Cut to the chase: you’ve landed at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and you want to get to Taipei efficiently, cheaply, and without feeling like you’ve been mugged by multiple mode changes. This guide tells you exactly what to do — from exiting the plane to arriving at Taipei Main Station or your hotel — with clear steps, costs, gotchas, expert tips, and the occasional contrarian opinion. Think of me as your travel-savvy friend with a penchant for efficiency and sarcasm.
1. What you'll learn (objectives)
- Understand the available transport options from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei (MRT, airport bus, taxi, ride-hailing, private transfer). Know the step-by-step process to catch each option immediately after arrival. Estimate time, cost, and convenience for each method so you can choose quickly. Avoid the most common mistakes newcomers make at TPE. Learn advanced alternatives (luggage forwarding, late-night options, HSR connections) and contrarian recommendations.
2. Prerequisites and preparation
- Passport and entry card ready for immigration. Local currency (NT$) or a contactless bank card. EasyCard/OCTOPUS-style cards work best in Taipei. Phone charged and roaming/data enabled (or portable Wi‑Fi). You’ll use maps and ticket machines. A rough understanding of your arrival terminal (Terminal 1 or 2). Both have clear signage for transport. Lightweight luggage handling plan — heavy bags change the recommended option.
Quick essentials
- Taoyuan Airport MRT (Express) — fastest, predictable, ~35–40 minutes, ≈ NT$160 (one-way). Taoyuan Airport Bus (e.g., Kuo-Kuang 1819) — cheaper, direct to hotel or Taipei Main Station, ~45–75 minutes, ≈ NT$125. Taxi — door-to-door, variable cost NT$1,000–1,300 to central Taipei plus tolls; ~40–60 minutes. Private transfer/Uber — similar to taxi, pre-book for fixed price and larger groups or late arrivals.
3. Step-by-step instructions
Arrival: first 15 minutes — immigration, baggage, customs
Land, move with purpose — follow the “Arrivals/Immigration” signs. Keep passport and arrival card accessible. Collect checked bags. If you’re traveling carry-on only, congratulate yourself and skip the baggage carousel drama. Clear customs. If you declared nothing, the line is usually quick.Decide within baggage reclaim: which mode suits you?
Quick checklist: travelling alone with hand luggage — take the MRT. With lots of group luggage or late at night — take a taxi or pre-booked transfer. Want the cheapest and don’t mind traffic — take the bus.
Option A — Taoyuan Airport MRT (recommended for most travelers)
Follow signs for “Airport MRT / Metro” in the arrivals hall (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 both have clear signage). The MRT station is directly connected to the terminals — you won’t need to go outside. Buy an EasyCard (reusable) at the convenience stores or ticket machines OR purchase a single-journey ticket at the ticket vending machines. You can also use contactless payment (Apple/Google Pay) at the gates in many cases. Choose your service: “Express” (non-stop to Taipei Main Station, fewer stops) or “Commuter” (cheaper, several stops). Board the train displayed on the platform signs. Trains are labeled A1 (Airport) direction and A12 (Taipei Main Station) direction — check the destination board. Ride time: Express ≈ 35–40 minutes; Commuter ≈ 45–55 minutes depending on stops. Keep an eye on luggage; there’s room, but peak hours are crowded. Arrive at Taipei Main Station — follow signs to exits, bus, or local metro lines. Congratulations: you’re in Taipei fast and without traffic drama.Option B — Airport Bus (best for hotels without MRT nearby or cheaper cost)
Follow signs to “Bus” or “Airport Bus” in the arrivals area. Look for buses that list your destination (Taipei Main Station is common) — popular routes include 1819 and others depending on your exact hotel area. Buy a ticket at the bus counter or via the machine. Cash and card accepted on most lines; show the driver your hotel name for non‑Main‑Station stops. Board at the designated bay. Buses have luggage compartments and often stop directly in front of big hotels and the Taipei Main Station bus terminal. Travel time varies with traffic — plan 45–90 minutes. This is a straightforward, wallet-friendly option but less predictable than the MRT.Option C — Taxi or Ride-hail (best for speed, door-to-door, groups, or late-night)
Follow signs to the official taxi stands outside arrivals. Don’t accept offers from people inside arrivals — use the official queue. Tell the driver your destination. Expect a meter fare to Taipei city center around NT$1,000–1,300 plus tolls. Cash or EasyCard sometimes accepted, but cash is easiest. Highway tolls and app convenience charges may apply. Ride-hailing (Uber) is an alternative — check the pickup zone indicated in the arrivals area for ride-hail services. Travel time: 35–60 minutes depending on traffic. It’s private, direct, and simple — but more expensive.Option D — Private transfer, limousine, or pre-booked van
Book ahead with a reputable local company. You’ll have a meet-and-greet service in arrivals and a guaranteed vehicle waiting — ideal for groups, early check-ins, or VIP comfort. Fixed price, often includes meet and assist. Great for minimal stress; more expensive but predictable.4. Common pitfalls to avoid
- Confusing Express vs Commuter MRT — Express is faster and slightly more expensive; Commuter stops more frequently and can be crowded. Don’t board the wrong direction. Arriving late at night — Taoyuan Airport MRT runs roughly 06:00–23:00 (check current schedule). If your flight lands after service ends, have a taxi or transfer pre-booked. Assuming the bus is always cheaper — special hotel direct shuttles and private transfers can be comparable for groups. Also buses are subject to traffic. Not buying an EasyCard — paying single fares every time wastes time and sometimes costs more. EasyCard also works for buses, convenience stores, and many taxis. Taking an unofficial taxi or accepting offers inside arrivals — Taiwan is safe, but in any airport, stick to official stands to avoid overcharging.
5. Advanced tips and variations (expert-level insights & contrarian viewpoints)
More helpful hintsExpert tips
- Buy an EasyCard at a convenience store the minute you see one — it’s more convenient than fiddling with machines and reusable for the next trip. For speed over everything: take the Express MRT. You will not be stuck in rush-hour traffic; timing is predictable. Traveling in a group of 3–4 with lots of luggage? Split the cost of a taxi or private transfer — you’ll arrive faster and likely pay less per person than multiple MRT fares. Use the MRT to reach other transit hubs quickly — Taipei Main Station connects to the Taipei Metro, regional trains and is the hub for onward travel. If you have an early check-in or late arrival, ask your hotel about shuttle services. Some hotels provide direct pickups that are cheap or free.
Contrarian viewpoints (because cookie-cutter advice isn’t always right)
- Contrarian 1: “MRT is always best” — Not true. If you’re exiting the airport at 02:00 with heavy luggage and a ten-minute drive to your hotel, a taxi is better. Convenience beats savings when you are exhausted. Contrarian 2: “Buses are old-fashioned” — Airport buses are underrated. They drop you right in front of many hotels and handle luggage like a pro. If you value door-to-door with low cost, buses are a winner. Contrarian 3: “Pre-book everything” — Overbooking transfers for every trip can be a waste. When transport is cheap and predictable (MRT), spontaneous choices are often smarter and cheaper. Contrarian 4: “Avoid taxis” — Taxis are more cost-effective with multiple passengers and are often necessary after late arrivals. Don’t demonize them; use them strategically.
Variations
- If you’re heading west to Taichung or HSR, take the Taoyuan HSR link via Metro to HSR station or transfer at Zhongli depending on your ticketing. If you want scenic or slow travel, consider bus routes that go along the riverfront for a cheap local perspective. For eco-conscious travelers, the MRT and buses offer lower carbon options than taxis — factor that into your decision if it matters.
6. Troubleshooting guide
Problem: I missed the last MRT train. Now what?
Solution: Head to the official taxi stand — taxis run 24/7 and are plentiful. Pre-booked shuttle services also operate late. There are limited late-night buses; check schedules in advance.
Problem: My EasyCard won’t work or I lost my ticket
Solution: Go back to a staffed ticket counter or customer service booth — they can help refund or validate. Keep receipts if you need to claim expenses.
Problem: I’m on a budget but my flight arrives during rush hour and the MRT will be crowded with luggage
Solution: Consider the airport bus that stops between peak congestion points or split the MRT + local MRT by taking a Commuter train and then transferring to a less crowded inner-line. Or brave the crowd — Taipei people are generally polite about luggage space.
Problem: I’m worried about language barriers
Solution: English signage is ubiquitous at TPE and on the MRT. Drivers often know hotel names in English. Have your hotel name written in Chinese to show the driver if needed (ask the hotel for the Chinese address before you land).
Problem: I have a connecting flight and need to go back to the airport
Solution: Keep your EasyCard for return trips. Plan for at least 90–120 minutes to clear security for domestic vs international flights and account for traffic if using a taxi.
Quick comparison table
OptionEstimated cost (one-way)TimeProsCons Airport MRT (Express)~NT$16035–40 minFast, predictable, no trafficLess convenient with huge luggage; limited hours Airport Bus~NT$12545–90 minDirect hotel drops, luggage-friendly, cheapSubject to traffic, slower Taxi / Uber~NT$1,000–1,30035–60 minDoor-to-door, 24/7, privateExpensive, variable time with traffic Private transferVaries (pre-booked)35–60 minFixed price, meet-and-greet, roomyCostly if soloFinal direct advice (no fluff)
If you want the safest bet: take the Airport MRT Express to Taipei Main Station. Fast, reliable, and easy. If you’re in a group with heavy luggage or arriving very late, take a taxi or pre-book a transfer. If you want to save a few bucks and don’t mind traffic, take the airport bus — it’s low stress, luggage-friendly, and drops you close to many hotels.
Last practical tip: keep your phone charged, buy an EasyCard early, and don’t be paralyzed over “the best” option. Pick one based on time, luggage, and company size. Taipei is not going anywhere; but your desire to flop onto a bed after a long flight is urgent — choose accordingly.
Safe travels, move fast, and welcome to Taipei. I’ll be here if you want the full breakdown of which bus stops at which hotels (because yes, I have that list and yes, I will share it if you insist).