Taipei Taoyuan Airport Guide: Taipei Airport to City

All your options to get from Taipei airport to city center in this Taipei Airport Guide. The best option is the Taipei Airport express but after hours you’ll need a Taipei airport taxi. In this Taipei travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about arriving at Taipei Taoyuan airport (TPE Airport).

If you’re looking on more information regarding trains, buses and the subway in Taiwan, check out my How To Get Around Taiwan post.

Arriving At Taoyuan International Airport (TPE Taipei Airport)

There are two terminals at TPE airport: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. You can travel between both Taipei airport terminals for free via the Skytrain.

taipei airport sign
This is the first sign you see when leaving the arrivals area at Taipei Airport Terminal 1

Taipei Airport Code

There are two international airports in Taipei:

  • TPE: This Taipei airport code is for Taoyuan Taipei International Airport
  • TSA: This Taipei airport code is for Taipei Songshan Airport

TPE Airport is located in Taoyuan. To get from TPE Taipei Airport To City Center, it takes approximately 35 minutes.

TSA Airport is located within Taipei in the Songshan district. If you’re traveling to Taipei, arriving/departing from Taipei Songshan airport is much more convenient than going to Taoyuan airport.

Since Taipei Songshan Airport serves mostly domestic flights, going through immigration for the few international flights it does serve is a breeze! Typical wait times at Taipei Taoyuan airport immigration can be around 1-hour.

Taipei Travel Guide: Exchanging Money At TPE Airport

If you want to exchange money in Taiwan, you can exchange money at Taipei International Airport or at local Taiwanese banks.

Local Taiwanese banks do charge a fee for exchanging money that works out to be around 8-12% depending on how much you exchange.

I prefer just using the ATM and taking on the bank fees because percentage wise, it tends to work out in your favor.

Refunding ATM Bank Fees

You can get your bank fees refunded! At the end of your Taiwan trip you’ll accumulate a lot of international bank fees. When your statement arrives, just call up your bank and ask them as a one-time courtesy to remove those bank fee charges because you “didn’t know” there was a fee.

Taipei Travel Guide:Getting SIM cards or Pocket WiFi

It’s incredibly helpful to have mobile data starting at the Taipei Taiwan airport. Since you can look up directions, order an Uber and translate things in real time. Personally, I don’t use SIM cards or pocket WiFi when I travel because Google Fi is much easier.

Google Fi is one of the cheapest phone services in the United States and it’s the highest quality since they have contracts to share existing cell phone towers.

But if you don’t have Google Fi, you can pick up a SIM card or a pocket WiFi router at Taoyuan International Airport or Songshan Airport for mobile data in Taipei.

taipei airport wifi
SIM Card and WiFi Router pricing at TPE Airport

Taipei Taoyuan International Airport

Compared to what they try to sell 4G SIM cards and pocket WiFi routers at Taipei Songshan Airport, Klook sells them at 30-60% less.

Taipei Songshan Airport

Compared to what they try to sell 4G SIM cards and WiFi routers at Taipei Songshan Airport, Klook sells them at 30-60% less.

Taipei Airport Transportation To City: Transport from Taoyuan Airport To Taipei

Transportation from Taoyuan airport to Taipei city can be achieved via bus, taxi, Uber, private car but the best option is the Taipei Airport MRT Express train.

How do I get from Taipei airport to city?

The most convenient transportation from Taipei airport to city is the Taipei Airport MRT. That operates from 06:00 – 00:00. If you happen to be arriving in Taipei Taoyuan Airport outside of the Taipei Airport MRT operating hours, you other options are taxi, Uber and private car.

Taipei International Airport Bus

The next best option after the Taipei Airport MRT. The Taipei airport bus is very affordable and runs even during the odd hours of the night. You can find the ticketing counters on B1 of Taipei airport. This is the cheapest option from Taipei airport to city after midnight.

You can find Taipei Airport bus tickets cheaper on Klook.

Taipei Taoyuan Airport Taxi

Taipei Taxi Fare From Airport To City

Taking a taxi from Taoyuan airport to Taipei will cost you a flat rate of NT$1000. The rate for Taipei airport to city after midnight is the same.

Taipei Taxi Fare From Taipei To Taoyuan Airport

Taking a taxi from anywhere in central Taipei to TPE Airport will cost you a flat rate of NT$1000. Taxis need to be reserved in advance so if you’re staying at a hotel, they can call and make the arrangements for you.

Where To Stay in Taipei: Where Where To Go and Where To Eat

Tipping The Taipei Airport Taxi?

When taking the Taipei airport taxi or any Taipei taxi, tipping is not expected. Tipping is not part of the Taipei taxi fare customs and etiquette.

Uber Taipei

Is Uber or taxi cheaper in Taipei?

Uber is available in Taipei and you can also use Uber to order local metered taxis. For Uber rides in Taipei city during non-peak hours, the rides tend to be about 20% cheaper than a metered taxi. This is just from my experience taxis and monitoring the Taipei taxi fare compared to Uber.

How Much is Uber from Taoyuan Airport To Taipei City?

Taking an Uber from Taipei airport will cost you about the same as the Taipei airport taxi at NT$1000. This is another comfortable option from Taipei airport to city after midnight.

So if you don’t want to use the buses or amazing MRT Taipei system, you can call an Uber. WiFi is available in most of the city but if you want a SIM card or pocket WiFi, please refer to the “Getting SIM cards or Pocket WiFi” section above.

Tipping Uber In Taipei?

Nope. In America, you’ll see an option to tip on your Uber app. With the exact same Uber app in Taipei, there will be no option to tip your Uber driver.

Is it safe to take Uber in Taiwan?

Yes! It is safe to take Uber in Taiwan. The Taiwanese government has strict regulations for ride-sharing to ensure the safety of the people. Every Uber in Taiwan is insured.

Cars are expensive in Taiwan so many drivers will rent a car to driver for Uber in Taiwan. If the driver is using a rental car, when your Uber in Taiwan ride is completed you will receive an e-mail with all the car and driver information.

“The Taiwan government requires Uber to provide you with a car rental notification when you request a ride via the Uber app. This is not a receipt.”

Are there Uber in Taiwan?

Uber is available in Taipei, Kaoshiung, Taichung and several other parts of Taiwan.

Private Car

You can schedule a private car from Klook and it will be cheaper than taking a taxi. If you want to get a little fancy, you can take a luxury sedan for a little bit more money. It’s a great option to get from Taipei airport to city after midnight.

taoyuan airport to taipei main station
Taipei Airport Express Train to Taipei City

Taking the Taipei Airport Express MRT from Taipei Airport To City

Taoyuan Airport MRT Features

About every 7-minutes, a train departs from Taiwan Airport To Taipei between 06:00 – 00:00. The trains alternate between commuter and express trains.

Taking the Taipei airport train is the most comfortable option in to Taipei. It’s smooth, has free WiFi and you can charge your mobile phone at certain seats!

taipei airport free wifi

Taoyuan Airport MRT Travel Times

  • Express Train: 35 minutes from Taoyuan airport to Taipei Main Station
  • Commuter Train: 50 minutes from Taoyuan airport to Taipei Main Station

Taoyuan Airport MRT Cost

  • With a single-journey ticket, the Taipei Airport Train costs NT$160 to get from Taoyuan airport to Taipei Main Station.
  • With a Taipei Metro Easy Card, the Taipei Airport Trains costs NT$150 to get from Taoyuan airport to Taipei Main Station .

Taoyuan Airport MRT Hours

  • The Taipei airport train runs from 06:00 to 00:00 daily. If you want to get from Taipei airport to city after midnight, your options are bus, taxi, Uber or private car (detailed in sections above).

Taoyuan Airport MRT Express Train

  • If you’re trying to get from Taoyuan airport to Taipei, taking the express train is your best option. To identify which Taipei airport train is the Express, you’ll see a multiple signs along the outside and on the digital display board.
  • You’ll save more time waiting for the Express train rather than taking the commuter
  • The Taipei Airport Express train from Taiwan airport to Taipei has free WiFi and several wireless charging stations.
  • There are two types of Taipei Airport Express Trains: (1) Will have individual seats (2) Seats will be bench style like the usual MRT Taipei system.
  • Taipei Airport Express trains leave every 15 minutes from Taoyuan airport to Taipei Main Station and the same goes for the reverse route.
  • It takes 35 minutes to go from Taoyuan airport to Taipei with limited stops.
  • Luggage racks are available on every car traveling between Taipei Taiwan airport and the Main Taipei Train Station.
taipei airport mrt
Taoyuan airport to Taipei main station Airport Express Train Wireless Charging Station
taipei airport mrt
Taipei to Taoyuan Airport Express Train Wireless Charging Instructions

Taoyuan Airport MRT Commuter Train

  • The Taipei airport commuter train takes 50 minutes to travel from Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei Main Station
  • The commuter train stops at every station between Taoyuan Taiwan airport to Taipei main station
  • No WiFi is available on the commuter train from Taipei airport to city (and from city to Taipei airport)
  • No charging stations are available on the Taoyuan metro airport commuter train
  • Bench seating only from from TPE airport to city.
  • Luggage racks are available on every car traveling between Taipei Taiwan airport and the Main Taipei Train Station.
taipei airport mrt
Taoyuan Airport Commuter Train

Taoyuan Airport MRT Price

  • Single-Journey: If you buy a Single-Journey token to go from TPE airport to city it will cost you NT$160 (US$5.09). The Taipei Airport train price is the same when traveling to Taipei Main Station from Airport Terminal 1 and 2.
  • EasyCard: If you buy a Taipei Metro EasyCard, which is the reloadable Taipei Metro pass, to go from TPE airport to city will cost you NT$150 (US$4.78). The Taipei Airport train price is the same when traveling to Taipei Main Station from Airport Terminal 1 and 2.
taoyuan airport to taipei main station
Luggage racks are available on both the Taoyuan Airport Express Train and Commuter Train

How To Buy Tickets For the Airport Train: MRT Taipei

You can purchase single-journey tokens or a Taipei Metro EasyCard from vending machines in Taipei. Multiple languages are available so you don’t have to worry about a language barrier when using the MRT Taipei.

If you’re having trouble using the MRT Taipei vending machines, there is a kiosk at all MRT Taipei stations staffed with people to help! The Taipei metro staff can help you with directions, buying the Taipei Airport MRT tickets, reloading your EasyCard and refunding your EasyCard.

taipei mrt vending machine
Buying tickets for the Taipei Airport Train

How To Use Single-Journey Tickets on the MRT Taipei

The single-journey ticket for the MRT Taipei system is a token with a pre-loaded value.

Entering A Station

To use the MRT Taipei tokens, when going through the boarding gates, just SCAN the token against the terminal an the Taipei MRT gate will open

Exiting A Station

When your journey is complete, just drop the token in the departure gates and the Taipei MRT gate will open.

Insufficient Funds

If you purchase a Taipei MRT Token and don’t have sufficient funds, the Taipei MRT gates won’t open and an alert will sound. At this point you need to take the token to the Taipei Metro service kiosk which is available at every station.

The Taipei metro straff will see how much is on the token and tell you how much more you need to add to get through the gates. Language isn’t an issue here because they use a calculator to show you the required Taipei MRT cost.

taipei mrt token
Single Journey Tokens via https://www.tymetro.com.tw

How To Use The Taipei Easy Card: Taipei Guide

The Taipei Easy Card is a prepaid Taipei metro pass that you can use throughout Taiwan. To use the Taipei Easy Card to get from Taipei International Airport to Taipei Main Station:

  1. Purchase an EasyCard from the Taoyuan Airport MRT kiosk or vending machine (cost: NT$100). The Easy Card Taiwan is refundable.
  2. Load the EasyCard Taipei metro pass with a minimum of NT$150 (NT$250 total with EasyCard deposit).
  3. Scan the EasyCard against the Taoyuan metro station gates. The doors will open.
  4. Ride the Taoyuan metro Airport Express to Taipei city.
  5. To go through the departure gates, scan your Taipei Metro Pass EasyCard against the Airport MRT gates. The doors will open and the Taipei MRT fare will automatically be deducted from your Taipei Metro pass.
Taipei Airport MRT fares
Via https://www.tymetro.com.tw

Easy Card Taiwan: MRT Taipei Guide

How much Is The Taiwan Easy Card?

It costs NT$100 to purchase an EasyCard Taipei Pass and that money is considered a refundable deposit. You can refund up to NT$100 when you return the card.

This guide will show you How To use the Subway in Taipei along with the buses and trains.

Is The Taiwan EasyCard Refundable?

There is a NT$20 process fee to return the card, but if you used the card at least 5 times that fee is waived. Whatever money you have available on the card will be returned to you in cash in addition to the deposit for the EasyCard (up to NT$100).

Unfortunately, they do not refund the money that you have added on Easy Card Taiwan so you should only add money that you plan on using.

For more advanced Easy Card Taiwan users, you can get a refund on name-registered accounts.

Where Can You Use The EasyCard: Taipei Guide

Since Taiwan is mostly cash based, the prepaid card acts like a debit card that can be use for the Taoyuan Metro, Taipei subways, buses, trains, taxis, convenience stores, department stores and a lot of restaurants!

The EasyCard is extremely useful in Taipei because it makes it very easy to use the MRT Taipei system and you also get a 20% discount on MRT rides!

Taipei Metro pass
Taipei EasyCard Taiwan

How Do You Reload The Easy Card Taiwan?

The Taipei Easy Card can be reloaded in several ways:

  1. Any MRT Station Vending Machine
  2. Any MRT Station at the Taipei Metro Kiosk (person in booth by the gates)
  3. Any convenience store

The Taipei Easy Card can be reloaded practically anywhere since there are convenience stores all over Taiwan! The Taipei pass can also be used to make purchases at convenience stores in addition to being used to process your Taipei MRT fare.

Have a lot of coins in Taiwanese currency? Then load them up on your MRT card and use it to buy things at convenience stores.

Taipei Airport MRT Stations
Via https://www.tymetro.com.tw

Layover in Taipei: Taipei Tourist Passes for 1-Day/2-Days/3-Days of Taipei Transportation

One Day in Taipei Pass: Layover in Taipei

One Day in Taipei Tourist Pass Price

If you happen to have a layover in Taipei and need a Taipei airport transfer, you can pick up a one day Airport MRT pass for NT$320. That is the same price you would pay for a roundtrip train ride from Taoyuan international airport to Taipei Main Station and back.

When is the one day in Taipei tourist pass valid?

The One Day in Taipei pass is only valid on the day you start using it and expires at midnight of that day.

Where is The One Day In Taipei Pass valid?

This pass is only valid for unlimited travel on the Airport MRT line. It does not include any other Taipei transportation such as the Taipei city MRT, buses, THSR or Taiwan Rail.

Where Can You Buy The One-Day Taipei Tourist Pass?

You can purchase the one day Taipei tourist pass at the information desk at the Taoyuan international station Terminal 1 or Terminal 2

48-Hours in Taipei Tourist Pass

48 Hours in Taipei MRT Fare Price

The 48 hours in Taipei Pass costs NT$520. If you plan on seeing a lot of Taipei, then it’s worth it. The typical Taipei MRT fare within the city will range from NT$15-30 per ride and the Airport MRT from Taipei to Taoyuan airport will cost your NT$320 round trip.

When is the 48 Hours in Taipei Tourist Pass Valid?

From when you first activate the pass by going through the Taiwan metro gates, the pass will be valid for the next 48 hours.

Where is the 48 Hours in Taipei Tourist Pass Valid?

The 48 hours in Taipei pass is valid for 2 rides on the Taoyuan airport MRT and unlimited rides on the Taipei Metro system of subways and buses. The Taipei metro pass is not valid for travel on the Taiwan Rail and the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR).

Where Can You Buy The 48 Hours in Taipei Tourist Pass?

You can purchase the 48 hours in Taipei pass at TPE airport Terminal 1 (Station A12), Terminal 2 (Station A13) and in Taipei Main Station (Station A13).

72-Hours in Taipei Tourist Pass

72 Hours in Taipei MRT Fare Price

The 72 hours in Taipei Pass costs NT$600. If you plan on seeing a lot of Taipei, then it’s worth it. The typical Taipei MRT fare within the city will range from NT$15-30 per ride and the Airport MRT from Taipei to Taoyuan airport will cost your NT$320 round trip.

When is the 72 Hours in Taipei Tourist Pass Valid?

From when you first activate the pass by going through the Taiwan metro gates, the pass will be valid for the next 72 hours.

Where is the 72 Hours in Taipei Tourist Pass Valid?

The 72 hours in Taipei pass is valid for 2 rides on the Taoyuan airport MRT and unlimited rides on the Taipei Metro system of subways and buses. The Taipei metro pass is not valid for travel on the Taiwan Rail and the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR).

Where Can You Buy The 72 Hours in Taipei Tourist Pass?

You can purchase the 72 hours in Taipei pass at TPE airport Terminal 1 (Station A12), Terminal 2 (Station A13) and in Taipei Main Station (Station A13).

Taipei Airport MRT In Town Check-In

One of the most awesome things about the airport MRT system is the In Town Check-In service. If you get to the Taipei Airport MRT at least 3 hours before your flight, you can use In Town Check-In to check your luggage and get your plane ticket.

This will make your trip to the TPE Taipei Airport much easier and relaxing since you don’t have to transport your luggage. With that extra time savings, you’ll have a chance to check out Taipei City Mall which is located right next to the Taipei Main Station Airport MRT.

Taipei Airport MRT Taiwan Tax VAT Refund

If you’re traveling in Taiwan, remember that you can get a Taiwan TAX VAT refund if you make eligible purchases of at least NT$2000 or more. You’ll need special receipts for these purchases so remember to ask when available.

Other Taipei Airport Transportation To City Questions Answered

How do I get from HSR to Taoyuan airport?

HSR (THSR) is the Taiwan High Speed Rail. If you want to get from the HSR to Taoyuan airport you can connect to the Taoyuan airport MRT line at Taoyuan HSR Station (A18) or at Taipei Main Station (A1).

How do I get to Taoyuan airport from MRT?

To get to Taoyuan airport from MRT in Taipei, you have to take the Taipei MRT to either Taipei Main Station or Beimen Station. From there, you can walk underground to the Airport MRT Station.

From the Airport MRT Station (A1), you can do “In-Town Check-In” for your luggage and flight tickets.

Just take the Airport MRT from Taipei Main Station (A1) to Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1 (A12) or Terminal 2 (A13).

To get to Taoyuan airport from Taipei Main Station MRT takes 35-minutes on the Express train and 50 minutes on the Commuter Train.

taoyuan airport to taipei main station
Taipei Airport MRT Station (A1 @ Taipei Main Station)

How do I get to Ximending from the airport?

If you want to get to Ximending from the airport, you have to take transportation from Taoyuan airport to Taipei City.

The best way is to take the Taoyuan airport MRT to Taipei Main Station (A1). Upon exiting the Airport metro line, follow the signs for Beimen station. It will be towards the TALL escalator.

Continue in the underground Taipei metro path until you reach Beimen Station. It’s about an 8-minute walk. Beimen Station is along the Taipei Metro’s Green Line and is 1-stop away from Ximen Station (Ximending).

You can take the Taipei Green Line 1-stop or just go above ground and walk to the Ximending area since the walk will be less than 10-minutes.

Total travel time to get to Ximending from the airport will take about an hour.

How do I get from Taipei Airport To Taipei 101?

To get from Taipei Airport to Taipei 101 you have to take the Taipei Airport MRT from Taiwan Airport to Taipei Main Station (A1). Then you need to follow the signs for Taipei Main Station MRT and when you get close, you’ll signs for the red line.

The Taipei MRT red line is a 10-minute walk from the Taipei Airport MRT Line.

Then you need to take the Taipei MRT Red Line from Taipei Main Station to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station which takes about 20-minutes.

Total travel time to get from Taipei Airport to Taipei 101 will take about 70-minutes.

If you’re a visitor to Taiwan, Klook has a special on Taiwan High Speed Rail tickets that are 20% off the official rate. For multiple one-way trips and for 3-day THSR train passes.

taoyuan airport to taipei main station
Departure boards at Taipei Airport MRT Main Station next to the In-Town Check-in Counters

How do I get from Taipei Airport To Taichung?

To get from Taipei Airport to Taichung, you have to go take that Taoyuan Airport line from Airport Terminal 1 (A12) or Terminal 2 (A13) to the Taoyuan HSR Station (A18) which takes about 20 minutes on the express train.

Then you take the HSR (Taiwan High Speed Rail aka THSR) to the Taichung High Speed Rail Station. The ride takes about 36-minutes.

Total travel time to get from Taipei airport to Taichung is 60+ minutes. Depending on what time you catch the train since it might be the express, limited express or commuter.

If you’re a visitor to Taiwan, Klook has a special on Taiwan High Speed Rail tickets that are 20% off the official rate. For multiple one-way trips and for 3-day THSR train passes.

How do I get from Taipei Airport To Kaoshiung?

To get from Taipei Airport to Kaoshiung, you have to go take that Taoyuan Airport line from Airport Terminal 1 (A12) or Terminal 2 (A13) to the Taoyuan HSR Station (A18) which takes about 20 minutes on the express train.

Then you take the HSR (Taiwan High Speed Rail aka THSR) to the Zuoying High Speed Rail Station. Zuoying HSR station is Kaoshiung. The ride takes about 105-minutes.

Total travel time to get from Taipei airport to Kaoshiung is 130+ minutes. Depending on what time you catch the train since it might be the express, limited express or commuter.

Conclusion

Whether you are only on a layover in Taipei, have only one day in Taipei, 48 hours, 72 hours or more, it’s helpful to have a Taipei Travel Guide to understand how to get around Taipei.

I hope this Taipei airport guide has helped you understand how to get around Taipei via airport MRT, bus, subways, taxis, Uber and private cars.

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