Taipei Airport Transfer Guide: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is about 40 km southwest of central Taipei. The Taoyuan Airport MRT (metro) gets you to Taipei Main Station in 35-39 minutes for TWD 160 (about $5 USD — Taoyuan Metro fare, 2026, stable for years). A metered taxi takes 40-60 minutes; ask the driver for an estimate before you set off. A pre-booked private transfer shows you a fixed price at the time of booking. There are also frequent buses, cheaper than the MRT — check the operator's counter for the current fare. TPE is a large, modern airport with excellent connectivity to the city.

TPE has two terminals. Terminal 1 handles most international carriers, while Terminal 2 serves China Airlines, EVA Air, and several others. After clearing immigration (which is efficient by international standards), you collect your bags and pass through customs. The arrivals halls in both terminals are well-organized with clear signage in Chinese and English.

You will find currency exchange counters, SIM card vendors, and tourist information desks before you exit. The Airport MRT station is connected to both terminals via walkways. Taxi ranks are outside the arrivals hall on the ground floor. If you have a pre-booked transfer, your driver will wait in the arrivals hall holding a name sign.

Taoyuan Airport MRT (Express): The best value for most travelers. The express train runs every 15 minutes and reaches Taipei Main Station in 35-39 minutes. Fare is TWD 160 (about $5 USD, Taoyuan Metro fare, 2026). The train is clean, air-conditioned, and has luggage racks. From Taipei Main Station, you can transfer to the Taipei Metro to reach your final destination.

Airport bus: Several bus companies (Kuo-Kuang, UBus, others) run from both terminals to various points in Taipei. Fares are lower than the MRT — check the operator's counter or website in the arrivals hall for the current rate on your route. The ride takes 50-80 minutes depending on traffic and your stop. Comfortable seats with luggage storage below. A good option if your hotel is near a bus stop.

Taxi: Metered taxis queue outside both terminals. The fare to central Taipei is set by the meter plus a highway toll — ask the driver for an estimate before you set off rather than relying on a fixed figure. The ride takes 40-60 minutes. Taxis are safe, metered, and drivers are honest, though English skills vary.

Pre-booked private transfer: A driver meets you at arrivals with a name sign and takes you directly to your accommodation. The price is fixed and shown to you at the time of booking. This is the most comfortable door-to-door option, especially for groups or travelers with heavy luggage.

High Speed Rail (HSR): The MRT connects to HSR Taoyuan Station, from which bullet trains reach Taipei in about 20 minutes. This is an indirect route that only makes sense if your destination is along the HSR line outside Taipei.

Transport from TPE to central Taipei (Zhongzheng, Da'an, Zhongshan districts):

• Airport MRT Express: TWD 160 (about $5 USD, Taoyuan Metro fare, 2026) per person — the one fixed, published fare in this list
• Airport bus: cheaper than the MRT; check the operator for the current fare
• Taxi: metered plus toll — ask the driver for an estimate before you set off
• Pre-booked transfer (sedan or minivan): fixed price shown to you at the time of booking

For destinations outside central Taipei, such as Xinbeitou, Tamsui, or Banqiao, taxi fares and transfer prices adjust accordingly with distance. The MRT fare remains TWD 160 to Taipei Main Station regardless of your final destination.

TPE handles flights arriving around the clock. The Airport MRT runs from approximately 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. If your flight lands after 10 PM, you may miss the last train. Late-night buses continue to operate with reduced frequency, with some routes running until 1-2 AM. Taxis are available 24 hours. For arrivals between midnight and 6 AM, your options are a taxi, a pre-booked transfer, or a late-night bus (if the timing works). A pre-booked transfer is the most reliable choice for overnight arrivals.

The Airport MRT handles luggage well, with dedicated racks on the express train. However, navigating Taipei Main Station with a stroller and multiple bags is tiring. The station is large with long walks between platforms. For families with young children, a taxi or pre-booked transfer that goes door-to-door avoids this hassle entirely.

Child seats are not standard in Taiwanese taxis. If you need one, pre-book a transfer and specify the requirement. For families of four or more with vacation luggage, a minivan transfer is the practical choice.

Airport MRT: Follow signs to the MRT station from the arrivals hall. Both terminals have direct connections. The walk takes about 5-10 minutes.

Airport bus: Bus stops are on the ground floor (B1) outside arrivals. Ticket counters are nearby, and you can also pay with an EasyCard.

Taxi: The taxi rank is outside the arrivals hall on the ground floor. An attendant directs you to the next available vehicle.

Pre-booked transfer: Drivers typically wait in the arrivals hall near the exit with a name board. Your booking confirmation will include a meeting point and the driver's phone number.

Choose the Airport MRT if: you travel reasonably light, arrive during operating hours, and want the fastest and cheapest option. This is the right choice for most travelers.

Choose the airport bus if: your accommodation is near a bus stop, you have time, and you want to save money. Good for budget travelers.

Choose a taxi if: you have heavy luggage, are traveling in a group of 2-3, or want door-to-door service without pre-booking. Split between passengers, taxis are reasonably priced.

Choose a pre-booked transfer if: you are traveling with family, arrive late at night, have specific vehicle needs (child seat, minivan), or want the most seamless door-to-door experience.