Taipei Travel Pass: Which Type of MRT or Bus Card is Most Convenient for Traveling?

February 8, 2026

What types of Taipei train cards are available, who is suitable for them, and how to buy them? Follow this article to learn more about how to use the different types of train cards!

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MRT station at Taoyuan Airport where you can take the subway to get to city center.

Every perfect trip starts with small things, like whether transportation is convenient or not. I used to think that just getting on a plane was enough, but when I arrived in Taipei, I realized that smart transportation saves time, money, and energy for exploring. For first-time visitors to Taipei, choosing the right train card makes boarding and alighting quick and easy, without the hassle of swiping your ticket.

In this article, I will share the most basic and easy-to-understand information to help you choose the right Taipei train card. Follow along!

Overview of Train Cards and Getting Around in Taipei

Taipei boasts a modern, easy-to-use public transportation system suitable for independent travel. When traveling within the city, the most frequently used modes of transport are the MRT, buses, YouTube, and the TRA train. The MRT acts as the backbone, connecting most of the city center and major attractions. Buses cover residential areas and operate continuously throughout the day. YouTube is suitable for short distances or sightseeing around the neighborhood. The TRA train facilitates longer journeys to the suburbs.

To make travel quick and convenient, Taipei uses a smart train card system. The e-wallet card group includes EasyCard, iPASS, and icash. These cards can be used for the MRT, buses, YouTube, city trains, and even convenience store payments. A popular travel card is the Taipei Fun Pass, available in travel-only or combined with sightseeing tickets. There are also unlimited-day MRT passes, suitable for busy schedules.

I will break down the pros and cons of each card type below to help you choose the right one for your itinerary!

Card type	Main means of transport type	Available for use outside of Taipei?	Shopping payment	Suitable for
EasyCard	MRT bus, YouTube taxi, select ferry, short ferry	Yes	Available at convenience stores, attractions	First-time travelers need convenience and flexibility.
iPASS	MRT, TRA bus, YouBike, shuttle bus	Yes	Available at many stores throughout Taiwan	People who travel to many cities combine Taipei and other regions.
icash	MRT, LRT, and inner-city buses	Limit	Little or none	The itinerary is confined to Taipei.
Taipei Fun Pass	MRT bus and sightseeing tickets vary depending on the type of pass	No	No	People who visit many attractions in a short period of time.
MRT Pass by date and time	MRT and loop lines only.	No	No	People travel extensively using the MRT.

EasyCard – The Most Popular Card for Tourists in Taipei

What is EasyCard? Why Use EasyCard When Traveling in Taipei?

EasyCard Taiwan

I believe most first-time visitors to Taipei will have heard of EasyCard. This is a pre-loaded smart card, also known as a Yoyo Card, that makes getting around the city quicker and easier. With EasyCard, you simply swipe the card to ride the MRT, buses, or hire a YouTuber without having to buy individual tickets for each leg of the journey.

Taipei Departure: Taipei Car Rental with Driver – Customized itinerary

EasyCard isn’t just for public transportation. It’s also accepted at some short ferry routes, taxis, and most popular convenience stores and supermarkets. Several popular attractions like Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola also accept EasyCard payments. Besides Taipei, this card can also be used in cities like Kaohsiung and Taichung, which is very convenient if your itinerary includes multiple locations.

The biggest advantage of EasyCard is that it saves time and effort. When swiping the card, you don’t need to look for change or queue to buy tickets. The card also helps reduce costs when transferring between MRT, buses, and YouTube, and is convenient for paying small daily expenses. For me, EasyCard is a neat and easy-to-use option for most of my journeys in Taipei.

Where to Buy EasyCard? How Much Does EasyCard Cost in Taipei?

Taiwan High Speed Rail Unlimited Rail Pass (2/3/5 Days)

I bought EasyCard in advance on Klook to save time. Or you can also buy it right at Taoyuan International Airport, and finding a card sales counter is quite easy. Outside the airport, you can also buy the card at MRT stations or convenience stores like 7 Eleven and FamilyMart.

EasyCard has a deposit of 100 TWD, approximately 83,595 VND. When buying, you should top up at least 200 TWD to start using it. I usually top up around 500 TWD for comfortable travel throughout the day. The deposit is non-refundable, but the remaining balance on the card can be refunded at the end of the trip.

How to Use EasyCard in Taipei

Shared City Transfers Between Taipei and Yilan / Jiaoxi / Luodong by Kamalan

Using EasyCard is quite simple. When entering the MRT or boarding a bus, you just tap the card on the reader. For buses, remember to swipe your card both when boarding and alighting so the system calculates the correct fare. When the card runs out of money, you can still top it up at the card top-up machine at the MRT station or at a convenience store. You can also easily check your balance on the screen when exiting the MRT gate. For me, EasyCard made traveling and managing expenses during my Taipei trip much easier.

iPASS – A Flexible Option for Travelers in Many Areas Outside Taipei

What is iPASS and What are its Benefits When Traveling in Taipei?

Taiwan Railway Train Ticket

When exploring Taipei and its surrounding areas, I found iPASS to be a very convenient option for those who travel to many places. iPASS is a popular e-wallet card in Taiwan, allowing for quick, one-touch payments. The card can be used on the MRT, Taiwan Railways domestic trains, buses, shuttle buses, and public bicycles. iPASS is also accepted at over 20,000 convenience stores, shopping malls, and cafes throughout Taiwan.

What I like most is its wide range of uses, not limited to Taipei. If you plan to go to Kaohsiung, Taichung, or further afield, iPASS makes travel easier and more seamless. The card has over 100 different designs, making it a great souvenir after your trip. iPASS is suitable for everyone and requires no deposit; the price varies depending on the design and current sales promotion.

How to Use iPASS?

Using iPASS is very simple and similar to other smart transportation cards in Taiwan. When traveling on the MRT, buses, or trains, simply tap the card on the ticket gate or payment terminal to pay. When shopping, a beep indicates a completed transaction. Note that the iPASS card has a 0 TWD balance when first purchased, so you must top it up before use.

You can top up cash at MRT information counters, top-up machines in stations, or convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, and OK Mart. The maximum amount that can be loaded onto the card is 10,000 TWD, equivalent to approximately 8,359,500 VND, enough for a long trip. Top-ups can be made multiple times and there is no limit.

Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus Ticket

Additionally, iPASS allows online card registration. Once registered, you have the right to report a lost card and request a refund if you lose it. For those staying in Taiwan for an extended period, iPASS can also be linked to an iPASS MONEY account for automatic top-ups when the balance is low, which is very convenient. For me, iPASS is perfect for trips combining multiple cities and attractions. The card makes travel and spending more streamlined, allowing me to focus on exploring instead of struggling with individual tickets or cash.

icash – A Lightweight Payment Card for Traveling in Taipei

What is icash? Why Use icash When Traveling in Taipei

National Palace Museum Northern Branch Ticket in Taipei

When researching transportation cards in Taipei, I found icash to be a familiar choice for locals and also very suitable for tourists. icash is an electronic payment card for public transportation, allowing quick swiping on the Taipei Metro, New Taipei Loop Line, Danhai LRT, Ankeng LRT, and city buses. With icash, traveling between attractions becomes seamless without needing to buy individual tickets for each leg of the journey.

[Taiwan PASS] High Speed Rail + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle

What I like about icash is its simplicity and compactness. The card is small, easy to carry, and intuitive to use. When entering the MRT station or boarding a bus, you just tap the card to pay. icash has many versions such as adult cards, student cards, and discount cards for children, seniors, and people with disabilities, helping the transportation system operate smoothly and easily accessible to many people.

For tourists, icash is suitable when the itinerary mainly revolves around city attractions and areas with LRT. If you don’t need to pay for transportation, icash is a neat and cost-effective option.

Where to Buy an icash Card? How Much Does an icash Card Cost?

Icash cards are sold at official sales points or designated distribution locations on the icash website. The adult card costs 100 TWD, equivalent to approximately 83,595 VND. Cards for students and eligible individuals are priced similarly, but require verification according to regulations.

After purchase, you need to top up the card before use. You can top up at MRT service counters or at authorized icash top-up points. The top-up amount is flexible, allowing you to plan your travel accordingly.

Yehliu, Tiaoshi, Jiufen, and Shifen Tour (Hotel Pick-Up Optional)

In my experience, icash is very suitable for sightseeing trips within Taipei, where the MRT and buses connect most of the highlights. With a compact card, you can quickly move between neighborhoods, shopping areas, and attractions without the interruption of buying individual tickets.

Taipei Fun Pass – The Choice for Those Visiting Many Attractions

Types of Taipei Fun Pass You Need to Know

If you have a multi-destination itinerary, I find the Taipei Fun Pass to be an indispensable “treasure.” This is a convenient travel card that combines travel tickets and entrance tickets to many popular attractions. The card saves time and money, making it ideal for those who want to visit many places in a short time.

There are three main types of Taipei Fun Pass. The first is the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass, which allows unlimited travel on all Taipei MRT lines, buses in Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung. This is an ideal choice if you want to freely explore the city without worrying about the cost. Secondly, there’s the Taipei Transport Fun Pass, focusing on the MRT, buses, and the Pingxi-Shen’ao scenic train, suitable if you want to explore popular tourist routes like Jiufen or Beitou.

Taipei Transport Fun Pass (TPE Airport Pick Up)

Finally, there’s the Taipei Exploring Fun Pass, for those who primarily want free entry to over 30 popular attractions such as the Taipei 101 observation deck and the National Palace Museum, focusing on cultural experiences.

Which Taipei Fun Pass is Right for You?

In my opinion, the 3-day pass is the most popular, accounting for about 60% of buyers. With 3 days, you can travel unlimited on the MRT and buses and visit many popular attractions without rushing. If you only visit a few places, the Exploring Fun Pass is more economical. For broader exploration, the Unlimited Fun Pass or Transport Fun Pass are more suitable. The price is very reasonable, around a few hundred TWD, equivalent to a few hundred thousand Vietnamese Dong.

Taipei Fun Pass

What I like is that I don’t have to worry about buying tickets for each trip or finding change. Just swipe the card and you’re done, saving time and making planning easier. If you want to explore Taipei comfortably and affordably, the Taipei Fun Pass is a smart choice you shouldn’t miss.

MRT Pass – Unlimited Hourly MRT Ride

Types of MRT Passes in Taipei. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using an MRT Pass
In Taipei, the MRT Pass offers many time-based options. The One Day Pass allows unlimited MRT travel for one day for 150 TWD (approximately 125,393 VND). This pass is suitable if you’re sightseeing continuously from morning to night. There are also hourly passes including 24-hour passes for 180 TWD (150,471 VND), 48-hour passes for 280 TWD (234,066 VND), and 72-hour passes for 380 TWD (317,661 VND). The time is calculated from the first swipe, allowing unlimited travel within that time.

Taipei MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station Platform — MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station

Taipei Metro (MRT) Unlimited Travel Pass

The advantage of the MRT Pass is its convenience, eliminating worries about individual fares and allowing for flexible schedule changes. However, the pass is only valid for the MRT and the New Taipei loop line, not for buses or the Airport MRT. It’s less flexible if you frequently use buses or travel to the suburbs.

Where to Buy an MRT Pass? How to Top Up an MRT Pass?

You can purchase an MRT Pass at information counters or automatic ticket vending machines at major MRT stations. When you buy it, you pay once and don’t need to top up during use. Using the pass is simple. When entering and exiting the MRT gate, tap the pass on the sensor area, listen for a beep, and see a green arrow indicating the gate is open. The pass automatically records the usage time; no further action is required.

What are the prices of individual MRT tickets? Should you buy individual tickets or an MRT Pass?

Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket for non-Taiwanese

Single MRT tickets cost from 20 TWD to 65 TWD (16,719 to 54,337 VND), depending on the distance. Single tickets are suitable when you only travel a few stops or short distances. In my opinion, if you travel three to four MRT stops or more in a day, an MRT Pass is more economical and convenient. For a light itinerary, single tickets or an EasyCard would be more suitable. Choosing the right pass allows you to focus on exploring Taipei without the interruption of buying tickets for each stop.

Tips: Choosing the Right Pass According to Your Itinerary

Taipei MRT Xindian Station taiwan travel guide — Taipei MRT Xindian Station

When planning your own itinerary in Taipei, choosing the right pass can save you a lot of time and money. First, you should look at the number of days you’ll be staying and the frequency of your daily travel. If your itinerary is busy, visiting many attractions in one day, a daily or hourly MRT Pass is a reasonable choice. For example, a one-day pass costing 150 TWD (approximately 125,393 VND) would be suitable if you travel continuously by MRT.

For a two- to three-day itinerary, a two-day or three-day MRT pass is more optimal. The price of 280 TWD (approximately 234,066 VND) or 380 TWD (approximately 317,662 VND) allows you to easily board and disembark without having to calculate the cost per trip.

MRT Taoyuan Aiport to Taipei city center

If your itinerary is relaxed, visiting only a few highlights each day and combining it with bus travel, I find the iCash card or single-trip tickets more flexible. Single MRT tickets range from 20 to 65 TWD, equivalent to approximately 16,719 to 54,337 VND per trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taipei MRT Passes

1. Do I need to register personal information when buying an EasyCard or iPASS?

No personal information is required when purchasing an EasyCard or iPASS.

2. Can EasyCard and iPASS be used on the High Speed Rail (HSR) in Taiwan?

EasyCard and iPASS cards cannot be used for the High Speed Rail (HSR), but users can purchase HSR tickets separately through the app or official website.

3. Does the EasyCard offer refunds when users return the card?

When returning an EasyCard, users will receive a refund of the remaining balance; however, the system may deduct a fee if the card is returned within three months of the purchase date.

4. Can users use the EasyCard or iPASS to rent a YouBike in Taipei?

Users can use the EasyCard or iPASS for YouBike services, provided the card has been activated at a YouBike machine.

5. Can the Taipei Fun Pass be used for the High Speed Rail (HSR)?

The Taipei Fun Pass is not applicable to the HSR high-speed rail but is only valid for transportation and attractions within Taipei city limits.

Taipei is a vibrant city with a user-friendly and easy-to-use public transportation system, and the various train passes will make your trip even smoother. Understanding each type of pass will make traveling by MRT or bus quick and flexible. Good preparation for your journey will give you more time to explore your destination. I hope the information in this article will help you choose the right train pass and comfortably explore Taipei.

Plan your sightseeing, transportation, and get your Taipei train pass now!

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