Taipei Transport

Buses fill in many of the gaps not covered by the Taipei Metro, as well as providing cross town services. Bus routes are marked with a combination of numbers, Chinese characters and colours, while payment (exact change or smartcard) may be required when boarding or getting off. Some basic understanding of Chinese characters makes bus travel a lot easier.

EasyCard is Taipei's public transport smartcard. Cards can be purchased at Metro stations and topped up at stations and most convenience stores. EasyCard can be used on the Taipei Metro and buses, as well as on the Maokong Gondola and YouBike. EasyCards can also be used to make small purchases at stores such as 7-Eleven and at many fast food outlets.

Taipei Metro / MRT - 台北捷運 - is the quickest way to get around Taipei, especially when covering large distances. Many of Taipei's major attractions are with walking distance of an MRT station. Sometimes a shuttle bus is provided or a short bus connection is required. Tickets are either smart tokens (for visitor / infrequent use) or smartcards (for regular / frequent users). MRT tip: Detailed maps are displayed inside MRT stations. The maps usually show surrounding attractions and street names, exits are numbered to make getting to your destination easier. LINK: network map LINK: further info in English

Taipei taxis are yellow, and fares are always calculated using taxi meters. Taipei taxi fares are moderately priced, but surcharges may apply to and from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, late at night, and during special festive periods such as Chinese New Year.

Taiwan High Speed Rail connects Taipei to the major cities of Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung. Taipei Main Station is the downtown HSR station and is easily accessible by Taipei Metro / MRT, bus or taxi. Another HSR station is located in the Taipei suburb of Banciao. LINK: maps, routes and further info in English

Songshan Airport operates as Taipei's domestic airport and also has direct flights to China. LINK: Songshan Airport website Taipei Metro - to Songshan Airport Station, just 3 stops north of the major Zhongxiao Fuxing Station. LINK: Songshan Airport station information

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is Taiwan's major international gateway and is connected to downtown Taipei by buses, taxis and hotel shuttles. As yet there is no direct rail link. LINK: Taoyuan Airport website LINK: Airport transport info Bus - Several companies operate services between the airport and downtown Taipei. Fares range from NT$110 to $150. Taxi - Fares to downtown Taipei are around NT$1,100. Travel time is around 45 minutes outside of peak hour. HSR transfers - are operated by Ubus (統聯客運) and run between Terminal I and II to the High Speed Rail Taoyuan Station. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes, fares NT$30.

YouBike is a bike share/hire scheme located in the eastern downtown district of Xinyi. The first 30 minutes use is free. Short-term (1 - 5 days) and long-term (1 - 12 months) memberships are available. LINK: more information in English LINK: map of YouBike stations