How to Use Public Transport in Taipei

 

Using public transport in Taipei is one of the easiest, cheapest and most reliable ways to explore Taiwan’s capital. Taipei has an excellent metro system, a dense bus network, the Taoyuan Airport MRT, public bike sharing, local trains and high-speed rail connections. For most visitors, the core strategy is simple: buy an EasyCard, use the MRT for most trips, add buses when needed, and use taxis only when luggage, late-night timing or hotel location makes public transport inconvenient.

Taipei is one of the most visitor-friendly cities in Asia for public transport. Signage in major stations is generally easy to follow, metro lines are color-coded, station names are shown in English, and most top attractions are close to MRT stations. Once you understand how to use EasyCard and how Taipei Main Station works, getting around Taipei becomes very straightforward.

The most important public transport modes for tourists are the Taipei MRT, the Taoyuan Airport MRT, city buses, EasyCard, YouBike and occasional taxi rides. The MRT should be your default option for Taipei 101, Ximending, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, Shilin Night Market, Beitou, Tamsui, Daan, Zhongshan, Songshan and several major hotel districts.

The one thing visitors should understand before arrival is that Taoyuan Airport MRT and the Taipei Metro are connected, but they are not the exact same system. The Airport MRT brings you from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station. From there, you transfer to Taipei Metro, Taiwan Railways, Taiwan High Speed Rail, buses or taxis depending on your final destination.

If you are still planning your arrival, start with our full guide to Taipei Airport to City Center. That page explains the Taoyuan Airport MRT Express, commuter train, airport buses, taxis and private transfers. If your main question is ticket choice, EasyCard, metro passes and airport fares, read our Taipei Transport Tickets and EasyCard Guide. This page focuses on the practical side: how to move around Taipei efficiently after you arrive.

Quick answer: how should tourists use public transport in Taipei?

  • Best overall transport mode: Taipei MRT
  • Best payment method: EasyCard
  • Best airport route: Taoyuan Airport MRT Express to Taipei Main Station
  • Best for Taipei 101: MRT Red Line to Taipei 101 / World Trade Center
  • Best for Ximending: MRT Blue or Green Line to Ximen
  • Best for Shilin Night Market: MRT Red Line to Jiantan
  • Best for Beitou and Tamsui: MRT Red Line
  • Main mistake to avoid: underestimating how large Taipei Main Station is when transferring with luggage

Overview of Taipei public transport

Taipei public transport is built around the MRT. The Taipei MRT is the fastest and easiest way for visitors to move between major districts, attractions, night markets and hotel areas. Most first-time visitors can do nearly everything with the MRT plus occasional short walks.

Buses are also useful, especially for places not directly served by MRT stations, but they are slightly harder for first-time visitors because route numbers, stop names and boarding directions require more attention. EasyCard makes buses easier because you do not need to handle coins or calculate fares manually.

For airport travel, the Taoyuan Airport MRT is the most important system. It connects Taoyuan Airport with Taipei Main Station, where you can transfer to the city metro. For intercity travel, Taiwan Railways and Taiwan High Speed Rail are important, but those are separate from normal Taipei city sightseeing.

Taipei public transport options compared

Transport mode Best for Tourist usefulness
Taipei MRT Taipei 101, Ximending, Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Shilin, Beitou, Tamsui, Daan, Zhongshan Essential
Taoyuan Airport MRT Taoyuan Airport, Taipei Main Station, airport Express and Commuter services Essential for airport arrival
City buses Local routes, areas not directly on MRT, short neighborhood connections Useful for specific trips
YouBike Short local rides, riverside paths, parks, flexible neighborhood travel Useful for confident cyclists
Taiwan Railways / HSR Day trips, intercity travel, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, eastern Taiwan Important beyond Taipei
Taxi / app-based rides Luggage, late nights, families, hotels far from MRT, direct airport transfers Useful but more expensive

EasyCard: the first thing tourists should get

EasyCard is the most useful transport tool in Taipei. It is a stored-value smart card that you top up with money and use by tapping on readers. On the Taipei MRT, you tap when entering and when exiting the fare gates. The correct fare is deducted automatically.

EasyCard makes Taipei public transport much easier because you do not need to buy a single-journey ticket every time. It is useful on the MRT, buses, Airport MRT and many other daily services. For most visitors, buying an EasyCard early is better than buying single tickets repeatedly.

EasyCard is especially useful if you plan to visit several districts in one day. A typical Taipei day might include Ximending, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei 101, Daan Park and a night market. Using EasyCard for all these trips is simple and flexible.

Use EasyCard if:

  • you will use Taipei MRT more than once or twice,
  • you plan to use buses,
  • you arrive by Taoyuan Airport MRT,
  • you want to avoid ticket machines for every journey,
  • you will stay more than one day in Taipei,
  • you want a convenient card for small payments and transport.

How to use EasyCard correctly

  1. Buy an EasyCard at the airport, a metro station or a convenience store.
  2. Add stored value to the card.
  3. Tap the card at the MRT fare gate when entering.
  4. Take your train to the destination station.
  5. Tap the same card again when exiting.
  6. On buses, tap according to the reader instructions when boarding and/or exiting.

Each traveler needs their own EasyCard or ticket. Do not try to use one EasyCard for several people on the same journey.

How to use the Taipei MRT

The Taipei MRT is the backbone of public transport in the city. It is color-coded, clean, efficient and easy for visitors. Most tourist attractions are close to an MRT station or a short walk from one.

The main lines visitors use are the Red Line, Blue Line, Green Line, Orange Line and Brown Line. You do not need to memorize every station, but you should know which line serves your main destinations.

  1. Find the nearest MRT station.
  2. Check the line color and direction.
  3. Tap EasyCard or use a valid ticket at the gate.
  4. Follow signs to the correct platform.
  5. Board the train and watch the station displays.
  6. Transfer if needed at an interchange station.
  7. Tap out at your destination station.

Main Taipei MRT lines tourists should know

Red Line: Tamsui-Xinyi Line

The Red Line is probably the most useful MRT line for many visitors. It connects Taipei Main Station, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Daan, Taipei 101 / World Trade Center, Shilin, Beitou and Tamsui.

Use the Red Line for Taipei 101, Beitou hot springs, Tamsui riverside, Shilin Night Market via Jiantan, and several central hotels.

Blue Line: Bannan Line

The Blue Line is important for Ximending, Taipei Main Station, Zhongxiao shopping areas, Taipei City Hall, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Nangang.

Use the Blue Line for Ximen, Longshan Temple, Zhongxiao Fuxing, Zhongxiao Dunhua and connections toward Xinyi or Nangang.

Green Line: Songshan-Xindian Line

The Green Line is useful for Songshan, Nanjing Fuxing, Zhongshan, Ximen, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and southern parts of the network.

Use it for Raohe Night Market near Songshan, Ximen transfers and connections between central and southern Taipei.

Orange Line: Zhonghe-Xinlu Line

The Orange Line is useful for some residential and hotel areas, transfer points and parts of New Taipei. It may matter depending on your accommodation.

Tourists may use it less than the Red and Blue lines, but it is useful for cross-city routes and certain hotels.

Brown Line: Wenhu Line

The Brown Line is useful for Taipei Songshan Airport, Taipei Zoo, Maokong Gondola access and several eastern/northern districts.

If you are visiting Maokong or arriving at Songshan Airport, the Brown Line becomes very important.

How to use Taipei buses

Taipei buses are useful but slightly harder for first-time visitors than the MRT. They can take you closer to certain attractions, hotels, hillside areas and local neighborhoods.

EasyCard makes buses much easier. You tap the card on the reader according to the bus instructions. In some cases you may need to tap when boarding, when exiting, or both depending on the route and fare system.

  1. Use a navigation app to find the correct bus route and stop.
  2. Check the bus direction before boarding.
  3. Tap EasyCard according to the reader instruction.
  4. Follow your location on a map app if unfamiliar with the route.
  5. Press the stop button before your destination.
  6. Tap again if required when exiting.

How to use the Taoyuan Airport MRT

The Taoyuan Airport MRT is the main rail connection between Taoyuan Airport and Taipei. It is not exactly the same as the Taipei MRT, but it connects to the Taipei transport network at Taipei Main Station.

There are two main service types: Express and Commuter. Express is faster and better for most visitors going to Taipei Main Station. Commuter stops at more stations and takes longer.

If you are arriving from the airport, follow signs for the Airport MRT, check whether the train is Express or Commuter, and take the Express if your destination is Taipei Main Station.

For a full airport transfer comparison, read Taipei Airport to City Center.

How to use YouBike in Taipei

YouBike is Taipei’s public bike-sharing system. It is useful for short local rides, riverside paths, parks and neighborhoods where walking is too slow but MRT is unnecessary.

Tourists should check registration requirements before relying on YouBike. EasyCard can be used with YouBike after proper registration, depending on the current setup and account requirements.

YouBike is best for confident cyclists. Taipei traffic can be busy, so visitors should choose safer routes, bike lanes and riverside paths rather than difficult main roads.

How to use taxis in Taipei

Taxis in Taipei are useful for short direct trips, luggage, late-night travel and destinations not close to MRT stations. They are more expensive than public transport but can be convenient.

For first-time visitors, taxis are especially useful after arriving at Taipei Main Station with luggage and needing to reach a hotel that is not close to a station exit.

Always have your hotel name and address in Chinese if possible. This reduces confusion and helps the driver find the exact location.

Airport arrival strategy

For most visitors arriving at Taoyuan Airport, the best strategy is:

  1. Buy or prepare an EasyCard.
  2. Take the Taoyuan Airport MRT Express to Taipei Main Station.
  3. Transfer to Taipei Metro if your hotel is near an MRT station.
  4. Take a short taxi from Taipei Main Station if your hotel is awkward with luggage.
  5. Use EasyCard for the rest of your stay.

If you arrive late at night after Airport MRT service has ended, use an airport bus, taxi or private transfer instead.

Best public transport routes for tourists

Taipei Main Station to Ximending

Take the Blue Line to Ximen or walk if your hotel is close and you do not have luggage. Ximending is one of the easiest tourist districts to reach from Taipei Main Station.

Taipei Main Station to Taipei 101

Take the Red Line toward Taipei 101 / World Trade Center. This is the simplest public transport route for Taipei’s most famous skyscraper.

Taipei Main Station to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Take the Red Line or Green Line depending on your starting point. The station is directly connected to one of Taipei’s most important landmarks.

Taipei Main Station to Longshan Temple

Take the Blue Line to Longshan Temple. This is a simple and direct MRT trip from central Taipei.

Taipei Main Station to Shilin Night Market

Take the Red Line north and get off at Jiantan. Jiantan is usually the better MRT station for Shilin Night Market visitors.

Taipei Main Station to Beitou

Take the Red Line north toward Beitou, then transfer to the Xinbeitou branch if visiting the hot spring area. The journey is straightforward but longer than central routes.

Taipei Main Station to Tamsui

Take the Red Line north to Tamsui. This is one of the easiest day-trip-style MRT routes from central Taipei.

Taipei Main Station to Maokong Gondola

Take the MRT to Taipei Zoo via the Brown Line, then transfer to the Maokong Gondola. This is a longer but very manageable public transport trip.

Taipei Main Station to Raohe Night Market

Use metro or local train connections depending on your starting point. Songshan Station is useful for Raohe Night Market.

Taipei Main Station to Songshan Airport

Use Taipei Metro connections to Songshan Airport station on the Brown Line. This is different from Taoyuan Airport and much closer to the city.

Public transport to major Taipei attractions

Taipei 101

Use the Red Line to Taipei 101 / World Trade Center station. This is the easiest and most direct route for most visitors.

Ximending

Use the Blue or Green Line to Ximen station. Ximending is one of Taipei’s most convenient hotel and entertainment districts.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Use the Red or Green Line to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall station. The attraction is very easy to reach by MRT.

Longshan Temple

Use the Blue Line to Longshan Temple station. This is one of the most important cultural stops in Taipei.

Shilin Night Market

Use the Red Line to Jiantan station. Do not automatically choose Shilin station, as Jiantan is usually more convenient for the night market.

Raohe Night Market

Use Songshan station area connections. The market is near Songshan and can be reached by MRT or local rail depending on your route.

Ningxia Night Market

Ningxia is near Zhongshan / Shuanglian area. Use MRT and walk from the nearest station depending on your hotel location.

Beitou Hot Springs

Use the Red Line to Beitou, then transfer to Xinbeitou. EasyCard is the easiest payment method for this route.

Tamsui

Use the Red Line to Tamsui. This riverside area is one of the easiest longer MRT trips from central Taipei.

Maokong

Use the Brown Line to Taipei Zoo, then take the Maokong Gondola. This route combines MRT with a scenic transport experience.

National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum is not directly on the MRT. Use MRT plus bus or taxi depending on your starting point.

Best areas to stay for public transport in Taipei

Taipei Main Station

This is the best area for airport access and transport connections. It is ideal if you plan to use Airport MRT, Taipei Metro, trains and buses.

Ximending

Ximending is excellent for first-time visitors who want nightlife, shopping, food and easy MRT access. It is very convenient after arriving via Taipei Main Station.

Zhongshan

Zhongshan is central, practical and well connected. It is good for restaurants, shopping, hotels and access to both Taipei Main Station and the Red Line.

Daan

Daan is a strong choice for food, parks, shopping and metro access. It is less chaotic than Taipei Main Station and still very convenient.

Xinyi

Xinyi is best for Taipei 101, malls, business hotels and nightlife. It is not directly on Airport MRT, but it is easy by metro after reaching Taipei Main Station.

Songshan

Songshan is useful for Raohe Night Market, local rail and some business hotels. It is also closer to Songshan Airport than many other districts.

Beitou

Beitou is best for hot springs and a quieter stay. It is farther from the airport and central Taipei, but well connected by the Red Line.

Using Taipei public transport with luggage

Taipei public transport is manageable with luggage, especially Airport MRT and Taipei Metro. Stations usually have escalators or elevators, but transfers can still involve long walks.

The main issue is Taipei Main Station. It is extremely useful but large. If you arrive with heavy luggage, the transfer from Airport MRT to Taipei Metro can feel longer than expected. A short taxi from Taipei Main Station may be worth it if your hotel is not close to a convenient exit.

Use public transport with luggage if:

  • you have one manageable suitcase,
  • your hotel is near Taipei Main Station or an MRT station,
  • you arrive during Airport MRT operating hours,
  • you are comfortable with underground transfers,
  • you want the cheapest reliable airport transfer.

Use taxi or private transfer if:

  • you have several large bags,
  • you travel with children,
  • you arrive late at night,
  • your hotel is far from MRT stations,
  • you are staying in a district requiring multiple transfers,
  • you want door-to-door convenience.

Public transport vs taxi in Taipei

Situation Best option Why
Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station Airport MRT Express Fast, affordable and traffic-free
Airport to hotel with heavy luggage Taxi or private transfer Avoids station transfers and walking with bags
Central sightseeing MRT + walking Most attractions are close to MRT stations
Night markets MRT or taxi late at night MRT is best before closing; taxi is useful late
National Palace Museum MRT + bus or taxi Museum is not directly on the MRT

Best public transport strategy for Taipei

  1. Buy an EasyCard early, ideally at the airport or Taipei Main Station.
  2. Use Airport MRT Express from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station.
  3. Use Taipei MRT as your default transport mode for sightseeing.
  4. Use buses only when MRT does not reach the destination directly.
  5. Use YouBike for short local rides if you are comfortable cycling.
  6. Use taxis for luggage, late-night returns and awkward hotel locations.
  7. Use Taiwan Railways or High Speed Rail for intercity travel outside Taipei.
  8. Check station exits before leaving the MRT, especially at large stations.

Common tourist mistakes in Taipei public transport

  • Confusing Taoyuan Airport and Songshan Airport: TPE and TSA are different airports with different transport routes.
  • Not buying EasyCard early: it saves time and makes MRT, buses and airport transport easier.
  • Taking the Airport MRT Commuter by accident: it reaches Taipei but is slower than the Express.
  • Underestimating Taipei Main Station: it is large, and transfers can take longer than expected.
  • Forgetting to tap out: MRT and Airport MRT fares need entry and exit taps.
  • Using one card for multiple people: each passenger needs their own EasyCard or ticket.
  • Buying a day pass for too few rides: EasyCard is often cheaper and more flexible.
  • Not checking station exits: the wrong exit can add a long walk in Taipei heat or rain.
  • Taking taxis for every trip: MRT is usually cheaper, faster and easier for central sightseeing.
  • Trying to visit night markets with luggage: check into your hotel first whenever possible.

Final recommendation

Taipei is extremely easy to explore by public transport if you use the right strategy. Buy an EasyCard, use the MRT for most trips, use the Airport MRT Express from Taoyuan Airport, add buses when needed, and use taxis only when luggage, timing or hotel location makes public transport inconvenient.

For most visitors, EasyCard is the best default payment method. Taipei Metro passes can be useful on very heavy MRT days, but they are not necessary for every trip. Tourist passes are only worth considering if your itinerary includes enough attractions and transport to justify the price.

If you are still planning your airport arrival, read our Taipei Airport to City Center guide. If your main question is EasyCard, tickets, day passes and fares, read our Taipei Transport Tickets and EasyCard Guide.

FAQ – How to Use Public Transport in Taipei

Is Taipei public transport easy to use?

Yes. Taipei public transport is very easy for visitors, especially if you use the MRT and EasyCard. The MRT is color-coded, station names are shown in English, and most major tourist areas are close to a station. Buses require more route planning, but EasyCard makes payment simple.

What is the best way to get around Taipei?

The best way to get around Taipei is by MRT for most journeys, with buses or taxis added when needed. The MRT is usually faster and easier than road transport for central sightseeing. For places not directly on the MRT, use buses, YouBike or a short taxi ride.

What is EasyCard?

EasyCard is a reloadable stored-value card used for transport and small payments in Taiwan. In Taipei, it is the easiest way to pay for MRT, buses, Airport MRT and many other services. Most tourists should buy one early in the trip.

Do I need EasyCard in Taipei?

You do not absolutely need EasyCard, but it is strongly recommended. Without EasyCard, you may need to buy single-journey tickets or tokens repeatedly. EasyCard saves time and gives you more flexibility across MRT, buses and other local services.

Can I use EasyCard on Taipei MRT?

Yes. Tap EasyCard when entering and exiting Taipei MRT stations. The fare is deducted automatically based on the journey distance. Always use the same card to tap in and tap out.

Can I use EasyCard on buses?

Yes. EasyCard works on Taipei buses. Follow the reader instructions when boarding and exiting. Buses are useful for areas not directly served by MRT or for short local connections.

Can I use EasyCard on the Airport MRT?

Yes. EasyCard can be used on the Taoyuan Airport MRT. This is convenient because you can use the same card later on Taipei Metro and buses after reaching the city.

How do I get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei by public transport?

Take the Taoyuan Airport MRT Express to Taipei Main Station. From there, transfer to the Taipei Metro, walk to nearby hotels or take a short taxi. If your flight arrives late after MRT service, use an airport bus, taxi or private transfer.

What is the difference between Airport MRT and Taipei MRT?

The Airport MRT connects Taoyuan Airport with Taipei Main Station and other stations along the airport line. Taipei MRT is the city metro network. They connect at Taipei Main Station, but they are not the same system.

What is the best MRT line for tourists in Taipei?

The Red Line and Blue Line are especially useful for tourists. The Red Line serves Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Shilin, Beitou and Tamsui. The Blue Line serves Ximending, Longshan Temple, Taipei Main Station and eastern shopping areas.

How do I get to Taipei 101 by public transport?

Take the MRT Red Line to Taipei 101 / World Trade Center station. This is the easiest route for most visitors. EasyCard is the simplest payment method.

How do I get to Ximending by public transport?

Take the MRT to Ximen station on the Blue or Green Line. If arriving from Taoyuan Airport, take Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station, then transfer one stop by metro or take a short taxi.

How do I get to Shilin Night Market?

Take the MRT Red Line to Jiantan station. Jiantan is usually the most convenient station for Shilin Night Market. Avoid bringing luggage to night markets because crowds and narrow streets make moving difficult.

How do I get to Beitou hot springs?

Take the MRT Red Line north to Beitou, then transfer to the Xinbeitou branch line for the hot spring area. The route is simple with EasyCard and is one of the best public transport day trips in Taipei.

How do I get to Tamsui by public transport?

Take the MRT Red Line north to Tamsui. It is a direct and easy route from central Taipei, and EasyCard is the most convenient way to pay.

How do I get to Maokong by public transport?

Take the MRT Brown Line to Taipei Zoo station, then transfer to the Maokong Gondola. This is a scenic route and a good example of combining MRT with another transport mode.

Is Taipei Main Station confusing?

Yes, Taipei Main Station can be confusing for first-time visitors because it connects Airport MRT, Taipei Metro, Taiwan Railways, High Speed Rail, buses and underground malls. Check your exit or transfer route before arriving, especially with luggage.

Is public transport good with luggage in Taipei?

Public transport is good with one manageable suitcase, especially on the Airport MRT and Taipei MRT. The hardest part is usually transferring inside Taipei Main Station or walking from the station to the hotel. With several bags, a taxi or private transfer is easier.

Are Taipei taxis useful for tourists?

Yes. Taxis are useful late at night, with luggage, for short hotel transfers, or for destinations not close to MRT stations. However, for normal sightseeing, the MRT is usually cheaper and easier.

What is the biggest public transport mistake tourists make in Taipei?

The biggest mistake is not getting an EasyCard early and underestimating transfers at Taipei Main Station. Another common mistake is taking the slower Airport MRT Commuter train by accident when the Express would be better for Taipei Main Station.