Taipei Transport Tickets and EasyCard Guide
Understanding Taipei transport tickets is essential if you want to use the MRT, Airport MRT, buses, YouBike, local trains and airport transfers without overpaying or buying the wrong product. Taipei is one of the easiest cities in Asia for public transport, but visitors need to understand the difference between EasyCard, single-journey tickets, Taipei Metro passes, Airport MRT tickets and tourist passes.
For most visitors, the best transport ticket in Taipei is not really a ticket at all: it is an EasyCard. EasyCard is a stored-value smart card that you tap when entering and exiting Taipei Metro stations. It can also be used on buses and many other services, making it the easiest payment method for day-to-day travel in Taipei.
If you are arriving from Taoyuan Airport, the Airport MRT is usually the best first ride into the city. The Airport MRT connects Taoyuan Airport with Taipei Main Station, where you can transfer to the Taipei Metro, Taiwan Railways, Taiwan High Speed Rail, buses and taxis. If you are still planning your arrival, read our detailed guide to Taipei Airport to City Center, which explains the Airport MRT Express, commuter train, buses, taxis and private transfers.
After arrival, your ticket strategy depends on how you travel. If you are taking normal MRT and bus rides, EasyCard is best. If you plan one very heavy MRT sightseeing day, a Taipei Metro One-Day Pass or 24-hour pass may be useful. If you plan many attractions, tourist passes may be worth comparing. If you only take one ride, a single-journey ticket is enough.
This complete guide explains Taipei transport tickets, including EasyCard, Taipei MRT single tickets, one-day and 24-hour MRT passes, Taipei Fun Pass transport products, Airport MRT tickets, bus fares, YouBike, Maokong Gondola, Taiwan Railways, High Speed Rail connections, night-market routes, common mistakes and the best ticket strategy for different types of visitors.
Quick answer: which Taipei transport ticket should tourists buy?
- Best for most visitors: EasyCard
- Best for Taipei Airport MRT: EasyCard or Airport MRT single-journey ticket
- Best for one or two MRT rides: single-journey ticket or EasyCard
- Best for heavy MRT use in one day: Taipei Metro One-Day Pass or 24-hour pass
- Best for MRT + buses: EasyCard or transport pass depending on itinerary
- Best for night markets: EasyCard
- Best for Taipei 101, Ximending and Beitou: EasyCard on MRT
- Main mistake to avoid: buying a metro pass when EasyCard would be cheaper and more flexible
How Taipei transport tickets work
Taipei has several transport systems that visitors may use: Taipei Metro, Taoyuan Airport MRT, city buses, YouBike, Taiwan Railways, Taiwan High Speed Rail and selected tourist shuttles. These systems are connected in practice, but not all are covered by one universal tourist pass.
For everyday travel inside Taipei, the most important system is the Taipei MRT. It is clean, efficient, well signposted and easy to use. Most tourist districts are connected by MRT, including Taipei Main Station, Ximending, Taipei 101, Daan, Zhongshan, Beitou, Tamsui, Shilin, Longshan Temple and Songshan.
The easiest payment method is EasyCard. Instead of buying a token for every ride, you top up the card and tap it at gates or readers. The fare is deducted automatically. This is especially convenient because Taipei fares depend on distance, and EasyCard removes the need to calculate the fare manually.
Taipei transport ticket options compared
| Ticket or payment method | Best for | Main advantage | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| EasyCard | Most tourists, MRT, buses, Airport MRT, small payments | Flexible, reloadable and easy to use across Taipei | Requires buying and topping up a card |
| Single-journey ticket / token | One-time MRT riders | No card needed | Annoying if used repeatedly |
| Taipei Metro One-Day Pass | One full day with many MRT rides | Unlimited MRT travel until end of service on activation day | Not useful if you only take a few rides |
| 24-hour Taipei Metro Pass | Visitors starting transport later in the day | Valid for 24 hours after activation | Mainly metro-focused |
| Taipei Fun Pass / Transportation Pass | Multi-day transport-heavy sightseeing with MRT and buses | Can simplify transport over several days | Only worth it if you use enough transport or attractions |
| Airport MRT single ticket | Airport-to-city transfer only | Simple for one airport journey | EasyCard is better if staying in Taipei longer |
EasyCard: the best transport card for most visitors
The EasyCard is the most useful transport card for tourists in Taipei. It works as a stored-value card: you add credit, then tap the card when entering and exiting Taipei Metro stations or when boarding buses.
For most visitors, EasyCard is better than buying single-journey tickets. It saves time, reduces confusion and works beyond the MRT. You can use it for Airport MRT, Taipei Metro, buses and many everyday small payments.
EasyCard is especially useful if you plan to visit places such as Taipei 101, Ximending, Longshan Temple, Shilin Night Market, Beitou, Tamsui, Maokong, Songshan, Daan and Zhongshan. These areas are well connected by MRT and bus routes.
Use EasyCard if:
- you will take more than one or two MRT rides,
- you are staying more than one day in Taipei,
- you plan to use buses or YouBike,
- you want to avoid buying tokens for each ride,
- you want a simple card for public transport and small purchases,
- you are arriving by Airport MRT and continuing by Taipei Metro.
Where to buy EasyCard in Taipei
You can buy EasyCard at many transport and retail locations in Taipei. The most convenient places for tourists are airport MRT stations, Taipei Metro stations and convenience stores such as 7-Eleven or FamilyMart.
If you arrive at Taoyuan Airport, buying an EasyCard before taking the Airport MRT is a very practical option. You can use it immediately for the airport train and then keep using it for MRT and bus rides during your stay.
If you forget to buy one at the airport, buy one at Taipei Main Station or at a convenience store near your hotel. Taipei has convenience stores everywhere, so topping up is usually easy.
How to use EasyCard on the Taipei Metro
- Make sure your EasyCard has enough stored value.
- Tap the card on the sensor at the fare gate when entering the station.
- Take the MRT to your destination.
- Tap the same card again when exiting the station.
- The correct fare is deducted automatically.
Always tap in and tap out. Taipei Metro fares are distance-based, so the system needs both entry and exit information to calculate the fare correctly.
How to use EasyCard on buses
EasyCard can also be used on buses. Bus payment can feel less intuitive than the MRT because tourists may not know the route structure or fare sections. The safest rule is to follow the card reader instructions when boarding and, where required, when exiting.
For most visitors, buses are most useful for places not directly reached by MRT, short local connections, or routes to attractions where the MRT stop is not close enough.
How much should you top up on EasyCard?
For a short Taipei stay, many visitors start with a modest top-up and add more later if needed. Taipei MRT rides are affordable, so you do not need to load a very large amount at the beginning.
If you plan to take the Airport MRT, several metro rides, buses, convenience-store purchases and maybe YouBike, load enough to avoid topping up every day. If you are staying only one or two days and mostly walking, a smaller balance is enough.
Single-journey tickets and tokens
Single-journey Taipei Metro tickets are useful if you only need one ride and do not want to buy an EasyCard. They are available at MRT station ticket machines or counters.
For repeated travel, they are less convenient. You must choose the destination or fare every time, queue at machines and keep the token until exit. EasyCard is usually better for anyone spending more than a few hours in Taipei.
Use single-journey tickets if:
- you only take one MRT ride,
- you are in Taipei for a very short layover,
- you do not want to buy a stored-value card,
- you are travelling once between two stations,
- you are comfortable using ticket machines.
Taipei Metro One-Day Pass
The Taipei Metro One-Day Pass is useful if you plan a full day of heavy MRT travel. It is valid for unlimited rides on Taipei Metro and the New Taipei Metro Circular Line until the end of service on the day it is activated.
This pass is best for a day where you visit several MRT-connected attractions, such as Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei 101, Beitou, Tamsui, Shilin Night Market and Ximending.
It is not worth it if you only take two or three short rides. EasyCard is usually better for flexible, moderate travel.
24-hour Taipei Metro Pass
The 24-hour Taipei Metro Pass is different from a same-day one-day pass. It is valid for 24 hours after activation, making it useful if you start travelling in the afternoon and continue the next morning.
This can be better than the One-Day Pass if your sightseeing schedule does not fit neatly into a calendar day. For example, if you activate it at 3 p.m., it can cover evening sightseeing and the next morning’s metro rides.
Taipei Metro pass vs EasyCard
| Criteria | EasyCard | Taipei Metro Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Most visitors and flexible trips | Heavy MRT-only sightseeing days |
| Coverage | MRT, buses, Airport MRT and many other payments | Mainly Taipei Metro and eligible metro services |
| Flexibility | Very flexible pay-as-you-go | Best only if you travel enough during validity |
| Tourist recommendation | Default choice | Use only for transport-heavy days |
Taipei Fun Pass and transportation passes
The Taipei Fun Pass and related transportation passes can be useful for visitors who want public transport plus tourist attractions or multi-day transport coverage.
Transport-style passes can cover Taipei Metro, New Taipei Metro Circular Line and bus services depending on the product. Attraction-based Taipei Fun Pass options can include entry to selected attractions and transport, but they are only worth it if you actually visit enough included places.
For most first-time visitors who prefer flexibility, EasyCard remains simpler. Use a pass only when your itinerary is dense enough to justify the cost.
Consider a Taipei Fun Pass if:
- you plan several paid attractions,
- you want unlimited transport for a defined period,
- you are visiting places outside normal MRT-only routes,
- you prefer one bundled tourist product,
- you have calculated that the included benefits exceed the price.
Airport MRT tickets
The Taoyuan Airport MRT connects Taoyuan Airport with Taipei Main Station. You can usually pay with EasyCard, buy a single ticket, or use another accepted ticket product depending on availability.
For most tourists, EasyCard is the best choice because it remains useful after the airport transfer. If you only need to reach Taipei Main Station once and do not plan further public transport, a single ticket is fine.
Airport MRT has Express and Commuter trains. Express is best for most travelers heading to Taipei Main Station. Commuter is better if your destination is at an intermediate station.
If you are still comparing airport transfer options, read Taipei Airport to City Center, where we explain Airport MRT Express, commuter trains, buses, taxis and private transfers.
Bus tickets in Taipei
Taipei buses are useful for areas not directly served by MRT, short local connections and routes to certain attractions. Most visitors will use EasyCard on buses rather than buying cash tickets.
Buses can be slightly harder for first-time visitors because stop names, directions and route patterns may be less obvious than the MRT. Use a navigation app and confirm the direction before boarding.
YouBike and EasyCard
YouBike is Taipei’s public bike-share system. EasyCard can be useful for YouBike access, depending on account setup and registration requirements.
YouBike is especially useful for riverside paths, short local trips and areas where walking is too slow but a metro ride is unnecessary. Tourists should check account and payment requirements before relying on it.
Maokong Gondola tickets
The Maokong Gondola is one of Taipei’s most popular scenic transport experiences. It is useful for reaching Maokong tea areas after travelling to Taipei Zoo station.
EasyCard can be useful for gondola payment depending on current ticket rules. If Maokong is part of your itinerary, check whether a tourist pass or EasyCard is better before buying separate tickets.
Best ticket for Taipei Main Station
If you are staying near Taipei Main Station, EasyCard is the best option. You can use it on the Airport MRT, Taipei Metro and buses after arrival.
If you only need to travel from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station and then walk to your hotel, a single Airport MRT ticket is enough. But for almost everyone staying in Taipei, EasyCard is better.
Best ticket for Ximending
Ximending is easy with EasyCard. Take the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station, then transfer one metro stop or take a short taxi depending on luggage.
During your stay, EasyCard works well for MRT rides to Longshan Temple, Taipei 101, Shilin, Tamsui and other areas.
Best ticket for Taipei 101 and Xinyi
For Taipei 101 and Xinyi, EasyCard is normally best. Use the Red Line to Taipei 101 / World Trade Center or nearby Xinyi stations.
A Metro One-Day Pass may be useful if Taipei 101 is only one stop in a long MRT sightseeing day. Otherwise, EasyCard is more flexible.
Best ticket for Beitou and Tamsui
Beitou and Tamsui are on the Red Line and are popular day-trip-style destinations inside the Taipei Metro network.
If you plan a day that includes Beitou, Tamsui, Shilin Night Market and central Taipei, compare EasyCard with a Taipei Metro day pass. If you travel heavily by MRT, a pass may be useful.
Best ticket for night markets
EasyCard is the best ticket for night markets because your route depends on which market you visit. Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia and Huaxi each have different MRT or bus access patterns.
You do not need a special night-market ticket. Use EasyCard and choose the nearest MRT station or bus route.
Best ticket strategy by trip length
One day in Taipei
If you only take a few MRT rides, use EasyCard. If you plan a very busy MRT day with many rides, consider a One-Day Pass or 24-hour Metro Pass.
Two days in Taipei
EasyCard is usually best. Use it for MRT, buses and small payments. A 24-hour or 48-hour pass is only worth it if you plan heavy metro use.
Three days in Taipei
EasyCard remains the most flexible option for most visitors. Consider tourist passes only if you plan attractions and enough included transport.
Four to seven days in Taipei
Use EasyCard as your base. Top it up as needed. Consider individual attraction tickets or tourist passes only when the itinerary clearly justifies them.
Best ticket strategy by traveler type
First-time visitor
Buy an EasyCard at the airport or Taipei Main Station. Use it for Airport MRT, Taipei Metro and buses. This is the simplest and most flexible strategy.
Budget traveler
Use EasyCard and avoid taxis. Taipei MRT and buses are inexpensive compared with door-to-door transport. Use day passes only if you ride enough to justify the price.
Family traveler
EasyCard is convenient, but each passenger needs their own card or ticket. For airport arrival with lots of luggage, compare the Airport MRT with taxi or private transfer.
Business traveler
Use Airport MRT and EasyCard if your hotel is near Taipei Main Station or MRT lines. Use taxi or private transfer for direct Xinyi, Nangang or business-park addresses.
Heavy sightseeing visitor
If you plan several attractions and many rides in one day, compare Metro Passes and Taipei Fun Pass products with EasyCard pay-as-you-go travel.
Where to buy Taipei transport tickets
You can buy EasyCard at Airport MRT stations, Taipei Metro stations and many convenience stores. Single-journey tickets and metro passes are available at station ticket machines and information counters depending on the product.
For a first visit, the easiest approach is to buy EasyCard early and use it as your default transport card. Then consider special passes only if your itinerary is unusually transport-heavy.
How to top up EasyCard
You can top up EasyCard at MRT stations, ticket machines and convenience stores. Convenience stores are often the easiest option because they are everywhere in Taipei.
Keep enough balance for the day, especially if you plan airport travel, Maokong Gondola, buses or several MRT rides. If your balance is too low, you may need to top up before exiting or continuing travel.
Common Taipei ticket mistakes
- Not buying EasyCard early: it saves time and makes public transport much easier.
- Buying a day pass for too few rides: EasyCard is cheaper if you only take a few trips.
- Forgetting to tap out: Taipei Metro and Airport MRT require tapping in and out.
- Using one card for several people: each passenger needs their own card or ticket.
- Confusing Airport MRT and Taipei Metro: they connect, but they are not exactly the same system.
- Taking the Airport MRT Commuter by mistake: it reaches Taipei but takes longer than Express.
- Underestimating Taipei Main Station transfers: the station complex is large and can be confusing with luggage.
- Buying a tourist pass without using attractions: bundled passes only pay off if your itinerary is dense.
Final recommendation
For most visitors, the best Taipei transport ticket is EasyCard. Buy it early, top it up and use it on Airport MRT, Taipei Metro, buses and other supported services. It is flexible, easy and ideal for the way most tourists actually move around Taipei.
If you plan a very heavy MRT sightseeing day, compare EasyCard with the One-Day Pass or 24-hour Taipei Metro Pass. If you plan many paid attractions, compare Taipei Fun Pass products. If you only take one airport ride and no other public transport, a single ticket may be enough.
If you are still planning your airport arrival, read our Taipei Airport to City Center guide. For practical route planning after arrival, our How to Use Public Transport in Taipei guide will explain MRT lines, buses, EasyCard, Taipei 101, Ximending, Beitou, Tamsui, Maokong and night-market routes.
FAQ – Taipei Transport Tickets
What is the best transport ticket for tourists in Taipei?
For most tourists, the best transport ticket is EasyCard. It works as a stored-value card for Taipei Metro, Airport MRT, buses and many other services. It is more flexible than a day pass and much easier than buying single-journey tickets for every ride.
What is EasyCard?
EasyCard is a reloadable smart card used for public transport and small payments in Taiwan. In Taipei, it is especially useful for MRT rides, buses, Airport MRT, convenience stores and other local services.
Should I buy EasyCard in Taipei?
Yes. If you plan to use public transport more than once or twice, EasyCard is strongly recommended. It saves time at ticket machines, makes transfers easier and is useful beyond transport.
Where can I buy EasyCard?
You can buy EasyCard at Airport MRT stations, Taipei Metro stations and many convenience stores. For most visitors, buying it at Taoyuan Airport or Taipei Main Station is the most convenient option.
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 arriving in the city.
Can I use EasyCard on Taipei Metro?
Yes. Tap the EasyCard at the fare gate when entering and exiting MRT stations. The fare is deducted automatically based on your journey.
Can I use EasyCard on buses in Taipei?
Yes. EasyCard can be used on Taipei buses. Follow the card reader instructions when boarding and exiting where required. Buses are useful for routes not directly served by MRT.
Do I need one EasyCard per person?
Yes. Each traveler should use their own EasyCard or ticket. Do not try to use one card for several passengers on the same ride.
How much should I put on my EasyCard?
For a short Taipei trip, start with a moderate top-up and add more later if needed. If you plan Airport MRT, several MRT rides, buses and convenience-store purchases, load more at the beginning to avoid topping up repeatedly.
Can I refund EasyCard balance?
EasyCard balance refund rules depend on the card type and issuing terms. If you plan to refund unused balance before leaving Taiwan, ask at a Taipei Metro service counter or airport service point before your final departure.
What is the Taipei Metro One-Day Pass?
The Taipei Metro One-Day Pass gives unlimited rides on Taipei Metro and the New Taipei Metro Circular Line until the end of service on the day it is activated. It is useful only if you take many MRT rides in one day.
What is the 24-hour Taipei Metro Pass?
The 24-hour Taipei Metro Pass gives unlimited metro travel for 24 hours after activation. It can be better than a calendar-day pass if you start sightseeing in the afternoon and continue the next morning.
Is a Taipei Metro pass worth it?
A Taipei Metro pass is worth it if you use the MRT heavily during its validity period. If you only take a few rides, EasyCard is usually cheaper and more flexible.
What is the difference between EasyCard and a metro pass?
EasyCard is pay-as-you-go and can be used on MRT, buses, Airport MRT and other services. A metro pass gives unlimited MRT travel during a fixed time, but is less useful for buses, small purchases and flexible travel.
Can I use EasyCard for Taipei 101?
You can use EasyCard to ride the MRT to Taipei 101 / World Trade Center Station. Attraction tickets for Taipei 101 Observatory are separate and not automatically included with EasyCard.
What ticket should I use for Ximending?
Use EasyCard on the MRT. Ximending is easy to reach from Taipei Main Station by metro, and EasyCard is the simplest payment option.
What ticket should I use for Beitou and Tamsui?
Use EasyCard if you are making a normal visit. If Beitou and Tamsui are part of a very busy MRT day with many rides, compare a Taipei Metro day pass.
What ticket should I use for night markets?
Use EasyCard. Different night markets have different nearest MRT stations or bus routes, so EasyCard gives the flexibility you need.
Is Taipei Fun Pass worth it?
Taipei Fun Pass can be worth it if you visit enough included attractions or use transport heavily according to the pass rules. If you mainly use MRT casually and visit only one or two paid attractions, EasyCard is usually better.
What is the biggest Taipei ticket mistake?
The biggest mistake is buying a pass without checking whether you will use it enough. For most visitors, EasyCard is the best default choice. The second big mistake is forgetting to tap out when using MRT or Airport MRT services.