Taoyuan Airport to Taipei — every option compared
Taipei: Tpe airport one way private transfer to or from Taipei city
What is the best way to get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei?
The Airport MRT Express is the best option for most travelers — NT$160, 35–37 minutes to Taipei Main Station, trains every 15–30 minutes, no traffic risk. Buy your EasyCard here too. Private transfers (NT$800–1,400) make sense for groups of 3+, late-night arrivals, or when luggage volume is significant.
Understanding Taoyuan Airport’s location
Taoyuan International Airport (IATA: TPE) sits 40 km southwest of Taipei city center — not particularly close. This distance is why airport transport takes 35–90 minutes depending on what you choose and where traffic stands on a given day.
The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). Both terminals connect to the Airport MRT system and have bus stops and taxi queues. T1 and T2 are connected by a free shuttle train that runs every 4–8 minutes.
Most international flights to Taiwan arrive at T2. Check your ticket; the terminals are about 20 minutes apart by shuttle.
| Distance to city | 40 km southwest of central Taipei |
| Fastest option | Airport MRT Express — 35–37 min, NT$160 |
| Cheapest option | Airport MRT Commuter — 50–60 min, NT$100 |
| Best for groups/luggage | Private transfer — NT$800–1,400, meets in arrivals |
| Last MRT to city | Approximately 23:00 from T2 |
Option 1: Airport MRT (Taoyuan International Airport MRT)
The default choice for solo travelers and small groups.
The Airport MRT (桃園機場捷運) connects Taoyuan Airport directly to Taipei Main Station. It operates two service types:
Express (直達車, purple trains):
- Taipei Main Station → T2 (A13): approximately 35–37 minutes
- Runs every 15–30 minutes (less frequent off-peak and late night)
- Fare: NT$160
- No intermediate stops between Taipei Main Station and Airport Zone
Commuter (普通車, blue-gray trains):
- Taipei Main Station → T2: approximately 50–60 minutes
- Stops at all stations including Taoyuan HSR and satellite towns
- Fare: NT$100
- Useful if you need to reach Taoyuan City, Banqiao, or Taoyuan HSR Station for an onward HSR connection
Where to board: In the arrivals hall of both terminals, follow “Airport MRT” signs to the platform level. The machines sell tickets and accept cash and cards. You can also tap EasyCard at the gate (no 20% discount applies on Airport MRT — it is a separate operator).
Buy your EasyCard here: The MRT machines at the airport sell EasyCards. Pick one up before you board. You will use it throughout your trip on the city MRT and buses.
First/last trains:
- First trains to Taipei: approximately 06:00 from T2
- Last trains to Taipei: approximately 23:00 from T2 (check the Airport MRT website for current schedule as times vary seasonally)
Practical notes: The Express train has dedicated overhead luggage space and seats. It is comfortable. The platform on arrival at Taipei Main Station connects directly to the city MRT (Red and Blue lines) and the main train station hall.
Option 2: Shared bus transfer
Bus services operate from the basement level of both terminals (follow ground transport signs to the bus zone). Several operators run express coaches to central Taipei hotels and districts.
Main routes:
- Kuo-Kuang Bus (國光客運): Multiple routes to Taipei Main Station and east Taipei (via Zhongxiao Road). Fare NT$125–145.
- Capital Bus (首都客運): Routes to Taipei Main Station, Nangang, and Xinyi.
Journey time: 50–90 minutes depending on traffic. The Freeway 1 (National Highway 1) can be congested during morning and evening peaks, and on Fridays. Late-night arrivals (after 22:00) typically see 50 minutes; Friday evening arrivals at 18:00 can take 90+ minutes.
Pros: Cheaper than private transfer. Drops near your hotel neighborhood if routes align.
Cons: Fixed routes (you get off at a stop, not your hotel door), traffic-dependent, standing room at peak times if buses are full.
Shared bus transfer between Taoyuan Airport and Taipei — no booking hassleCheck availabilityOption 3: Taxi from the airport
Taxis queue at a designated zone outside arrivals at both terminals (supervised queue, no touts). Taipei taxis use meters; metered fares from the airport are legitimate.
Expected fare to Taipei center: NT$1,100–1,500 depending on exact destination and traffic. Freeway tolls (approximately NT$60–120) are added to the meter fare and are legitimate charges.
Journey time: 40–70 minutes depending on traffic.
Payment: Most airport taxis accept cash (TWD) and increasingly accept card, though always carry cash for taxis in Taiwan.
Honest assessment: For a solo traveler, a taxi is expensive compared to the MRT (NT$1,300 vs. NT$160). For two or three people sharing, the equation shifts. For late-night arrivals when bus services are reduced and carrying heavy bags, the door-to-door convenience has real value.
Option 4: Private transfer (pre-booked)
Pre-booked private transfers (clean car or minivan, driver meeting you in arrivals with a name sign) cost NT$800–1,400 depending on vehicle size and operator. The advantage over a metered taxi is a fixed price and guaranteed vehicle — no queuing at the taxi rank.
For families, groups of 3+, or travelers with extensive luggage, a private transfer is worth the price premium over individual transit options.
Private transfer from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei city — fixed price, meets in arrivalsCheck availabilityOption 5: Car rental
Car rentals are available at the airport (Avis, Hertz, local operators). In general, renting a car in Taipei is not recommended for most tourists — city traffic is dense, parking is expensive and scarce, and the MRT covers the core city comprehensively. Car rentals make more sense if you are extending your trip to rural Taiwan, the east coast, or Taroko.
Comparison table
| Option | Fare | Time to Taipei Main | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport MRT Express | NT$160 | 35–37 min | Most travelers, reliable, no traffic |
| Airport MRT Commuter | NT$100 | 50–60 min | Budget-focused, connecting to Taoyuan HSR |
| Shared bus | NT$125–145 | 50–90 min | Mid-range, hotel-neighborhood routes |
| Metered taxi | NT$1,100–1,500 | 40–70 min | Late arrivals, large luggage, 2–3 persons |
| Private transfer | NT$800–1,400 | 40–70 min | Groups, fixed price reliability |
What to do first at the airport
SIM card or eSIM: Available at the airport from Taiwan Mobile and Far EasTone booths near arrivals exit. If you pre-purchased an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, etc.), activate it on arrival.
Currency exchange: Available in arrivals at reasonable rates. Exchange enough for immediate expenses (transport, first meal, tip if staying in a hotel where bellhops are common). Taipei has excellent ATM coverage (7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards reliably; NT$200–300 fee per transaction typical).
EasyCard: Buy at the Airport MRT machine before boarding. NT$100 deposit + load NT$500 minimum. You will use it immediately.
Getting back to the airport
The same options work in reverse. The Airport MRT from Taipei Main Station is the most reliable option — catch it from B1 (west side of the main hall, follow Airport MRT signs). Allow 60 minutes from central Taipei to reach the airport — more if your departure gate is a walk from the MRT arrival point within the terminal.
For an important departure, add 15 minutes of buffer. Terminal 2 check-in is typically 10 minutes from the MRT exit; Terminal 1 is slightly farther.
Arriving late at night — what is open
Airport MRT: Last departures from Terminal 2 (A13) to Taipei are approximately 23:00. If your flight lands after 22:30, you may miss the last MRT. Check the official Airport MRT last-train times before travel; they vary slightly by day.
Taxi: Available 24/7 at both terminals. Metered, regulated, and safe. The taxi queue is in the basement level of each terminal (well-signed, supervised by airport staff). No need to negotiate price — meters run.
Hotel shuttles: Many Taipei hotels offer free or paid airport shuttle service. Book in advance and confirm pickup location (usually outside the arrival hall). This is the most comfortable late-night option for families or those with substantial luggage.
Convenience stores open at the airport: Both terminals have 7-Eleven and FamilyMart open 24/7. If you arrive at midnight and need water, a SIM card, some food, or a phone charger, these are your first stop.
The Airport MRT experience in detail
For most tourists, the Airport MRT is the default choice. A few details that are not obvious from descriptions:
Platform level: At Taoyuan Airport T2 (A13), the Airport MRT platforms are accessed via a walkway from the arrivals hall level. Signs are clear and bilingual. Allow 10 minutes from baggage claim to boarding, longer if immigration queues were slow and you need to buy a ticket or EasyCard.
Express vs. commuter — how to tell: Express trains are labeled 直達車 (direct service) in purple on the departure boards. Commuter trains are labeled 普通車 in blue. At Taipei Main Station, both stop at the same platform; just check the board for the next express departure.
Luggage racks: Both express and commuter carriages have luggage racks at the ends of each car. In the express carriages, there are also overhead racks above the seats. A single large suitcase fits easily. The express train is the better choice if you have multiple bags.
The Airport Check-in Service: Taipei Main Station (A1, B2 level underground) has an in-city check-in counter for selected airlines (Eva Air, China Airlines, Mandarin Airlines). You can drop baggage up to 24 hours before your flight at this counter and then take the Airport MRT to the terminal without luggage. Check if your airline participates — it transforms the airport day significantly.
How to handle layovers
If you have a layover of 6–12 hours at Taoyuan Airport and want to visit Taipei:
6-hour layover (tight):
- Clear immigration, take Airport MRT Express to Taipei Main Station (35 min)
- Explore one or two nearby areas (Zhongshan, Ximending are 5–10 minutes from the station)
- Return by Airport MRT (35 min) + allow 90 minutes for check-in and security
- Net sightseeing time: approximately 3 hours in central Taipei
8–12 hour layover (comfortable):
- Add a neighborhood like Daan or a morning visit to Longshan Temple
- One paid attraction (National Palace Museum, 30 min from Taipei Main by MRT/taxi, but allow 2.5–3 hours total travel + visit time)
Organized layover tours depart from the airport and return you in time for your connection:
Private Taipei layover tour from TPE airport — includes roundtrip transportCheck availabilityConnectivity at the airport
WiFi: Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals and on the Airport MRT. Connection quality is adequate for messaging and maps; video streaming may buffer.
eSIM activation: Activate your pre-purchased eSIM as soon as you land — coverage in both terminals is good enough to complete the activation before reaching immigration.
ATMs: Available in both terminals’ arrivals areas. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign Visa and Mastercard. Maximum single withdrawal typically NT$20,000 (approximately USD 630).
Currency exchange: Airport rates are reasonable (better than hotel lobbies, slightly worse than city banks). Exchange enough for transport and the first day’s expenses. Top up at city ATMs for better rates on larger amounts.
What to do if things go wrong
Missed last Airport MRT: Take a taxi. The queue is supervised and legitimate. Fare will be NT$1,100–1,500 to central Taipei.
Luggage lost or delayed: File a report with your airline at the baggage claim area before leaving the terminal. Get a claim reference number. Most lost luggage for Taipei arrivals is delivered to your hotel within 24–48 hours.
Medical emergency at the airport: Both terminals have medical services (24-hour clinic in T2). For serious emergencies, airport staff will call an ambulance; LinKou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital is the nearest major facility.
Missed connecting flight: Go immediately to your airline’s check-in counter or the airport information desk. Do not attempt to rebook online first — counter staff have more options for same-day rebooking, especially for codeshare flights.
For connecting the airport leg with your overall Taipei transport strategy, see the EasyCard guide and the Taipei MRT guide.
Choosing your Taipei base with the airport commute in mind
Where you’re staying affects which airport option makes the most sense. If your hotel is near Taipei Main Station, the Airport MRT drops you within walking distance, which makes it the obvious choice regardless of luggage. If you’re staying further out — Xinyi, Beitou, or Songshan — factor in a connecting MRT ride or taxi from Taipei Main Station, which can add 20–30 minutes and tip the balance toward a private transfer instead, especially with a late-night arrival. For a full day-by-day framework that starts with your airport arrival, see the Taipei itinerary guide.
First-time arrival checklist
For a first Taiwan trip, the smoothest sequence is: clear immigration → buy an EasyCard at the Airport MRT machine → board the Express to Taipei Main Station → activate your eSIM or buy a local SIM if you haven’t already → take a taxi or the city MRT to your hotel. Doing the EasyCard purchase at the airport rather than your first city MRT station saves a queue later, since airport machines tend to be less crowded than central-Taipei stations during peak commuting hours. If you’re also planning your Taiwan entry paperwork, see the Taiwan visa and entry guide for what to complete before you fly.
Frequently asked questions about Taoyuan Airport to Taipei — every option compared
Can I use my EasyCard to pay for the Airport MRT?
Is it cheaper to take the bus or the Airport MRT from Taoyuan?
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