Taoyuan Airport to Taipei (MRT) 2026: Timetable, Fares & Booking

Taiwan

Taoyuan Airport to Downtown Taipei

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Hello, fellow travelers! Welcome to Global Explorer.

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If you're planning a trip to Taipei in 2026, you're probably wondering

how to get from Taoyuan Airport to the city center.

It's the first logistical hurdle of any great adventure!

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The method I highly recommend is

✅ Incredibly budget-friendly

✅ Takes only 40 minutes to Taipei Main Station

It's the Taoyuan Airport MRT Express!

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While Taipei is served by both Taoyuan (TPE) and Songshan (TSA) airports,

the vast majority of international flights land at Taoyuan.

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I'm going to break down everything from my firsthand experience riding the Taipei MRT,

including how to book your tickets and current pricing.

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Heading to Taipei soon?

Don't miss this essential transit guide! :)

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In today's post, we'll cover:

Let's dive right in! 💚

1. How to Get from Taoyuan Airport to Downtown Taipei

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Honestly, when I travel internationally, I usually prefer

the convenience of grabbing a taxi from the airport to the city.

I actually considered booking a private airport transfer this time, too.

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But the prices were steeper than expected.

Around ~$38 for a ride.

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So, I looked for alternatives and found the perfect solution:

Taking the Taipei Airport MRT Express.

(Fun fact: the airport bus is actually about ~$4 more expensive than the train!)

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✅ Reaches Taipei Main Station in just 40 minutes,

✅ Immune to the unpredictable city traffic that plagues buses,

✅ And costs only about ~$6 per person!

It's an absolute no-brainer for budget-conscious travelers.

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⏰ Frequency: Every 7 minutes

🚊 Line to Board: Purple Express Line

💳 One-Way Fare: ~$6

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Booking online in advance is significantly cheaper,

and it saves you the hassle of fumbling at the ticket kiosks.

Reserving through a travel platform beforehand is

the easiest and most economical way to travel.

With trains arriving every few minutes, you don't even need to stress over a strict timetable.

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I personally booked my tickets through Klook before my trip.

They offer 100% free cancellation if unused,

so there's zero risk in booking early.

Taoyuan Airport MRT Ticket - Book on Klook

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Taking the Taoyuan Airport MRT means

you get a direct ride to the bustling Taipei Main Station.

If you're heading to the famous rainbow crosswalk in Ximending,

it's just a quick one-stop transfer from there. It's no wonder

this is the go-to transit method for most visitors!

2. How to Redeem Your Airport MRT Ticket

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Once you complete your booking on Klook,

you'll immediately receive a digital voucher with a QR code.

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Simply present this voucher at the Ezfly counter,

located right in front of the MRT ticket gates.

Just follow the overhead MRT signs in the arrivals hall—you can't miss it!

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While there are several redemption counters in the arrivals area,

the one directly facing the MRT entrance usually has the shortest line,

so I highly recommend using that specific booth.

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Show them the QR code from your Klook app,

and they will hand you a purple plastic token for the train,

along with a complimentary NT$100 shopping voucher.

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I also took this opportunity to purchase my EasyCard here.

"NT$100 deposit + NT$100 starting balance"

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It's super convenient being able to grab your transit card

and train token all in one quick transaction.

(And yes, they accept credit cards!)

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Once you have your purple token, you're ready to ride the MRT.

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3. Riding the Airport MRT

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Honestly, you don't even need to look at the MRT schedule.

With trains departing every 7 minutes,

you never have to rush or worry about missing your ride.

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Just be mindful of the last train times if you have a late flight:

Terminal 1: 10:58 PM

Terminal 2: 10:55 PM

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When you reach the platform, you'll notice two types of trains:

Purple ones and Blue ones.

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Make sure you board the Purple Express train!

The Blue line is a commuter train that stops at every station.

In about 40 to 50 minutes, you'll pull into

Taipei Main Station, the heart of the city.

It's the final stop, so you can just relax until the end of the line.

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From Taipei Main Station, getting to Ximending is a breeze.

Just hop on the Blue Line (Bannan Line) for a single stop.

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So easy!

4. Who Should Use the Airport MRT?

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1️⃣ Travelers who want the fastest route to the city center

2️⃣ Anyone looking for a budget-friendly transit option

3️⃣ Light packers with just a backpack or a single suitcase

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Getting from Taoyuan Airport to downtown Taipei has never been simpler.

Take the Airport MRT Express

for a cheap, seamless, and comfortable ride!

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Before you book, check out these discount codes below

to save even more on your journey.

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>> Book Your Taipei Airport Express Tickets Here

5. Final Thoughts

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Kick off your 2026 Taipei adventure without a hitch!

Navigating from Taoyuan Airport to downtown spots

like Taipei Main Station and Ximending is incredibly straightforward.

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It's just as intuitive as taking the subway

in any major Western city.

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By pre-booking on Klook, you'll secure a better rate

than buying at the counter.

Plus, there's no need to select a specific train time,

and if your plans change, you get a 100% free cancellation.

Make sure to lock in your tickets while planning your trip!​