From Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station
A Complete Travel Guide
Arriving in a new country can be exciting, but navigating transportation right after a long flight can be stressful—especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local system. If you’re landing at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and heading into the heart of Taipei, your best destination point is Taipei Main Station—Taiwan’s central transportation hub.
Where You’re Starting: Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Taoyuan Airport is Taiwan’s largest international airport, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of downtown Taipei. It has two main terminals, both well connected to the city via multiple transport options. From the arrivals area, simply follow the clearly marked signs.
▼ When you enter the arrival hall (Terminal 1), you will see this sign
▼ When you enter the arrival hall (Terminal 2), you will see this sign 
This guide breaks down all the best ways to get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station, whether you’re looking for speed, savings, or simplicity.
Option 1: Private Vehicle or Taxi
Private Vehicle or Taxi (Most Convenient, but Costliest)
If you are traveling with more than two people or a group or have a lot of luggage, or just want door-to-door convenience, a private car or taxi may be an easy option.
Official taxis are yellow and line up outside the terminal. Alternatively, you can call a private car through Klook, which will be cheaper than taking a taxi. Please be sure to use the correct government-approved channels to hail a private transfer or taxi to avoid trouble caused by unlicensed drivers. You can show the driver the Chinese name/address of your hotel.
By Private Transfer
If you prefer to pre-book a car or use an app like klook or uber, private transfer services are another great option.
you can book Private Transfer in advance through klook
■ Taiwan Taoyuan Airport Transfer Prices to/from Popular Destinations
Taoyuan Airport → Taipei Main Station or Ximending
Small Group (3 pax)
From NT$ 890
Large Group (7 pax)
From NT$ 1150
Duration: 35–50 minutes
Benefits:
No need to wait in line.
Price fixed.
Helpful for large families or business travelers.
English-speaking drivers may be available.
By Taxi
Duration: 35–50 minutes
Fare: Around NT$1,500–2,500 (depending on time and traffic)
Where to Find: Taxi stands outside the arrival halls
Pros: Door-to-door service, convenient with luggage
Cons: Expensive compared to public transport
How much is a taxi from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei?
Taxi fares are calculated by meter and do not include highway tolls. Fares are charged according to established standard rates. Taxi fare is approximately NT$1,500 to NT$2,500 per trip (depending on time and traffic conditions)
Private Transfer vs. Taxi
Which is Better from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei?
Arriving at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and heading to Taipei Main Station? Two of the most popular door-to-door travel options are taxis and private transfers. While they both get you to your destination comfortably, they differ significantly in cost, convenience, and service quality.
Option 1: Private Transfer Service
Private transfers are pre-booked rides that offer a premium and personalized travel experience. They’re ideal for travelers who want a stress-free, high-comfort arrival—especially useful for groups, families, or business travelers.
Extras: Free bottled water, Wi-Fi, English-speaking driver (optional), child seats (if requested)
Pros
Fixed price (no surprises or meter anxiety)
Pay Online or via credit card
Meet-and-greet service inside the airport
Modern, clean, and spacious vehicles
Ideal for travelers with lots of luggage
Professional drivers with good customer service
Option for English-speaking assistance
Cons
Must be booked in advance
More expensive than taxis
Less flexible for last-minute changes
Option 2: Traditional Taxi
Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport and can be a convenient and familiar option for most travelers. They’re a go-to for those who don’t want to pre-book and prefer immediate transport.
Driver Language: Mostly Mandarin; limited English
Pros
No reservation needed—just walk to the taxi stand
Readily available at any time of day or night
Regulated fare meters
Cons
Fare may vary due to traffic
Driver may not speak English
Vehicle quality and cleanliness can vary
More expensive than private transfers?
May require cash
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choose a Taxi if:
You’re arriving late and didn’t book in advance
You prefer flexibility and spontaneity
You’re a solo traveler with light luggage
You’re comfortable navigating with minimal English support
Choose a Private Transfer if:
You want a guaranteed price and peace of mind
You’re traveling with children, seniors, or lots of luggage
You prefer a premium, comfortable arrival experience
You’re visiting Taipei for business or special occasions
Final Thoughts
Both taxis and private transfers offer reliable ways to get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei. Your choice comes down to personal preference: Taxis win on spontaneity, while private transfers excel in comfort, language support, and predictability.
For travelers who value smooth landings—especially after long international flights—a private transfer is worth the extra cost. But if you’re budget-conscious and confident in navigating language barriers, a taxi will do the job just fine.
Option 2: Taoyuan Airport MRT
Taoyuan Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station
To travel from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station, the most efficient and convenient option is the Taoyuan Airport MRT. Tips for a Smooth Journey
Language Assistance: Having your destination (Hotel) written in Chinese can be helpful when you are lost.
EasyCard: Consider purchasing an EasyCard at the airport for convenient travel on the MRT and other public transportation.
SIM Cards: SIM card booths are available at the airport for purchasing mobile data plans.
You can buy EasyCard and SIM card in advance before you arrive in Taiwan. Klook offers packages with EasyCard(with Deposit) and SIM Card(Unlimited data). You can pick it up at Taoyuan Airport.
About Taoyuan Airport MRT
The Taoyuan Airport MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is a modern railway line that connects Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei Main Station and other stops in between. Opened in 2017, it has quickly become the most popular transportation choice for travelers arriving at TPE, offering a clean, efficient, and scenic ride into the city.
Your Ultimate Guide to the Taoyuan Airport MRT – Gateway to Taipei
Traveling to a new city can be thrilling—and a little overwhelming. Luckily, if you’re flying into Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and heading to Taipei, the Taoyuan Airport MRT makes your journey into the heart of the city smooth, fast, and convenient. Whether you’re visiting Taiwan for business, leisure, or a layover, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Airport MRT.
The Taoyuan Airport MRT is one of the best airport-city links in Asia. Fast, reliable, and tourist-friendly, it gives you the perfect first impression of Taiwan’s world-class public transportation. Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a family on vacation, or a business traveler, the MRT offers a hassle-free start to your Taiwan adventure.
Where Do You Board the MRT?
There are dedicated Airport MRT stations at both:
Terminal 1 (A12 Station)
Terminal 2 (A13 Station)
From the arrivals area, simply follow the clearly marked signs that say “MRT / To High Speed Rail”. The station is about a 5–10 minute walk from customs clearance, depending on the terminal.
Directions from the Taoyuan Airport MRT Station
Location: The MRT station is located two levels below the arrival halls of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Two Train Types: Express vs. Commuter
There are two types of trains on this line:
Express Train
Travel Time: ~35–38 minutes to Taipei Main Station
Route: Express trains stop at A13 (Airport Terminal 2) → A12 (Airport Terminal 1) → A8 (Chang Gung Memorial Hospital) → A3 (New Taipei Industrial Park) → A1 (Taipei Main Station)
Best For: Speed and comfort
Bonus: Offers luggage racks, USB charging, and Wi-Fi
Luggage racks on express trains
Commuter Train
Travel Time: ~50–60 minutes
Stops: All stations between airport and Taipei
Best For: Local travelers and budget-conscious riders
Fares and Where to Buy Ticket
Fare to Taipei Main Station: NT$160 (~USD $5)
You can buy tickets in advance through klook
■ Taoyuan Airport MRT Ticket E-ticket (QR code entry)
Ticket Purchase: Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines or counters within the station.
Ticket machines (English interface available)
Airport MRT Station ticket counter
Use an EasyCard or iPASS for tap-and-go access
Cost: NT$100 deposit + any top-up amount
Usage: Works on MRT, buses, and some taxis and convenience stores
Credit Card or E-ticket (QR code entry)
You can now use your credit card to take the Taoyuan Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station. Currently, only one or two entrances have credit card scanners. As shown below. At the entrance to the station gate, you can see the credit card in the lower left corner and the QR CODE in the lower right corner.
ApplePay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Line Pay are also accepted.
Operating Hours & Taoyuan Airport MRT Schedule
First Train: Around 6:00 AM
Last Train: Around 11:00 PM
Frequency:Every 15 minutes
Taoyuan Airport MRT Schedule: Click image to view full size
For exact schedules, check the official Taoyuan Metro website.
Luggage & Accessibility
The Airport MRT is built with travelers in mind:
Elevators and Escalators for all platforms
Spacious cabins and luggage racks
Announcements in Mandarin, English, Japanese, and Korean
Free Wi-Fi and charging ports on express trains
Tips for First-Time Riders
Buy an EasyCard at the airport: It can be used for MRTs, buses, and even at convenience stores.
Exchange currency at the airport before entering the MRT station.
Keep a note of your accommodation in Chinese, especially helpful if you plan to transfer to a taxi or bus.
Travel light if you plan to take the commuter train during rush hour.
Arrival at Taipei Main Station (Airport Transfer Station)
Once you arrive at Taipei Airport Transfer Station (A1), you must swipe your EasyCard or insert a token to exit the station. This station is only a transfer station for the Taoyuan Airport MRT, not a true Taipei MRT Main Station (where the MRT, Taiwan Railways, and High Speed Rail are located).
Get to Your Destination
You’ll be in the center of the city, connected to the Taipei Main Station (blue, red lines) or Beimen Station (G13). It takes about 10-15 minutes to get from Taipei Airport Transfer Station(A1) to Taipei MRT Main Station or Beimen Station via the underground passage.
Signs are clearly marked for transfers, exits, and hotels.
By Walk
If your hotel is near the Taipei Airport Transfer Station(A1), you can walk directly out of the station to your hotel without having to spend extra time walking through the underground passage to the Taipei MRT station. You can use Google Maps to see which MRT station is closest to your hotel.
If your hotel is a 10-minute walk or less from the Taipei Airport Transfer Station(A1), walking will be your best option. Of course, there is also the weather factor to consider. Whether it’s raining or sunny, dragging your luggage across the street is a hassle. At this point, you may want to consider taking a bus or taxi to reach your hotel.
Taipei MRT (Red/Blue Line), TRA or HSR
If you want to take Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line), Blue Line (Bannan Line), TRA (Taiwan Railway) or HSR (High Speed Rail), follow the Red Line and Blue Line instructions to Taipei Main Station. Follow the signs and walk along the underground passage to reach Taipei Main Station. The station is about a 10-15 minute walk away.
You can buy tickets in advance through klook
■ Taoyuan Airport MRT Ticket E-ticket (QR code entry)
■ Taiwan Railway Train Ticket
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket for non-Taiwanese Discounts or Buy 1 Get 1
Taipei Main Station is a vast maze of underground streets. Even locals may go the wrong way the first time they follow the signs. So be sure to read the instructions carefully.
Signs are clearly marked for transfers and exits.
Taipei MRT: Green Line
If you want to take the Green Line (Songshan-Xindian Line), do not follow the Red Line or Blue Line instructions to Taipei Main Station.
When you arrive at the Taipei Express platform, take the escalator up one level(You will see the instructions in the picture above) and turn right. You will see a sign for the commuter platforms, turn right and take the escalator down one level to the commuter platforms. Then you can see the exit and sign for the Green Line. Follow the signs and walk along the underground passage to reach Beimen Station (G13). The station is about a 10-minute walk away.
Option 3: Airport Bus to Taipei
If you arrive late at night or early morning, the Kuo-Kuang Bus 1819 is your best bet.
Kuo-Kuang Bus 1819 (Budget-Friendly and 24/7)
Bus No. 1819 to Main Station
▎Bus (Kuo-Kuang Bus No. 1819) to Taipei
Ride Time: 55–70 minutes (depends on traffic)
Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes, 24/7
Fare: NT$164 (buy tickets or EasyCard)
Or you can buy tickets in advance through klook
■ Taoyuan Airport (TPE) Kuo-Kuang Round Trip Bus Tickets in Taipei
Route: Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2 → Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1 → Taipei School for the Hearing Impaired → Kulun Street Entrance → Taini Building(Mackay Memorial Hospital) → The Ambassador Hotel → Taipei Bus Station
Where to Board: Bus counters in the arrival halls of both terminals
After arriving at Taoyuan Airport, follow signs to the bus platform (well-marked in English) and go to the Bus Ticket Counter in the Arrival Hall of Terminal 1 or 2. If you can find it, ask for: “Kuo-Kuang Bus 1819 to Taipei Main Station”
Destination: Taipei Bus Transfer Station.
The bus arrives at Taipei Bus Station, a separate building located on the north side of the Taipei Main Station. There is an underground passage from Taipei Transfer Station to Taipei Main Station Building.
Many locals get lost while navigating the intricate underground maze surrounding Taipei Main Station. If you want to transfer to Taipei Main Station, you cannot follow the underground signs to Taipei Main Station. I recommend that once you arrive at the bus station, walk out of the building and follow the directions on Google Maps to Taipei Main Station.
Pros: operates overnight
Cons: Slower than MRT during peak traffic
After the Taoyuan Airport MRT is completed, basically few people will take the bus because if there is a traffic jam, it will take longer than the MRT. However, some locals do not live near the MRT station but near the bus station, so they will give priority to taking the bus.
When the Taoyuan Airport MRT is not operating and you don’t want to spend money on a taxi, your only option is to take the airport bus to Taipei. If your flight arrives later than 22:30, you will not be able to catch the last Airport Express train which departs around 23:30.
Bus No. 1840 to Sonshan Airport
▎Bus (Kuo-Kuang Bus No. 1840) to Taipei
First Bus:0630/Last Bus:2240
Route: Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1 → Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2 → Hsing Tian Kong → Rong-xing Garden(Minquan) → Minquan Fuxing Road Intersection → Sonshan Airport
Bus No. 1841 to Sonshan Airport
▎Bus (Kuo-Kuang Bus No. 1841) to Taipei
First Bus:0445/Last Bus:2230
Route: Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1 → Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2 → Other 27 stations → Sonshan Airport
Bus No. 1842 to Sonshan Airport
▎Bus (Kuo-Kuang Bus No. 1842) to Taipei
Dayuan → ( Via Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2 → Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1) → Songshan Airport
Bus No. 1843 to Nangang Bus Station
▎Bus (Kuo-Kuang Bus No. 1843) to Taipei
First Bus:0920/Last Bus:1720
Route: Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1 → Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2 → MRT Gangqian Station → Ruiguang Rd. Station → Neihu administrative centre → MRT Nangang Exhibition Center Station(Nangang Rd.) → Nangang Bus Station(West)
Bus No. 1960 to Taipei City Hall Bus Station
▎Bus (CitiAir Bus No. 1960) to Taipei
First Bus:0015/Last Bus:2240
Or you can buy tickets in advance through klook
■ Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) CitiAir Bus Transfers to / from Taipei
Route: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2 → Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 → Jianguo and Jinzhou Blocks → MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station → MRT Technology Building Station → Far Eastern Plaza Hotel → Grand Hyatt Taipei → Taipei City Hall Bus Station
Bus No. 1961 to Taipei City Hospital-Heping
▎Bus (CitiAir Bus No. 1961) to Taipei
First Bus:0730/Last Bus:1535
Route: Dayuan → Hengshan Bridge → Terminal 2 → Terminal 1 → Jiuquan-Chongqing Rd. Entrance → The Grand Hotel → Taini Building(Mackay Memorial Hospital) → The Ambassador Hotel → MRT North Gate Station → MRT Ximen Station → Taipei City Hospital-Heping
Bus No. 1962 to Banqiao Bus Station
▎Bus (CitiAir Bus No. 1962) to New Taipei
First Bus:0015/Last Bus:2320
Route: Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 → Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2 → MRT Yongning Station → Tucheng Farmers Assc. → Yuanlin Village → Tatung Zhuangyuan → Rixin Village → Huorao Village → Oriental University of Science and Technology → Ren-ai Village → Xiangyun Village → Minquan Rd. Intersection → Banqiao Bus Station
Bus No. 1968 to MRT Xindian Station
▎Bus (CitiAir Bus No. 1968) to New Taipei
First Bus:0025/Last Bus:2340
Route: Terminal 1 → Terminal 2 → EnchuKong Hospital → Zhongzheng Li 1 → MRT Jing-an Station → NanshiJiao(Jingping Rd.) → Xiulang Bridge Station → Minquan Rd. intersection → MRT Qizhang Station → MRT Xindian Dist. Office Sta.(Beixin) → MRT Xindian Station(Xindian Rd.)