Explore this guide to find the Taipei MRT fare, rules, maps, and other information.
I’ve lived in New Taipei for more than 5 years and have used the Taipei Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) hundreds of times. I want to share my experience, along with other information I aggregated.
Here’s what you’ll find:
Key Takeaways
- The Taipei MRT is the most efficient way to explore Taipei.
- Prices range from NT$20 to NT$65 (USD $0.70-$2.28).
- EasyCard is the best payment method for frequent MRT users.
- The Taipei MRT operates from around 6 AM to midnight daily.
- Don’t eat, drink, or take phone calls inside MRT trains.
Essential Information
Taiwan Metro Operating Hours: Taipei MRT Schedule
The first trains leave their terminal stations at 6 AM. The last trains will leave their terminals at midnight.
The times the first and last trains depart from your station will vary. For instance, the last train for Dapinglin station when heading toward Songshan will depart at 12:11 AM.
On holidays like New Years, the stations stay open a lot later.
Taipei MRT Station Map
Here’s a map of the Taipei MRT:
These stations are throughout Taipei and New Taipei cities. I recommend downloading the mobile app Go! Taipei Metro.
It has the following perks that I use all the time:
- Tells you fare between stations
- Estimated time of arrival to each station
- MRT station maps
- Nearby tourist attractions: I don’t find this feature helpful
- Live updates on incoming MRT carts
It’ll present the price and distance between stations when you’re offline. But you’ll need mobile data or Wi-Fi to see live updates for incoming trains.
Speaking of price.
Ticket Cost
The lowest one-way ticket starts at NT$20 ($0.70). The highest is NT$65 ($2.28). In USD, Taipei Metro costs between $1.40–$4.70.
Or NT$40–NT$130
Since the gondola is under the Taipei Metro umbrella, I include the prices for it as well.
One-way adult—and senior and children—tickets fall under the following price points:
- NT$70 (around $2.50) for one stop
- NT$100 (around $3.60) for two stops
- NT$120 (around $4.30) for three stops
But how do you pay?
1. Ways to Pay
Best payment method:
- Single-use token: If you’re staying in Taipei during a layover.
- EasyCard: Everyone else.
Let’s dive further into all the different cards you can use to pay for the Taipei MRT:
- Contactless cards: Most efficient payment method if you use the MRT more than once.
- Single-use token: Buy at the metro stations via kiosks or customer service booths.
- Only ideal if you use the Taipei Metro once or twice on your trip.
Purchase contactless cards from any convenience store, online, at the airport, and any Taipei Metro station. You must pay an NT$100 deposit to get these cards, which doesn’t include the balance you add.
Return these cards for a refund on the deposit upon leaving Taiwan. Or keep them as a souvenir. Taiwan has a lot of neat-looking EasyCards. I’ve built up quite the collection.
Or you can get one of the following metro passes:
| Pass | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| One-Day Pass | NT$150 | Many trips within 1 Day. |
| 24-Hour Pass | NT$180 | Many trips within 24 hours. |
| 48-Hour Pass | NT$280 | Many trips within 48 hours. |
| 72-Hour Pass | NT$380 | Many trips within 72 hours. |
| Taipei Fun Pass | NT$180–NT$2,200 | Unlimited bus/MRT rides + free entry to some attractions. |
| TPASS | NT$1,200/mo. | Staying in * Northern Taiwan for a month. |
* Keelung City, New Taipei City, Taipei City, and Taoyuan City
Explore each pass and consider whether they’re worth getting. In most scenarios, you’re better off refilling your card as you progress through your day.
Because in many scenarios, you can’t predict how much you’ll spend on MRT rides. If you’re unpredictable like me.
Can you get cheaper rates with MRT rides?
2. Discounts & Rebates
Only Taiwanese seniors can get discounts when using EasyCards. The way anyone else can save money is to buy the Taipei MRT monthly pass.
It’s NT$1,200 ($42.17) for unlimited metro and city bus rides. Only those living in Taiwan, or intending to take many trips to and from Tamsui will reap savings.
Or:
Those living in Taiwan will get a monthly rebate based on the number of trips you take.
Here are all the rebate rates based on your trips [4]:
| Cumulative Trips (Previous Mo.) | Cashback Percentage |
|---|---|
| 11–20 Trips | 10% |
| 21–30 Trips | 15% |
| 31–40 Trips | 20% |
| 41–50 Trips | 25% |
| 51+ Trips | 30% |
IC cardholders (e.g., EasyCard or icash) can receive this rebate. The Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation will automatically feed the rebate into your card’s balance monthly.
Since you know how to pay and save money, learn when the MRT’s open.
Metro Rules & Etiquette (Important)
The following are Taipei Metro etiquette tips to make you blend in and not come off as a dick:
- Don’t take phone calls: If you need to take a call, speak quietly.
- When taking an escalator, stand on the right side.
- Walk along the left side.
- Dark blue seats are priority seats: For the disabled, elderly, and pregnant women.
- Stand in a single-file line outside the gates that’ll lead to your carts.
- Once the train arrives, let everyone depart before you get on.
What Can’t I Take into the Taipei MRT?
You can’t take explosives, firearms, electric scooters, or vehicles (unless you have a disability ID), more than six balloons per person, and carts into the Taipei MRT.
You’ll get fined if you smoke anywhere inside the Metro station and the train carts. You’ll also get a fine if you eat or drink past the yellow lines before the gates leading to the trains.
Tips for a Smoother Ride
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your journey in the Taipei MRT:
- Fill your water bottles at the Metro stations: the water’s clean, & it’ll save you from having to buy bottled water
- Buy an EasyCard: it’ll save you a lot of time in the long run
- Carry hand sanitizer or wipes: metro station restrooms don’t usually have paper towel dispensers
- Don’t bring your trash from home: you’ll get a fine
Even though pickpocketing isn’t common, I recommend wearing your backpack on your front. It’s also a way to prevent slamming people with your massive backpack when the cart’s crowded.
MRT Stations + Nearby Tourist Hotspots
Throughout this section, you will learn about every existing line in the Taipei Metro system in addition to planned and confirmed routes.
Each table in the following sections will cover when the first and last trains depart from their terminal (end) stations. The time each train arrives at every station will vary. Use this tool to know when the first and final carts will reach your nearest station.
1. (B) Bannan: Blue Line
| Taipei Nangang Expedition Center <-> Dingpu | |
|---|---|
| First Train Departure * | 6:00 AM |
| Last Train Departure * | 12 AM |
| Number of Stations | 23 |
| Train Frequency | Peak: Every 2–4 minutes Off-peak: Every 4–7 minutes After 11 PM: every 12 minutes |
- Peak hours: 7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:30 PM
- Off-peak hours:
- 6:00–7:00 AM
- 9 AM to 5:00 PM
- 7:30–11:00 PM
The Taipei MRT Blue Line also has plenty of transfer stations to every other line and mode of transportation you’ll need to get around Taiwan.
It transits throughout Taipei and New Taipei cities and stops at a myriad of noteworthy stations like:
Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
Near: Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station
Christmasland
Near: Banqiao Station (During Christmas)
Ximending
Near: Ximen Station
The Banan line the following transfer stations:
- Yellow (Circular) Line:
- Banqiao
- Xinpu Minsheng (Xinpu Station)
- Ximen: Green
- Taipei Main Station: Red & Taoyuan Airport MRT
- Zhongxiao Xinsheng: Orange
- Brown:
- Zhongxiao Fuxing
- Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center (Terminal)
Let’s check out the Circular Line.
2. (Y) Circular: Yellow Line
| Dapinglin <-> New Taipei Industrial Park | |
|---|---|
| First Train Departure * | 6:00 AM |
| Last Train Departure * | 12:00 AM |
| Number of Stations | 14 |
| Train Frequency | Peak: Every 4–7 minutes Off-peak: Every 10 minutes |
- Peak hours: 7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:30 PM
- Off-peak hours:
- 6:00–7:00 AM
- 9 AM to 5:00 PM
- 7:30–11:00 PM
The Taipei MRT Circular Line first phase has terminal stations at Dapinglin and New Taipei Industrial park. The government is adding more to the line so it creates a circle around Taipei and New Taipei cities.
The Circular Line doesn’t have a connection to the Wenhu Line. The next phase of the circular line will add Shilin and Taipei Zoo stations to the Yellow Line, which will also add a Brown Line connection.
As of now, the second phase of the Circular Line is under construction.
3. (B) Wenhu: Brown Line
| Taipei Zoo <-> Nangang Expedition Center | |
|---|---|
| First Train Departure * | 6 AM |
| Last Train Departure * | 12 AM |
| Number of Stations | 24 |
| Train Frequency | Peak: Every 2–4 minutes Off-peak: Every 4–7 minutes After 11 PM: every 12 minutes |
- Peak hours: 7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:30 PM
- Off-peak hours:
- 6:00–7:00 AM
- 9 AM to 5:00 PM
- 7:30–11:00 PM
Taipei MRT’s Wenhu (Brown) Line is exclusive to Taipei City. It runs from Taipei Zoo station to Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, which will also take you to the Blue Line.
Some noteworthy stations and tourist attractions you’ll find along this route include:
Taipei City Zoo
Near: Taipei Zoo Station
Miramar Entertainment Park
Near: Jiannan Rd. Station
Songshan Airport
Near: Songshan Airport Station
4. (O) Zhonghe–Xinlu–Huilong: Orange Line
| Huilong <-> Nanshijiao | Luzhou <-> Nanshijiao | |
|---|---|---|
| First Train Departure * | 6:00 AM | 6:04 AM |
| Last Train Departure * | 12:00 AM | 12:03 AM |
| Number of Stations | 26 | |
| Train Frequency | Peak: Every 2–4 minutes Off-peak: Every 4–7 minutes After 11 PM: every 12 minutes | |
- Peak hours: 7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:30 PM
- Off-peak hours:
- 6:00–7:00 AM
- 9 AM to 5:00 PM
- 7:30–11:00 PM
If you’re heading north, once you reach Daqiaotou station, the routes will fork into two different routes. One will take you to Huilong, while the other will take you to Luzhou.
Some destinations you’ll find along the Taipei MRT Orange Line include:
Guanghua Digital Plaza
Near: Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station
Shida Night Market
Near: Guting Station
5. (R) Tamsui–Xinyi: Red Line
| Xiangshan <-> Tamsui | |
|---|---|
| First Train Departure * | 6 AM |
| Last Train Departure * | 12 AM |
| Number of Stations | 28 |
| Train Frequency | Peak: Every 2–4 minutes Off-peak: Every 4–7 minutes After 11 PM: every 12 minutes |
- Peak hours: 7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:30 PM
- Off-peak hours:
- 6:00–7:00 AM
- 9 AM to 5:00 PM
- 7:30–11:00 PM
The Tamsui-Xinyi (Red) Line is the Taipei MRT’s longest line that’ll go from Xiangshan (Taipei City) to Tamsui (New Taipei City).
Various noteworthy destinations you’ll find along the Taipei Metro Red Line include:
Elephant Mountain
Near: Xiangshan Station
Daan Forest Park
Near: Daan Park Station
Taipei Expo Park
Near: Yuanshan Station
Tamsui
Near: Tamsui Station
Taipei 101
Near: Taipei 101 World Trade Center Station
Jian Guo Weekend Flower Market
Near: Daan Park Station
Shilin Night Market
Near: Jiantan Station
Taipei Children’s Amusement Park
Near: Jiantan Station
Popular stations on the Taipei MRT Red Line.
1. Xinbeitou Transfer: Light Red
| Beitou Station <-> Xinbeitou Station | |
|---|---|
| First Train Departure * | 6:05 AM |
| Last Train Departure * | 12:02 AM |
| Number of Stations | 2 |
| Train Frequency | Peak: Every 7–8 minutes Off-peak: Every 10–12 minutes After 11 PM: Every 12–15 minutes |
- Peak hours: 7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:30 PM
- Off-peak hours:
- 6:00–7:00 AM
- 9 AM to 5:00 PM
- 7:30–11:00 PM
To take the cart to Xinbeitou, transfer to Beitou station. Once you leave this station, you will be in Beitou Park, which will also take you to the Beitou Hot Springs area.
What’s nearby:
Beitou Hot Springs Resort
Near: Xinbeitou Station
2. Danhai LRT Transfer
| Hongshulin MRT Station <-> Kanding Station | |
|---|---|
| First Train Departure * | 6:00 AM |
| Last Train Departure * | 12:31 AM |
| Number of Stations | 14 |
| Train Frequency | Peak: Every 5–6 minutes Off-peak: Every 20 minutes Weekends: Every 20–30 minutes |
To take the Danhai Light Rail Transit (LRT) from the MRT, you will want to depart from Hongshulin station, which is one station away from Tamsui.
This above-ground light rail rapid transit (LRT) will either take you to the Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf or Kanding, which is a giant shopping center in development.
6. (G) Songshan–Xindian: Green Line
| Songshan <-> Xindian | |
|---|---|
| First Train Departure * | 6 AM |
| Last Train Departure * | 12 AM |
| Number of Stations | 20 |
| Train Frequency | Peak: Every 2–4 minutes Off-peak: Every 4–7 minutes After 11 PM: every 12 minutes |
- Peak hours: 7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:30 PM
- Off-peak hours:
- 6:00–7:00 AM
- 9 AM to 5:00 PM
- 7:30–11:00 PM
The Taipei MRT Songshan-Xindian (Green) Line will take you through Taipei and New Taipei Cities. It’s a convenient line that’ll transfer you to anywhere you want to go.
Some popular destinations you’ll find along the Taipei MRT Green Line include:
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
Near: Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall Station (Also Red Line)
Bitan Scenic Area
Near: Xindian Station
Taipei City North Gate
Near: Beimen Station
Taipei Arena
Near: Taipei Arena Station
National Immigration Agency (Taipei)
Near: Xiaonanmen Station
Miniatures Museum of Taiwan
Near: Songjiang Nanjing Station
Raohe Night Market
Near: Songshan Station
Popular stations on the Taipei MRT Green Line.
Xiaobitan Transfer: Light Green
| Qizhang Station <-> Xiaobitan Station | |
|---|---|
| First Train Departure * | 6:03 AM |
| Last Train Departure * | 11:57 PM |
| Number of Stations | 2 |
| Train Frequency | Every 12 minutes |
Transfer to Xiaobitan through Qizhang station, which is a couple stations away from Xindian. When leaving this station, you will find a massive shopping center that’s connected to an IKEA.
7. Taoyuan Airport MRT
| Taipei Main Station <-> Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2 | |
|---|---|
| First Train Departure * | Express: 6:00 AM Commuter: 6:07 AM |
| Last Train Departure * | Express: 10:00 PM Commuter: 11:06 PM |
| Number of Stations | 21 total; 10 between Taipei & Taoyuan Airport |
| Train Frequency | Peak: Every 2–4 minutes Off-peak: Every 4–7 minutes After 11 PM: every 12 minutes |
- Peak hours: 7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:30 PM
- Off-peak hours:
- 6:00–7:00 AM
- 9 AM to 5:00 PM
- 7:30–11:00 PM
Transfer to the Taoyuan Airport MRT through New Taipei Industrial Park (Y), Beimen and Taipei Main Station (BL), and Sanchong (O) stations. The “Purple Line” will take you to Taoyuan International Airport Terminals One and Two.
If you keep going, depart from the Taoyuan HSR Station and either take the train or visit the massive outdoor Gloria Outlets shopping center.
Future Lines Planned for the Taipei MRT
Future approved and planned lines for the Taipei Metro include [5, 6]:
| Line | Approved/Planned | Elevated/Underground | Misc. Info. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circular Line Ph. II | Approved | Underground | New Taipei Industrial Park–Jiannan Rd.Dapinglin–Taipei Zoo |
| Circular Line Ph. III | Planned | Unknown | Jiannan Rd.–Taipei Zoo |
| Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line Ph. I | Approved | 50/50 | Connects CKS Station to the Orange Line (Huilong) |
| Red Line Extension | Approved | Underground | Xianshang–Yucheng Park |
| Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line Ph. II | Approved | Elevated | Finishes Ph. 1 |
| Minsheng-Xizhi Line | Planned | 50/50 | Shuangtian–Xizhi |
| Shezi, Shilin & Beitou Light Rail Transit Network | Planned | Light Rail Transit (LRT) | North–South Route & East–West Route |
Here’s a map of the planned metro stations:
And a map of the approved lines:
FAQs
How Many MRT Lines Are There in Taipei?
The Taipei MRT has 6 lines. These exclude the Taoyuan MRT.
Fun Facts
| First/Last Train Time | Varies by line |
| Number of Stations | 131 |
| Number of Lines | 6 |
| Operated By | Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation |
| Date First Operated | March 26, 1996 |
| Cities Within Network | Taipei City & New Taipei City |
| Maximum Speed | 80 km per hour |
| Annual Number of Riders | 50–60 mil. a year |
Transfer stations—e.g., Dongmen and Daan—connect two lines within the same building. You have to walk a short distance to transfer stations like Xinpu Minsheng (Yellow) to its nearby station Xinpu (Blue).
The Taipei Metro Circular Line (Yellow) began construction on at least 18 additional stations and is estimated to be completed by 2029.
All subway carts are sparkling clean and punctual.
Everything inside the carts and throughout the MRT stations is labeled in English.
Footnotes:
- * Actual time carts depart will vary by station.