Getting around Taipei is smooth, affordable, and far more intuitive than most travellers imagine before landing in Taiwan. The capital boasts one of the most efficient public transport systems in Asia, featuring an extensive MRT (underground) network, city buses, and YouBike public bicycles.

The best part? You can pay for absolutely everything using a single rechargeable EasyCard, completely eliminating the hassle of buying individual tickets every single time you travel.

If you are planning to explore other destinations across the country—such as Hualien, Taichung, Tainan, or Kaohsiung—you will also find reliable regional trains (TRA) and High-Speed Rail (HSR) connecting Taiwan’s major cities swiftly and seamlessly.

I know, it sounds like a lot of information and plenty of new terms to grasp. Don’t panic. I’m going to break down every single detail so you can master Taipei’s public transport from the moment your flight touches down. Shall we?

EasyCard: The Ultimate Taiwan Travel Essential

If I could give you just one piece of advice for navigating Taipei, it would be this: buy an EasyCard the second you arrive.
The EasyCard is a contactless smartcard that allows you to pay for almost all public transport in Taipei and across most of Taiwan.

It works exactly like the Suica card in Japan or the T-Money card in South Korea. You simply tap your card on the reader when entering and exiting stations or vehicles, and the system automatically calculates and deducts the correct fare.

🧚🏽 You can also use your EasyCard to pay for items at convenience stores (like 7-Eleven or FamilyMart), vending machines, and even some smaller street food vendors.

Where to Buy an EasyCard?

Securing an EasyCard in Taipei is incredibly straightforward. In fact, it will likely be one of the easiest tasks of your entire journey.
You can purchase one at any MRT station, at Taoyuan International Airport, or at convenience stores, which you will literally find on almost every single street corner.
Now, for a slightly quirky but absolutely cute fact: your EasyCard doesn’t actually have to be a card. Wait, WHAT?

Yes, you read that correctly! Alongside the classic plastic cards, there are special custom editions, keyrings, collectible figures, and even 3D models that function exactly like a traditional EasyCard. You just top them up with cash and tap them on the reader.

If you buy yours from the machines at the airport or metro stations, you will usually get a choice of basic colours or standard designs. However, if you fancy a truly unique souvenir, some places take this to a whole new level. The 4th floor of the Wan Nian Building is almost entirely dedicated to these quirky, custom EasyCards.

Is It Really Worth Buying an EasyCard?

If you plan on taking more than four journeys on public transport, yes, absolutely.

Beyond the pure convenience of skipping the ticket queues, one of the greatest benefits of the EasyCard is that it isn’t restricted to Taipei—you can use it across the entire island.

It also grants you seamless transfers between different modes of transport (for example, switching from a bus to the MRT), automatically adjusting and discounting the fares. Plus, it allows you to unlock Taipei’s brilliant public bike scheme, YouBike.

How to Top Up and How Much Does It Cost?

A standard card costs 100 NT (roughly 3 EUR), and you must add a minimum top-up of 100 NT to start using it. Please note: Both purchasing the physical card and topping it up at machines must be done strictly in cash.

To help you budget, here is a quick breakdown of standard fares: MRT journeys, range from 20 NTD to 70 NTD (0.55 EUR – 1.90 EUR). The buses usually a flat rate of 15 NTD (0.40 EUR).

🧚🏽Try to do a bit of quick maths and top up a decent amount in one go to save time. If you happen to have a remaining balance at the end of your trip, you can pop into any MRT customer service office to request a refund of the leftover cash. Just keep in mind that the initial 100 NTD deposit for the card itself is non-refundable.

Oh, by the way—if you absolutely need to pay for your EasyCard using a credit card, you can pre-order it online via Klook.

Taipei Main Station | The Heart of the Transport Network

This massive hub is where practically every transport system you will use during your trip intersects: the city MRT, the Airport MRT, regional TRA trains, High-Speed Rail (HSR), and an endless array of city and long-distance buses.

The station is colossal and entirely interconnected underground. When we first arrived, we foolishly walked for about a kilometer along the streets outside, completely exhausted by the heat. The very next day, we realized all those paths were connected downstairs via a network of escalators winding through AC shopping avenues and restaurants.

If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, the surrounding Zhongzheng District is one of the most convenient areas to base yourself. You can read my comprehensive guide on that right here.

How the Taipei MRT Works

The MRT is, without question, the mode of transport you will rely on most during your stay. The network covers the vast majority of the city and connects almost every major tourist attraction.

One of the things I loved most about the MRT was how remarkably user-friendly it is for international travellers. Every single sign is translated into English, the maps are crystal clear, and station announcements are made in multiple languages. Even if you don’t speak a single word of Mandarin, it is virtually impossible to get lost.

🧚🏽 Google Maps works flawlessly here. It will even recommend the exact carriage number to board so you land right next to the stairs at your destination. Just pay close attention to the specific station exit number it suggests, as large stations can have dozens of exits!

How City Buses Work in Taipei

Taipei’s buses are perfectly integrated to complement the MRT, making them ideal for reaching spots where the underground lines don’t quite stretch.
They also utilise the EasyCard system, you simply tap on when you board and tap off when you alight. If you don’t have a card, some routes do allow you to pay with exact cash change.

How to Use YouBike in Taipei

If you enjoy exploring cities on two wheels, you are going to fall head over heels for YouBike.

It is Taipei’s public bicycle-sharing system, with docking stations dotted across every corner of the city. There is no need to download apps or use a credit card; you can simply activate and use them directly with your EasyCard.

🧚🏽 The loveliest area for a cycle ride is the scenic path running right along the riverside starting from the Datong District.

Uber vs GoTaxi

GoTaxi operates quite similarly to Uber but connects you directly with the city’s official yellow cabs. While it provides an estimated fare and allows you to pay via the app, the driver will still run the physical taximeter, meaning the final price can vary slightly depending on traffic.

Uber is also widely available in Taiwan with comparable pricing, though I personally found fewer drivers available during peak hours within Taipei compared to GoTaxi.

If you plan on ventures beyond Taipei, I highly recommend checking out my dedicated guide on How to Travel Around Taiwan, where I break down the differences between TRA and HSR trains, how to book tickets, and which option suits your itinerary best.

FAQ About Taipei Transport

Do I absolutely need an EasyCard to get around Taipei?

Not necessarily. If you are only visiting for a very brief layover, it might not be worth it. However, if you plan on making at least four journeys on public transport during your time in Taiwan, it will save you an immense amount of time and effort.

Does Google Maps work well in Taipei?

Yes, absolutely. Unlike in mainland China, all the standard western apps we are used to using work perfectly across Taiwan without needing a VPN. Google Maps is exceptionally accurate for public transport routes, showing real-time schedules and precise fare calculations.

Can I pay for public transport with a credit card?

You can use credit cards or Apple Pay at major ticket counters and specific lines. For instance, when buying tickets for the Airport MRT line (when arriving in Taipei) we used Apple Pay without any issues.

I hope you found this guide incredibly useful and that you feel ready to glide through the MRT stations effortlessly. Have a brilliant time exploring Taiwan!

Guadi.