Taipei Airport to City Center

Getting from Taipei Airport to the city center is straightforward once you understand one important detail: most international visitors arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, usually called Taoyuan Airport or TPE, not at Taipei Songshan Airport. Taoyuan Airport is located west of Taipei, while Songshan Airport is much closer to the city and mostly serves domestic and regional flights.

For most visitors, the best way from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei city center is the Taoyuan Airport MRT Express. It connects both airport terminals directly with Taipei Main Station, the main transport hub in central Taipei. From Taipei Main Station, you can connect to the Taipei Metro, Taiwan Railways, Taiwan High Speed Rail, buses and taxis.

The Airport MRT is usually the best balance of speed, price and reliability. The Express train is faster than the commuter train and avoids traffic completely. It is especially useful if you are staying near Taipei Main Station, Ximending, Zhongshan, Daan, Songshan, Xinyi, Taipei 101 or anywhere connected by the Taipei Metro network.

However, the Airport MRT is not always the best choice for every traveler. If you arrive late at night after MRT service has ended, carry several large suitcases, travel with children, or stay far from a metro station, an airport bus, taxi or private transfer may be more convenient. Taipei is an easy city to navigate, but your first transfer should match your arrival time, luggage and hotel location.

This complete guide compares every major way to travel from Taipei Taoyuan Airport to Taipei city center, including Airport MRT Express, Airport MRT Commuter, EasyCard, single-journey tickets, airport buses, taxis, rideshare-style options and private transfers. It also explains the best routes to Taipei Main Station, Ximending, Zhongshan, Taipei 101, Xinyi, Daan, Songshan, Shilin, Beitou and major hotel areas.

Quick answer: best way from Taipei Airport to the city center

Best overall for most visitors: Taoyuan Airport MRT Express to Taipei Main Station
Best value: Airport MRT with EasyCard or single-journey ticket
Best for Taipei Main Station: Airport MRT Express
Best for Ximending: Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station, then one metro stop or short taxi
Best for Taipei 101 / Xinyi: Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station, then Taipei Metro transfer
Best late at night: airport bus, taxi or private transfer
Best with heavy luggage: taxi or private transfer
Main mistake to avoid: confusing Taoyuan Airport with Taipei Songshan Airport

Taipei Airport to city center: best options compared

Option	Best for	Typical travel time	Main advantage
Airport MRT Express	Most visitors, Taipei Main Station, Ximending, metro connections, budget-conscious travelers	Around 35–40 minutes to Taipei Main Station	Fast, reliable, traffic-free and affordable
Airport MRT Commuter	Stops along the Airport MRT line, local destinations, backup if Express is crowded	Around 50 minutes to Taipei Main Station	Serves more stations than Express
Airport bus	Late-night arrivals, Taipei Main / bus station area, some hotel corridors	Usually around 60–90 minutes depending on route and traffic	Useful when MRT is closed or bus stop is closer to hotel
Taxi	Families, heavy luggage, late arrivals, hotels far from metro	Around 40–70 minutes depending on traffic	Door-to-door hotel drop-off
Private transfer	Premium travelers, business trips, groups, first-time visitors wanting comfort	Around 40–70 minutes depending on traffic	Fixed price, meet-and-greet and direct transport

Which Taipei airport are you arriving at?

Before planning your transfer, check your airport code. Taipei has two relevant airports: Taoyuan International Airport and Taipei Songshan Airport.

Taoyuan International Airport, airport code TPE, is the main international airport for Taipei and Taiwan. It is located in Taoyuan, west of Taipei. This is the airport covered in this guide.

Taipei Songshan Airport, airport code TSA, is much closer to central Taipei and has a completely different transfer strategy. Songshan Airport is already connected to the Taipei Metro inside the city, so do not use this Taoyuan Airport guide if your flight lands at TSA.

Most long-haul international flights arrive at Taoyuan Airport. If your ticket says TPE, continue with this guide. If your ticket says TSA, you should search for Songshan Airport to Taipei instead.

Best overall option: Taoyuan Airport MRT Express

The Taoyuan Airport MRT Express is the best airport transfer for most visitors. It connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 directly with Taipei Main Station, the most important transport hub in the city.

The Express train is easy to recognize because it is generally shown in purple. It makes fewer stops than the commuter train and is designed for airport passengers, with luggage space and a faster journey into Taipei.

If your hotel is near Taipei Main Station, Ximending, Zhongshan, Daan, Taipei 101, Xinyi, Songshan, Shilin or Beitou, the Airport MRT plus one metro transfer is usually the best-value route. From Taipei Main Station, you can connect to the Taipei Metro Red Line, Blue Line, Taiwan Railways, Taiwan High Speed Rail and other transport services.

Choose the Airport MRT Express if:

you want the fastest public transport route into Taipei,
you are staying near Taipei Main Station or Ximending,
your hotel is connected to the Taipei Metro network,
you have one manageable suitcase,
you want to avoid road traffic,
you are arriving during Airport MRT operating hours,
you want the best balance of price, speed and reliability.

How to take the Airport MRT from Taoyuan Airport

After baggage claim and customs, follow purple signs for Taoyuan Airport MRT or Airport MRT.
At Terminal 1, follow signs toward the MRT station connected from the terminal area.
At Terminal 2, follow signs to the MRT station from the terminal concourse.
Buy a single-journey ticket, use an EasyCard, or use another accepted payment method if available.
Check whether the next train is Express or Commuter.
For Taipei Main Station, choose the Express train if available.
Keep your ticket or EasyCard until you exit at Taipei Main Station.
At Taipei Main Station, transfer to the Taipei Metro, walk, or take a taxi to your hotel.

For most visitors, the easiest strategy is to buy or use an EasyCard at the airport. EasyCard is also useful later for Taipei Metro, buses and convenience-store purchases. Our Taipei Transport Tickets and EasyCard Guide will explain when to use EasyCard, single tickets, day passes and metro fares.

Airport MRT Express vs Commuter train

The Airport MRT has two main service types: Express and Commuter. Both connect the airport with Taipei, but they serve different travel needs.

The Express train is faster and better for most tourists heading to Taipei Main Station. It stops at fewer stations and is designed for airport travel.

The Commuter train stops at more stations. It is useful if your destination is along the Airport MRT line before Taipei Main Station, or if the Express is not convenient at your departure time.

Train type	Best for	Main note
Express train	Most visitors going to Taipei Main Station	Fastest option, fewer stops, airport-focused
Commuter train	Intermediate stations, local routes, backup option	Slower because it stops at more stations

EasyCard: the easiest payment option for Taipei

EasyCard is one of the most useful things to get when arriving in Taipei. It is a stored-value card used on Taipei Metro, buses and many other services. It can also be used for small purchases at many convenience stores and retailers.

For airport arrivals, EasyCard is convenient because you can use it for the Airport MRT and then continue using it on Taipei Metro after reaching Taipei Main Station. This avoids buying separate single-journey tickets repeatedly.

EasyCard is especially useful if you plan to use public transport throughout your stay. For a short Taipei trip, buying an EasyCard at the airport is usually one of the smartest first steps.

Use EasyCard if:

you plan to use Taipei Metro several times,
you want to avoid ticket machines for each ride,
you will take buses or local transport,
you want an easy stored-value travel card,
you are staying more than one day in Taipei,
you want smooth transfers after arriving at Taipei Main Station.

Airport MRT ticket options

For the Airport MRT, most travelers use one of three options: a single-journey ticket, EasyCard, or a pre-purchased ticket through a travel platform or local service.

A single-journey ticket is easy if you only want one airport ride. EasyCard is better if you plan to use public transport during your stay. Pre-purchased tickets can be convenient if you want to organize everything before arrival, but always check redemption instructions.

For most independent travelers, EasyCard is the best practical option because it continues to be useful immediately after the airport transfer.

Taipei Main Station: the main airport arrival point

Taipei Main Station is the main transport hub in central Taipei. The Airport MRT arrives at a station complex connected to the broader Taipei Main Station area, which includes Taipei Metro, Taiwan Railways, Taiwan High Speed Rail and bus terminals.

This is extremely convenient, but it can feel confusing the first time you arrive. Taipei Main Station is large, with multiple underground corridors, exits and connected systems.

If your hotel is near Taipei Main Station, check the exact exit before arrival. If your hotel is in Ximending, Zhongshan, Daan or Xinyi, you will likely transfer to the Taipei Metro or take a short taxi from the station.

Taoyuan Airport to Ximending

Ximending is one of Taipei’s most popular hotel and nightlife areas. It is close to Taipei Main Station but not usually the final stop of the Airport MRT.

The easiest route is Airport MRT Express to Taipei Main Station, then transfer to the Taipei Metro or take a short taxi. Ximending is usually only one metro stop away on the Blue Line from Taipei Main Station.

If you have heavy luggage or arrive late, a taxi from Taipei Main Station to your Ximending hotel may be easier than walking through underground transfers.

Taoyuan Airport to Taipei 101 and Xinyi

Taipei 101 and Xinyi are not on the Airport MRT line. The best public transport route is Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station, then transfer to the Taipei Metro Red Line toward Taipei 101 / World Trade Center.

This route is easy if you travel light. With luggage, remember that Taipei Main Station transfers can involve walking through large underground areas. A taxi from the airport may be more convenient for families or late arrivals staying directly in Xinyi.

Taoyuan Airport to Zhongshan

Zhongshan is a convenient and popular hotel district north of Taipei Main Station. It is easy to reach by metro after taking the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station.

Depending on your hotel, you may walk, transfer to the MRT, or take a short taxi. Zhongshan is one of the best areas to stay if you want easier airport access and good metro connections.

Taoyuan Airport to Daan

Daan is a central district with hotels, restaurants, shopping streets and good metro access. It is not directly on the Airport MRT line, so you will normally transfer at Taipei Main Station.

Use the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station, then take the Taipei Metro depending on your nearest station. If your hotel is near Daan, Zhongxiao Fuxing, Daan Park or Technology Building, check the metro line before leaving the airport.

Taoyuan Airport to Songshan

Songshan can mean different things depending on context: Songshan District, Songshan Station, or Songshan Airport. If your hotel is in Songshan District, use Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station and transfer by metro or train.

If your destination is Taipei Songshan Airport, do not confuse it with Taoyuan Airport. Songshan Airport is inside the city and connected to the Taipei Metro. Airport-to-airport transfers require metro, taxi or other local transport depending on timing.

Taoyuan Airport to Shilin Night Market

Shilin Night Market is in northern Taipei. The public transport route is Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station, then Taipei Metro Red Line north toward Jiantan or Shilin area.

If you are going directly from the airport with luggage, consider checking into your hotel first. Night markets are easier without suitcases.

Taoyuan Airport to Beitou

Beitou is popular for hot springs and is located north of central Taipei. The route usually involves Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station, then metro transfer north on the Red Line toward Beitou and Xinbeitou.

This is manageable by public transport, but the journey is longer than going to Taipei Main Station or Ximending. With heavy luggage or late arrival, taxi or private transfer may be easier.

Airport bus from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei

Airport buses are useful if you arrive late, if MRT service is not running, or if the bus stop is closer to your hotel than the MRT. Several airport bus services connect Taoyuan Airport with Taipei Main Station, Taipei bus terminals, Ximending-area stops and other districts.

The main downside is traffic. Buses can be slower than the Airport MRT, especially during peak hours or bad weather. However, buses may run later than the MRT and can be valuable for overnight arrivals.

Choose airport bus if:

you arrive after Airport MRT service ends,
your hotel is closer to a bus stop than to Taipei Main Station MRT access,
you are travelling on a tighter budget,
you do not mind traffic delays,
you prefer a bus with luggage storage,
you are comfortable checking the correct route before boarding.

Taxi from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei city center

A taxi is the easiest door-to-door option from Taoyuan Airport to your Taipei hotel. It is much more expensive than the Airport MRT, but it can be worth it with heavy luggage, young children, late-night arrival or hotels far from metro stations.

Use official taxi ranks at the airport and avoid unsolicited offers inside the terminal. Official taxis are metered, and airport staff can help direct passengers to the correct taxi area.

Taxi travel time varies depending on traffic and destination. For central Taipei, it often takes around 40 to 70 minutes, but rush hour can increase the journey time.

Taxi is best if:

you have several large suitcases,
you are travelling with children,
you arrive late at night,
your hotel is far from metro stations,
you are travelling as a group of three or four,
you want direct hotel drop-off.

Private transfer from Taoyuan Airport

A private transfer is the most comfortable airport arrival option. A driver meets you at arrivals and takes you directly to your hotel, apartment or business address.

This option is more expensive than the Airport MRT, but it is very convenient for first-time visitors, families, business travelers, late-night arrivals and groups with luggage.

Private transfer can also be useful if you are going directly to destinations outside central Taipei, such as New Taipei City, Beitou, Tamsui, Jiufen transfer points or business parks.

Taoyuan Airport to Taipei High Speed Rail

If your final destination is not Taipei but another Taiwanese city, such as Taichung, Tainan or Kaohsiung, you may not need to travel into Taipei Main Station first.

The Airport MRT connects with Taoyuan HSR Station, where you can transfer to the Taiwan High Speed Rail. This can be useful if you land at Taoyuan Airport and want to continue south without entering Taipei.

If you are staying in Taipei, continue to Taipei Main Station. If you are heading directly to central or southern Taiwan, check whether transferring to HSR at Taoyuan is faster.

Best option by traveler type

First-time visitor

Take the Airport MRT Express to Taipei Main Station and use EasyCard for onward Taipei Metro travel. This is the best mix of simplicity, price and speed.

Budget traveler

Use Airport MRT or airport bus. Airport MRT is faster and usually better unless you arrive too late for train service.

Family traveler

Compare Airport MRT fares for the whole family with taxi or private transfer. The train is efficient, but taxi may be easier with children and luggage.

Business traveler

Use Airport MRT if your hotel or meeting is near Taipei Main Station or MRT connections. Use private transfer or taxi for direct Xinyi, Nangang or office access.

Late-night traveler

Check whether Airport MRT is still operating. If not, use airport bus, taxi or private transfer.

Traveler staying outside central Taipei

Use Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station, then transfer by Taipei Metro, local train or taxi. If the hotel is far from metro, private transfer may be easier.

Best option by destination

Destination	Best option	Why
Taipei Main Station	Airport MRT Express	Fastest public transport route and direct city hub access
Ximending	Airport MRT + metro or short taxi	Easy transfer from Taipei Main Station
Taipei 101 / Xinyi	Airport MRT + Taipei Metro Red Line or taxi	Public transport works well, taxi easier with luggage
Zhongshan	Airport MRT + metro / short taxi	Close to Taipei Main Station with good hotel access
Beitou	Airport MRT + Red Line metro or taxi	Longer public transport route but manageable
Late-night hotel arrival	Bus, taxi or private transfer	Airport MRT may not be operating late at night

Using airport transport with luggage

The Airport MRT is designed for airport passengers and is generally good with luggage. Express trains have luggage areas, and Taipei Main Station provides many onward connections.

The main luggage challenge is the transfer after Taipei Main Station. The station complex is large, and walking between Airport MRT, Taipei Metro, exits and underground malls can take time. If your hotel is far from a station exit, a short taxi from Taipei Main Station may be easier.

Use Airport MRT 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 escalators, lifts and underground transfers,
you want the best-value 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 Xinyi, Beitou or another district and want door-to-door travel,
you want a stress-free first arrival.

Common tourist mistakes

Confusing Taoyuan Airport with Songshan Airport: TPE and TSA are different airports with completely different transfer strategies.
Taking the Commuter train by accident: it still reaches Taipei but is slower than the Express.
Underestimating Taipei Main Station: it is large, and transfers can take longer than expected with luggage.
Not buying EasyCard early: EasyCard makes Taipei Metro and bus travel much easier after arrival.
Assuming Airport MRT runs all night: late arrivals may need bus, taxi or private transfer.
Going to Taipei Main Station when Taoyuan HSR is better: if continuing south by high-speed rail, transfer at Taoyuan HSR Station instead.
Taking a taxi unnecessarily: Airport MRT is usually much cheaper and often more predictable.
Not checking hotel metro station: Taipei neighborhoods can be very easy or awkward depending on station access.

Final recommendation

For most visitors, the best way from Taipei Taoyuan Airport to the city center is the Airport MRT Express to Taipei Main Station. It is fast, reliable, affordable and easy to connect with the rest of Taipei’s transport network.

If you plan to use public transport after arrival, get an EasyCard early and continue by Taipei Metro from Taipei Main Station. If you arrive late, have heavy luggage, travel as a family or stay far from metro stations, consider taxi or private transfer.

If your next step is understanding tickets, fares and EasyCard, read our Taipei Transport Tickets and EasyCard Guide. For daily travel after arrival, our How to Use Public Transport in Taipei guide will explain MRT lines, buses, EasyCard, night markets, Taipei 101, Beitou, Tamsui, Maokong and local routes.

FAQ – Taipei Airport to City Center

What is the best way from Taipei Airport to the city center?

For most visitors, the best way from Taipei Taoyuan Airport to the city center is the Taoyuan Airport MRT Express to Taipei Main Station. It is fast, affordable, reliable and avoids road traffic. From Taipei Main Station, you can transfer to the Taipei Metro or take a short taxi to your hotel.

Is there a train from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei?

Yes. The Taoyuan Airport MRT connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 with Taipei Main Station. There are Express and Commuter services. The Express is the best option for most tourists going directly into central Taipei.

How long does the Airport MRT take to Taipei Main Station?

The Express Airport MRT takes around 35 to 40 minutes from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station, depending on terminal and service. The Commuter train takes longer because it stops at more stations.

What is the difference between Airport MRT Express and Commuter?

The Express train is faster and stops at fewer stations. The Commuter train stops at all or more intermediate stations and takes longer. If you are going to Taipei Main Station, choose the Express when available. If your destination is along the line, the Commuter may be useful.

How much is the Airport MRT from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei?

The standard Airport MRT fare to Taipei Main Station is commonly listed around NT$160. Prices can change, so check the ticket machine or official fare information at the station before travelling.

Can I use EasyCard on the Taoyuan Airport MRT?

Yes. EasyCard can be used on the Airport MRT and is also useful for Taipei Metro and buses after arrival. For most visitors, buying or using EasyCard early makes the rest of the Taipei trip much easier.

Should I buy an EasyCard at Taipei Airport?

Yes, it is usually a good idea if you plan to use public transport in Taipei. EasyCard reduces the need to buy individual metro tickets and can be used across many transport services and convenience-store purchases.

Where is the Airport MRT station at Taoyuan Airport?

Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected to Airport MRT stations. Follow the airport signs for Taoyuan Airport MRT after arrivals. The route is well signposted and designed for airport passengers.

Is Taipei Main Station easy to navigate?

Taipei Main Station is very useful but large and sometimes confusing for first-time visitors. It connects Airport MRT, Taipei Metro, Taiwan Railways, High Speed Rail and bus services. If you have luggage, allow extra time for transfers and check your hotel exit in advance.

How do I get from Taoyuan Airport to Ximending?

Take the Airport MRT Express to Taipei Main Station, then transfer one stop on the Taipei Metro Blue Line or take a short taxi. If you have heavy luggage, a taxi from Taipei Main Station to your Ximending hotel may be easier than walking through underground corridors.

How do I get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei 101?

Take the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station, then transfer to the Taipei Metro Red Line toward Taipei 101 / World Trade Center. With heavy luggage or late arrival, a taxi from the airport may be more convenient, but it will cost much more.

How do I get from Taoyuan Airport to Zhongshan?

Take the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station, then transfer by Taipei Metro or take a short taxi. Zhongshan is close to Taipei Main Station and is one of the easier hotel districts to reach after the airport train.

How do I get from Taoyuan Airport to Beitou?

Take the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station, then transfer to the Taipei Metro Red Line toward Beitou or Xinbeitou. This is a longer public transport journey but works well if you travel light and arrive during metro operating hours.

Is there an airport bus from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei?

Yes. Airport buses connect Taoyuan Airport with Taipei, including areas around Taipei Main Station and other districts. Buses are useful late at night or when the stop is closer to your hotel, but they are usually slower than the Airport MRT because of traffic.

Is taxi worth it from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei?

Taxi is worth it if you have heavy luggage, arrive late, travel with children or stay far from an MRT station. For most solo travelers and couples staying near Taipei Main Station or MRT lines, the Airport MRT is much better value.

How long does taxi take from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei?

A taxi usually takes around 40 to 70 minutes depending on traffic and final destination. During rush hour or bad weather, the journey can take longer. The Airport MRT is usually more predictable.

What is the best option late at night?

If the Airport MRT is no longer operating, use an airport bus, taxi or private transfer. Airport buses are cheaper, while taxi and private transfer are more comfortable and direct.

What is the best option with luggage?

The Airport MRT is good with one manageable suitcase. If you have several large bags, young children or a hotel far from metro access, taxi or private transfer is easier.

Should I go to Taipei Main Station or Taoyuan HSR Station?

If you are staying in Taipei, go to Taipei Main Station. If you are continuing directly to another city by Taiwan High Speed Rail, such as Taichung, Tainan or Kaohsiung, check whether transferring at Taoyuan HSR Station is better.

What is the biggest Taipei airport transfer mistake?

The biggest mistake is confusing Taoyuan Airport with Songshan Airport or taking the wrong Airport MRT service without realizing the Commuter train is slower. Another common mistake is underestimating how large Taipei Main Station is when transferring with luggage.