Taoyuan (TPE), Songshan (TSA)
TPE has two terminals connected by a Skytrain. Terminal 1 serves most international airlines; Terminal 2 serves China Airlines and EVA Air. Songshan Airport (TSA) is the downtown airport for domestic and some regional flights.
Taoyuan Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station: NT$160 (~$5), 35 min. Express trains run every 15 min, all-stop every 15 min.
Kuo-Kuang bus 1819 to Taipei Main Station: NT$145 (~$4.50), 55 min. Runs 24 hours — the only option after midnight.
Taipei taxis are metered, safe, and affordable. Yellow cabs are regulated. One of Asia's most trustworthy taxi systems.
Kiwitaxi — Fixed pricing for the Taoyuan route. No meter anxiety for the 40 km journey.
GetTransfer — Bids from $25 for Taoyuan to central Taipei.
Read full GetTransfer review →
Uber works in Taiwan but uses licensed taxi drivers. Pricing is similar to metered taxis.
Taoyuan Metro (35 min to Taipei Main Station, TWD 160/$5) is modern and efficient. Express trains run every 15 min.
Airport MRT is excellent: The Taoyuan Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station takes 35 minutes (express) for NT$160 (~$5). Clean, modern, with luggage space. It runs from 6am to 11pm.
EasyCard: Taiwan's transit card works on MRT, buses, bikes, and convenience stores. Buy one at the airport MRT station (NT$100 deposit + loaded value). Essential for getting around Taipei.
Night arrivals: After the last MRT (11pm), the Kuo-Kuang bus 1819 runs 24 hours to Taipei Main Station (NT$145, 55 min). For late arrivals, this or a pre-booked transfer are your options.
Songshan vs Taoyuan: If your flight arrives at Songshan Airport (TSA), you're already in central Taipei — the MRT station is right at the airport. Taoyuan (TPE) is the main international airport, 40 km from the city.
Airport MRT wins for: Solo travelers to central Taipei (NT$160, 35 min, comfortable and modern), anyone staying near Taipei Main Station, budget travelers.
Pre-booked transfer wins for: Families with children and luggage, late-night arrivals (after 11pm when MRT stops), groups of 3+ (cost splits favorably), hotels in Xinyi/Da'an districts not near MRT stations, and travelers heading directly to Jiufen, Yehliu, or other day-trip destinations.
| Service | Price range | Standout feature | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Pickups | $40–60 | In-terminal meet-and-greet, free child seats | Check price → |
| Kiwitaxi | NT$1,000–1,400 | Wide vehicle selection, transparent pricing | Check price → |
| GetTransfer | $28–45 | Bidding system — often cheapest | Check price → |
| intui.travel | $30–48 | Shared transfers, budget groups | Check price → |
Prices for a sedan (up to 3 passengers). GetTransfer prices are typical winning bids. See our full comparison for Taipei for detailed pricing by route.
Currency: TWD (NT$). ATMs are available in all airport terminals.
Language: Mandarin (moderate English at airport and MRT) Having your hotel address saved on your phone (screenshot or Google Maps pin) is always helpful for drivers.
Tipping: Not customary in Taiwan. The price is the price.
Safety: Taiwan is very safe. Taoyuan Airport taxis are metered and honest. The Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station is fast and cheap.
SIM / connectivity: Taiwanese SIM cards from Chunghwa, Taiwan Mobile, or FarEasTone at Taoyuan. Tourist SIMs from NT$300 (~$9) for 5 days unlimited data.
Tip 1: Taoyuan Metro is excellent — $5, 35 min, express trains every 15 min. Best for solo travelers.
Tip 2: Songshan airport is in the city center — taxi for $5-9 or even walk to nearby MRT. No need to pre-book.
Tip 3: Taoyuan is far (40 km) but the highway is fast. Car transfers take 40-50 min outside rush hour.
Tip 4: Taiwan uses TWD, not Chinese Yuan. Credit cards are widely accepted.
See how Welcome Pickups, Kiwitaxi, GetTransfer, and intui.travel compare for Taipei airport routes.
Compare all 4 services for this city →Traveling through the region? Check our airport transfer guides for these nearby cities:
Travel tip
Don't forget mobile data abroad — compare eSIM providers for your destination and stay connected from the moment you land.