Arriving in Taipei for the first time can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. I remember stepping off my early EVA Air flight at Taoyuan Airport and facing the big question: taxi or MRT?

Through my own experiences navigating this vibrant city, I’ve gathered insights and tips to help you make the best transportation choices.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about getting around Taipei, from the affordable and efficient MRT to the convenience of taxis and Uber.

Whether you’re headed to the city center from the airport or exploring different neighborhoods, this guide will ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable journey. Let’s dive into the details and make your Taipei adventure as seamless as possible.

Taxi vs. MRT: Which is Right for You?

Upon arriving at Taoyuan Airport, choosing between a taxi and the MRT (metro) comes down to:

• Price Point: Taxis are more expensive (~$30-45 USD) but offer direct service. While this is a normal amount for U.S. standards, it is relatively high for Taiwan. For example, a trip from SeaTac Airport to Seattle proper will cost $60+ on Lyft, so technically, you’re getting more value for a 45-minute journey in Taipei.
• Door-to-Door Ease: Taxis are readily available outside the airport, but Taipei traffic can be unpredictable.
• Budget-Friendly Efficiency: The MRT is a budget-friendly and efficient option. However, it requires navigating stations and potentially transferring lines.

Taxis vs. Uber in Taipei

• Taxis: Taxis are a ubiquitous sight throughout Taipei. They’re readily available, especially at designated taxi stands, and offer a convenient way to travel within the city. While generally reliable, fares can vary based on traffic conditions, and some drivers may not be fluent in English.
• Uber in Taipei: Widely available within the city and very affordable. From my experience, Ubers are super cheap in the city. For example, a trip from Jiujitsu back to my place cost only 115 TWD (~$4 USD) for an 11-minute drive, which is much cheaper than in the U.S. However, Uber availability at the airport can be limited due to regulations. . For more reasons why, you can read articles here, here, and here.

What’s in My Pack?

Here’s look at some of my tried and test gear I used on the road (disclaimer: contains affiliate links).

Mastering the Taipei MRT (Metro)

From Airport to City Center: efore leaving the airport, purchase an EasyCard (YoYoCard) for future travel and a single-ride purple token from machines or counters at the airport.

The purple token is your ticket for the Airport MRT line, taking you directly to Taipei Main Station. Once you reach Taipei Main Station then you will discard the purple token and simply use your EasyCard. If you purchase the EasyCard or purple token at a counter, you can easily use your American credit card if you don’t want to use cash just yet.

Navigating with the EasyCard: This rechargeable card is your key to easy travel on the MRT and most buses. And it’s faster and often cheaper than single-ride tickets.

Luggage Storage: Whether you’re waiting for friends to arrive, killing time before checking into your Airbnb or hotel (like I did after my early EVA Air flight), or simply want to explore the city unburdened, Taipei Main Station is your go-to spot for luggage storage.

The locker storage fee is 60 TWD (~$1.88 USD) for every 3 hours. Don’t worry if you’re not back before the 3 hours are up; it will simply accrue into a “bank” that you can pay later.

Pro Tips for the Taipei Main Station

Early Arrivals: If you arrive early, explore the Main Station while waiting to check-in to your Airbnb or rental unit. In my case, I went to get dumplings, visited a microbrewery, and made a brief stop at Starbucks to kill time before grabbing my luggage.

TRA Bento Boxes: Don’t miss the chance to try the famous Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) bento box. There’s always a line brewing, and I definitely wish I had gotten one. If you’re still unsure about the craze, take a look here to learn more.

Locker Payment: Have smaller bills on hand for locker payments. The machine makes it seem like you can swipe your EasyCard like South Korea’s T-Money card, but it’s not always effective. If you see in the image below, the EasyCard selection is blurred out. You might have to break larger bills, as I did at a vegetarian burger stall in the station.

Locker Availability: If you arrive early, you can pick any locker location you want. However, if you arrive later, you might be out of luck since they fill up quickly.

Tips, Tricks, and Logistics

Trip Soundtrack

Because every adventure needs a soundtrack, each of my trips comes with a theme song. And for this trip's anthem? Well, it's...

Conclusion

Navigating Taipei is an adventure in itself, but with the right knowledge, it becomes a breeze. Whether you choose the efficient MRT, the convenience of taxis, or the affordability of Uber, each option has its unique benefits.

My journey through Taipei taught me the importance of flexibility and the joy of discovering new places with ease. From the initial choice at Taoyuan Airport to the seamless exploration of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, having a plan made all the difference.

The MRT’s extensive network, combined with the easy availability of Uber in the city, offers a perfect blend of speed, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. I hope my experiences and tips help you navigate Taipei with confidence and make the most of your visit to this dynamic city.

Safe travels!