
Taipei is one of Asia’s easiest cities to explore, and the Taipei MRT is the reason why. For visitors, it offers a clean, safe and reliable way to reach night markets, shopping streets, hot springs and landmarks like Taipei 101, all without the stress of traffic or language barriers.
This guide covers everything you need for smooth travel: the Taipei MRT map, operating hours, fares and ticket options, a clear line guide, how to use an EasyCard, and where to stay near MRT stations. With these tips, you can move around Taipei with confidence and enjoy the city like a local.
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Taipei MRT Map

If it’s your first time in Taiwan, let me assure you: the Taipei MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is one of the most tourist-friendly transport systems I’ve ever used. It’s reliable, air-conditioned (a must!), and signs are in English, Mandarin, and Pinyin, so there's no need to worry.
Why I loved it:
- 🚆 Trains run every few minutes
- 🧼 The stations are super clean
- 💳 Easy to use with a stored-value card
- 🗺️ The MRT map is colour-coded and easy to follow
Whether you're going shopping, sightseeing, or just chilling at a local café, the Taipei MRT Map is your golden key. 💛
Taipei MRT Operating Hours

The Taipei MRT runs daily from around 6:00 am until midnight. Trains arrive every 2–5 minutes during peak hours and roughly every 7–10 minutes late at night.
⏱️ I’ve caught the last train from Ximen a few times after a late supper—no worries at all! Stations display the last train times for each platform, so you’ll never have to worry about getting stuck.
Cheap Flights to Taipei
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LHR21:1513h 20mDirectTPE18:35London - Taipei|Mon, Jan 26|China Airlines€555€65715% off15% off€657€555
LHR21:1513h 20mDirectTPE18:35London - Taipei|Tue, Feb 24|China Airlines€558€65715% off15% off€657€558
LTN14:2042h 45m2 stopsTPE17:05London - Taipei|Sun, Mar 8|easyJet€280€65756% off56% off€657€280
LON1:00 PM3h 5mDirectTPE2:00 PMLondon - Taipei|Thu, Jan 29|China AirlinesFind more flightsFind more flights
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Taipei MRT Ticket Prices

Here’s something we all love—cheap and predictable fares 😍
| Ticket Type | Fare Range (TWD) | Who it's for | Pros |
Single-journey Token | TWD 20–65 | First-time travellers or short-term visitors | It's easy, but you'll need to purchase one each time. |
EasyCard | Enjoy around 20% off fares | The perfect choice for travellers! | Reusable and works for the MRT, buses, YouBike and shops 🛒 |
Taipei Fun Pass | 1- to 3-day unlimited | Sightseeing enthusiasts | Covers MRT, buses and some attractions 🎟️ |
💡 Note: 1 TWD ≈ £0.025. So most MRT rides cost only £0.5–1.3!
Taipei MRT Lines & Major Stations

Source: metroman.cn
🔴 Red Line (Tamsui–Xinyi Line 淡水信義線)

Route: Tamsui – Xiangshan
Best for: Iconic sights, sunset views, hot springs and shopping
This was my most-used line! It takes you from the scenic north (Tamsui) to the city’s bustling shopping and skyscraper zones.
🚉 Must-Stop Stations:
- Tamsui (淡水): A beautiful riverside stroll, crispy fried squid, and delicious street food 🌅
- Beitou / Xinbeitou (北投 / 新北投): Hot springs & public baths ♨️
- Shilin (士林): A massive night market with everything from XXL chicken chop to bubble tea 🍗🧋
- Taipei Main Station (台北車站): The central hub for trains, the MRT, and the HSR
- Taipei 101 / World Trade Center (台北101): Insta-famous skyscraper, luxury malls 🏙️
- Xiangshan (象山): The start of the Elephant Mountain hike, offering the best views of the city 🐘
📌 Top Tip: Try to catch the sunset at Tamsui – it's super romantic and perfect for photos!
🔵 Blue Line (Bannan Line 板南線)
Route: Dingpu – Nangang Exhibition Center
Best for: Shopping, night markets, and transport links
This line cuts straight through the heart of Taipei's city centre, serving as a vital backbone for both travellers and locals alike.
🚉 Must-Stop Stations:
- Banqiao (板橋): Discover vibrant shopping centres and a major transport hub, your perfect gateway to Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.
- Ximen (西門): Street food, fashion, and arcades – think of it as Taiwan’s very own Shibuya 🎮🛍️
- Zhongxiao Fuxing (忠孝復興): The grand SOGO mall and a variety of Japanese stores
- Taipei City Hall (市政府): A vibrant shopping district right near the iconic Taipei 101.
- Nangang Exhibition Centre (南港展覽館): Events, expos, and the start of the Airport MRT
📌 Pro Tip: This line gets crowded during rush hour—plan your travel times if you prefer quieter rides.
🟢 Green Line (Songshan–Xindian Line 松山新店線)
Route: Songshan – Xindian
Best for: Culture, nature, and night markets
I loved this line for connecting historic sites and local food gems. It also takes you to riverside parks and some student-friendly neighbourhoods.
🚉 Must-Stop Stations:
- Songshan (松山): Raohe Night Market is right outside the station – you must try the pepper buns! 🌶️
- Nanjing Fuxing (南京復興): Change here for the Brown Line – a fantastic spot for some retail therapy!
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂): A stunning square, rich history, and the iconic changing of the guard
- Gongguan (公館): A vibrant university area with charming cafes, bookshops, and affordable local eats 🍱
- Xindian (新店): Nature, Bitan Suspension Bridge, and rowing boats 🚣♀️
📌 Top Tip: Perfect for an afternoon that starts with culture and ends with a relaxing stroll through the park.
🟠 Orange Line (Zhonghe–Xinlu Line 中和新蘆線)
Route: Nanshijiao – Luzhou / Huilong (Y-shaped)
Best for: Immersing yourself in local life and exploring Taipei off the beaten track
This line was a bit quieter and offered a lovely glimpse into the daily lives of the locals. It’s still very well-connected and well worth a ride if you enjoy venturing off the beaten track.
🚉 Must-Stop Stations:
- Nanshijiao (南勢角): Local street food & markets
- Daqiaotou (大橋頭): Right by Dihua Street – discover traditional Chinese medicine and charming fabric shops.
- Luzhou (蘆洲): Perfect for soaking up the local atmosphere and exploring traditional temples.
- Zhongxiao Xinsheng (忠孝新生): A quick switch to the Blue Line
📌 Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate this line—sometimes the best eats are hidden in these “local” neighbourhoods!
🌈 Brown Line (Wenhu Line 文湖線)
Route: Taipei Zoo – Nangang Exhibition Centre
Best for: Scenic views, wildlife, tea plantations and nature
This line is elevated, so the views are absolutely stunning if you love lush greenery and mountain backdrops.
🚉 Must-Stop Stations:
- Taipei Zoo (動物園): A family-friendly favourite and home to the adorable pandas 🐼
- Embark on an aerial adventure with the Maokong Gondola! Easily accessible from the zoo, this glass-bottom cable car offers breathtaking panoramic views of Taipei. And the best part? You'll find charming tea houses waiting to welcome you at the top! 🍵
- Technology Building (科技大樓): Fantastic breakfast spots nearby
- Nangang Exhibition Center: Transferring to the Blue Line
📌 Top Tip: Head to Maokong early for morning tea and tranquil scenery—it feels just like being in the Cameron Highlands!
🟪 Taoyuan Airport MRT (桃園機場捷運)
Route: Taoyuan Airport – Taipei Main Station
Best for: Airport transfers – fast, smooth, and luggage-friendly
There are two train options to choose from:
- Express Train: Fewer stops, approx. 35 minutes
- Commuter Train: More stops, taking around 50 minutes
🧳 Some airlines, like EVA Air, even let you check in your luggage at Taipei Main Station – how cool is that?!
📍 My MRT travel tips as a traveller:
- 🗣️ Don’t worry if you can’t speak Mandarin—just smile and ask politely. The locals are incredibly helpful.
- 🧭 Use Google Maps or the Taipei MRT app—they're super accurate and provide real-time updates.
- 💳 Grab an EasyCard (more on this later!) and top it up at convenience stores
- 📸 Take a screenshot of the MRT map or save it offline on your phone!
- 🚦 Follow the station signs carefully—platforms are clear and colour-coded!
EasyCard: Simplify Your Taipei Travel

Trust me: if you're visiting Taiwan, pick up an EasyCard as soon as you land. It’s Taiwan’s version of the Oyster card – and it makes everything so much easier.
✅ Works for:
- MRT 🚇
- Buses 🚌
- YouBike 🚲
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) 🏪
- A few attractions and vending machines
💵 Price:
- TWD 100 (non-refundable card fee)
- Top up with a minimum of TWD 100 credit
🧠 Travel Hack: I’m still using the same EasyCard from my first trip to Taiwan three years ago—it’s valid for the long term!
👉 Pre-order your EasyCard online here 💳
💡 Final MRT Travel Tips:
- Grab an EasyCard as soon as you land – no need to queue for tickets
- Navigate with ease using Google Maps or the Taipei MRT app for real-time routes.
- Travel off-peak if you want a quieter, more relaxing journey.
- Remember to tap in and out properly to avoid any extra charges!
- Explore beyond Taipei Main Station – there's so much more to discover just a few stops away!
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Summary of the Taipei MRT – Why It’s a Game-Changer

After exploring Taipei from morning until night every day, I can honestly say that the Taipei MRT system made my trip so much easier, cheaper, and more fun. 😄 I didn’t need to worry about expensive taxis, complicated routes, or getting lost in a new city.
With the Taipei MRT map in one hand and my EasyCard in the other, I managed to:
- Catch the sunset at Tamsui Old Street 🌅
- Unwind in the Beitou hot springs ♨️
- Feast your way through the Shilin and Raohe night markets 🍢
- Take the Maokong Gondola for tea with a view 🍵
- Hike up Elephant Mountain and snap some photos of Taipei 101 📸
And all this was just a few MRT stops away!
The trains are spotless, the stations are clearly signposted, and the connections are incredibly smooth. As someone used to packed trains and complicated bus transfers, I was seriously impressed! 🙌
👉 Discover top-rated hotels in Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung & more 🏨
👉 Grab a Taiwan eSIM for instant internet access on arrival 📱
👉 Discover amazing travel deals on Trip.com 💰
FAQ – Taipei MRT
How do you pay for the Taipei MRT?
You can pay by tapping an EasyCard or iPASS, using a contactless bank card or phone, or buying a single-journey ticket with cash at the station.How much is an MRT ride in Taipei?
Fares are distance-based, usually between NT$20 and NT$65 for a single trip, making it one of Asia’s best-value metro systems.Can I use a credit card on the Taipei MRT?
Yes. Many stations now support direct tap-in with Visa, Mastercard and JCB cards, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay via linked cards.Can tourists use an EasyCard?
Absolutely. EasyCards are ideal for visitors and can be bought at MRT stations or convenience stores, then topped up with cash for easy travel on MRTs and buses.How to get around Taipei as a tourist?
- Buy an EasyCard
- Tap in and out on the MRT and buses
- Use Google Maps or station maps to plan routes
- Buy an EasyCard

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