Taipei Metro (Taipei MRT) is one of the metro systems with the highest passenger satisfaction globally. Since its opening on March 28, 1996, it has developed into a complete network with 6 lines, 157 stations, and a total length of 157.1 kilometers. The daily average ridership exceeds 2.3 million passengers. It has been selected for multiple years in the "World's Best Metro" rankings, with a punctuality rate of over 99.9%, making it the backbone of Taiwan's transportation. This system covers the Bannan Line, Tamsui-Xinyi Line, Songshan-Xindian Line, Zhonghe-Xinlu Line, Wenhu Line, and the Airport MRT Line, connecting Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan Airport, and other major areas, providing passengers with safe, comfortable, and efficient transportation options. Taipei Main Station, as the largest transfer hub on the entire line, offers connections to High Speed Rail (HSR), Taiwan Railway, and intercity buses, forming a complete multi-functional transportation hub.
Taipei Metro fares are calculated based on distance, with a base fare of TWD 20 and a maximum of TWD 65, increasing progressively in between. Passengers can choose to purchase single-ride tickets or use an EasyCard, which offers a 20% discount, equivalent to a base fare starting from TWD 16. For example, a single-ride ticket from Tamsui Station to Taipei Main Station costs TWD 25, while an EasyCard deduction is TWD 20; from Taipei Main Station to Nangang Exhibition Center Station (the end of the Bannan Line), a single ride is TWD 45, and TWD 36 with an EasyCard. Children, elderly, and accessibility cards receive additional 50% discounts. For passengers planning multiple rides within one day, a one-day pass (TWD 150) or three-day pass (TWD 300) may be worth considering, offering unlimited rides within the specified days, making it more suitable for tourists with tight itineraries.
EasyCard is Taiwan's most widely used IC stored-value card. Since its launch in 2002, over 60 million cards have been issued, with more than 10,000 usage locations. Purchasing an EasyCard requires a deposit of TWD 100, which is fully refundable upon card return (if the balance is less than TWD 100, the deposit will not be refunded). Passengers can purchase and reload EasyCards at service counters in all Taipei Metro stations, 7-Eleven convenience stores, FamilyMart convenience stores, and EasyCard customer service centers. EasyCard is not only usable on the Taipei Metro but also on buses throughout Taiwan (including Taipei City buses, New Taipei City buses, and intercity buses), Taiwan Railway, HSR (limited sections), and YouBike shared bicycles in Taipei City. Convenience store purchases, chain supermarkets, and drugstores also support small payments, truly achieving "one card for all" functionality. It is recommended that passengers purchase an EasyCard immediately upon arrival, which can significantly simplify subsequent transportation payment processes.
Taoyuan Airport MRT is a dedicated rail system connecting Taoyuan International Airport and Taipei City. It officially opened in March 2017, offering two options: express trains and regular trains. The express train runs directly from Taipei Main Station (A1) to Taoyuan Airport (TWD 160, 35 minutes), stopping only at Sanchong Station and Taoyuan HSR Station along the way, making it the fastest airport transportation option. The regular train stops at all 21 stations on the line (TWD 150, 50 minutes), suitable for passengers who are not in a hurry or want to visit attractions along the route. Express trains provide luggage storage space, Wi-Fi service, and LCD information displays, while regular trains are designed for commuter use. departing from Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2 (A13), if heading to hotels near Taipei Main Station, the express train is the most convenient option; if heading to Banqiao, Xinzhuang, or Sanchong districts, the regular train may be more convenient. The Airport MRT can transfer with Taipei Metro at Taipei Main Station (A1), Sanchong Station (A2), and New Taipei Industrial Park Station (A3), forming a complete airport connection transportation network.
Taipei's bus network is dense, serving as an important supplement to the metro system. Taipei City buses are charged based on distance, with a base fare of TWD 15 covering 8 kilometers, and an additional TWD 2 for every 4 kilometers beyond that. Using an EasyCard also receives a 20% discount (starting from TWD 12). Important tourist buses include Route 265 running on Zhongxiao East Road, Red 30 connecting to Shilin Night Market, and Route 857 traveling between Tamsui and Banqiao. Passengers can use the Taipe_bus Arrival App to check real-time bus arrival information to avoid long waits. YouBike is Taipei's public bicycle system, with over 1,000 stations across the city. The first 30 minutes cost TWD 5, and each additional 30 minutes costs TWD 10. YouBike can be rented using an EasyCard or the official YouBike app, suitable for short-distance travel or combined "MRT + YouBike" transportation. For example, riding YouBike from MRT Jiantan Station to Shilin Residence only takes 15 minutes, which is more efficient than waiting for a bus.
Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) is a high-speed rail system in the western corridor, connecting Taipei to Zuoying in Kaohsiung, with the shortest travel time of 96 minutes. Fares vary according to seat class and distance, with standard car fares ranging from TWD 490 to TWD 1,490, and business class approximately 1.5 times the standard car fare. Passengers can purchase tickets through the HSR official website, Taiwan Express App, nationwide convenience stores, or station windows, with advance bookings opening 28 days before. Holding an EasyCard also allows direct card entry (requires prior setup), but with fewer discounts. Taiwan Railway is a conventional railway system, divided into local trains, Chuaguang Express, and Taroko Express, with lower fares than HSR but longer travel times. Taipei to Hualien via Tzu Chiang costs approximately TWD 440 for 3.5 hours; Taipei to Taichung via local train costs approximately TWD 230 for 2 hours. For passengers, HSR is suitable for long-distance cross-county travel, while Taiwan Railway is better suited for in-depth regional tours. The two complement each other to cover major attractions across Taiwan's main island.
The most frequently searched Taipei transportation questions include: "How to buy Taipei Metro tickets" - single-ride tickets can be purchased at automatic ticket machines at each station, or one-day and three-day passes can be purchased at service counters, or an EasyCard can be applied for directly. "Where to buy EasyCards" - EasyCards can be purchased and reloaded at Taipei Metro station service counters, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Hi-Life convenience stores. "Airport to Taipei City center cost" - Airport MRT express train TWD 160 (35 minutes), regular train TWD 150 (50 minutes), KUO-KUANG bus TWD 125 (50-70 minutes), taxi approximately TWD 1,200-1,500 (30-40 minutes). "Taipei Metro route inquiry" - Download the Taipei Metro Go App or use Google Maps to plan routes. "EasyCard balance inquiry" - Check at automatic ticket machines in stations, or download the official EasyCard app to bind the card. Mastering this information allows passengers to explore Taipei seamlessly.
Further Reading: To learn more about attractions and food around each Taipei Metro station, refer to the complete Taipei Metro Merchant Guide; if planning to visit scenic areas like Jiufen, Tamsui, or Yangmingshan, check out Taiwan Tourist Shuttle tickets and day trip itineraries; for first-time visitors to Taiwan, it is recommended to browse the "Taipei Airport Transfer Service" merchant page to compare the pros and cons of chartered vehicles versus public transportation, and choose the most suitable transportation option based on your needs.
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FAQ
Q1: How much are Taipei Metro fares? What's the difference with EasyCard?
A1: Taipei Metro single-ride tickets range from TWD 20-65, and using an EasyCard offers a 20% discount, equivalent to TWD 16-52. EasyCard requires a deposit of TWD 100, which is refundable upon card return.
Q2: How much does it cost from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei City? How long does it take?
A2: Airport MRT express train TWD 160 (35 minutes), regular train TWD 150 (50 minutes), KUO-KUANG bus TWD 125 (50-70 minutes), taxi approximately TWD 1,200-1,500.
Q3: Where can I purchase and reload EasyCards?
A3: EasyCards can be purchased and reloaded at Taipei Metro station service counters, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, and PX Mart. Some locations offer automatic reload services.
Q4: How are YouBike rental fees calculated?
A4: YouBike costs TWD 5 for the first 30 minutes, and TWD 10 for each additional 30 minutes. You can rent using EasyCard or the YouBike app, with over 1,000 stations across Taiwan.
Q5: Which is more suitable for passengers, Taiwan Railway or HSR?
A5: HSR is suitable for long-distance cross-county travel (TWD 490-1,490, fastest 96 minutes). Taiwan Railway has lower fares and denser station coverage, suitable for in-depth regional tours or branch line railway experiences.
