Getting around Taipei: MRT, buses, walking, and taxis
Taipei is one of Asia’s easiest cities to navigate. Here’s how to combine MRT + walking (and when buses or taxis actually help).
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A practical guide to using the Taipei Metro (MRT): EasyCard tips, transfers, station etiquette, and how to plan routes without stress.
Best for
First-timers, car-free travelers
Time to read
5–7 minutes
Pairs well with
Neighborhood and itinerary pages
Highlights
- Use an EasyCard for simple tap-and-go travel
- Plan by district: fewer transfers, more time exploring
- Ride etiquette is calm and consistent
- Most of Taipei’s top sights are MRT-friendly
Why the MRT is your best Taipei superpower
The MRT makes Taipei feel smaller than it is. It’s clean, frequent, and easy to navigate even if you don’t speak Mandarin—signage is typically clear and stations are well organized.
If you plan your days around MRT clusters (one or two adjacent areas per day), you’ll spend more time eating and wandering and less time calculating transfers.
EasyCard: the simplest way to pay
An EasyCard is the most convenient way to pay for rides. You can top it up and tap in/out without thinking about single-journey tickets.
It’s also handy for small day-to-day transactions around the city, which helps you keep cash for market stalls and tiny shops.
The only etiquette you really need
The MRT culture is quiet and orderly. Follow the flow, keep to one side on escalators, and let people exit before you enter.
If you match the pace of locals—calm queues, low voices—you’ll feel instantly “in sync” with the city.
- Stand aside to let riders exit first
- Keep bags close in crowded cars
- Offer priority seats when needed
- Keep calls short and quiet (or avoid them)
Planning routes without overthinking
For most trips, your goal is simple: minimize transfers. A slightly longer ride with fewer line changes usually feels easier—especially if you’re traveling with friends, kids, or shopping bags.
If you’re doing a sightseeing day, pair nearby stops: Xinyi (101) + Elephant Mountain, Zhongzheng (memorial) + Daan cafés, Wanhua (Longshan) + Dadaocheng (Dihua Street).
When to use buses or taxis instead
Buses are useful for destinations that are MRT-adjacent but not directly on a line (for example, some museum routes). Taxis are great for short late-night hops or when it’s raining hard and you’re carrying a lot.
Most visitors can do 80–90% of their trip on MRT + walking alone.
FAQ
Quick answers to common planning questions.
Do I need an EasyCard for the MRT?
It’s the easiest option for most travelers. It keeps things tap-and-go and reduces the mental load of buying single-ride tickets—especially if you’re taking multiple short rides per day.
Is the MRT easy if I don’t speak Mandarin?
Yes. Stations are designed for clarity and many signs are bilingual. The simplest strategy is still “plan by district”: fewer transfers, more walking once you arrive.
What’s the #1 rule for planning routes?
Minimize transfers. A slightly longer ride with fewer line changes usually feels smoother than a shorter route that requires multiple switches.
Does the MRT run late?
It generally runs from early morning until around midnight, but exact times vary by line and day. If you’re planning a late night, check the official schedule and consider a taxi for the final hop.
What MRT etiquette should I know?
Let riders exit first, keep to one side on escalators, and keep voices low. Taipei transit culture is calm—matching that rhythm makes everything easier.
Keep exploring
Hand-picked next reads to make your Taipei plan smoother.
Ready to plan your next stop?
Start with a simple loop: one neighborhood stroll, one iconic sight, and one night market. Taipei rewards balance.
Tip: hours, prices, and seasonal schedules can change. When something matters (like a museum ticket or a special exhibition), check the official listing before you go.