How do you get to Taipei?
Getting There6.6/10Easier to reach than about 60% of cities
- Main airport
- Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: taoyuan-airport.com, travel.taipei
Good to know
Good to Know
- The Taoyuan Airport MRT is the fastest and most reliable option for reaching central Taipei; Express trains depart every 15 minutes.
- Buses run 24/7, making them the best choice if you arrive after midnight (MRT closes around 11:35pm).
- Taiwan's EasyCard is a rechargeable transit card accepted on all MRT, buses, and most trains; purchase at the airport for convenience.
- Keelung port, 40 minutes north by train, is the main access point for cross-strait ferries from Fuzhou/Xiamen; service is limited.
- Taiwan's public transport is efficient and well-connected; day trips to mountains, hot springs, and coastal towns are easily accessible by train or bus.
- For late-night/early-morning flights outside MRT hours (before 6am or after 11:35pm), buses and taxis are reliable 24/7 options.
- Luggage facilities on the Airport MRT and in stations are designed for large suitcases; comfortable for travelers with bags.
- Pingxi heritage railway (Pingxi Line) is accessible via direct train to Ruifang; popular for lantern festivals and scenic day trips.
Day Trip Access
- Note
- Taipei is well-positioned for accessing nearby attractions via MRT, local trains, and buses
Popular Destinations
Yangmingshan National Park
- Transport
- Bus from Taipei Main Station
- Travel Time
- 1 hour
Jiufen Old Street
- Transport
- Direct bus from central Taipei
- Travel Time
- 30-45 minutes
Pingxi Line (Shifen, Houtong, Pingxi)
- Transport
- Train to Ruifang, then transfer to Pingxi heritage railway
- Travel Time
- 1-1.5 hours to Ruifang
Beitou Hot Springs
- Transport
- MRT accessible within Taipei City
- Travel Time
- 30 minutes
Tamsui
- Transport
- Red Line MRT from city center
- Travel Time
- 38 minutes
Jiaoxi Hot Springs (Yilan)
- Transport
- Local train or bus
- Travel Time
- 1-1.5 hours
Wulai
- Transport
- Bus or train
- Travel Time
- 1 hour south
Hualien (Taroko Gorge)
- Transport
- Taroko Express train or regional bus
- Travel Time
- 2+ hours
High Speed Rail
- Operator
- Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)
- Terminus
- Taipei High Speed Rail Station
- Notes
- Connects major cities along western Taiwan. Frequent service.
Main Destinations
- Taichung (1 hour)
- Chiayi
- Tainan
- Kaohsiung (under 2 hours)
Conventional Rail
- Operator
- Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA)
- Notes
- Offers scenic routes, particularly along east coast. Branch lines to smaller mountain towns.
Main Destinations
- Hualien (scenic eastern line)
- Taitung
- Keelung
Ferry Connections
- Note
- Limited direct ferry service from Taipei area
Keelung Port
- Distance From Taipei
- 40 minutes by train from Taipei Main Station
Domestic Routes
Outlying Islands (Penghu, Etc.)
- Notes
- From Keelung or other southern ports.
International Routes
Matsu Islands (Then Domestic Ferry to Fuzhou, China)
- Notes
- Requires ferry to Matsu, overnight stay, then onward ferry.
Pingtan Hydrofoil
- Route
- Pingtan (China) to Taipei
- Frequency
- Multiple weekly departures
- Travel time
- 3-4
- Notes
- Fast ferry service from Chinese territory. Currently operational post-COVID.
Airport To City Transport
Airport MRT (Express)
- Price
- NT$160
- Destinations
- Taipei Main Station
- Operating Hours
- 06:05-23:35
- Duration Minutes
- 35
- Frequency Minutes
- 15
- Notes
- Fastest and most convenient option. Comfortable trains with luggage space, free Wi-Fi, and USB charging.
Airport Bus (Kuo-Kuang 1819)
- Price
- NT$135
- Frequency
- Every 15-20 min daytime, 20-40 min late night
- Destinations
- Taipei Bus Station (near Main Station)
- Operating Hours
- 24/7
- Duration Minutes
- 55-60
- Notes
- Budget option. Available 24 hours, ideal for late-night/early-morning arrivals.
Taxi
- Price
- NT$1,200
- Duration Minutes
- 40-70
- Notes
- Available 24/7. Convenient for families and those with heavy luggage. Add 20% surcharge between 11pm-6am.
Private Transfer/Uber
- Price
- Variable - starting from approximately NT$800-1200
- Notes
- Uber operates 24/7. Private transfers bookable via Klook, Viator, and other platforms.
Airport
- Name
- Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
- Terminals
- 2
- Distance From City Center
- approximately 40 km northeast
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Taipei
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.