Taiwan Is Great for Families
Taiwan is one of the more family-friendly destinations in Asia. People are helpful, infrastructure is modern, and the general level of safety is high. The airport transfer is your first taste of this, and it sets a positive tone when it goes smoothly.
MRT with Kids: Doable but Demanding
The Airport MRT Express is the fastest and cheapest route to Taipei. It is also doable with children, but there are trade-offs. The trains have luggage racks and are spacious. The challenge comes at Taipei Main Station, which is a large underground complex. Navigating from the airport MRT platform to the Taipei Metro with a stroller, bags, and tired kids involves long corridors and at least one platform change.
For families with older children who can walk and carry their own bag, the MRT is fine. For families with toddlers, strollers, and heavy luggage, it is exhausting. Be honest about your family's post-flight energy level before choosing this option.
Taxi with Kids
Taxis are a solid family option at TPE. The fare ($30-$40 USD) takes you door-to-door with no station navigation. The main limitation is child seats. Taiwanese taxis do not carry them. Children under four are legally required to use a child seat in Taiwan, though enforcement in taxis is inconsistent.
If you need a child seat, a taxi is not the right choice unless you bring your own. If your children are old enough for regular seatbelts, a taxi works well for a family of four with standard luggage.
Private Transfer with Kids
This is the recommended option for families with young children. When you book, you specify:
- Number of adults and children
- Ages of children (for correct car seat sizing)
- Number and size of luggage pieces
- Whether you need a stroller-friendly vehicle
A minivan transfer with child seat runs $50-$65 USD to central Taipei. For the door-to-door convenience with a family, this is money well spent.
The Journey to Taipei
The drive from TPE to Taipei takes 40-60 minutes. The highway portion is smooth and fast. Urban traffic near Taipei can be slow during rush hours. If your children sleep in cars, the ride is an opportunity for them to rest. If they do not, bring a tablet or book for the journey.
Practical Family Tips
- Pick up a local SIM card at the airport for navigation and translation apps.
- An EasyCard (transit card) is useful for the Taipei Metro and convenience stores. Buy one per family member at the airport.
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) in the airport sell snacks and drinks for the car ride.
- If your hotel is in a narrow lane (common in Taipei), confirm the address with your driver. GPS sometimes routes to the wrong entrance.