Calling all future Taipei explorers!
On my very first trip to Taipei, I remember staring at the colorful MRT map and wondering if I’d get lost before even leaving the airport. The good news? I quickly realized Taipei has one of the most beginner-friendly transport systems in Asia. By the end of this Taiwan train guide, you’ll be ready to explore the city (and beyond) with the same confidence I gained after just a day of riding around. Just grab a Taiwan train map and you’re all set.
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Why You Need this Taiwan Train Guide
Here’s what stood out to me about Taiwan’s transport system:
- Efficient - Trains and buses were always on time that even a 2-minute daley felt unusual.
- Clean and Safe - Every station I passed through was spotless, with clear English signage that made transfers stress-free.
- Connected - The MRT, Taiwan Railways (TR), High-Speed Rail (HSR), and buses are all linked seamlessly.
- Easy with one card - Tapping my EasyCard for rides, snacks and even YouBike rentals made the whole trip hassle-free.
Best Time to Explore Taipei by Train
Here’s what you can expect in each season:
- Spring (Apr-Jun): Cherry blossoms, pleasant weather.
- Autumn (Oct-Dec): Cool air, golden foliage, perfect for sightseeing.
- Winter (Dec-March): Mild (13 °C), cheaper flights and fewer crowds.
- Summer (Jul-Sep): Hot, humid, and typhoon season. Still doable, but pack light.
What to Prepare Before Using the Taiwan Train Map
Bản đồ đường sắt Đài Loan (TRA) | Nguồn ảnh: https://www.railway.gov.tw/
Make your transport days hassle-free with these essentials:
- Comfortable shoes - I didn’t realize how much I’d walk until I hit almost 20,000 steps in a single day, especially when transferring between stations and exploring night markets.
- Weather gear - My foldable umbrella saved me more than once during sudden showers, while a light jacket kept me warm on chilly mornings.
- Foldable bag - You’ll definitely need one if you’re planning to pile up on souvenirs and night market hauls.
- Connectivity - I used an eSIM for convenience, but if you’re travelling with family or friends, renting a pocket Wi-Fi makes it easier (and cheaper) to stay online together.
- Power bank - I noticed my phone drained quickly from all the map checks, photo stops, and e-ticket scanning, so bringing a power bank was a lifesaver.
From Taoyuan Airport to Taipei City
My first ride in Taiwan started at Taoyuan Airport, and I was surprised by how many options there were to reach Taipei:
- 🚆 Airport MRT Express – 35–38 mins, NT$160, with Wi-Fi and luggage racks. This was my choice because I just wanted to get into the city quickly after a long flight.
- 🚆 Airport MRT Commuter – 50 mins, more stops, slightly cheaper. Good if you’re not in a rush.
- 🚌 Bus (1819, 1960, 1961) – ~NT$140, handy if your hotel isn’t near Taipei Main Station.
- 🚖 Taxi – NT$1,200–1,500, best for families, groups, or late-night arrivals when public transport is limited.
Taipei MRT – Beginner’s Best Friend
Once I got to the city, the MRT quickly became my go-to. Here’s why it’s perfect for first-timers:
- Clear English signs and announcements at every station.
- Connects directly with buses and YouBike rentals.
- With a Taiwan train map, transfers were straightforward and you’ll never feel lost.
Etiquette to Remember:
- No eating or drinking.
- Keep conversations quiet.
- Blue seats are reserved for those in need or priority
Taiwan Railways (TR) – Easy Day Trips
Photo Credit: Jimmy Liao on Pexels
When I wanted to go beyond Taipei, I hopped on Taiwan Railways:
- Popular routes: Jiufen, Shifen, Hualien.
- Tickets: Buy at stations or online.
- Klook Tip: Always check the Taiwan train map—some express trains may skip smaller stops.
Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) – Cross-Island in Comfort
For longer distances, nothing beats the HSR:
- Speeds up to 300 km/h—I got from Taipei to Taichung in under an hour!
- Tickets: Book online, at machines, or use EasyCard for non-reserved seats.
Buses and YouBike – Filling the Gaps
Not everything is next to a train station, but Taiwan’s other transport system helped me explore in between:
- 🚌 Buses – Cheap, EasyCard-friendly, and cover most city routes the MRT didn’t.
- 🚲 YouBike – I loved renting one near MRT station and cycling through the city. Just tap your EasyCard and ride.
🚆 Your Taiwan Transport Cheat Sheet at a Glance
Transport | Details |
EasyCard | All-in-one pass for MRT, TR, HSR, buses, YouBike, and even some shops, Card cost: NT$100 (~₱175) plus load. |
Airport MRT | Fastest way from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station: NT$160 (~₱280), 35–38 mins. |
Taipei MRT | Best for city travel. Fares start at NT$20 (~₱35).Clean, punctual, and beginner-friendly. Grab a Taiwan train map for transfers. |
Taiwan Railways (TR) | Ideal for nearby towns like Jiufen, Shifen, and Hualien. Fares are usually NT$49–76 (~₱85–₱135) one-way from Taipei. |
High-Speed Rail (HSR) | Cross-island travel. Taipei to Taichung NT$700 (~₱1,225); Taipei to Kaohsiung: NT$1,490 (~₱2,600). |
Buses | Cover routes the trains don’t. City fairies around NT$15–30 (~₱25–₱55) with EasyCard. |
YouBike | Public bike-share near MRT stations. In Taipei City, the first 30 minutes are free, then NT$10 (~₱18) per 30 minutes when using EasyCard. In other areas, the rate starts at NT$10 for the first 30 minutes. |
Quick Travel Tips for Beginners
✅ Get an EasyCard – NT$100 + load; works on MRT, TR, HSR, buses, YouBike, and more.
✅ Use Google Maps – shows exact MRT lines, bus numbers, and real-time schedules.
✅ Google Translate – camera mode is perfect for menus and signs.
✅ Stay hydrated – Taipei’s tap water is safe to drink.
✅ Don’t miss night markets – Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia are foodie heaven.
Confident Journeys Begin with this Taiwan Train Guide!
With this Taiwan train guide and a clear Taiwan train map, you can explore Taipei and beyond stress-free. From your first EasyCard tap at the airport MRT to zipping across the island on the HSR, Taiwan’s transport system makes every trip simple, affordable, and beginner-friendly. Even now, I still think back to how easy it felt to navigate and it’s one of the reasons I fell in love with Taipei so quickly.
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