How Much Does It Cost to Get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei?

The Short Version

Taoyuan Airport to central Taipei costs as little as TWD 125 ($4 USD) by bus and up to $65 USD for a private minivan transfer. The Airport MRT Express at TWD 160 ($5 USD) offers the best balance of speed and price. Taxis run $30-$40 USD.

MRT Express Pricing

The Taoyuan Airport MRT Express is the price-performance winner. A single ride to Taipei Main Station costs TWD 160 (about $5 USD). You can pay with cash, an EasyCard, or a contactless payment card. The train takes 35-39 minutes and runs every 15 minutes during the day. For a solo traveler or couple without excessive luggage, this is the obvious choice.

Airport Bus Pricing

Multiple bus operators connect TPE to Taipei. Kuo-Kuang bus 1819 is the most popular route, running to Taipei Main Station for TWD 145. Other routes serve different parts of Taipei at similar fares (TWD 125-145). Buses run frequently during the day and into the early morning hours. The journey takes 50-80 minutes depending on traffic.

Buses are the cheapest option and a reasonable alternative if you miss the last MRT or want a direct route to a stop near your hotel.

Taxi Pricing

Taxis at TPE are metered, which removes the negotiation factor. The fare to central Taipei neighborhoods runs TWD 1,000-1,300 ($30-$40 USD). This includes a highway toll of approximately TWD 50. A 20% surcharge applies between 11 PM and 6 AM, adding TWD 200-260 to the fare.

For two or three passengers splitting the fare, taxis become surprisingly cost-effective at $10-$20 per person with door-to-door convenience.

Private Transfer Pricing

Pre-booked private transfers from TPE to central Taipei cost:

• Sedan (1-3 passengers): $40-$55 USD
• Minivan (4-6 passengers): $50-$65 USD
• Premium sedan: $55-$75 USD

Prices are fixed at booking and include tolls, waiting time, and meet-and-greet service. Night supplements are typically $5-$10 USD for pickups between 10 PM and 6 AM.

Cost by Destination

Not everyone is heading to central Taipei. Here is what to expect for other destinations:

• Xinbeitou (hot springs area): Taxi TWD 1,200-1,500, Transfer $45-$60
• Tamsui: Taxi TWD 1,100-1,400, Transfer $45-$55
• Banqiao: Taxi TWD 800-1,100, Transfer $35-$50
• Taoyuan city center: Taxi TWD 300-500, Transfer $20-$30

Making the Right Choice

If cost is the priority, take the MRT or bus. If convenience matters and you are traveling in a group, a taxi split three ways is excellent value. If you want everything arranged before you land, a pre-booked transfer costs more but delivers the smoothest experience.