To navigate the city effectively, you must master the Taipei MRT, also known to many international travelers as the Taipei subway. This system is the heartbeat of the capital, whisking you from the heights of Taipei 101 to the hot springs of Beitou with incredible efficiency. By following this guide, you will transition from a visitor to a confident commuter on the Taipei subway.
Mastering the Basics of the Taipei Subway
Begin your journey by understanding the color-coded network. The Taipei Metro subway consists of several primary lines that are easy to distinguish on any map. Each station features a name in both Mandarin and English, along with an alphanumeric code (e.g., Taipei Main Station is R10/BL12). This ensures you never get lost on the Taipei subway, regardless of language barriers.
Look for the distinctive “M” logo to find station entrances. Most stations feature multiple exits, so check the neighborhood maps near the fare gates. These maps indicate which exit is closest to your destination. Large yellow signs also point you toward major landmarks, helping you emerge from the Taipei subway exactly where you need to be.
Deciphering the Network Lines
Familiarize yourself with the primary arteries of the city. The Blue Line (Bannan Line) runs east-west, connecting major shopping districts like Ximen. The Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) serves as your gateway to Taipei 101 and the scenic Tamsui riverside. For historical sites, use the Green Line (Songshan-Xindian Line) via the Taipei subway.
The Orange Line stretches into New Taipei City, while the elevated Brown Line offers a scenic ride to the Taipei Zoo. Finally, the Circular Line (Yellow Line) connects the suburbs without requiring a trip through the city center. Memorizing these colors will save you precious time when planning excursions on the Taipei subway.
Related: How to Use the Tokyo Subway
Securing Your Ticket or IC Card
Before passing through the gates, you need a valid fare medium. For a single trip on the Taipei subway, head to the automated machines to purchase a “Single-Journey Ticket,” which is a small blue plastic token. The machine displays a map with fares; simply select your price, insert cash, and take your token.
Consider purchasing an EasyCard (Yoyo Ka) if you stay for more than a day. These are available at any Taipei subway information counter or convenience stores like 7-Eleven. This card eliminates the need to buy a token for every trip and allows you to pay for buses, YouBikes, and even snacks.
Recent updates in 2026 allow you to use various mobile payment apps at the gates of the Taipei subway. If you have a compatible electronic payment platform, you can simply scan your phone to enter. This modern convenience means you never have to worry about fumbling for coins while entering the Taipei subway.
Understanding Fare Prices and Discounts
Your fare depends on the distance you travel. Prices generally start at NT$20 (approx. $0.63 USD) and increase to a maximum of about NT$65 (approx. $2.03 USD). If you use an EasyCard or mobile payment on the Taipei subway, you pay the full fare, but the system offers a “Frequent Rider” cashback program.
Frequent Rider and Transfer Discounts
Take advantage of the cashback system. If you take more than 11 trips in a calendar month, you receive a percentage of your fares back as a credit. This is automatically applied the next time you tap into the Taipei subway.
Save even more by utilizing transfer discounts between the Taipei subway and public buses. When you transfer within one hour using the same EasyCard, you receive a discount of NT$8 (approx. $0.25 USD). Children under 6 ride the Taipei subway for free with a paying adult, while specific registered cardholders enjoy significant concessionary discounts based on local regulations.
Selecting the Right Travel Pass
Evaluate your itinerary to see if a specialized pass saves you money. If you plan to visit many sights in one day, buy a One-Day Pass for NT$150 (approx. $4.69 USD). This allows unlimited travel on the Taipei subway until the end of the service day.
Choose a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Metro Pass for more flexibility. These are based on time rather than service days; a 24-hour pass activated at 2:00 p.m. remains valid on the Taipei subway until 2:00 p.m the following day. These passes cost NT$180 ($5.63 USD), NT$280 ($8.75 USD), and NT$380 ($11.88 USD) respectively.
For long-term stays, the TPASS (Megacity Pass) is the ultimate value. For NT$1,200 (approx. $37.50 USD), you get unlimited rides for 30 days on the Taipei subway, light rail, and regional buses.
Navigating the Platforms and Boarding
Follow the floor markings as you approach the platform. You will notice painted lines indicating where to queue. Stand behind the yellow line and wait for passengers to exit before you board. This orderly process is a hallmark of the Taipei subway and ensures efficiency even during rush hours.
Listen for the announcements in Mandarin, English, Hokkien, and Hakka. Digital screens show the “Next Station” and “Terminal Station.” Always check the terminal station to ensure you are heading in the right direction on the Taipei subway. For example, on the Red Line, trains go toward either Tamsui or Xiangshan.
Priority Seating Etiquette
Be aware of the dark blue “Priority Seats.” While you can sit in them if the train is empty, you must give them up immediately for those with limited mobility, passengers with small children, or people with other physical needs. In the Taipei subway culture, this habit is observed religiously, and you will often see passengers standing to leave these seats free for those who require them.
Adhering to MRT Etiquette and Rules
Respect the strict “No Food or Drink” policy. Once you pass the yellow “No Entry” line, you are prohibited from eating, drinking, or chewing gum. This rule is strictly enforced with fines ranging from NT$1,500 ($46.88 USD) to NT$7,500 ($234.38 USD), which is why the Taipei subway remains exceptionally clean.
Keep your voice down while talking on your phone. The Taipei subway is a quiet environment where people rest or browse their phones in silence. Additionally, always stand on the right side of the escalator if you are not walking, allowing others to pass on the left.
Maintain awareness of your surroundings near the doors. If the train is crowded, step off briefly to let others out, then step back on. Avoid wearing bulky backpacks on your back; instead, hold them in front of you to create more space on the Taipei subway.
Exploring Station Services and Facilities
Most major Taipei subway stations offer clean public restrooms located both inside and outside the paid areas. If you need to charge your phone, look for designated “Charging Stations” near information counters.
Take advantage of the Information Counter near the gates. The staff generally speak English and can help with directions or card issues. If you lose an item, visit the Lost and Found center at Taipei Main Station, which is incredibly efficient at returning property lost on the Taipei subway.
Free Wi-Fi and Storage
Connect to the “TPE-Free” Wi-Fi networks available at all stations. If you have heavy luggage, look for electronic lockers at major Taipei subway transfer stations like Ximen or Taipei 101. These lockers are affordable and can be paid for using your EasyCard.
Operating Hours and Peak Times
Most lines begin service at 6:00 AM and run until 12:00 AM (midnight). The “last train” usually leaves terminal stations at midnight. To avoid being stranded, ensure you are inside the Taipei subway station by midnight.
Expect heavy crowds during peak hours (7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM). During these times, trains arrive every 2 to 3 minutes. If you have large luggage, try to travel during off-peak hours when the Taipei subway is much more spacious.
Use the official “Go! Taipei Metro” app to check real-time arrivals and crowd levels. The app features a heat map for each train car, helping you find a more comfortable spot on the Taipei subway.
Connecting with YouBike and Buses
Expand your reach using the YouBike system. You will find docking stations at almost every Taipei subway exit. By using your EasyCard, you can bridge the gap between the station and your destination.
Identify bus stop locations as you exit. Large digital signs show arrival times for connecting buses. Always remember to tap your EasyCard both when boarding and exiting the bus to ensure you receive the correct fare and your Taipei subway transfer discount.
Navigating the Taoyuan Airport MRT
Distinguish between the city lines and the Taoyuan Airport MRT (Purple Line). While they share stations like Taipei Main Station, they are separate systems. The Airport MRT connects you to the airport in about 35 minutes via the Express train. You can use your EasyCard here, but the fare is higher (approx. NT$160 or $5.00 USD) than standard trips on the Taipei subway.
10 Popular Places Within 500 Meters of a Taipei Subway Station
| Destination | Nearest MRT Station | Distance | Highlight |
| Taipei 101 | Taipei 101 (Red Line) | < 50 m | Iconic skyscraper and luxury mall. |
| Longshan Temple | Longshan Temple (Blue Line) | 150 m | One of Taiwan’s oldest temples. |
| Ximending District | Ximen (Blue/Green Line) | < 50 m | Vibrant shopping and street food hub. |
| Chiang Kai-shek Memorial | CKS Memorial (Red/Green Line) | 100 m | Grand monument and park. |
| Shilin Night Market | Jiantan (Red Line) | 400 m | Taipei’s largest food market. |
| Taipei Zoo | Taipei Zoo (Brown Line) | 100 m | Large conservation park. |
| Beitou Hot Springs | Xinbeitou (Red Line Branch) | 450 m | Historical bathhouses and park. |
| Huashan 1914 Park | Zhongxiao Xinsheng (Blue/Orange) | 400 m | Artsy warehouse district. |
| Raohe Night Market | Songshan (Green Line) | 150 m | Famous for traditional snacks. |
| Daan Forest Park | Daan Forest Park (Red Line) | < 50 m | The city’s largest green space. |
Related: How to Ride the Subway in Singapore
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University and is a Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW) member.
