How to get from Taoyuan airport to Taipei city or how to travel from Taoyuan airport to Taipei city, how to get to Taipei main station from Taoyuan airport, how to travel from Taoyuan airport to Taipei city? Should you choose MRT, bus, taxi, or rent a car? Find the answer through this article!
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Taipei always impresses visitors with its vibrant, modern and unique traditional culture. But to start your journey of discovery, the first thing you need to care about is how to get from Taipei airport to the city center. Taoyuan International Airport is located about 40 km from Taipei and you will have many convenient options to get to the center such as MRT, bus, taxi or Uber, shuttle service or even self-driving car rental.
So which is the most suitable option for you? Let’s find out the details in this article!
Compare Transportation Options from Taoyuan Airport
As soon as you land at Taoyuan Airport, you have many ways to get to the center of Taipei such as airport MRT, bus, taxi or Uber, pre-booked shuttle service, or even rent a car to explore freely. To help you consider, below is a quick comparison table of costs, time and advantages of each type.
| Vehicle | Average cost | Travel time | Main pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport MRT | 160 TWD (138,273 VND) | 36 to 53 minutes | Fast, stable, no traffic jams, convenient express train | No service after 23:35 |
| Bus | 110 to 160 TWD (95,063 – 138,274 VND) | 50 to 70 minutes | Cheap, all-night operation with Kuo Kuang 1819 line | Easy effected by traffic |
| Taxi or Uber | 1,100 to 1,500 TWD (950,631 – 1,296,315 VND) | About 45 minutes | Private, fast, pick up at arrival hall | High cost, airport surcharges |
| Pre-booked shuttle | 1,300 to 2,000 TWD (1,123,473 – 1,728,420 VND) | 45 to 60 minutes | Comfortable, driver on standby, suitable for groups or families | Prices are higher than public transport |
| Self-drive car rental | 1,000 to 3,000 TWD (864,210 – 2,592,630 VND) per day | Depending on the route | Free schedule, free to choose destination | High cost, hard to find parking in the center |
Traveling by Taoyuan Airport MRT – Fast and Convenient Means of Transport for Tourists
Operating Time and Frequency of MRT Trips
Taipei Metro (MRT) Unlimited Travel Pass
The MRT at Taoyuan Airport starts operating from 5:55 am at Terminal 2 and the last trip leaves the airport at 11:35 pm. The time to arrive at Taipei Main Station usually ranges from 36 to 53 minutes depending on the type of train. On average, there will be a trip every 15 minutes, in which there is an express train every other trip. Thanks to that, you almost never have to wait too long.
MRT Lines at Taoyuan Airport: Express and Commuter
The airport MRT has two main types of trains: express and commuter. Express trains stop at fewer stations, have more comfortable seats, and have more luggage space. If you go from Terminal 2 to Taipei Main Station, it will only take you about 39 minutes, and from Terminal 1 it will take 36 minutes. Commuter trains stop at more stations, have hard seats like regular MRT trains, and take longer, about 50 to 53 minutes.
Taipei Departure: Taipei Car Rental with Driver – Customized itinerary
When entering the station, you just need to pay attention to the electronic board to choose the appropriate train type. Whether you choose express or commuter, the route will take you to A1 Taipei Main Station, which is the central point for you to connect to other MRT lines or move to the hotel. If your hotel is only a short distance from Main Station, walking or taking a taxi will be the right choice.
Ticket Price and How to Buy EasyCard
The airport MRT ticket price from Taoyuan to Taipei Main Station is 160 TWD (138,273 VND) for adults. Children under 6 years old are free, while children from 6 to 12 years old can buy Concessionaire Card directly at the counter. You can buy tickets in many ways such as getting tokens at the automatic ticket machine, buying directly at the MRT counter or most conveniently using EasyCard.
EasyCard can be purchased right at the airport for 500 TWD, equivalent to about 432,105 VND, including 100 TWD (86,421 VND) deposit and 400 TWD (345,684 VND) for use. In addition, you can also pay by credit card or e-wallets such as Apple Pay and LINE Pay, which is very convenient for international travelers.
Advantages of Choosing MRT Compared to Other Means of Transport
Taoyuan Airport MRT Ticket & Shopping Coupon for non-Taiwanese
Compared to public transport or taxis, MRT stands out for its stable speed, not affected by traffic jams which are quite common in Taipei during rush hour. The space on the train is clean, modern, has luggage storage and even a convenient charging socket for phones. Besides, the MRT fare is only average compared to other means of transport, suitable for both solo and group travelers.
How to travel from Taoyuan airport to Taipei city: Take the Airport Bus – Economical and Flexible
The Most Popular Bus Routes at Taoyuan Airport
Airport Bus Transfer | Rihao Bus | Taoyuan Airport (TPE)-Hsinchu Transfer Station
As soon as you step out of the arrival hall, you will easily see the bus pick-up area with an electronic board clearly displaying the route, departure time and fare. Among them, Kuo Kuang Bus route No. 1819 is the most prominent because it operates both day and night, giving you peace of mind even when landing at late hours. In addition, there are CityAir Bus routes that go directly to major areas such as Taipei Main Station or Xinyi, which is very convenient if your hotel is located nearby.
Schedule, Fare and Travel Time by Airport Bus
Buses from Taoyuan Airport usually run every 20 to 40 minutes. With Kuo Kuang Bus 1819, it only takes about 55 minutes to get to Taipei Main Station, under favorable traffic conditions. The one-way fare is 159 TWD (about 137,500 VND). If you want to save more, choose CityAir Bus route 1961A for about 110 TWD (about 95,000 VND).
In addition, at the airport, there is also route 1960 that goes to the Xinyi area, near Taipei 101, with an average fare of 160 TWD (about 138,000 VND). This cost is much cheaper than taxi or car rental service, but still ensures convenience and comfort. However, during rush hours, bus travel time will be longer. Therefore, you should check traffic conditions in advance!
Night Bus From Airport To Downtown Taipei
Taipei Transport Fun Pass (TPE Airport Pick Up)
One thing travelers should note is that from about 11:35 pm to 6:00 am, the MRT does not operate. If you land during this time, the bus is your “savior”. Kuo Kuang Bus 1819 is a 24/7 bus route, so you can still feel secure traveling straight into downtown Taipei when arriving at a late flight. Although the frequency at night is less, you will not be stuck at the airport in the middle of the night.
How to Buy Tickets and Pick-up Points Right at Taipei Airport
Taoyuan Airport (TPE) Kuo-Kuang Round Trip Bus Tickets in Taipei
Once you have completed immigration procedures and exited the arrival hall, follow the sign that says “Bus Station” to the ticket counter. At Terminal 1, the Kuo Kuang ticket counter is at gate 7, and at Terminal 2 it is gate 2. You can choose to buy tickets directly here with cash, or buy in advance on platforms like Klook if you want more convenience.
After getting your ticket, you just need to go to the pick-up area right in front of the terminal and you will see the bus waiting. The bus has a spacious compartment for luggage, comfortable seats and a clean space. When you arrive at Taipei Bus Station, you can easily walk across the street to Taipei Main Station to transfer to MRT, HSR or train. If your hotel is further away, take a taxi or call Uber right at the bus station area.
Travel by Taxi or Uber – Fast, Private and Convenient
Average Cost and Travel Time by Taxi or Uber
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) CitiAir Bus Transfers to / from Taipei
For those who prioritize comfort, privacy and want to move quickly after a long flight, taxi or Uber is definitely the ideal choice. The journey from Taoyuan Airport to the city center takes about 45 minutes, with an average cost of about 1,200 TWD (1,037,000 VND). During peak hours or when there are few cars, the price will range from 1,100 – 1,500 TWD (950,000 – 1,296,000 VND).
Taxi Pickup Points at Taoyuan Airport
Private Shuttle Transfer Between Taipei and Jiufen or Shifen
After leaving the arrival hall of Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, you will easily see signs leading to the taxi pick-up area. Taxis at the airport are strictly managed, use transparent meters and apply an airport surcharge of about 15%. In addition, toll fees (if any) will also be added to the total fare.
Do You Need a Tip When Taking a Taxi in Taiwan?
Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket for non-Taiwanese
Most drivers will not expect this, and sometimes even refuse if you try to give more. With Uber, on the other hand, the app has a built-in tip feature for you to thank the driver, but this is optional and not mandatory.
Compare Traditional Taxis and Uber
Both traditional taxis and Uber offer privacy, speed and comfort. Taxis are suitable if you want to pay in cash or do not want to install the app before the trip. Meanwhile, Uber is convenient for international travelers thanks to cashless payment, the ability to track the journey and transparency in costs.
How to get from Taoyuan airport to Taipei city: Pre-booked Shuttle Service – A Comfortable Choice for Groups of Friends and Families
Advantages of Airport Shuttle Service in Taipei
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Transfers
Isn’t it great to start your journey without having to wait for a car or queue? Pre-booked shuttle service offers a very comfortable experience for groups of friends or families. The driver will pick you up at the arrival hall with a name tag, assist with luggage and take you straight to the hotel or destination of your choice. The journey will be smooth and easy from the first minute you step out of the airport.
How to Book an Airport Transfer Online
Taipei – Jiufen Old Street Bus Ticket | Taipei Bus
Booking an airport transfer is quite easy and only takes a few minutes. You just need to access the Klook app or website, choose the airport transfer service, then fill in your flight information, pickup point and destination address. Then, you choose the vehicle type that suits the number of people and luggage, confirm the booking and pay online right on the system.
Immediately after completion, you will receive an electronic voucher with driver information for easy communication. When landing, the driver will be waiting in the arrival hall area with a name tag, ready to assist with luggage and take you to your destination quickly and comfortably.
Prices and Popular Airport Transfer Vehicle Types
Popular vehicle types usually range from sedans for 2-3 people to vans or MPVs for 6-8 people. Service prices vary depending on the type of vehicle and seating, usually from around 1,300 TWD to 2,000 TWD (equivalent to 1,123,000 VND – 1,728,000 VND). For families or groups of friends, a van like an MPV is a more reasonable and economical choice than many private taxis.
When to Choose a Shuttle Bus Instead of Public Transport?
Taiwan High Speed Rail Unlimited Rail Pass (2/3/5 Days)
Compared to the MRT or bus, the shuttle service is definitely more expensive. However, this extra cost in return for comfort and convenience is considered by many passengers to be completely worth it. For those traveling with family, children or a large group of friends, the shuttle bus offers privacy, spacious space and a much safer feeling. This is the option to help the journey start smoothly, saving time.
Self-drive car rental – Freely explore Taipei and surrounding areas
Procedures for Self-Drive Car Rental at Taoyuan Airport
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Transfers
If you want to be proactive and plan your own itinerary, renting a car is a very convenient option. Right at Taoyuan Airport, there are many international and local car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Chailease or Good Car, the transaction counter is usually located in the arrivals hall. You should book in advance on platforms such as Klook to ensure a car is available and save time on procedures.
Documents and International Driver’s License Required When Renting a Car
To rent a car, you need to prepare a passport with a Taiwan entry stamp, an international driver’s license (IDP) with the same name as the original driver’s license, and a credit card for deposit. Note that domestic driver’s licenses that are not translated into Chinese or not officially recognized will not be eligible. For stays under 30 days, the IDP is valid; for longer stays, you need to register a legal Taiwanese driver’s license at the local traffic management agency.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Self-driving Car Rental Services in Taiwan
The biggest advantage of self-driving is that you will be able to move flexibly, comfortably stop anywhere, especially suitable for families or groups of friends. Rental cars are usually automatic, easy to drive and diverse in types.
However, the cost of renting a car per day ranges from 1,000 – 3,000 TWD (equivalent to 864,000 – 2,592,630 VND), higher than using public transport. In addition, finding parking in the center of Taipei, especially in the old town or during rush hour, can be a challenge that you should consider in advance in your schedule.
Tips for Getting From the Airport to Taipei to Save Time and Money
Going from Taoyuan Airport to the center of Taipei is not difficult, but to optimize costs and shorten time, you should prepare a few small tips in advance. These tips will make your journey more convenient, especially for first-time visitors to Taiwan.
- Buy an EasyCard to take the MRT and buses quickly and cheaper than buying them individually.
- Book your airport MRT tickets in advance on Klook to avoid queues.
- Avoid rush hours (7am–9am and 5pm–7pm) when taking the MRT or taxi.
- Traveling in a group can share the cost of a taxi or Uber, which is sometimes cheaper than a single ticket.
- Use the night bus if your flight lands late to save on taxi fares.
- Prepare cash and a 4G/5G SIM card before traveling to avoid inconvenience when needing to contact or pay.
Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling From Taoyuan Airport to Downtown Taipei
Taipei Departure: New Taipei Car Rental with Driver to Jiufen/Shifen/Pingxi/Yehliu/Northern coast
Should I book a private car from Taoyuan Airport before my flight?
You should book a private car from Taoyuan Airport before your flight to ensure that the vehicle is ready, save time and avoid waiting when landing.
What are the advantages of booking an airport shuttle through Klook?
The advantages of booking an airport shuttle through Klook are that you will be picked up at your door, the driver will assist with your luggage, payment is convenient and you will know the cost in advance, making it suitable for groups or families.
If your flight lands after midnight, what is the most convenient way to get to downtown Taipei?
When your flight lands after midnight, the night bus is the most convenient way to get to downtown Taipei.
Is there a baggage fee when taking a taxi from the airport?
Taxi from Taipei airport does not charge for separate baggage; the cost is calculated by the meter and may include an airport surcharge of about 15% and tolls, if any.
5. What is the average travel time from Taipei airport to downtown during peak hours?
The average travel time from Taoyuan airport to downtown during peak hours is usually about 50 to 70 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
When exploring Taipei, choosing the means of transport from Taoyuan Airport to the city center will greatly affect the travel experience. Visitors can take the MRT or bus to save costs, convenient for small groups. Taxis, Uber, pre-booked shuttle services or self-drive car rentals provide speed, privacy and comfort. Plan, choose the right means of transport and enjoy the vibrant city of Taipei!
Have you chosen the right way to travel to Taipei airport?
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Taipei you can refer to
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Are you finding more top things to do in Taipei: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Taipei blog. The latest guide to Taipei for all kinds of travelers.
