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1. NO EATING OR DRINKING IN THE MRT — not even water! Fines run up to NT$7,500 and are actively enforced. This rule also covers chewing gum. Keep snacks in your bag until you exit the station.
2. ALWAYS TAP OUT! Taipei's distance-based fares require tapping both in and out. Forgetting to tap out triggers a maximum fare charge and can block your card from future use.
3. Two airports — make sure you know which one! Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is 35 km from the city and requires the Airport MRT. Songshan Airport (TSA) is within the city and directly connected to the MRT Brown Line. Wrong airport = very expensive taxi.
4. EasyCard bus discount only works with a transfer! The 20% discount applies only when you transfer between the MRT and a bus (or bus to bus) within 1 hour using the same EasyCard. It does NOT apply if you tap in fresh without a prior ride.
5. Use exit numbers, not the map! Large stations like Taipei Main Station have 30+ exits (A1, M3, Y9, Z10…). Looking at the in-station map wastes time and often gets you turned around. Instead: before entering the station, check Google Maps for your specific exit number and go directly to the signs for that letter-number combination on the platform.
| Ticket Type | Price (2026) | Validity | When to choose? |
|---|---|---|---|
| EasyCard Our pick | NT$100 card fee + top-up value (non-refundable) |
Stored value, no expiry | Works everywhere, lowest fares |
| Single Journey Token | NT$20-65 (distance-based) | Single MRT trip | Occasional use only — no bus/bike discount |
| Taipei Fun Pass 1-day | NT$150 | 1 day unlimited MRT | Only if you make 6+ MRT rides in a day |
| Taipei Fun Pass 2-day | NT$1.900 | 2 days unlimited MRT | Weekend trip with intensive MRT use |
| Taipei Fun Pass 3-day | NT$2.200 | 3 days unlimited MRT | Best for heavy museum/sightseeing days |
| Airport MRT Express | NT$160 (Taipei Main Station) | Single journey | Arriving at Taoyuan Airport — fastest option |
| Airport MRT Commuter | NT$150 (Taipei Main Station) | Single journey | Budget airport connection — stops at more stations |
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is approximately 35 km west of Taipei. The dedicated Airport MRT, opened in 2017, is by far the best option. If you land at Songshan Airport (TSA), you're already in the city — take the MRT Brown Line directly.
| Option | Time | Price | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport MRT (Express) | 35 min to Taipei Main Station | NT$160 | Every 15-30 min |
| Airport MRT (Commuter) | 46+ min to Taipei Main Station | NT$150 | Every 4-6 min |
| Bus (various routes) | 60-90 min | NT$50-140 | Every 15-30 min |
| Taxi / Uber | 40-70 min (traffic) | NT$1,000-1,300 | Always available |
| Age / Category | Price | Card needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Under 115 cm (regardless of age) | FREE | No |
| Children (115 cm and above, under 12) | Half adult fare | Yes, Child EasyCard |
| Students (12-18, local schools) | Concessionary fare | Yes, Student EasyCard (not for tourists) |
| Adults | NT$20-65 per MRT trip | Yes, EasyCard or token |
| Seniors (65+, Taiwan residents) | Half fare or free (resident scheme) | Yes, Senior EasyCard |
Taipei's MRT is one of the most accessible in Asia — every station has lifts, tactile paths and priority seating. Buses are modern and largely low-floor. The main challenge is street level in older districts, where pavements can be uneven, narrow or blocked by scooters.
MRT Red Line to Taipei 101/World Trade Centre — lift access, flat underground walkways connecting shopping malls
MRT Red Line to Jiantan — lifts available; ground-level access to the outdoor market section (indoor market has some steps)
Airport MRT Express — level boarding, lift access at airport and city terminals
MRT Red Line to Shilin, then Red 30 bus (low-floor) to museum entrance
Taipei's MRT runs until approximately 24:00 (midnight) on weekdays and around 00:30 on Fridays, Saturdays and evenings before public holidays. There is no 24-hour metro service.
| Transport | Last service (approx.) | First service |
|---|---|---|
| MRT (all lines) | ~24:00 weekdays / ~00:30 Fri & Sat | ~06:00 |
| Airport MRT | ~23:00 (last from Taipei Main Station) | ~06:00 |
| Regular buses | ~23:30 (most routes) | ~06:00 |
| Night buses (Owl buses) | 00:00 - 05:00 (selected routes) | — |
| Taxi / Uber | 24/7 | 24/7 |
The last Airport MRT Express from Taipei Main Station departs around 22:30-23:00. If you have an early morning flight, check the exact schedule in advance. Missing the last train means a taxi costing NT$1,000+ to Taoyuan Airport.
Taipei operates a limited network of night buses (貓頭鷹公車) on selected routes, running from midnight until approximately 05:00. Pay with EasyCard or cash.
| Route | Key stops | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Owl Bus 1 | Taipei Main Station → Zhongxiao Fuxing → Xinyi (101) | NT$15-30 |
| Owl Bus 2 | Taipei Main Station → Zhongshan → Shilin Night Market area | NT$15-30 |
| Owl Bus 3 | Ximen → Ximending → Gongguan (student area) | NT$15-30 |
Taiwan has outstanding 4G and 5G coverage across Taipei, including inside the MRT tunnels. Free WiFi is available at all MRT stations, Taoyuan Airport, and most convenience stores. An eSIM ensures you're online from the moment you land, which is especially useful for navigating the YouBike app and Google Maps in Chinese script areas.
Best choice for most travellers. Excellent coverage throughout Taiwan including Taipei MRT tunnels. Easy activation before departure.
Perfect safety net. Free basic data for WhatsApp and Maps — no credit card needed. Good option if you land without a plan.
Ideal for heavy data users. Unlimited data with no throttling — great for navigating, translating menus and uploading photos on the go.
Don't haul your suitcases to the night markets. Taipei has reliable luggage storage options at major transport hubs and through booking services.
Store your bags with vetted local shops and hotels in central Taipei. Good coverage around Zhongxiao Dunhua, Ximending and Xinyi.
Premium luggage storage via vetted hotels and businesses. Fully insured — ideal for valuables.
Self-service coin lockers are available at Taipei Main Station (台北車站) on the basement concourse level.
Luggage storage counters at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Taoyuan Airport.