Yan Zhou
What's Inside
Ever been stuck at a ticket machine with no English? I've seen it happen dozens of times. Let's fix that.
This Taipei MRT guide gets you from clueless to confident. No more fines for eating on the train or getting lost in stations.
Here's the truth: the MRT is actually the easiest way to explore Taipei. But only if you know a few tricks. Otherwise, you'll waste time and money.
EasyCard vs. Single-Journey Tickets: Which One Should You Get?
If you're staying more than a day, get an EasyCard. No question. It saves you the headache of queuing at ticket machines every time. Plus, you can use it at convenience stores and some buses.
Pro tip: I always tell my clients to buy EasyCard at the airport MRT station counter. They take major credit cards. Don't bother with the automatic vending machines—they only accept cash, and many tourists forget to bring enough NT dollars.
Where to Buy and Top Up Your EasyCard
You can buy EasyCard at any MRT station service counter or convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart). The card costs NT$100 (refundable deposit) + initial value you choose. Top up at machines (cash only) or convenience stores (cash or credit card, but many stores don't accept foreign cards).
My personal recommendation: load NT$500 initially. You'll likely need more if you use it for buses and snacks, but you can always top up at any station.
How to Use the Ticket Machines (and Avoid the Language Barrier)
The newer ticket machines have an English button—tap it. But the older ones only show Chinese. Here's the workaround: look for the map with station numbers. Each station has a number (e.g., R13 for Taipei Main Station). Just press that number on the screen, insert cash, and collect your token. Yes, tokens—they feel like coins. Don't lose them before exiting.
Heads up: If you accidentally buy the wrong fare, you can't get a refund at the machine. Go to the service counter, but they might not speak English fluently. Better to double-check the fare on the map first.
How to Navigate Taipei MRT: Routes, Maps, and Apps
The system has color-coded lines: Wenhu (Brown), Tamsui-Xinyi (Red), Songshan-Xindian (Green), Zhonghe-Xinlu (Orange), Bannan (Blue), and the Circular (Yellow). Each line connects to major spots.
Must-Know Routes for Tourists: From Airport to City Center
Taoyuan Airport is not on the Taipei MRT. You take the Taoyuan Metro (separate) to Taipei Main Station. It's a 35-minute ride, NT$150. From there, transfer to the MRT. If you're going directly to Ximending, take the Green line from Taipei Main Station one stop to Ximen.
For Taipei 101: Take the Red line to Taipei 101/World Trade Center station, exit 4. You'll be right at the mall entrance.
| Route | Approx Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Airport (Taoyuan Metro) to Taipei Main | 35 min | NT$150 |
| Taipei Main to Taipei 101 (Red line) | 8 min | NT$20 |
| Ximen to Shilin Night Market (Green then Red) | 15 min | NT$25 |
Best Apps for Real-Time MRT Info
Google Maps works fairly well—it includes MRT routes, exit numbers, and real-time delays. But the official Taipei Metro app (Taipei Metro) shows train arrival times more accurately. I use both. One thing: download offline maps before you arrive, because airport Wi-Fi can be slow.
MRT Etiquette and Rules: What Tourists Get Wrong
Taipei's MRT is clean and efficient, but there are strict rules. Breaking them can cost you fines up to NT$7,500.
The No-Eating Rule and Other Fines
Never eat or drink on the train or platforms. That includes water. I've seen tourists get fined for sipping a water bottle. Chewing gum is also banned. Wait until you exit the station. The rule applies to the whole paid area, not just train cars.
Real story: Last month, a family from Europe was unaware of the no-drink rule. They each got a NT$1,500 fine. That's $45 USD for a sip. Don't be them.
Priority Seats and Queue Culture
Seats near the doors are reserved for elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and those with infants. Even if the train is packed, locals rarely sit there. As a tourist, don't sit there unless you belong to those groups. Also, queue politely at the platform markings—people will give you dirty looks if you cut.
Getting to Major Attractions
Here's how to reach the top spots efficiently, including which exit to use and best times to avoid crowds.
To Taipei 101: Exit Directions and Timing
Take Red line to Taipei 101/World Trade Center station. Use exit 4—it leads directly into the mall. Avoid going between 11am and 2pm on weekends; it's packed with tourists. I recommend arriving at 9am right when the observatory opens. You'll have the view almost to yourself.
To Shilin Night Market: The Quickest Way
Take the Red line to Jiantan station, not Shilin station. Jiantan exit 1 is right at the market entrance. Shilin station is actually farther. Walk along the pedestrian bridge—it's a 2-minute walk. Go after 6pm for full stalls; around 8pm it's peak chaos.
FAQ: Common Questions About Taipei MRT
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
I've read a dozen Taipei guides, but this one actually gets it. The part about combining the MRT with the bus for trips to Maokong Gondola saved me both time and money. The style is straightforward, no fluff. Already shared it with my travel group. Five stars!
As a solo traveler, I appreciated the clear breakdown of rush hour vs. non-rush hour fares. The map showing the best exits for night markets was spot on—I found Raohe Street in under 5 minutes. Honestly, this guide made my trip way less stressful. Highly recommend!
This guide is a lifesaver if you're trying to avoid tourist traps near the MRT exits. I followed the shortcut to Yongkang Street and skipped the long queue at the main entrance. The money-saving hacks on group tickets are legit! 10/10 would recommend.
Pretty solid overview for first-timers. It covers the basics like route planning and fare comparison, but I was hoping for a bit more on off-peak timing. Still, the tips on using the MRT app saved me a few bucks—worth a read!
I wish this guide had more details about the EasyCard top-up machines. I followed the instructions but couldn't find the exact location at Taipei Main Station. The part about saving time was helpful, but the missing specifics made me waste 10 minutes wandering around.