Tips for New Arrivals
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Just landed in Taiwan? Walking out of arrivals for the first time can be a bit overwhelming at times – there are signs, platforms, and ticket machines everywhere. If you’re trying to figure out how to get to central Taipei, this guide covers your options and walks you through the arrival process step by step, so you can hit the ground running.
Book Before You Go
Taiwan SIM Card / eSIM / Pocket Wi-Fi: 【KKday】 Airport MRT Ticket / Multi-Day Transit Pass: 【KKday】 Taoyuan Airport ↔ Taipei Private Transfer: 【KKday】 Taipei Hotels: 【agoda】 | 【Klook】 | 【KKday】
Get Connected First
Once you clear customs, it’s worth getting online before you leave the terminal. The airport offers a free Wi-Fi service, but it does not extend to the metro system. Having your own data means you can navigate, look things up, and stay in touch throughout your journey – not just while you’re still in the airport.
Taiwan uses Nano SIM cards. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have carrier counters in the arrivals hall where you can pick one up on the spot, though lines can get long during busy periods. If you pre-order online, you can collect your SIM at the counter using a QR code, which is usually quicker.
eSIMs are worth considering too. There’s no physical card to deal with — just scan a QR code in your phone’s settings and you’re connected. You can even activate it over the airport’s free Wi-Fi before you leave the airport. The one thing to check beforehand: not all phones support eSIMs, so make sure your device is compatible.
Ways to Get a SIM
Buy at the airport: Helpful if you need assistance with setup, but queues can get long.
Pre-order + pick up: Skip the line; just grab it at the designated counter.
Pre-order eSIM: Fastest option — activate over airport Wi-Fi, no card needed. Confirm eSIM compatibility first.
Book a SIM Card / eSIM online: 【KKday】
Getting to Taipei
There are several ways to get from Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei Main Station: bus, taxi/Uber/Bolt (or private transfer), and the Airport MRT. Here’s a quick look at how they compare:
| Intercity Bus | Taxi / Uber / Bolt Private Transfer | Airport MRT (Recommended) | |
| Cost | NT$130–145 | NT$1,100–1,500+ | NT$160 (one-way) |
| Travel Time | 60–90 min (traffic dependent) | 50–70 min (traffic dependent) | 35 min (Express) |
| 24-Hour | ✓ (fewer routes after midnight) | ✓ | ✗ (no service 12:30am–5:00am) |
| Luggage | ○ (storage compartment) | ○ | ○ (luggage storage areas; may fill up during peak hours) |
| Best For | Budget travelers, night flights | Groups, heavy luggage, late arrivals | Most travelers |
For most travelers, the Airport MRT offers the best balance of speed, price, and convenience. That said, if you’re in a group, carrying a lot of luggage, or arriving late at night, taking a private transfer makes plenty of sense too.
Intercity Bus
Bus stops are clearly marked inside the arrival halls of both terminals. Services operate around the clock – though options thin out after midnight. Fares to Taipei Main Station are around NT$130–145, but journey times can stretch to 90 minutes or more during rush hour. This is a decent budget option, particularly if you’re on a red-eye and don’t mind a slower ride.
Taxi / Uber / Bolt / Private Transfer
Best suited for late-night arrivals, travelers with heavy luggage, or anyone who prefers a direct door-to-door service without transfers. Official taxi stands are located inside the airport. A ride to central Taipei typically costs NT$1,100–1,500 or more, depending on your exact destination. For groups, booking a private transfer in advance locks in a fixed fare and removes the uncertainty of getting to your hotel.
Book a private airport transfer: 【KKday】
Airport MRT
The Airport MRT (Taoyuan Metro) is the fastest and most reliable way to get into the city. There are two types of trains: Commuter and Express. The Express Train is the faster option (just three stops on the way, compared to 11 stops for the Commuter Train) and takes you from the airport to Taipei Main Station in just 35 minutes.
Step 1 | Follow the Signs to the MRT
Whether you arrive at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, simply follow the Airport MRT signs as you exit the arrival hall. The signage is clear and easy to spot – just continue following it down the escalators, and you’ll reach the fare gates for A12 (Terminal 1) or A13 (Terminal 2) stations in no time.
Step 2 | Buy Your Ticket
Ticket machines are located just outside the gates. They support multiple languages, making them easy to use.
- Destination: Select “Taipei Main Station (A1).”
- Ticket type: Select “Single Journey”
- Payment: Pay with cash. The fare is NT$160 — same price for both Express and Commuter trains
💡 You can also tap in with an EasyCard or iPass
If you have an EasyCard or iPass, you can simply tap through the gates without purchasing a separate ticket. The fare is automatically deducted from your card balance. Both cards can be bought at convenience stores and MRT service counters inside the airport.
Book MRT tickets or a transit pass online: 【KKday】
Step 3 | Head to the Right Platform
Once through the gates, you’ll see platforms in two directions: toward Taipei and toward Laojie River Station (A22), the opposite end of the line. Make sure you’re heading toward Taipei – look for “Taipei Main Station (A1)” on the platform signs before you head down.
Step 4 | Take the Express Train (Purple)
As mentioned earlier, there are two types of trains running on the Airport MRT:
- Express (purple): Stops at just three stations on the way from the airport to Taipei Main Station and takes about 35 minutes from Terminal 2 (38 minutes from Terminal 1).
- Commuter (blue): Stops at every station along the way. Expect a travel time of 50+ minutes.
Both trains cost the same (NT$160), so the Express service is usually the preferred option. The platform display board shows the departure time of the next Express train; during peak hours, trains typically run every 15–20 minutes.
Step 5 | Onboard: Luggage, Charging & Wi-Fi
The Airport MRT is well set up for travelers with bags:
- Luggage racks: Large storage areas at both ends of each car can fit full-size suitcases – no need to hold them in your lap
- Wireless charging: Charging sockets are available in the trains, handy for topping up your phone on the way in.
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the train, though if you’ve sorted your SIM card already, you won’t need it.
⚠️ No eating or drinking on the MRT
All MRT systems in Taiwan, including the Airport MRT, have a strict no food and drink policy. Violations can result in a fine of NT$1,500. Finish anything you’re eating or drinking before you go through the gates.
Arriving at Taipei Main Station
Taipei Main Station (A1) is the city’s central transportation hub and a gateway to pretty much everywhere. At the station you’ll find connections to:
- Taipei Metro (MRT): The Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi), Green Line (Songshan-Xindian), and Blue Line (Tucheng/Banqiao – Nangang) all connect here, giving you direct access to key districts in Taipei City and New Taipei City.
- Taiwan Railways (TRA): For intercity trains to cities around Taiwan.
- High Speed Rail (HSR): For fast connections to cities along the West Coast, including Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung (Zuoying).
If your hotel isn’t near Taipei Main Station, chances are you can reach it by taking the MRT from there. The system is easy to navigate, with clear English signage throughout, making it very foreigner-friendly.
💡 Consider a multi-day transit pass (Airport MRT included)
If you plan to move around Taipei for a few days, a combined Airport MRT + Taipei Metro pass can save you the hassle of buying individual tickets each time and often works out more cost-effectively. There are also combo options that bundle the Airport MRT with the Taiwan High Speed Rail if you’re planning to travel to other cities. Book a multi-day transit pass: 【KKday】
Pre-Trip Checklist
A little preparation before you fly can go a long way. Make sure you’ve got the following sorted:
- ✅ SIM Card / eSIM: Stay connected from the moment you land →【KKday】
- ✅ Airport MRT Ticket: Skip the queue and tap straight through →【KKday】
- ✅ Airport Transfer (if needed): Worth it for groups, big bags, or late-night arrivals →【KKday】
- ✅ Hotel: 【agoda】 | 【Klook】 | 【KKday】
With these simple tips in hand, getting from Taoyuan International Airport to downtown Taipei should be a breeze. Hop on the Express train, settle in for about 35 minutes, and you’ll be in the city before you know it. For more Taiwan travel tips, feel free to explore the rest of our site ✈️
