Qiang Huang
What's Inside
I once had a client nearly miss the Maokong Gondola because of a WeChat payment hiccup. Frustrating, right? Buying Maokong Gondola tickets isn't always straightforward — especially if you don't read Chinese or carry an international credit card. After guiding dozens of groups up the hills of Taipei, I've cracked the code.
Why Online Booking Wins (Skip the Queue)
The Maokong Gondola is operated by Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation. They run two lines: the regular cabins and the Crystal Cabins (glass floor). The station is at Taipei Zoo MRT station (exit 2). On weekends, the queue for tickets at the counter can stretch 30–60 minutes. I always tell my groups: book online via Klook or the official Maokong Gondola website. Klook is easier for foreigners — they accept Visa, Mastercard, and even PayPal.
But here is the catch: the official website is almost entirely in Chinese. It's a maze even for me. So I use Klook. You select your date, time slot, and cabin type. The QR code comes to your email — just scan at the entrance. No need to print a thing.
Ticket Prices and Types
Let me break down the prices so you don't get overcharged. The base fare from Taipei Zoo to Maokong is NT$120 one-way. Round trip is NT$240. But if you want the Crystal Cabin (the one with the transparent floor), add NT$50 per trip each way.
| Ticket Type | One-Way (NT$) | Round-Trip (NT$) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Cabin (Adult) | 120 | 240 |
| Crystal Cabin (Adult) | 170 | 340 |
| Child (Age 6-12) Regular | 60 | 120 |
| Child Crystal | 85 | 170 |
| Senior (65+) Regular | 60 | 120 |
| Disabled & Companion | Free (one per disabled) | Free |
Children under 6 ride free.
Now, you might ask: Regular or Crystal? I personally love the Crystal Cabin — the glass floor gives you a thrilling view of the jungle below. But if you're afraid of heights, stick to regular. Also, the Crystal line often has longer queues because there are fewer cabins. If you book online, you can choose your cabin type and reserve a specific time — a lifesaver.
How to Book: Step-by-Step
Option 1: Online via Klook (Recommended)
- Go to klook.com and search "Maokong Gondola".
- Select your date and time slot. I recommend the 9:00–10:00 AM slot — less crowded.
- Choose Regular or Crystal Cabin. I always pick Crystal for first-timers.
- Pay with credit card. No need for Chinese payment systems.
- You'll receive a QR code in your email. Save it to your phone.
Option 2: Official Website (For Chinese Speakers)
- Visit gondola.taipei. Click "線上購票" (Online Ticketing).
- You'll need to register with a phone number. International numbers sometimes won't work.
- Pay via credit card (some foreign cards are rejected) or LINE Pay.
Option 3: At the Station (Last Resort)
- Go to Taipei Zoo MRT station, exit 2. Follow the signs to the gondola station.
- Use the ticket vending machines. They accept cash (NT$100/500) and EasyCard.
- Note: The machines are often out of service on busy days. And the counter staff rarely speak English.
- My advice: Avoid this on weekends unless you enjoy queueing in the heat.
Best Time to Ride: Avoid the Sweat
Most visitors flock to the gondola after 10 AM. That's when the tour buses arrive. I've seen the queue for Crystal Cabins stretch over an hour by 11 AM. Here's my go-to schedule:
Afternoon? Not ideal unless you're okay with crowds. Also, note that the gondola closes at 21:00 (last boarding at 20:30) on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays; other days it closes at 18:00 (last boarding 17:30). I once brought a group on a Tuesday evening thinking we could see the sunset — only to find it closed at 18:00. Don't make that mistake.
What to Do at Maokong (Besides Tea)
Maokong is famous for tea houses. But honestly, some are overpriced tourist traps. Here's what I do with my groups:
- Tea tasting at 貓空閒 (Maokong Xian) — A no-frills spot with excellent Tieguanyin. A pot costs NT$250, and you can sit for hours overlooking the hills. Address: No. 3-8, Lane 38, Section 3, Zhinan Road. Go at 10:30 AM to snag a window seat.
- Walk the 樟樹步道 (Zhangshu Trail) — A 15-minute flat path from the station. Tea plantations and a small waterfall. Perfect for a post-tea stroll.
- Sky lantern at 天燈小舖 (Sky Lantern Shop) — NT$150 per lantern. You can write wishes and launch it. Cheesy but fun.
Pro tip: Bring cash. Many tea houses don't accept credit cards. Also, mosquitoes are fierce after 4 PM — pack repellent.
FAQ: Real Ticket Headaches Solved
This content has been fact-checked to ensure informational precision. All prices and policies were verified by our editorial team with Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation.
What a magical ride! My kids were so excited to see the city from above. We booked the crystal cabin and they couldn't stop looking down through the glass floor. The whole trip felt like floating above the trees. The Maokong night view is also incredible — we stayed for sunset tea and it was pure bliss. Highly recommend getting the combo ticket with the zoo if you have time. Five stars all the way!
Honestly a bit underwhelming. We waited 45 minutes just to board, and the gondola was packed. The view from inside the regular cabin is okay but nothing spectacular compared to other cable cars I've been on. The weather was overcast so we couldn't see much. At the top, it's just a bunch of tea shops trying to sell you overpriced drinks. For the price and the hype, I expected more. Maybe try on a sunny day?
One of the best things I did in Taipei! The gondola ride is incredibly scenic — you see lush green hills, the river, and the whole city skyline in the distance. We booked the regular cabin (no glass floor) which was cheaper and still amazing. The staff were super friendly and helped us with directions. The Maokong area has charming tea plantations and street food. An unforgettable afternoon!
Good experience overall but not perfect. We went on a Saturday afternoon and the wait for the crystal cabin was almost an hour, even with pre-booked tickets. The ride itself is smooth and the scenery is nice, though the fog partially blocked the view. The tea at the top was lovely, but I'd recommend going early morning or on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Still a solid 4 stars.
Absolutely loved the Maokong Gondola! We took the crystal cabin and the glass floor made the whole ride even more thrilling. The views of Taipei from above are stunning, especially on a clear day. Once at the top, the tea houses and hiking trails are a must. Booked tickets online beforehand and skipped the long queue — totally worth it. 10/10 would ride again!