are in English, and the MRT map uses color lines and station codes, so it is easy to follow.

Quick tips:

• Use an EasyCard for MRT, buses, and YouBike.
• Stations have letter and number codes.
• Most stations have elevators.
• Eating or drinking is not allowed inside MRT stations or trains.
• Trains run about 6:00 AM to midnight.
• Taipei Main Station is the main transfer hub.

An Overview of the Taipei MRT Lines

The Taipei MRT has several main lines that connect most of the city. Each line uses a different color, so it is easy to follow on the MRT map. Stations also have letter and number codes like R03 or BL12, which makes navigation easier if you cannot remember the station name.

🔴 Red Line (Tamsui–Xinyi Line)

Route: Tamsui to Xiangshan
Best for: Famous attractions, riverside views, hot springs, and shopping

This line connects the northern riverside area to central Taipei and the Taipei 101 district.

Key stations:

Tamsui – Riverside walk and local street food
Beitou / Xinbeitou – Hot springs and public bathhouses
Shilin – Shilin Night Market and local snacks
Taipei Main Station – Major transport hub for trains and MRT
Taipei 101 / World Trade Center – Taipei 101 tower and shopping malls
Xiangshan – Best place to start the Elephant Mountain hike for the famous Taipei 101 view

Tip: Tamsui is a great place to catch the sunset by the river.

🔵 Blue Line (Bannan Line)

Route: Dingpu to Nangang Exhibition Center
Best for: Shopping areas, night markets, and transport connections

This line runs through the center of Taipei and is one of the busiest lines.

Key stations:

Banqiao – Transport hub and large shopping malls
Ximen – Street food, fashion shops, and entertainment
Zhongxiao Fuxing – Department stores and shopping streets
Taipei City Hall – Shopping district near Taipei 101
Nangang Exhibition Center – Exhibition halls and transfers

Tip: The Blue Line is the busiest in the city, so avoid rush hour if you have luggage.

🟢 Green Line (Songshan–Xindian Line)

Route: Songshan to Xindian
Best for: Culture, local neighborhoods, and parks

This line connects historical landmarks with university areas and riverside spots.

Key stations:

Songshan – Raohe Night Market right outside the station
Nanjing Fuxing – Transfer point to the Brown Line
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall – Large historic square and museum
Gongguan – Student area with cafés and budget food
Xindian – Bitan riverside park and suspension bridge

🟠 Orange Line (Zhonghe–Xinlu Line)

Route: Nanshijiao to Luzhou / Huilong
Best for: Local neighborhoods and traditional streets

This line shows a more local side of Taipei and is usually less crowded.

Key stations:

Nanshijiao – Local markets and food stalls
Daqiaotou – Close to Dihua Street and traditional shops
Luzhou – Temples and residential areas
Zhongxiao Xinsheng – Easy transfer to the Blue Line

🟤 Brown Line (Wenhu Line)

Route: Taipei Zoo to Nangang Exhibition Center
Best for: Scenic views, nature, and family attractions

This line runs above ground and is fully automated, so the views are great.

Key stations:

Taipei Zoo – Large zoo famous for its pandas
Maokong Gondola – Cable car to mountain tea houses
Technology Building – Area with cafés and breakfast spots
Nangang Exhibition Center – Transfer to the Blue Line

Tip: Try sitting at the front or back of the train for a clear view of the city.

🟡 Yellow Line (Circular Line)

Route: Circular line connecting New Taipei City districts
Best for: Transfers between areas like Banqiao, Zhonghe, and Xinzhuang

This line is mostly used by locals but is helpful when traveling between districts outside central Taipei.

🟪 Taoyuan Airport MRT

Route: Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station
Best for: Airport transfers

Express Train: About 35 minutes
Commuter Train: About 50 minutes

Some airlines like China Airlines, EVA Air, and Starlux allow in town check in at Taipei Main Station.

Taipei MRT Ticket Prices

Taipei MRT fares are affordable and based on distance. Most rides cost TWD 20 to 65 (about ₱35 to ₱115).

💡 Travel Tip: If you arrive at Taoyuan Airport, the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station costs about TWD 150 (around ₱265). It is one of the fastest and easiest ways to reach the city.

EasyCard – A Must Have for Travelers

If you are visiting Taiwan, getting an EasyCard when you arrive is a smart move. It works like a reloadable transport card and makes traveling around the city much easier.

You can use it for:

• MRT systems in Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung
• City buses
• YouBike rentals
• Local TRA trains (except reserved seat trains)
• Convenience stores like 7 Eleven and FamilyMart
• Some ferries, attractions, and vending machines

Price

• Card fee: TWD 100 (non refundable)
• You can add credit starting from TWD 100

Helpful things to know

• You can still exit the MRT if your EasyCard has at least TWD 1. The balance may go negative and you can top up later.
• Frequent riders may receive a monthly rebate.
• Contactless cards and mobile wallets also work at MRT gates.

💳 Extra Tip: Buy EasyCards at 7-Eleven or FamilyMart. Some stores sell special design cards that make great souvenirs. If you still have balance left, you can refund it at an MRT service counter.

Taipei MRT Tips for Getting Around the City

• Follow the colored signs and station codes when navigating.
• Get an EasyCard for faster entry and easy payments.
• Contactless cards and mobile wallets can also be used at the gates.
• Look at the queue lines on the platform floor before boarding.
• Allow extra time when transferring at large stations like Taipei Main Station.
• Avoid eating or drinking inside MRT stations and trains.
• Use Google Maps or the Taipei MRT app to check routes and travel time.