Taiwan Transport Guide: Getting Around by Train, MRT, and Bus

Quick answer

Travel from Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Taipei Main Station takes 35 minutes via the Express MRT for NT$160 ($5). The Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) connects Taipei to Kaohsiung in 90 minutes for NT$1,490 ($46), while the local TRA rail network and MRT systems in Taipei and Kaohsiung use the EasyCard or iPASS for fares typically ranging from NT$20 to NT$65 ($0.60–$2.00) per trip.

Airport to city transport

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is approximately 40km from central Taipei. The Taoyuan Airport MRT is the most reliable method to reach the city. The purple Express train stops only at major hubs (Terminal 2, Terminal 1, and Taipei Main Station), while the blue Commuter train stops at every station. Both cost NT$160 ($5). Frequencies are every 15 minutes from 06:00 to 23:30.

For late-night arrivals, the 1819 Kuo-Kuang bus runs 24 hours to Taipei Main Station, costing NT$140 ($4.30) with a journey time of 55 minutes. Taxis operate on a meter with an airport surcharge; a ride to Ximending or Shin Yi usually costs between NT$1,100 and NT$1,500 ($34–$46). If you are heading directly to central or southern Taiwan, take the airport shuttle bus (706) or MRT to Taoyuan HSR Station (15-20 minutes) rather than going into Taipei first.

Rail and Metro systems

Taiwan’s rail infrastructure is divided into the High Speed Rail (HSR) on the west coast and the traditional Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) which circles the entire island.

The HSR (High Speed Rail)

This line connects Taipei to Zuoying (Kaohsiung) with stations in Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, and Tainan. Trains reach 300km/h. Standard tickets from Taipei to Taichung cost NT$700 ($22) and take 47 to 60 minutes. Book up to 28 days in advance for "Early Bird" discounts of 10% to 35%.

The TRA (Regular Rail)

Use the TRA for the scenic east coast (Hualien and Taitung) where the HSR does not operate. The Tze-Chiang Limited Express is the fastest class. A ticket from Taipei to Hualien costs NT$440 ($13.60) and takes 2.5 to 3 hours. These tickets sell out weeks in advance for weekend travel.

City Metro (MRT)

Taipei and Kaohsiung have extensive MRT networks. Taipei’s lines are colour-coded:

• Bannan Line (Blue): Connects Taipei Main Station, Ximending, and Taipei 101 area.
• Tamsui-Xinyi Line (Red): Connects Shilin Night Market, Taipei 101, and Tamsui.
• Songshan-Xindian Line (Green): Connects Ximen and the Raohe Night Market area.

Fares start at NT$20 ($0.60) for the first 5km. Stations have clear English signage and clean, free toilets.

Travel passes and payment

The EasyCard and iPASS are essential stored-value cards. They cost a non-refundable NT$100 ($3.10) and can be topped up at any 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or MRT station.

Does a pass pay off?

• TPASS: A monthly pass for NT$1,200 ($37) covers all MRT, buses, and light rail in the Greater Taipei area. This only pays off if you stay for more than three weeks or commute daily.
• Taipei FunPass: Includes entry to Taipei 101 and unlimited MRT travel. A 2-day pass is NT$1,600 ($50). This pays off only if you visit at least three major paid attractions per day.
• HSR Tourist Pass: A 3-day unlimited HSR pass for non-residents costs NT$2,200 ($68). A return trip Taipei-Kaohsiung costs NT$2,980, so this pass pays for itself on a single long-distance return journey.

Taxis and ride-hailing

Yellow taxis are ubiquitous and can be hailed on the street. Most drivers do not speak English; have your destination written in Traditional Chinese characters. The meter starts at NT$85 ($2.60) in Taipei.

Apps used locally:

• Uber: Widely available in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. It links to your international credit card, avoiding language barriers.
• Line Taxi: Integrated into the Line messenger app, this is the most popular local choice for calling standard yellow taxis.
• FindTaxi: A local app that allows you to request English-speaking drivers or wheelchair-accessible vans.

Walking and cycling

Taipei is a walkable city with wide pavements in Xinyi and Zhongshan, though older districts like Wanhua have narrower, cluttered walkways.

YouBike: Taiwan’s public bike-share scheme is world-class. You need a local phone number to register an EasyCard at a kiosk, or you can use a credit card for a single rental. Rates are NT$10 per 30 minutes for the first 4 hours. Dedicated bike paths run along the riverside parks, stretching over 100km around Taipei.

Journey time estimates

Common mistakes

• Eating on the MRT: Do not eat, drink, or chew gum inside the yellow line at MRT stations. Fines range from NT$1,500 to NT$7,500 ($46–$230).
• Ignoring the HSR station location: HSR stations in cities like Tainan and Taichung are located outside the city centre. You will need a 15–20 minute local train or shuttle bus transfer to reach the central districts.
• Mistaking the Train Types: Taking a local (Chu-Kuang) train when you meant to take an Express (Tze-Chiang) can double your travel time to places like Ruifang or Hualien.
• Not tapping out on buses: Most city buses now require you to tap your EasyCard both when entering and exiting. Failure to do so may lock your card.
• Waiting until the last minute for HSR tickets: Weekend and holiday trains to Kaohsiung sell out days in advance. Always book online via the T-EX mobile app.

Plan your trip

Journey Planner turns these logistics into a day-by-day itinerary. By entering your travel dates, it calculates real-time transport costs between districts like Da’an and Dadaocheng, adjusts for local weather patterns—such as the monsoon rains in Keelung—and provides a packing list tailored to Taiwan's humid subtropical climate. The tool integrates HSR schedules and MRT walking distances to ensure your daily schedule remains realistic. All prices and schedules are estimates; check the official TRTC or HSR websites before you go.

FAQ

Can I use Google Maps for Taiwan bus schedules? Yes, Google Maps is highly accurate for Taipei and Kaohsiung bus timings, including live GPS tracking of bus locations.

Do I need cash for Taiwan transport? You need cash to buy or top up an EasyCard at stations, though HSR tickets and Uber can be paid for with international credit cards.

Is there a luggage limit on the High Speed Rail? There are no strict weight limits, but large suitcases must be stored in the designated racks at the end of each carriage, which fill up quickly.

What is the best way to get to Taroko Gorge? Take the TRA train from Taipei to Hualien Station, then use the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus or hire a private driver for the day.