There are several ways to get from Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei city centre, but the most efficient option is the Airport MRT. It’s fast, affordable, comfortable, and incredibly easy to use, even if it’s your first time in Taiwan and you don’t speak Mandarin.

Of course, there are other alternatives, and the best choice depends on your budget, your arrival time, and where you’re staying. In this guide, I’ll show you the easiest way to reach Taipei without overspending, and what I would personally do in different situations. Shall we?

Wait! If you haven’t read it yet, I also put together a complete guide on how to get around Taipei, including everything you need to know about the MRT, buses, and the EasyCard.

JUST LANDED | Useful Tips

Staying Connected in Taiwan

Arriving in a new country with mobile data already working is a game changer. Being able to use Google Maps, book transport, or message your accommodation without relying on airport Wi-Fi makes everything much easier.
I’d be delighted if you used my Airalo affiliate link (same price for you, a few cents for me), but on this blog I always prioritise honesty and helping you save money.

There’s a company called Chunghwa Telecom with service counters located just after baggage reclaim. They offer tourist SIM plans with unlimited 4G or 5G data for a set number of days at very reasonable prices.
I paid roughly 20 EUR for 10 days, and it worked flawlessly throughout my trip, including on Lanyu. They also offer both eSIMs and physical SIM cards, so you’ll likely find an option that works with your phone.
If you’re only stopping over or visiting Taiwan for a few days, Airalo will probably still be the most convenient option. For longer trips, though… you know what I’d choose. 🙂

Cash and Cards in Taipei

As you probably already know, airports tend to offer some of the worst exchange rates, even when they advertise “no commission“. That’s why I generally avoid exchanging money there whenever possible.

The easiest way to get New Taiwan Dollars (NTD) is by withdrawing cash from an ATM. Travel cards such as Revolut or N26 usually offer favourable exchange rates and fee-free withdrawals, although most airport ATMs will still charge a small local withdrawal fee.

Do you actually need cash as soon as you land in Taiwan? Honestly, not really.

Taiwan Lucky Land

This is something you need to do before arriving, but it’s definitely worth checking.
The Taiwan Tourism Administration regularly runs promotional campaigns for international visitors. Depending on what’s available at the time of your trip, you may be able to enter prize draws, receive travel vouchers, access discounts, or even get spending credits to use during your stay.

I have no idea which promotion will be active when you’re reading this, but before travelling I’d spend two minutes checking the official tourism website.

So, How Do You Get from the Airport to Taipei City Centre?

Airport MRT: The Best Way to Reach Taipei Main Station

Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have their own Airport MRT station, so reaching the train is straightforward regardless of where your flight arrives.

From the arrivals hall, simply follow the signs for “Airport MRT” and head down one level.

On the way, you’ll pass ATMs, a counter selling EasyCards, and finally the ticket machines alongside the MRT customer service desk.

Purple vs Blue | Which Train Should You Take?

The purple train (Express Service) is the faster option. It makes fewer stops and reaches Taipei Main Station in just 35 minutes. If you’re staying in central Taipei, this is the train I would recommend taking.

The blue train (Commuter Service) follows almost the same route but stops at every station along the way. The journey takes around 50 minutes. It only really makes sense if you’re staying close to one of the intermediate stations and want to avoid changing trains later.

You can check all stations on the map below.

Still Haven’t Decided Where to Stay? If you’re still looking for accommodation, this article might help.

How Do You Pay for the MRT from the Airport to Taipei Main Station?

If you already have cash, you can simply buy an EasyCard, top it up, and use it to pay for the journey.
However, if you haven’t withdrawn any cash yet, you can go straight through the ticket gates using a contactless bank card or Apple Pay.

It’s incredibly easy, fast, and convenient.

🧚🏽 The MRT staff are exceptionally friendly. As soon as they saw us, they offered help in English, so if you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask.

How Much Does the Ticket Cost?

The journey from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei city centre costs 160 NT (roughly 4.50 EUR), regardless of whether you take the purple Express train or the blue Commuter train.

There are also tourist passes available that include return airport transfers as well as 48 or 72 hours of unlimited travel on the Taipei MRT. If you’re planning to use the metro extensively during your trip, these passes can be worth considering.

You can check the available options on the official website and purchase them directly at the airport.

Kuo-Kuang Bus (Route 1819): The 24 Hour Option

If your flight arrives between midnight and 6 am, the bus is your only public transport option.
Several routes connect Taoyuan Airport with different parts of the city (you can check the best one for your destination on Google Maps), but Route 1819 is the most convenient if you’re heading into central Taipei.
The journey takes around one hour and terminates near Taipei Main Station.

The fare is 140 NT, roughly 3 EUR, and can be paid either in cash or with an EasyCard. In other words, you’ll need to withdraw cash or exchange money at the airport if you don’t already have an EasyCard.

🧚🏽 You can also book the journey through Klook in advance if you prefer to have everything sorted before arrival.

What Is the EasyCard?

The EasyCard is a rechargeable smart card that can be used on most public transport in Taipei and across much of Taiwan, eliminating the need to buy individual tickets.

One thing to keep in mind is that the card itself and top ups can only be purchased using cash.
In my guide on how to get around Taipei, you’ll find more detailed information on where to buy one and how to use it.

Arriving at Taipei Main Station

Taipei Main Station is one of the city’s main transport hubs, connecting the Airport MRT, the Taipei MRT, conventional TRA trains, the HSR high-speed rail, and numerous bus routes.

From here, it’s easy to continue to almost any area of Taipei or travel onwards to other destinations across Taiwan.

Keep in mind that the Taipei MRT generally operates between 6 am and midnight. If you arrive later than that, buses and taxis are still available, although services are less frequent.

Continuing Your Trip Around Taiwan?

If you’re planning to explore beyond Taipei, you might find these guides useful:

• TRA vs HSR | Which Train Should You Use in Taiwan?
• An Alternative 10 Day Taiwan Itinerary
• Hualien After the Earthquake: Is It Still Worth Visiting?

I hope this guide helped make your arrival in Taipei a little easier, and that you have an amazing time exploring the city.

If you’d like to support this dreamer on her journey towards becoming a full-time travel writer, you can buy me a coffee here.

Thank you, and have a fantastic trip!

Guadi.