How to Get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei: Airport MRT, Buses & Taxis
Welcome to Taiwan! If you're flying in internationally, you will likely land at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).
Despite being the main gateway to Taipei, Taoyuan Airport is actually located in a neighboring city, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of downtown Taipei. Fortunately, Taiwan's infrastructure is famously efficient, and there are several excellent ways to make the journey into the city.
Here is a breakdown of all your options—from the lightning-fast Airport MRT to budget-friendly buses and comfortable private transfers—so you can choose the best way based on your budget, arrival time, and luggage situation.
1. The Best Overall Option: The Airport MRT
Opening in 2017, the Taoyuan Airport MRT fundamentally changed how travelers get into the city. It is fast, clean, and avoids all highway traffic.
There are two types of MRT trains running on this purple line: Commuter (Blue) and Express (Purple). You want the Express train.
- The Route: Connects TPE Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 directly to Taipei Main Station.
- Travel Time: 35 minutes on the Express train (Purple). 50 minutes on the Commuter train (Blue). Both cost the exact same amount.
- Cost: NT$150 (approx. $4.80 USD) one-way.
- Operating Hours: Roughly 06:00 AM to 11:30 PM. Trains leave every 15 minutes.
- How to Pay: Buy a single-journey token at the machines, or just tap an EasyCard (which you can buy right outside the station gates).
Why choose the MRT? It's the most reliable and fastest way into the city during the day. The downside? Taipei Main Station is massive and confusing. The Airport MRT drops you off almost underground. If your hotel is on a different MRT line, you'll have to walk 10 minutes underground with your luggage to transfer to the red or blue lines.
2. The Budget & Late Night Option: Airport Shuttle Buses
Before the MRT existed, the trusty airport buses were the only way into the city. Today, they remain relevant primarily for budget travelers and those arriving on late-night "red-eye" flights after the MRT has closed.
The most famous route is the Kuo-Kuang Bus 1819, which runs directly to Taipei Main Station.
- The Route: Multiple routes available, dropping off at Taipei Main Station, City Hall, or Songshan Airport.
- Travel Time: 50 to 60 minutes, depending heavily on highway traffic.
- Cost: NT$90 to NT$145 depending on the route.
- Operating Hours: 24/7. Bus 1819 runs through the night (though less frequently between midnight and 5 AM).
- How to Pay: Buy a ticket at the bus counters in the arrivals hall, or tap your EasyCard.
Why choose the Bus? You landed at 2:00 AM and the MRT is closed, or you just prefer staring out the window at the highway scenery. The downside? Subject to terrible rush-hour traffic on National Highway 1.
3. The Maximum Comfort Option: Taxis
If you have a lot of luggage, are traveling with young children, or are simply exhausted after a 14-hour flight, taking a taxi straight to your hotel door is the most comfortable choice.
- Travel Time: 40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Cost: Rides to downtown Taipei are metered but include a 15% airport surcharge. Expect to pay between NT$1,100 to NT$1,500 ($35 - $48 USD).
- Operating Hours: 24/7.
- How to Pay: Cash or credit card.
Where to find them: Follow the signs in the arrivals hall to the "Official Taxi Dispatch" rank. DO NOT go with random people offering rides inside the terminal; always use the official meter queue outside. The dispatch staff will write down your destination in Chinese for the driver.
4. The Pre-Booked Private Transfer
For the ultimate VIP experience, or if you are traveling in a large group and need a massive 9-seater van, a pre-arranged private transfer is brilliant.
- How it works: You book via platforms like Klook or KKday a few days before your flight.
- The VIP Treatment: A driver will be standing in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name on it. They will take your luggage and lead you to a pristine, air-conditioned car.
- Cost: Typically around NT$900 to NT$1,300 for a standard car, which is often cheaper than a metered taxi.
- Why choose this? Maximum peace of mind. The driver already knows where your hotel is, you've already paid online with a credit card, and you don't need to navigate the MRT after a long flight.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
- Take the Airport MRT if: You arrive during the day (6 AM - 11 PM), have manageable luggage, and your hotel is near Taipei Main Station or you are comfortable transferring.
- Take the Bus if: You arrive after midnight when the MRT is closed, or you are on a strict backpacker budget.
- Take a Taxi or Private Transfer if: You have heavy luggage, are traveling with a group/family (splitting a $35 taxi four ways is cheaper than MRT tickets!), or just want to be dropped off directly at your hotel door without thinking.