ARRIVING AT
TAIPEILeaving Taipei Taoyuan International: transport guide
Taipei Taoyuan International · Taiwan
Low riskUpdated May 2026High confidence
MRT Airport Line is fast and cheap (NT$150) to Taipei Main. One of Asia's smoothest exits.
TL;DR
TPE (Taipei Taoyuan International) is the main international airport serving Taipei, Taiwan. The recommended way out is Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station (~NT$150, 36 min (Express)). Pickup is at MRT station below terminals (signed). The most common scam to watch for is "Private 'limo' tout". Fares on the TPE → Taipei Main route typically run NT$150–NT$1200; anything above NT$2000+ private car is almost certainly a scam. Last updated May 2026.
IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING
Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station
- Typical fare
- NT$150
- Journey time
- 36 min (Express)
- Pickup
- MRT station below terminals (signed)
WARNING · Skip 'private taxi' touts upstairs — they're 4x the meter
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Compare your options at a glance
| Option | Cost | Wait | Payment | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Airport MRT (Express) | NT$150 | Every 15 min | 💳Card / Cash | |
Official Taxi | NT$1000–NT$1300 | 0–10 min | 💳Card / Cash | |
Uber | NT$900–NT$1200 | 5–10 min | 📱App | |
Airport Bus 1819 | NT$140 | Every 20 min | 💳Card / Cash | — |
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Your first 30 minutes
- 1Follow purple MRT signs to basement
- 2Buy ticket from machine or use EasyCard (NT$150 Express)
- 3Train every 15 min to Taipei Main
- 4For taxi go upstairs to the official rank
- 5Plan 40–60 min to most areas
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Airport exit score
AIRPORT EXIT SCORE
88/ 100
- Scam risk95
- Public transport95
- Ride-hailing80
- Signage clarity90
- Payment convenience85
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Fare reality check
TPE → Taipei Main
- NT$150–NT$1200ExpectedWhat locals actually pay
- NT$1500+ConcerningQuestion this — ask for the meter
- NT$2000+ private carProbably being scammedWalk away. Find another ride.
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Best ways out, ranked
- 1
Airport MRT (Express)
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- NT$150
- Journey
- 36 min
- Wait
- Every 15 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Fast
- Cheap
Cons- Stops working ~midnight
- 2
Official Taxi
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- NT$1000–NT$1300
- Journey
- 40–60 min
- Wait
- 0–10 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Metered
- No haggling
Cons- Expensive
- Tolls extra
- 3
Uber
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- NT$900–NT$1200
- Journey
- 40–60 min
- Wait
- 5–10 min
- Payment
- 📱 App
Pros- Fixed price
Cons- Less common
- 4
Airport Bus 1819
- Cost
- NT$140
- Journey
- 60–80 min
- Wait
- Every 20 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Cheap
Cons- Slow at peak
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Paying without surprises
- EasyCard works on MRT, bus, and even some taxis
- Foreign cards accepted at MRT machines
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Common scams
Private 'limo' tout
High riskPerson offers a NT$2000 flat to Taipei.
HOW TO AVOID · Use MRT or the official taxi rank.
Wrong-floor taxi
Low riskDriver waiting near the MRT exit overcharges.
HOW TO AVOID · Only use the marked taxi rank upstairs.
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What locals & travellers say
TPE·Taipei
“MRT is the obvious choice — fast, cheap, every 15 min.”
Redditr/TaiwanChecked Apr 2025confirmed
01 / 02
- "MRT is the obvious choice — fast, cheap, every 15 min." — r/Taiwan
- "Official taxis are fine but expensive — bus is cheaper if slow." — TripAdvisor
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Arrival checklist
- MRT Express NT$150
- Official taxi rank only
- Get an EasyCard
✉︎
Take it with you
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TPE arrival FAQs
- What is the safest way to leave Taipei Taoyuan International?
- Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station. Skip 'private taxi' touts upstairs — they're 4x the meter.
- Are taxis at TPE safe?
- Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: private 'limo' tout — Person offers a NT$2000 flat to Taipei. Use MRT or the official taxi rank.
- Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at TPE?
- Yes — Uber works at TPE. Typical cost NT$900–NT$1200, journey ~40–60 min. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.
- How much should a taxi from TPE to the city centre cost?
- Expected fare on the TPE → Taipei Main route is roughly NT$150–NT$1200. Anything around NT$1500+ is high — NT$2000+ private car is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
- Do I need cash for a taxi at TPE?
- Carry small local notes — Airport MRT (Express) expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
- Where is the official taxi pickup at Taipei Taoyuan International?
- MRT station below terminals (signed). If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
- Is TPE safe to arrive at late at night?
- TPE is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
- What scams should I watch for at TPE?
- The most reported at TPE: Private 'limo' tout; Wrong-floor taxi. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.
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