A Complete Guide to Taipei Transportation Passes β EasyCard, MRT, Airport Transfers, and High-Speed Rail 2026
Mastering Taipei's public transportation β with just one EasyCard for MRT, buses, and airport transfers. I've compiled the fares and tips for the airport MRT, high-speed rail (THSR), and YouBike based on 2026 standards.
π€ Translated automatically by AI (GPT-4o-mini). Reviewed periodically.
From a Korean traveler's perspective, departing from Seoul/ICN.
Taipei is a city where you can reach almost anywhere using public transportation. When I first visited, I spent a lot of time searching for what to buy, but the conclusion is simple. As soon as you arrive at the airport, just buy and top up one EasyCard (ζ ιε‘). Whether you're heading to Ximending, Jiufen, or a night market, this one card solves everything for MRT, buses, and convenience stores. In this article, I'll summarize everything from the EasyCard to airport transfers and high-speed rail.
Overview
- Essential Item: 1 EasyCard (Card cost NT$100, not a deposit)
- Airport β City: Direct Airport MRT NT$150 Β· about 35 minutes
- City Travel: Use EasyCard for both MRT and buses (Fare NT$20~65)
- Other Cities: High-speed rail (THSR) β Taipei β Kaohsiung in 1 hour 40 minutes
- Recommended Combo: If you're traveling for 2-3 days, topping up the EasyCard is more economical than a pass.
EasyCard (ζ ιε‘) vs iPass β Which One Should You Buy?
Taiwan's transportation cards are mainly EasyCard and iPass, but for travelers, the EasyCard is sufficient. It is the most widely used for Taipei MRT, buses, convenience stores, and YouBike.
- Where to Buy: Convenience stores at the airport arrival level, MRT ticket machines, Seven-Eleven, and FamilyMart in the city
- Card Cost: NT$100 (not the recharge amount β this is the card's cost)
- Recharge: At MRT station machines or convenience stores with cash. Recharge amounts of NT$100~500
- Discounts: Using the EasyCard on the MRT provides discounts on certain sections compared to cash, and bus transfer discounts apply as well.
Tip: The NT$100 card cost incurs a small fee upon refund. To avoid wasting any remaining balance, I recommend using it for snacks or drinks at a convenience store on your last day.
MRT (Taipei Metro) β Routes and Fares
Taipei's MRT is easy to remember by color. Red (Tamsui-Xinyi Line), Blue (Bannan Line), Green (Songshan-Xindian Line), Orange (Zhonghe-Xinlu Line), Brown (Wenshan-Neihu Line). Most major tourist attractions are accessible via the MRT.
- Fare: Distance-based NT$20~65, EasyCard tag system
- Operating Hours: 6 AM to around midnight, with intervals of 3-6 minutes
- Key Stations: Taipei Main Station (transfer hub), Ximen (Ximending), Taipei 101/WTC, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
For places like Jiufen that are not accessible by MRT, the best option is MRT + bus transfer (via Ruifang Station). I've detailed the routes in my article on Taipei 3-Day Self-Tour.
From the Airport to the City β Comparing Airport MRT, Buses, and Taxis
There are three ways to get from Taoyuan Airport (TPE) to the city:
- Airport MRT (Taoyuan Airport Line) β Highly recommended. Direct (Express) NT$150, about 35 minutes to Taipei Main Station. Regular (Commuter) is the same fare but takes about 50 minutes. EasyCard can be used.
- Airport Bus (Kuo-Kuang Bus, etc.) β Around NT$140, taking 1 to 1.5 hours. Operates late at night, making it useful for late arrivals.
- Taxi/Uber β NT$1,000~1,300, about 40 minutes. Ideal if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with a group.
If you arrive at Songshan Airport (TSA), the MRT Songshan Airport Station connects directly, making it even more convenient.
City Buses and YouBike
For alleys not served by the MRT, buses are the answer. They operate on an EasyCard tag system, with a base fare of around NT$15, and there are transfer discounts between MRT and buses. Google Maps provides accurate route information.
YouBike is a public bike service, and if you link it to your EasyCard, it costs about NT$10 for every 30 minutes. It's great for riding along the Danshui River or in Daan Forest Park.
High-Speed Rail (THSR) and Taiwan Railways β Traveling to Other Cities
If you're heading to Taichung, Tainan, or Kaohsiung, the High-Speed Rail (THSR) is overwhelmingly faster.
- Taipei β Kaohsiung (Zuoying): Standard seat about NT$1,490, 1 hour 40 minutes
- Foreign THSR Pass: There are unlimited passes for 3 days, which are beneficial if you're planning to travel down south
- Taiwan Railways (TRA): The TRA serves the eastern coastal line, including Hualien and Yilan.
If you're planning to visit Kaohsiung, check out my Kaohsiung 4-Day Travel Guide as well.
Tips for Maximizing Your Transportation Pass
- Rechargeable is Better than a Day Pass: If you won't be taking the MRT 4-5 times a day, topping up the EasyCard is usually cheaper.
- Google Maps = All-in-One: Google Maps provides accurate public transport directions in Taipei.
- Utilize Convenience Stores: You can use your EasyCard for payments at Seven-Eleven, so spend any remaining balance on drinks or snacks.
- Avoid Rush Hours: The MRT can get crowded during peak commuting times of 8-9 AM and 6-7 PM.
For stories about eating and shopping in Taipei, check out my guides on Taipei Food and Night Market Guide and Taipei Shopping Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Where is the most convenient place to buy an EasyCard?
The convenience store at the airport arrival level is the most convenient. With a card cost of NT$100 and about NT$300-500 in recharge, you can use it comfortably for 2-3 days.
Q2. Do I need a high-speed rail pass if I'm only traveling in Taipei?
No. If you're only visiting Taipei and nearby areas (Jiufen, Danshui), topping up your EasyCard is sufficient. Consider a high-speed rail pass only if you're traveling to Taichung, Kaohsiung, or further south.
Q3. Is the balance on my EasyCard refundable?
Yes, you can get a refund at convenience stores or MRT stations, but the card cost and some fees will be deducted. Generally, it's better to use the remaining balance for snacks at a convenience store on your last day.