Taipei Transport Guide: MRT, Buses, EasyCard & Getting Around the City

Are you a Filipino planning to visit Taipei soon?✈️ Whether it’s your first time or you're coming back for more food and fun, one thing you need to know is how to get around the city easily and without spending too much.

Great news—Taipei has one of the easiest and most tourist-friendly transport systems in Asia! From speedy trains to clean buses, getting around is safe, simple, and very convenient. Most signs have English, and locals are friendly and happy to help if you get lost.

This quick guide is made just for Filipino travellers. We’ll show you the easiest ways to get around Taipei—from the airport to the city, to all the exciting places you’ll want to see.

Let’s make your Taipei trip easy and worry-free!

✈️ Taipei Airport Transfers

Sources: Wikipedia

If you’re flying from the Philippines to Taipei, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is how to get from Taoyuan International Airport to your hotel in the city. Don’t worry — it’s easy and stress-free! Here are the best ways to travel from the airport to downtown Taipei.

🚆 1. Airport MRT (Train) – Fast & Easy

Sources: Taoyuan International Airport

The Airport MRT is the fastest way to reach Taipei City.

• Travel time: Around 35 to 40 minutes
• Cost: NT$150 (about ₱270)
• Where to find it: Just follow the signs at the airport for “MRT”
• Final stop: Taipei Main Station

🚌 2. Airport Bus – Budget-Friendly

If you're on a tighter budget, the airport bus is another good choice.

• Travel time: Around 1 hour (depending on traffic)
• Cost: NT$125 (around ₱220)
• Where to buy tickets: At the bus counters inside the arrival hall
• Drop-off points: Many stops across Taipei, including Taipei Main Station

🚖 3. Taxi – Most Comfortable

Sources: Taoyuan International Airport

If you have heavy luggage or are arriving late at night, taking a taxi is the most convenient.

• Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Cost: Around NT$1,000 to NT$1,200 (₱1,800–2,100)
• Where to find it: Follow the "Taxi" signs at the airport
• Payment: Cash only (no GCash or credit cards)

📲 4. Book a Private Airport Transfer (Recommended for Families)

You can also book a private airport transfer online before your trip. A driver will wait for you at the arrival area with your name on a sign.

• Great for groups or families
• Fixed price (no surprises)
• Less stress after your flight

🚇 Metro (MRT / Taipei Metro)

Sources: Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation

Taipei's MRT is clean, safe, and easy to use — perfect for Filipino travellers. It’s also affordable and connects to most tourist spots. No need to worry, even if it’s your first time.

📍 Key MRT Stops Filipino Travellers Should Know

• Taipei Main Station – Main transport hub, trains to other cities
• Ximen – Shopping, street food, and youth culture
• Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall – Culture and history
• Taipei 101 / World Trade Center – Tallest building in Taiwan
• Shilin – Night market and street food heaven
• Beitou – Hot springs and public bath experience
• Tamsui – Seaside, sunsets, and old street snacks

🚇 Metro Info

💳 How to Ride?

1. Buy an EasyCard at the MRT station or 7-Eleven.
2. Load it with NT$300–500 (₱500–900) — good for a few days of travel.
3. Tap your card at the gate when you enter and exit.
4. Follow the signs – English signs are everywhere!
5. Check the line color – each MRT line has its own color.

⚠️ Tips for First-Time MRT Riders

• 🚷 No eating or drinking inside the MRT — you can be fined!
• 🧼 MRT is very clean — let’s help keep it that way
• 🪑 Priority seats are for the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities
• 📱 Use Google Maps or the “Taipei Metro” app to help you plan routes
• 🧭 If you’re lost, MRT staff can help — many speak basic English

🚆 Taiwan Railway (TRA)

Sources: Wikipedia

The Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) runs the main train system across Taiwan. It’s one of the best ways to explore cities, small towns, and coastal areas from north to south — from Taipei to places like Hualien, Tainan, or Kaohsiung.

TRA is different from Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) — it stops more often and serves smaller local stations.

🚆 Taiwan Railway Info

🚉 Types of TRA Trains

• Local Train (普通車) – Stops at every station, slower
• Chu-Kuang Express (莒光號) – Faster with reserved seating
• Tze-Chiang Limited Express (自強號) – Fastest option on TRA

💳 How to Ride

• Buy tickets at the station, online, or use the EasyCard for short trips
• Seats can be reserved in advance, especially for long rides
• Trains are clean, air-conditioned, and have toilets

💰 Fares

• Prices vary depending on train type and distance
• Example: Taipei to Hualien (Tze-Chiang): around NT$ 440
• Discounts for kids, seniors, and groups

⚠️ Tips

• Book early for weekends and holidays (especially to Hualien)
• Bring snacks or drinks for long rides
• Some routes offer amazing coastal views — sit on the right side when going south from Taipei

🚍 City & Intercity Buses

Sources: Travel Taipei

Buses in Taipei are a budget-friendly, clean, and air-conditioned way to explore the city and nearby areas. They go to places that the MRT doesn’t reach and are great if you’re looking to save on travel.

🚌 City Buses Info

💳 How to Ride

• Use your EasyCard or iPASS — just tap when you board and again when you get off
• Some routes are pay-on-entry, some are pay-on-exit (look for signs)
• Fare: Around NT$15–30 (one ride)

📍Where to Go?

City buses go to:

• Night markets
• Parks
• Temples
• Mountain spots like Yangmingshan

⚠️ Tips

• Use Google Maps or the Bus+ app to check real-time arrivals
• If paying cash, prepare exact fare — no change given
• Some signs may be in Chinese — use a translation app if needed

🚐 Intercity Buses (Long-Distance)

Want to visit Jiufen, Taichung, or Sun Moon Lake? Intercity buses are comfy and affordable.

🚲 YouBike (Bike Share)

Sources: Wikipedia

Looking for a fun and eco-friendly way to explore? YouBike is a public bike rental system you can use in New Territories areas like Sha Tin, Tai Po, and Ma On Shan. It’s great for casual rides along the river or park paths.

🚲 YouBike Info

💳 How to Rent

• Download the YouBike 2.0 app
• Register with your phone number and credit card
• Find a nearby station and scan the QR code to unlock a bike
• Return the bike to any other YouBike station

💰 Cost

• First 30 minutes: around HKD 3–5
• Additional charges for longer rides
• Payment is automatic via the app

⚠️ Tips

• Stick to bike paths—don’t ride on busy roads
• Always return the bike properly to avoid extra charges
• Bring water and wear a hat or cap if it’s sunny
• Check the brakes before starting your ride

🚕 Taxis & Ride‑Sharing

Taxis are a safe and convenient way to get around Taipei, especially late at night or when you're tired from walking. Most taxis are yellow, clean, and metered.

🚖 Taxi Basics

💡 Good to Know

• Most drivers speak basic Mandarin, but not English — show your destination in Chinese or use a translation app
• Taxis don’t usually stop if you wave during rush hour or rain — use an app instead
• No tipping required
• Fares go up slightly at night (11 PM–6 AM)

📱 Ride-Hailing Options

Uber works in Taipei and is often used by locals and tourists. It can be cheaper than taxis for short rides and more convenient.

Other apps you can use:

• Line Taxi
• Taiwan Taxi (55688)

🚗 Private Cars in Taipei

Driving a private car in Taipei isn’t very common for tourists — and here’s why:

• 🚦 Traffic can be heavy, especially in city areas
• 🅿️ Parking is expensive and hard to find
• 🛣️ Road signs are mostly in Chinese, though some have English

🚘 When to Consider Renting a Car

• Planning to visit places like Yilan, Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, or remote mountains
• Want to explore on your own schedule
• Traveling with kids, elders, or lots of luggage

📋 Requirements

🛻 Where to Rent

• At the airport, Taipei Main Station, or online (IWS, Avis, Zipcar, Klook, etc.)
• Options for self-drive or with driver

💰 Cost Estimate

• NT$1,500–3,000/day (₱2,700–5,400)
• Gas and tolls not included
• Parking: NT$30–80/hour (some hotels have free parking)

⚠️ Tips

• Watch out for scooters — they’re everywhere
• Don’t use your phone while driving — heavy fines
• Use Google Maps or Waze (English-friendly)
• Fill up with unleaded gas (92 or 95)

🚡 Maokong Gondola

The Maokong Gondola is a scenic cable car ride in Taipei, Taiwan — not Hong Kong. But if you're planning a trip to Taiwan before or after Hong Kong, this is a fun experience to add!

It takes you from Taipei Zoo up to Maokong, a peaceful mountain area known for tea houses and great views.

🚡 Maokong Gondola Info

💰 Fares

• Around NT$ 120–150 one-way
• Use EasyCard or buy tickets on-site
• Discounts for kids, students, and groups

💡 Highlights

• Ride a "Crystal Cabin" with a glass floor!
• Enjoy fresh air, nature, and tea shops at the top
• Best time to go: late afternoon to sunset

⚠️ Tips

• Check weather before you go — it may close in strong wind or rain
• Avoid weekends if you don’t like crowds
• Bring a jacket — it’s cooler at the top

💳 EasyCard & iPASS

When riding public transport in Taiwan, you don’t need to buy tickets every time. Just tap your EasyCard or iPASS — Taiwan’s version of Hong Kong’s Octopus Card!

These smart cards are super useful for:

• 🚇 MRT (Taipei, Kaohsiung)
• 🚌 Buses
• 🚆 Taiwan Railway (TRA)
• 🚲 YouBike
• 🏪 Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart)

🔄 What’s the Difference?

💰 Where to Buy & Reload

• At MRT stations, convenience stores, or airports
• Cost: NT$100 (card only, no credit yet)
• Reload at machines or stores (minimum NT$100)

🛫 Can I Refund It?

Yes! You can return the card at major MRT stations (some service fee may apply) and get back your balance.

✅ Which Transport Option Is Best for You?

Not sure which ride to take in Taiwan? Here's a quick guide to help you choose the best transport based on your travel style:

Make the most of your stay and enjoy every ride. Taipei is made for travellers like you!