How do I go from Taipei airport to the city?

Navigating from Taipei Airport to the City: Your Quick and Easy Guide

Touching down at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and ready to dive into the vibrant energy of Taipei? The good news is, getting from the airport to the city center is incredibly straightforward thanks to Taipei’s efficient and well-organized transportation system. Forget complicated routes or expensive taxi fares, the Airport MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is your best bet for a quick, comfortable, and affordable journey into the heart of the city.

Think of the Airport MRT as your express ticket to Taipei. This dedicated line whisks travelers directly from Taoyuan Airport (TPE) to Taipei Main Station in a remarkably swift 35-38 minutes, depending on which service you choose. That’s right, in under 40 minutes, you can trade the airport bustle for the excitement of Taipei!

Here’s what you need to know to make your airport transfer seamless:

• Locating the Airport MRT: After collecting your luggage and clearing customs, follow the clear and plentiful signs for the “Airport MRT” or “Metro.” You’ll find access points in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

• Choosing Your Service: Express vs. Commuter: The Airport MRT operates two types of services:

  • Express Service (Purple Line): This is your fastest option! The Express train makes limited stops, primarily focusing on connecting the airport directly to Taipei Main Station. This is the one offering the aforementioned 35-38 minute journey.

  • Commuter Service (Blue Line): The Commuter train makes more frequent stops, serving local communities along the route. While a bit slower, it’s still a viable option if your final destination is near one of these stops.

• Ticket Options: You have several options for purchasing your tickets:

  • Single Journey Ticket: Purchase a single-use ticket from the ticket vending machines located near the MRT platforms. The machines are usually multilingual and easy to navigate.

  • EasyCard: A rechargeable contactless smart card, the EasyCard is a popular choice for locals and tourists alike. It offers discounted fares on the MRT, buses, and even at some convenience stores. You can purchase and reload EasyCards at various locations throughout the airport and city.

  • iPass: Similar to the EasyCard, iPass is another rechargeable contactless card accepted on public transport.

  • Travel Pass: Consider a Taipei Travel Pass if you plan on using the MRT frequently during your stay. These passes offer unlimited rides for a specific duration, saving you money if you intend to explore the city extensively.

• Onboard Amenities: The Airport MRT trains are modern, clean, and comfortable. They feature luggage racks, Wi-Fi, and clear announcements in both Mandarin and English.

• Arriving at Taipei Main Station: Taipei Main Station is a major transportation hub, connecting the Airport MRT to the regular Taipei Metro (MRT), Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA), and High-Speed Rail (HSR). From here, you can easily access almost any part of the city, or even travel further afield within Taiwan.

In a nutshell:

Taking the Airport MRT is undoubtedly the most convenient and cost-effective way to travel from Taipei Airport to the city. With its speed, frequency, and comfortable amenities, it’s a great way to start your Taipei adventure on the right foot. So, skip the traffic and embrace the efficiency – hop on the Airport MRT and get ready to explore all that Taipei has to offer!