Taipei MRT basics: how to ride like a local
A practical guide to using the Taipei Metro (MRT): EasyCard tips, transfers, station etiquette, and how to plan routes without stress.
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Taipei is one of Asia’s easiest cities to navigate. Here’s how to combine MRT + walking (and when buses or taxis actually help).
Best for
First-time visitors, car-free trips
Default combo
MRT + walking
When to taxi
Late night, heavy rain, luggage
Highlights
- MRT + walking covers most trips
- Use an EasyCard for convenience
- Taxis are great for late nights and heavy rain
Your default: MRT + walking
For most visitors, the MRT is the backbone: it’s clear, frequent, and connects the areas you’ll actually spend time in. Walking fills in the details—small shops, snack stops, and the city’s best street atmosphere.
The easiest optimization is not speed; it’s simplicity. Plan one or two adjacent areas per day and you’ll do less transferring.
EasyCard: a practical travel upgrade
If you’re riding transit more than a couple times, an EasyCard makes everything smoother. Tap-and-go keeps your day flowing and reduces decision fatigue.
Buses and taxis (use them intentionally)
Buses can be useful for specific routes that aren’t directly on an MRT line. Taxis are best as ‘short friction reducers’: when the weather is bad, you’re tired, or you want to keep an evening smooth.
- Buses: good for point-to-point routes (check apps for live info)
- Taxis: best for short hops and late-night convenience
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.