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How to Get from Taoyuan Airport (TPE) to Taipei City

A complete transportation guide for first-time visitors

Last Updated: 2026-02-17

Taoyuan Airport to Taipei transportation

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is Taiwan's main international gateway, about 40 km from central Taipei.

If it's your first trip, your first question is usually:

"What's the easiest way to get into Taipei?"

Taiwan makes this simple. Below is a clear comparison of time, price, and convenience, with exact boarding locations, key bus route numbers, and payment tips.

📌 Table of Contents

Airport MRT (Metro)

🎯 Best for: Most travelers (solo, couples, light–medium luggage) Cost: NT$160 (one-way to Taipei Main Station) Time: ~35–50 minutes Convenience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Where to board

  • Terminal 1: Follow purple signs to A12 Airport Terminal 1 Station
  • Terminal 2: Follow purple signs to A13 Airport Terminal 2 Station

Train types

  • Express Train: Faster, fewer stops (~35-40 min)
  • Commuter Train: More stops, slightly longer (~50 min)

Tickets & payment

  • Buy a single journey ticket at the ticket machines, or
  • Use an EasyCard for direct entry (tap in & tap out)

Why we recommend it

1. Clear English signage throughout the system 2. Dedicated luggage space on every train 3. No traffic delays - trains run on schedule 4. Frequent service - trains every 10-15 minutes during peak hours

💡 Pro tip: If your hotel is near an MRT station, this is usually the smoothest and most cost-effective option.

Airport Buses

Airport buses are useful if you want a ride closer to your final neighborhood or if MRT service has ended.

Where to board buses

  • Terminal 1: B1 Bus Station
  • Terminal 2: 1F Bus Station (outside arrivals)

Follow airport signs for Bus / Coach after collecting your luggage.

Bus 1819

Destination: Taipei Main Station Fare: NT$135 Time: ~55–70 minutes (depending on traffic) Operator: Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport Best for: Taipei Main Station area, connecting to TRA/HSR trains

This is the most classic and reliable airport bus route, dropping you right at Taipei Main Station East Gate 3.

Bus 1960

Destination: Taipei City Hall / Xinyi / Taipei 101 Fare: NT$200 Time: ~45–70 minutes (depending on traffic) Operator: Dayu Bus Best for: Staying in the Taipei 101 or Xinyi District

Major stops: Nanjing Fuxing, City Hall Station (Taipei 101 area)

💡 Pro tip: Perfect if your hotel is in the Xinyi shopping and business district.

Bus 1961

Destination: Ximending / Taipei Fare: Around NT$105–NT$200 (depends on service type) Time: ~60–90 minutes (depending on traffic) Operator: Dayu Bus Best for: Ximending and nearby districts

💡 Pro tip:

  • Confirm exact fare at the counter, as variants may exist
  • Peak hours & weekends: Add 20-30 minutes buffer time for potential traffic
  • If you're in a hurry: MRT is more reliable

Taxi

🎯 Best for: Groups, families, heavy luggage, late arrivals Cost: Usually around NT$1,000–1,500 to central Taipei (metered) Time: ~40–60 minutes (depending on traffic) Convenience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Where to take a taxi

Official taxis queue outside the Arrivals Lobby, typically near designated taxi stands. Follow the "Taxi" signs.

When to choose a taxi

  • Late night or early morning arrivals (when MRT is closed)
  • Traveling with heavy or oversized luggage
  • Traveling with elderly or young children
  • Don't want to figure out routes
  • Splitting cost among 3-4 people

💡 Pro tip:

  • You can ask the driver for an estimate before departure
  • Some taxis accept credit cards or mobile payment - confirm before boarding

Private Airport Transfer

🎯 Best for: Travelers who want everything arranged in advance Cost: Varies by platform and vehicle type (usually slightly more than taxi) Convenience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A driver meets you at arrivals and brings you directly to your hotel. Great for late-night arrivals or if you simply want zero stress.

  • Uber
  • Bolt
  • Taiwan Taxi 55688 app (台灣大車隊)
  • KKday / Klook airport transfer services

Why choose a pre-booked transfer?

1. No queuing - driver waits for you at designated meeting point 2. Direct to hotel - one car, no transfers 3. Transparent pricing - you know the cost upfront 4. Perfect for first-timers or awkward arrival times (midnight/dawn)

How to Buy Tickets and Pay

If this is your first time in Taiwan, this section saves the most time at the airport.

Airport MRT

  • How to buy: Use station ticket machines for single-journey tickets, or tap in with a transit card
  • Common payment methods: Cash (machines), EasyCard/iPASS
  • 💡 Tip: Getting an EasyCard early is usually the easiest setup for all city transport

Airport buses (1819 / 1960 / 1961)

  • How to buy: Buy at bus counters/platform ticket points; some services allow direct card tap when boarding
  • Common payment methods: Cash, EasyCard/iPASS (depends on route and operator)
  • 💡 Tip: Some cash lanes may not give change - keep small notes/coins or use a transit card

Taxi

  • How to pay: Pay after arrival at destination
  • Common payment methods: Cash is the default; some taxis accept credit cards or mobile payment
  • 💡 Tip: Ask the driver about card acceptance before departure

Private transfer / ride-hailing

  • How to pay: Usually in-app when booking, or based on platform rules
  • Common payment methods: Credit card, mobile wallet (platform-dependent)
  • 💡 Tip: Check if tolls, parking, or late-night surcharges are included before confirming

> 💡 Payment options can change by operator, vehicle, and time. Always follow on-site instructions and official notices.

Quick Comparison Table

Option Typical time Typical cost Convenience Best for
Airport MRT 35–50 min NT$160 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Most travelers
Bus 1819 55–70 min NT$135 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Taipei Main Station
Bus 1960 45–70 min NT$200 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Xinyi / 101 area
Bus 1961 60–90 min NT$110 ⭐⭐⭐ Ximending
Taxi 40–60 min NT$1,000–1,500 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Heavy luggage
Private transfer 40–60 min Varies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stress-free

Luggage Storage Options

Many travelers arrive before hotel check-in or want to explore immediately.

Dragging suitcases around the city can slow you down and many restaurants and attractions aren't luggage-friendly.

Here are two popular solutions:

Option 1: Station Lockers

Advantages:

  • Located in major stations (Taipei Main Station, MRT stations)
  • Self-service and fast
  • Available 24/7

Payment methods: Cash, EasyCard, credit cards (at some locations)

Things to know:

  • Lockers fill up fast during weekends and holidays
  • Station layouts can be complex - lockers may be hard to find
  • Regular suitcases might not fit in standard-size lockers

Option 2: Reserve storage near where you want to go

Instead of searching on arrival, you can store luggage at nearby partner cafés, hotels, or shops in the area you plan to visit.

Drop2Go online reservation service:

Features:

  • No app download needed
  • No account registration required
  • Online booking and payment
  • Locations throughout popular areas: Ximending, Taipei Main Station, Xinyi District
  • More space for regular luggage than typical lockers

After the airport journey, your time should be spent discovering Taipei — not hunting for somewhere to put a suitcase.

Final Tips for a Smooth Journey

  • 📱 Download Google Maps or save offline maps before you go
  • 💳 Get an EasyCard - it works on all public transport
  • 🎒 If you have regular luggage, prioritize MRT or taxi
  • ⏰ For late-night arrivals, book a private transfer in advance
  • 🗺️ Save your hotel address in both English and Chinese

Enjoy your trip to Taipei!

Taoyuan Airport (TPE) to Taipei: MRT, Bus Routes, Taxi & Transfer Guide (2026)