Last updated: August 2026
Landing at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and wondering how to get to Taipei?
The good news is that getting from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei is surprisingly easy. You can take the Airport MRT, airport bus, taxi, ride-hailing service, or arrange a private airport transfer.
The harder question is simply: which one is best for you?
If you are traveling alone with one suitcase, the Airport MRT is usually our first recommendation.
If you land after the trains stop running, Bus 1819 or a taxi may make more sense.
And if you are arriving with children, senior family members, several suitcases, or a group that simply wants to reach the hotel without changing trains, a private Taoyuan Airport to Taipei transfer can make the first hour in Taiwan considerably easier.
Here is how every option compares in 2026.
Table of Contents
💫 Taoyuan Airport to Taipei: Quick Answer
For most independent travelers, take the Taoyuan Airport MRT Express.
It takes approximately 35–40 minutes from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station and currently costs NT$160 per adult.
However, Taipei Main Station may not actually be close to your hotel.
If you are staying in Xinyi, Daan, Beitou, Songshan, or another part of Taipei, you will normally need to continue by Taipei MRT, taxi, or another form of transportation after arriving at Taipei Main Station.
That is where the difference between the cheapest journey and the easiest door-to-door journey becomes important.
| Transportation | Approx. Time | Approx. Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport MRT Express | 35–40 min to Taipei Main Station | NT$160/person | Solo travelers, couples, light luggage |
| Airport MRT Commuter | Around 50 min | NT$160/person | Travelers going to a local Airport MRT stop |
| Kuo-Kuang Bus 1819 | Around 55–75 min | Approx. NT$133–164 | Budget travelers, late-night arrivals |
| Taxi | Around 40–60+ min | Usually around NT$1,100–1,500+ | Small groups, luggage, late arrivals |
| Private Airport Transfer | Around 40–60+ min | Depends on vehicle/group | Families, groups, business travelers, heavy luggage |
| HSR via Taoyuan Station | Requires transfer | Varies | Travelers heading south—not recommended just for Taipei |
Our recommendation:
- Solo traveler: Airport MRT
- Couple with light luggage: Airport MRT
- Arriving very late: Bus 1819, taxi, or pre-arranged transfer
- Family with children: Private transfer
- Traveling with senior parents: Private transfer
- 3–6 travelers with several suitcases: Compare taxi/private transfer
- Business traveler: Private transfer if door-to-door convenience matters
- Going directly to Taichung, Tainan or Kaohsiung: Airport MRT to Taoyuan HSR Station instead of entering Taipei
Where Is Taoyuan Airport?
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is Taiwan’s main international airport.
Despite often being called “Taipei Airport” by international travelers and booking websites, the airport is actually located in Taoyuan City, approximately 40 kilometers west of central Taipei.
Do not confuse it with Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA), which is located inside Taipei City.
Most long-haul and international flights arrive at Taoyuan Airport.
The airport currently has:
- Terminal 1
- Terminal 2
The Airport MRT serves both terminals:
- A12 — Airport Terminal 1
- A13 — Airport Terminal 2
- A1 — Taipei Main Station
This makes the Airport MRT one of the easiest public transportation options for first-time visitors.
Option 1: Taoyuan Airport MRT to Taipei
Is the Airport MRT the Best Way from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei?
For most travelers, yes.
The Taoyuan Airport MRT is fast, clean, easy to understand, and unaffected by Taipei highway traffic.
There are two types of trains.
Airport MRT Express Train
Look for the Express service when traveling directly into Taipei.
The Express takes approximately 35–40 minutes between the airport and Taipei Main Station.
It makes fewer stops than the commuter train and is the most practical option if Taipei is your destination.
Airport MRT Commuter Train
The commuter service stops at every station.
It normally takes around 50 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station.
The fare to Taipei is the same, so there is little reason to deliberately choose the commuter train unless your destination is one of the intermediate stations.
Taoyuan Airport MRT Fare in 2026
The current single-journey fare between Taoyuan Airport and A1 Taipei Main Station is NT$160.
You can buy a ticket at the airport station or use an accepted stored-value/payment method.
If this is your first trip to Taiwan, it is also worth learning about the EasyCard in Taiwan.
An EasyCard can be used for much more than the airport journey. You can use it on Taipei’s public transportation system and for many small everyday purchases during your stay.
Once you reach the city, our guide to using the Taipei MRT explains ticketing, lines, transfers and common mistakes for first-time visitors.
Where Do You Catch the Airport MRT?
The Airport MRT stations are connected to both airport terminals.
Terminal 1
Follow signs for Airport MRT / Taoyuan Metro to:
A12 Airport Terminal 1 Station
Terminal 2
Follow the Airport MRT signs to:
A13 Airport Terminal 2 Station
English signage is widely available throughout the airport, so you do not need to speak Chinese to find the station.
Where Does the Airport MRT Arrive in Taipei?
The airport line terminates at:
A1 Taipei Main Station
One important detail surprises some first-time visitors:
The Airport MRT’s A1 station is part of the wider Taipei Main Station transportation complex, but reaching another MRT line may involve walking through underground passages.
Taipei Main Station connects you with:
- Taipei MRT
- Taiwan Railways
- Taiwan High Speed Rail
- Taipei Bus Station
- Airport MRT
- Underground shopping streets
It is convenient, but it is also enormous.
After a long international flight, walking through Taipei Main Station with three suitcases can feel slightly less convenient than it appeared on Google Maps.
If you are staying close to Taipei Main Station, however, the Airport MRT is extremely practical.
Taoyuan Airport to Ximending
Ximending is only a short distance from Taipei Main Station.
The usual public transportation route is:
Taoyuan Airport → Airport MRT to A1 Taipei Main Station → transfer/walk to Taipei MRT → Ximen Station
For travelers with light luggage, this is straightforward.
With children, several large suitcases, or after a long flight, you may prefer to take a taxi from Taipei Main Station or travel directly from the airport to your hotel.
Once you’ve settled in, read our Ximending Taipei guide before exploring the neighborhood.
Taoyuan Airport to Taipei 101 and Xinyi
Staying near Taipei 101 is slightly different.
The Airport MRT does not travel directly to Taipei 101.
You would normally:
Taoyuan Airport → Taipei Main Station → Taipei MRT Red Line → Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station
This is completely manageable with light luggage.
However, if you are staying at a hotel in Xinyi and traveling with multiple suitcases, a direct vehicle becomes more attractive because the public transportation journey involves transferring after reaching Taipei.
Planning to visit the landmark during your trip? Our Taipei 101 Observatory guide covers what to expect when going up the tower.
Option 2: Bus 1819 from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei
The Kuo-Kuang Bus 1819 is one of the best-known airport bus routes between Taoyuan Airport and central Taipei.
It travels between the airport and Taipei Bus Station, next to the larger Taipei Main Station transportation area.
Journey time is usually approximately:
55–75 minutes
but traffic can make the trip longer.
How Much Is Bus 1819?
You may find different prices online because fares can vary depending on the coach configuration and ticket type.
As of 2026, official intercity bus fare information shows fares in approximately the NT$133–164 range for the full airport–Taipei journey.
For that reason, we recommend checking the current fare when purchasing your ticket rather than relying on an old blog quoting one fixed price.
This is especially important because Taiwan transportation fares and timetables can change.
Why Take Bus 1819 Instead of the Airport MRT?
There are two particularly good reasons.
1. You arrive after Airport MRT operating hours
Airport MRT service generally runs from early morning until late evening rather than 24 hours.
Bus 1819 operates overnight services and is therefore one of the most useful choices for passengers arriving on red-eye flights.
Always check the timetable for your actual travel date because overnight frequency is much lower than daytime frequency.
2. You have a large suitcase
Airport buses have luggage storage underneath the passenger cabin.
That can actually make Bus 1819 more comfortable than carrying a large suitcase through Taipei Main Station.
The disadvantage?
Taipei traffic.
A train that takes roughly 35–40 minutes does not suddenly take 70 minutes because everyone in Taipei decided to drive home at the same time.
A bus can.
Option 3: Taxi from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei
Taxis operate at Taoyuan Airport 24 hours a day.
They are one of the simplest ways to travel into Taipei because there are no transfers.
You get in at the airport.
You get out at your hotel.
For visitors arriving after a 12-hour flight, there is something very appealing about that sentence.
How Much Is a Taxi from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei?
Airport taxis operate by meter.
Trips from Taoyuan Airport are subject to the applicable airport surcharge, and highway tolls may also apply.
For central Taipei, travelers should generally budget approximately:
NT$1,100–1,500 or more
depending on the exact destination, traffic and applicable charges.
A hotel in western Taipei will not necessarily cost the same as a hotel farther east.
Traffic also affects travel time.
Without heavy traffic, the journey can take around 40–50 minutes.
During busy periods, allow longer.
Taxi vs Airport MRT
For one traveler:
Airport MRT wins easily on price.
For four travelers:
The calculation starts becoming more interesting.
Four Airport MRT tickets already cost NT$640, and you may still need another MRT ride or taxi after reaching Taipei Main Station.
A taxi remains more expensive, but you are now comparing:
four people + luggage + transfer + walking
against:
one vehicle directly to the hotel.
Whether that extra convenience is worth paying for depends entirely on your group.
Option 4: Private Transfer from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei
A private airport transfer is not the cheapest way into Taipei.
It is designed for travelers who prioritize convenience, luggage handling and door-to-door transportation.
Unlike a city tour, the purpose of the service is simple:
Taoyuan Airport → your Taipei accommodation.
No sightseeing is added during the transfer.
That distinction is important.
At Justaiwantour, our airport transportation service can be arranged as a private transfer to Taipei, while sightseeing tours are booked separately.
A private transfer can make sense when you are:
- traveling with children
- traveling with senior parents
- carrying several large suitcases
- arriving after a long-haul flight
- traveling as a group
- visiting Taiwan for business
- carrying equipment
- arriving late at night
- staying far from Taipei Main Station
- simply unwilling to navigate train transfers immediately after landing
Private-transfer pricing varies according to the number of passengers, luggage requirements, vehicle type and destination.
If you need airport transportation, contact Justaiwantour with your flight details, number of passengers and Taipei accommodation.
Should You Book a Private Transfer If You Are Also Taking a Taiwan Tour?
You certainly can—but think of them as two separate parts of your trip.
For example:
Arrival Day
Taoyuan Airport → private transfer → Taipei hotel
Check in, shower, recover from the flight and find something good to eat.
Following Day
Start your sightseeing from your Taipei accommodation.
For first-time visitors, our 8-hour customized Taipei private tour can include places such as:
- Longshan Temple
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
- Dihua Street
- Taipei 101
- Ximending
- local food stops
- historic neighborhoods
This works much better than trying to turn the airport transfer itself into a sightseeing tour.
You arrive properly.
You rest.
Then you explore Taipei when you are actually awake enough to enjoy it.
What Should You Do After Arriving in Taipei?
If it is your first visit, we would not rush immediately into a complicated itinerary.
After checking into your hotel, explore somewhere close to where you are staying.
If you’re not sure where to base yourself, start with our guide to where to stay in Taipei.
Then consider one of these easy first-day options.
Taipei Main Station / Zhongshan Area
Walk around Zhongshan, Chifeng Street or Ningxia Night Market.
Our Ningxia Night Market food guide is particularly useful if jet lag has mysteriously transformed into hunger.
Ximending
Walk around Ximending and nearby historic western Taipei.
Xinyi
See Taipei 101, stroll through the shopping district and enjoy the skyline after dark.
Songshan
Visit Raohe Street Night Market.
See our guide to the best food at Raohe Street Night Market before you go hungry and order the first thing you see.
Want to Leave Taipei on Your Next Day?
This is where private transportation becomes much more valuable than it is inside central Taipei.
Taipei itself has an excellent MRT system.
But famous destinations outside Taipei—especially Yehliu, Jiufen, Shifen and Pingxi—require more transportation planning.
One of the classic routes is:
Taipei → Yehliu Geopark → Jiufen → Shifen/Pingxi → Taipei
You can visit these places independently, but combining them efficiently in a single day requires multiple buses, trains or transfers.
That is why many international visitors choose our Yehliu, Jiufen and Pingxi private day tour.
If you are still deciding where to go, our Taiwan day trip guide compares some of the best one-day options.
So your trip might look like:
Day 1: Arrive at Taoyuan Airport → transfer to Taipei
Day 2: Private Taipei city tour
Day 3: Yehliu + Jiufen + Shifen/Pingxi
Day 4 onward: Continue around Taiwan
That creates a much more comfortable travel rhythm than trying to squeeze sightseeing into the airport journey itself.
Option 5: Uber and Other Ride-Hailing Services
Ride-hailing apps are another possible choice.
The main advantage is that you can see an estimated price inside the app before confirming the ride.
However, prices vary depending on:
- demand
- time of day
- destination
- vehicle size
- traffic
- availability
If you are carrying several large suitcases, remember that the number of passenger seats does not automatically tell you how much luggage a vehicle can hold.
Four adults plus four large suitcases is very different from four adults carrying backpacks.
For groups, vehicle capacity should be considered before comparing price alone.
Option 6: High-Speed Rail from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei
Technically, you can use Taiwan High Speed Rail.
But if your destination is Taipei, we usually would not recommend it.
Why?
Taoyuan Airport does not have an HSR station inside the airport.
You first need to take the Airport MRT to:
A18 Taoyuan HSR Station
Then transfer to the high-speed train toward Taipei.
That means you are adding a transfer to a journey that the Airport MRT can already complete directly.
If Taipei is your destination, just stay on the Airport MRT.
When Does HSR Make Sense?
When you are not actually going to Taipei.
If you land at Taoyuan Airport and are continuing directly to:
- Hsinchu
- Taichung
- Chiayi
- Tainan
- Kaohsiung
taking the Airport MRT to Taoyuan HSR Station can save you from unnecessarily entering Taipei first.
Which Transportation Is Best Based on Your Hotel?
Staying Near Taipei Main Station
Best choice: Airport MRT
You are already going exactly where the train ends.
Staying in Ximending
Best value: Airport MRT + Taipei MRT/taxi
Easiest with luggage: Taxi/private transfer
Staying in Xinyi / Taipei 101 Area
Best value: Airport MRT + Red Line
Easiest: Taxi/private transfer
Staying in Daan
Airport MRT plus Taipei MRT works well if you travel light.
Consider direct transportation if you have children or several suitcases.
Staying in Beitou
Public transportation is possible but requires continuing north after reaching Taipei.
A transfer becomes considerably more convenient if you have lots of luggage.
Staying Around Songshan or Eastern Taipei
Check your exact hotel location before automatically choosing Taipei Main Station.
The Airport MRT remains economical, but door-to-door transportation can save an additional city transfer.
What About Families Traveling with Children?
Taiwan public transportation is family-friendly.
The Airport MRT itself is not the problem.
The difficult part can be what happens after the Airport MRT:
- stroller
- children
- suitcases
- Taipei Main Station
- another MRT transfer
- walking to the hotel
Each individual step is easy.
All of them together after an overnight flight can be less fun.
Families staying near Taipei Main Station can absolutely use the Airport MRT.
Families staying farther away may find a private transfer more practical.
If you’re planning the rest of the trip with children, see our Taiwan family tour guide for suggested 5-, 7-, 8- and 10-day routes.
What About Senior Travelers?
The same logic applies.
A healthy senior traveler with one suitcase can use the Airport MRT without difficulty.
However, direct transportation may be preferable if the traveler:
- has limited mobility
- finds long underground walks difficult
- is carrying large luggage
- needs frequent rest
- is traveling after a long-haul flight
The fastest train is not necessarily the easiest door-to-door journey.
What Is the Best Way from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Late at Night?
If your flight lands late, do not look only at the scheduled landing time.
You still need time for:
- taxiing to the gate
- immigration
- baggage collection
- customs
- walking through the terminal
A flight scheduled to land at 10:30 PM does not mean you will be standing at the Airport MRT platform at 10:35 PM.
If your arrival is close to the final train services, have a backup plan.
Late-night alternatives include:
Kuo-Kuang Bus 1819
Overnight services operate, although frequency is lower than during the day.
Airport Taxi
Available 24 hours.
Pre-Arranged Private Transfer
Useful if you want transportation organized before landing, particularly for families or groups.
Can I Use EasyCard from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei?
Yes, an EasyCard is extremely useful after arriving in Taiwan and can be used on the Airport MRT.
More importantly, you can continue using it throughout Taipei.
If you plan to use public transportation regularly, read our complete EasyCard Taiwan guide.
Once you reach Taipei, our Taipei MRT guide explains exactly how the city system works.
These are two things worth understanding before your first full day in Taipei.
Taoyuan Airport to Taipei: What Would We Choose?
As a Taiwan-based travel company, we do not think every traveler needs a private car.
That would not be useful advice.
We would take the Airport MRT if:
- traveling alone
- carrying one suitcase
- arriving during normal operating hours
- staying near Taipei Main Station
- trying to keep transportation costs low
We would consider Bus 1819 if:
- arriving after the Airport MRT stops
- traveling on a budget
- not worried about traffic
- comfortable arriving at Taipei Bus Station
We would take a taxi if:
- arriving unexpectedly late
- wanting immediate transportation
- traveling with several people
- carrying heavy luggage
We would pre-arrange a private transfer if:
- traveling with children
- traveling with senior parents
- carrying multiple suitcases
- traveling for business
- traveling as a private group
- wanting airport-to-hotel transportation already organized before arrival
There is no need to overcomplicate it.
Public transportation in Taiwan is excellent. Use it when it makes sense.
Private transportation becomes useful when convenience is worth more to you than saving the last few hundred Taiwan dollars.
Taoyuan Airport to Taipei FAQ
What is the fastest way from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei?
For reaching Taipei Main Station, the Taoyuan Airport MRT Express is usually the fastest predictable public transportation option, taking approximately 35–40 minutes. A car may be faster door-to-door when traffic is light, especially if your hotel is not near Taipei Main Station.
How much is the Airport MRT from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei?
The current fare from Taoyuan Airport to A1 Taipei Main Station is NT$160 per adult.
How long does Taoyuan Airport MRT take?
The Express service takes approximately 35–40 minutes to Taipei Main Station. The commuter service takes around 50 minutes because it makes more stops.
Does Taoyuan Airport MRT run 24 hours?
No. Airport MRT trains operate from early morning until late evening. Check the official timetable for your travel date, particularly if your flight arrives late at night.
What can I take from Taoyuan Airport after midnight?
Options include the Kuo-Kuang 1819 bus, an airport taxi, ride-hailing services where available, or a pre-arranged private transfer.
How much is a taxi from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei?
A typical trip to central Taipei is often approximately NT$1,100–1,500 or more, depending on the destination, meter, airport surcharge, highway tolls and traffic conditions.
Is Uber available from Taoyuan Airport?
Ride-hailing services operate in Taiwan, but price and vehicle availability vary according to demand and time.
Is Taoyuan Airport in Taipei?
No. Taoyuan International Airport is located in Taoyuan City, around 40 kilometers from central Taipei.
Which Airport MRT station serves Terminal 1?
A12 Airport Terminal 1 Station.
Which Airport MRT station serves Terminal 2?
A13 Airport Terminal 2 Station.
Can I take HSR directly from Taoyuan Airport?
No. Take the Airport MRT to A18 Taoyuan HSR Station first. This is useful if you’re continuing south, but unnecessary if Taipei itself is your destination.
Is a private airport transfer also a Taipei tour?
No. A Taoyuan Airport–Taipei private transfer is transportation from the airport to your accommodation. Sightseeing should be arranged separately. For example, after settling into your hotel, you could book an 8-hour private Taipei city tour for the following day.
🚗 Start Your Taiwan Trip the Easy Way
There is no universally “best” way to get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei.
There is only the option that makes the most sense for your particular trip.
Traveling solo?
Take the Airport MRT and save your money for night-market food.
Arriving at midnight?
Check Bus 1819 or take a taxi.
Traveling with children, parents and four large suitcases?
This may not be the moment to prove how efficiently your family can navigate Taipei Main Station.
A direct transfer can be worth it.
And remember: arriving in Taipei is only the beginning.
Once you’ve checked into your hotel, explore the city independently using our Taipei travel guide, spend a day on a customized private Taipei tour, or leave the city for Yehliu, Jiufen and Pingxi.
For travelers planning a longer journey around the island, our 10-day Taiwan private tour itinerary shows how Taipei can connect naturally with destinations such as Sun Moon Lake, Alishan and southern Taiwan.
Need a private transfer from Taoyuan Airport to your Taipei hotel?
Send us your arrival date, flight number, number of passengers, luggage quantity and Taipei hotel through our contact page, and our team can advise on a suitable transfer arrangement.
Welcome to Taiwan.