Travel to Taipei / Taiwan
Taipei is primarily served by two airports:
- Taoyuan International Airport (TPE): The main international gateway, located about 40km from downtown.
- Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA): Located in the city center, primarily serving domestic flights and regional flights from Tokyo (Haneda), Seoul (Gimpo), and select cities in China.
Transportation from Taoyuan International Airport (TPE):
- Taoyuan Airport MRT: This is the most efficient way to reach central Taipei.
- Express Trains (Purple): Take approximately 35–40 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station.
- Commuter Trains (Blue): Stop at all stations and take about 50 minutes.
Fare: A single journey is NT$150.
- Airport Buses: Several bus lines (e.g., 1819 to Taipei Main Station) operate 24/7. Fares are approximately NT$135–145.
- Taxis/Ubers: Available 24/7 at both terminals. The trip to downtown Taipei usually costs between NT$1,100 and NT$1,500.
Transportation from Songshan Airport (TSA):
- Taipei Metro (MRT): The airport is directly connected to the Wenhu Line (Brown Line) via the Songshan Airport Station.
- Taxis: Given its central location, a taxi to most places in downtown Taipei costs around NT$150–300.
For more detailed schedules and route maps, please visit the Taipei Metro (TRTC) website or the Taoyuan Airport official site.
Essential Travel Tool: The EasyCard (悠遊卡)
The EasyCard is a rechargeable smartcard used for almost all public transport and small purchases in Taiwan. We highly recommend getting one immediately upon arrival.
Where to Buy:
You can purchase an EasyCard for NT$100 (non-refundable) at:
- Airport MRT Service Counters or vending machines.
- Any MRT station information desk or vending machine.
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart). These often sell “special edition” cards with cute designs or characters.
Where to Use:
- Transport: Taipei Metro (MRT), Taoyuan Airport MRT, all city buses, and YouBike rentals. It is also accepted on most Taiwan Railway (TRA) local trains.
- Retail: Convenience stores, supermarkets (like PX Mart), Starbucks, and even some taxis and vending machines.
How to Top Up:
- You can add value at any MRT station using the “Add Value” machines (usually cash only).
- You can also top up at the counter of any major convenience store.
Pro-Tip:
If you plan to travel extensively within the city for a few days, you might also consider the Taipei Fun Pass, which offers unlimited rides for a set period. However, for most workshop attendees, a standard EasyCard is the most flexible option.
