The Taipei MRT: Your Guide to the City
Souce:Metro Taipei
The Taipei MRT is the fastest, safest, and most budget-friendly way to explore Taiwan’s capital. It links major districts and highlights like Taipei 101, Shilin Night Market, and Longshan Temple, with clean trains and reliable schedules for both first-timers and locals. With seamless transfers, EasyCard perks, and convenient connections to the airport via the Taoyuan Airport MRT, it’s your best gateway to discovering Taipei.
- Official Website：Taipei Metro
- Taipei Metro Travel Pass：Taipei Metro Travel Pass
Get a coupon and discount for an MRT pass
Souce:Metro Taipei
- Ticket Discount：Taipei Metro Travel Pass coupon
- 48HR / 72HR Pass：Taipei Metro Travel Pass
- Taoyuan Metro Round Trip Ticket：Taipei Metro Travel Pass
Understanding the Taipei MRT System
Officially called the Taipei Mass Rapid Transit, the network uses color-coded lines and continues to expand. Clear bilingual signage and announcements in Mandarin, English, Japanese, and Hokkien make reaching landmarks, night markets, and even suburban hot spring areas straightforward and stress-free.
Taipei MRT Lines Overview
Taipei’s Metro features five main lines, each with a distinct color and terminal-to-terminal name. Thanks to bilingual station names and multilingual announcements, navigating is easy for visitors. As of today, the Taipei MRT operates a total of 10 active routes, combining its 5 main lines with four branch extensions—Xinbeitou, Xiaobitan, Luzhou, and Xinzhuang—plus the partially completed Circular Line (Phase 1). This extensive network ensures that travelers can move seamlessly between central Taipei and surrounding districts, making it one of the most efficient metro systems in Asia.
Metro Taipei Map
Source:Metro Taipei
↑ ↑ ↑ Scan the QR code to get Taipei MRT Route Map & Timetables!!!
Main Lines
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Red Line – Tamsui–Xinyi Line (R): From Tamsui in the north to Xiangshan in Xinyi District.
➡Branch: Xinbeitou Branch Line – short spur from Beitou to Xinbeitou, serving the hot spring area. - Blue Line – Bannan Line (BL): Major east–west corridor from Banqiao to Nangang Exhibition Center.
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Green Line – Songshan–Xindian Line (G): Connects Songshan (Raohe Night Market) to Xindian (Bitan Scenic Area).
➡Branch: Xiaobitan Branch Line – small spur to Xiaobitan in Xindian. -
Orange Line – Zhonghe–Xinlu Line (O): Serves Zhonghe, Luzhou, and Xinzhuang districts.
➡Branches:Luzhou Branch Line – extending service to Luzhou.
➡Xinzhuang Branch Line – extending service to Huilong. - Brown Line – Wenhu Line (BR): Elevated, driverless line linking Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola with Neihu and Nangang.
Circular Line
- Yellow Line – Circular Line (Y, Phase 1): Currently runs between New Taipei Industrial Park and Dapinglin, connecting multiple districts in New Taipei. Future phases will complete the loop around Taipei.
Key Stations to Remember
- Taipei Main Station: City’s core hub for HSR/TRA, the Taoyuan Airport MRT, and multiple MRT lines.
- Ximen Station: Doorway to the Ximending shopping and entertainment area.
- Jiantan Station: Closest stop to Shilin Night Market.
- Beitou & Xinbeitou Stations: Gateways to the famous Beitou hot-spring area.
- Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station: For the city’s most iconic skyscraper.
Upcoming Extensions
The network is still growing, with new segments designed to strengthen suburban links and make transfers smoother—including better interchanges with the Taoyuan Airport MRT at Taipei Main, Sanchong, and New Taipei Industrial Park—expanding access across Greater Taipei.
How to Use the Taipei MRT Like a Local
Souce:Easy Card
For newcomers, riding the MRT may seem intimidating at first, but its user-friendly design makes it simple to navigate.
Tickets and EasyCard
- Single-journey tickets: Available from vending machines at every station, with fares starting at NT$20. Best for occasional or one-time trips.
- EasyCard: A reloadable contactless smart card that works on MRT, city buses, YouBikes, and many retail stores. While there is no longer a flat 20% discount for all rides, frequent riders can receive monthly rebate discounts (for example 5%, 10%, or 15%) depending on how many MRT trips they take in a month.
- Taipei Fun Pass: Ideal for short-term visitors, this pass includes unlimited MRT and bus rides, with select versions also offering free or discounted entry to major attractions
Souce:Taipei FunPass
Etiquette and Rules
The Taipei MRT is famous for its politeness and orderliness. Following these simple rules ensures a smooth journey for everyone:
- Line up neatly at the designated platform markings while waiting for trains.
- Eating and drinking are strictly prohibited inside trains and paid station areas.
- Priority seats are reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, and passengers with disabilities.
- Trains can get crowded during peak hours, but boarding and alighting remain orderly.
Accessibility Features
The MRT is equipped with elevators, tactile paving for the visually impaired, and barrier-free routes, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Clear bilingual signage ensures that even non-Chinese speakers can navigate with ease. Most stations are fully barrier-free, and station staff are available to assist when needed.
Transportation Connections with Taipei MRT
The Taipei MRT is more than just a city metro—it connects seamlessly with airports, high-speed rail, and flexible transport options, making Taipei one of the most convenient cities to navigate in Asia.
Airport Transfers
- Taoyuan Airport MRT: This express line links Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei Main Station in just 35–40 minutes, offering travelers a fast and hassle-free journey between the city center and the airport.
- Songshan Airport: Serving mostly domestic flights and some international routes to Japan and China, Songshan Airport is directly connected to the Green Line (Songshan–Xindian Line), just a few stops away from central Taipei.
- tripool Airport Transfer Service: For those who prefer direct, private transport, Tripool offers a shared-ride airport shuttle. It provides a flexible and often more affordable door-to-door service compared to a taxi, especially for groups or those with lots of luggage.
Door-to-Door Service
Taiwan Airport TransfersMRT and High-Speed Rail (HSR)
Source:Unsplash｜Winston Chen
At Taipei Main Station, passengers can transfer smoothly from the MRT to Taiwan’s High-Speed Rail. The HSR is the fastest way to reach major west-coast cities—such as Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung—in under two hours, making day trips outside Taipei simple and efficient.
Alternative Transportation Options
While the MRT covers most of Taipei’s urban areas, other modes of transport help travelers explore destinations beyond the rail network:
- Buses and Taxis: Widely available throughout the city, these are flexible choices for reaching scenic spots like Jiufen or Yangmingshan National Park.
- tripool (Private Shared Rides): For visitors who prefer door-to-door convenience, Tripool offers shared-ride services to destinations not directly connected by MRT or HSR, such as Taroko Gorge. This option is especially helpful for small groups or those planning longer day trips without multiple transfers.
Taipei MRT for Sightseeing Travelers
One of the MRT’s greatest advantages is its seamless access to Taipei’s top attractions, making sightseeing easy and convenient.
Cultural and Historical Stops
- Longshan Temple Station: Gateway to Taipei’s oldest and most revered temple, plus the nearby Huaxi Night Market.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station: A must-see landmark featuring the grand memorial hall, landscaped gardens, and two major cultural venues—the National Concert Hall and National Theater.
- Xingtian Temple Station: Dedicated to Guan Yu, the God of War, this temple is one of Taipei’s busiest places of worship. Unlike many temples, it prohibits incense and paper offerings, reflecting a modern, eco-friendly approach to religious practice. The station provides direct access to the temple, which is especially popular among locals seeking blessings for career success and protection.
Further Reading:
Xingtian Temple: Unveiling the Heart of Taipei's FaithNature and Hot Springs
- Xinbeitou Station: Located on a short branch line from Beitou, this dedicated stop leads directly to Taipei’s hot spring district, including resorts and the scenic Beitou Thermal Valley.
- Taipei Zoo Station: Access point for the expansive Taipei Zoo and the Maokong Gondola, where visitors can enjoy sweeping views and tea plantations.
Further Reading:
Beitou Hot Springs No-Risk Recommendations｜8 Selected Must-Try Bathhouses + Gourmet Foods + Scenic Spots!Shopping and Entertainment
- Ximen Station: Often called Taipei’s version of Shibuya, this lively district is filled with fashion boutiques, cinemas, and street food.
- Zhongxiao Dunhua Station: A hub for stylish cafés, trendy shops, and nightlife, showcasing Taipei’s modern urban culture.
Further Reading:
Zhongxiao Dunhua Travel Guide: What to Do, Eat, and Experience in Taipei’s Trendiest DistrictFrequently Asked Questions about Taipei MRT
Q: How much does it cost to ride the Taipei MRT?
Fares start at NT$20 and are based on travel distance. Using an EasyCard or iPASS offers about a 10% discount compared to single-journey tokens, while also saving time at the gates.
Q: Does the Taipei MRT go to the airport?
Yes. The Taoyuan Airport MRT connects Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) with Taipei Main Station in about 35–40 minutes. Songshan Airport (TSA) is also directly on the Green Line (Songshan–Xindian Line), making it easy to access by MRT.
Q: What is the best card to use for the Taipei MRT?
The EasyCard is the most popular and versatile option, valid on the MRT, city buses, YouBike rentals, and even in convenience stores. The Taipei Fun Pass is a good alternative for short-term visitors, as it combines unlimited MRT and bus rides with free entry to selected attractions. EasyCard works best for flexible, everyday transport, while the Fun Pass suits sightseeing-focused itineraries.
Q: Is the Taipei MRT foreigner-friendly?
Yes. All stations have bilingual signage in Chinese and English, and announcements are made in Mandarin, English, Japanese, and Hokkien. Ticket machines also provide English-language menus, making the MRT highly accessible to international travelers.
Q: Where can I find lockers in the Taipei MRT system?
Lockers are available at many MRT stations. For a full list of locations, please refer to the official website: Taipei MRT Locker Information
Q: Can I take luggage on the Taipei MRT?
Yes, luggage is permitted. Major stations such as Taipei Main Station are equipped with elevators and barrier-free facilities, making it convenient for travelers with suitcases. To ensure comfort, it’s best to avoid peak hours (7–9 AM and 5–7 PM on weekdays) when trains are crowded.
RTR Editor’s Note – Our Honest Take on the Taipei MRT
Source:Unsplash｜Zoe Lai
At Round Taiwan Round (RTR), we believe the Taipei MRT is the best way to explore Taiwan’s capital. The system blends local life with traveler convenience, standing out for its punctuality, safety, and spotless stations. Clear English signage makes navigating simple for anyone. For first-time visitors, Taipei Main Station is often the best starting point; from there, the color-coded lines make it effortless to hop between cultural landmarks, bustling shopping districts, and scenic spots. The MRT also connects seamlessly to the Taoyuan Airport MRT and the High Speed Rail (HSR), making both city-wide and cross-country travel incredibly convenient. And for destinations beyond the rail network, services like Tripool make it easy to reach places the MRT doesn’t cover.
More than just a transit system, the Taipei MRT is part of the city’s identity. We encourage travelers to see each ride as a cultural experience, sharing trains with locals, students, and families. Whether you’re a foodie eager to explore night markets like Shilin and Raohe, or an adventurer heading to the hot springs of Xinbeitou or vibrant districts like Ximen, the MRT provides a genuine glimpse into everyday Taipei. Embracing the MRT will enrich your journey and give you an authentic window into the city’s rhythm and lifestyle.