Qiang Huang
Quick Snapshot
I’ve lost count of how many tourists I’ve led up Elephant Mountain. “How to get to Elephant Mountain from Taipei 101?” is the question I get five times a week. And honestly? The answer is simpler than most people think—but a few traps can turn a 20-minute trip into a sweaty mess.
Here’s the catch: most online guides tell you to just “take the MRT to Xiangshan station.” But they forget to mention which exit, how long the stairs are, and that your credit card won’t work at the ticket machine. I’ve seen families stuck at the gate because they didn’t know they need the EasyCard or cash. Let me save you that headache.
If you only remember one thing: the fastest and most reliable way is the MRT. From Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (Red Line), go one stop south to Xiangshan Station (Red Line). Total travel time: 15–20 minutes from the 101 lobby to the trailhead. Cost: NT$20 (less than $1). Easy? Yes. But there are nuances—keep reading.
Why the MRT Is My Go-To
The Taipei Metro is a blessing. Clean, cheap, and frequent. To get to Elephant Mountain, you’ll use the Tamsui-Xinyi Line (Red Line). Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station is on that line. Just head to the platform for Xiangshan direction (southbound). Trains come every 3–6 minutes.
Step-by-Step MRT Route
- Enter Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station – follow signs for the Red Line. If you’re inside Taipei 101, the entrance is in B1, near the food court.
- Buy a ticket or use EasyCard – Ticket machines accept cash (NT$100, 50, 10, 5) but not international credit cards. Get an EasyCard from the airport or convenience store before you come. I always tell my guests: grab an EasyCard at the 7-Eleven inside 101 before descending.
- Board the southbound train. Direction: Xiangshan (it’s the last stop).
- Get off at Xiangshan Station (Exit 2). Exit 2 is the closest to the trail. Once you exit, walk straight for about 3 minutes along the main road (Songde St.). You’ll see a small alley on your left with a sign “Elephant Mountain Trail Entrance.”
Total walking time from MRT exit to trailhead: roughly 5 minutes. The entire journey from 101’s doors to the first step of the trail: about 18 minutes if you catch the train right away.
Walking from Taipei 101 (Yes, Possible)
If you’ve got good shoes and the weather is mild (not 35°C and humid), you can actually walk from Taipei 101 to the Elephant Mountain trail entrance. It’s about 1.5 km – roughly 20–25 minutes of walking on flat pavement, then another 5 minutes up a gentle slope.
Route: Exit Taipei 101 through the main door facing Songzhi Road. Head south (away from the skyline) toward Songde Road. Follow Songde Road for about 1 km until you see the Xiangshan MRT station. Then follow the same trail directions. Use Google Maps for precision.
Why I rarely recommend this: The sidewalk can be narrow, and you’ll cross several busy intersections. Plus, you arrive at the trail already a bit tired. But if it’s a cool day, it’s a nice warm-up. I’ve done it twice with guests who insisted—they ended up buying water near the station anyway.
Taxi / Uber – When Time Is Tight
If you’re running late for sunset or you’ve got kids melting down, grab a taxi or Uber. From the main entrance of Taipei 101 to the Elephant Mountain trailhead (drop-off point at the base of the stairs), it’s a 10–15 minute drive depending on traffic.
Cost: NT$100–150 (US$3–5). Uber is easier if you don’t speak Chinese – the app shows the price upfront. Taxis are metered; most drivers won’t cheat you, but insist on the meter.
One trap: Taxis cannot drive all the way up. They’ll drop you at the entrance of the steps on Songde Road. The same spot you’d reach after walking from the MRT. So don’t expect to be dropped at the top!
Pro tip: If you take a taxi, ask for “Xiangshan Bu4 Dao4 Ruan Kou” – the driver will know. Save a screenshot of the Chinese characters: 象山步道入口.
Bus – The Scenic but Slower Ride
Buses exist, but I honestly wouldn’t bother unless you’re a bus enthusiast. The 288, 33, and 37 lines all pass near Xiangshan. The nearest stop is “Xiangshan Park” or “Wuxing Street Entrance.” The bus can get stuck in traffic and you need to watch the stops carefully. Plus, you can’t use a credit card – cash or EasyCard only.
Time: About 20–30 minutes from 101 area, not counting waiting time. Not recommended for first-time visitors.
Comparison: Time, Cost, & Convenience
| Method | Time from 101 to Trailhead | Cost (per person) | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRT | 15–20 min | NT$20 | ★★★★★ | Most people, families, solo travelers |
| Walking | 25–30 min | Free | ★★★☆☆ | Fitness lovers, cool days |
| Taxi / Uber | 10–15 min | NT$100–150 | ★★★★☆ | Late for sunset, large groups, heavy gear |
| Bus | 25–35 min | NT$15 | ★★☆☆☆ | Budget travelers who have time |
Pro Tips from a Guide Who’s Done It 200+ Times
Timing is everything. Sunset from Elephant Mountain is Instagram gold, but the trail gets jammed from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. If you want the iconic shot without elbow-to-elbow crowds, aim for 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM – the light is softer and the city looks clean. I’ve taken guests at 6:30 AM and they had the whole platform to themselves.
Bring water and a flashlight. There are no shops on the trail. In summer, you’ll sweat buckets. And if you stay for the city lights after sunset, the trail gets dark. Your phone light works, but a small flashlight makes hiking down safer.
The step count. Yes, there are stairs. About 1,500 steps to the main viewing platform. It takes 15–25 minutes depending on fitness. I’ve had clients in flip-flops regret it. Wear sneakers.
No bathroom at the top. Use the public toilet at the trail entrance (next to the parking lot). It’s basic but functional. The one at the MRT station is cleaner – plan ahead.
A money-saving tip: If you plan to visit Taipei 101 Observatory, don’t. The view from Elephant Mountain is free and actually more photogenic because you get the skyscraper itself in the frame. I always tell my groups: skip the 101 ticket and spend that NT$600 on a nice dinner in Da’an.
Used this guide with my family (including a 6-year-old). The directions were clear and gave us confidence to skip the taxi. The alternative route via the footbridge was perfect for avoiding traffic. Got some amazing sunset shots of Taipei 101 from the top. Only tip: bring water—the guide mentions it but seriously, bring double. Fantastic resource!
Honestly, this is the best walking route description I’ve found online. The writer even included the little alley behind the Grand Hyatt that shaves off 3 minutes—I tested it with my GPS. Plus they noted the uneven pavement near the trailhead, which saved my ankle from twisting. Already forwarded it to my hostel buddies. 5 stars all the way.
Followed this exactly and it worked fine—took about 25 minutes from the 101 to the base of the stairs. Not super exciting content, but it got the job done. I just found the part about 'best routes' a little vague: there's really only one main path, so maybe the title oversells it. Decent for a quick reference.
This route guide was a lifesaver! I was worried about getting lost after leaving Taipei 101, but the step-by-step instructions (even with the shortcut through Xiangshan Park) made everything effortless. The tip about going early to avoid the heat was spot on—I had the trail almost to myself at 6:30 AM. Highly recommend for first-timers!
I used this guide last weekend and honestly, it was pretty straightforward. The directions from Taipei 101 to the trailhead were clear enough, but I wish it mentioned that the MRT exit 2 gets super crowded during peak hours. Saved me some time, though not as detailed as I hoped. Still got to the top with a great view!