How to get from Taipei Taoyuan Airport to Taipei 101

Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Taiwan · Urban & Cultural · Taipei · Taipei 101 · Taipei Taoyuan Airport

Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Taipei 101 is easy: the Airport MRT zips you into the city, then one quick Taipei Metro hop takes you straight to the landmark. Taxis and prebooked cars are plentiful if you want door-to-door. Use the guide below to pick the best option and follow the step-by-steps.

At A Glance (Taipei Taoyuan Airport to Taipei 101)

Mode Duration Best For
🚇 Airport MRT (TPE→Taipei Main) + Taipei Metro (Red Line) ~50–65m total Fast + best value
🏷️ Cost: ~NT$190–220 total (MRT + Metro) » discounted MRT tickets
🚇🚖 Airport MRT (Express) + Short Taxi ~45–60m Speed with luggage
🏷️ Cost: MRT ~NT$160–170 + taxi ~NT$180–260
🚌 Airport Bus (to Taipei Main) + Metro ~70–95m Cheapest when not in a rush
🏷️ Cost: ~NT$140 bus + Metro ~NT$25–35 » bus tickets/passes
🚖 Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-door) ~45–70m (traffic) Zero transfers, late arrivals
🏷️ Cost: ~NT$1,100–1,600 per car + tolls (metered) » welcome pickups (check availability) | fixed quotes
🚐 Private Transfer (Meet & Greet) ~45–70m Families, bulky luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~NT$1,300–2,300 per vehicle (size/time) » compare transfers | more options

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Contactless works: Use contactless card/phone or EasyCard/iPASS on MRT, Metro, and most buses; top up in airport stations.
  • Peak hours: Weekday 8–9:30 and 17:30–19:30 trains are busy; allow time for the transfer at Taipei Main.
  • Rideshare & taxis: Uber operates in Taipei; 24/7 airport taxi ranks are signed. For fixed fares or child seats, compare GetTransfer or Klook transfers.
  • Luggage storage: If you want to sightsee before check-in, stash bags near Taipei Main or Xinyi area using Radical Storage Taipei.
  • Staying by the tower? Compare hotels within walking distance of Taipei 101 on Booking.com (Taipei 101 area).

🚇 Option #1 — Airport MRT + Taipei Metro (Best Value)

Fast Frequent One easy transfer

  • Overview: Take the Taoyuan Airport MRT (Express or Commuter) from TPE to Taipei Main Station, then transfer to Taipei Metro Red Line (Tamsui–Xinyi) to Taipei 101/World Trade Center station (R03).
  • How to book (with price): No prebooking required. Expect ~NT$160–170 (Airport MRT) + ~NT$25–35 (Metro). You can pre-purchase MRT/eSIM/easycard bundles on Klook.
  • Pros: Fast, reliable, inexpensive. Cons: Some walking within Taipei Main for the Metro transfer.

Step-by-step: Airport MRT + Metro

  1. From arrivals at Terminal 1 or 2, follow signs to the Airport MRT station and buy a ticket/EasyCard (or tap contactless).
  2. Board the Express if available (fewer stops) to Taipei Main Station.
  3. Inside Taipei Main, follow red “R” signs to the Red Line platforms toward Xiàngshān (Elephant Mountain).
  4. Ride to Taipei 101/World Trade Center (R03); use Exit 4 for the tower/mall.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport MRT & Taipei Main)

  • Airport MRT stations: Located in B1 level of T1/T2; elevators available.
  • Taipei Main wayfinding: Look for Red Line (R) logos and “Tamsui–Xinyi Line” signs.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚇🚖 Option #2 — Airport MRT (Express) + Short Taxi (Least Walking)

Quick Great with luggage A bit more cost

  • Overview: Ride the Airport MRT Express to Taipei Main Station, then hop in a taxi for the last 10–20 minutes to Taipei 101.
  • How to book (with price): MRT ~NT$160–170 + taxi ~NT$180–260. For a fixed fare sedan/van, compare GetTransfer or Klook.
  • Pros: Minimal stairs/walking at the end. Cons: Slightly pricier than taking the Metro all the way.

Step-by-step: MRT Express + Taxi

  1. From TPE Terminal 1/2, follow signs to Airport MRT and take the Express to Taipei Main Station.
  2. Exit fare gates and follow signs to the Taxi stands (street-level). Queue for a yellow cab.
  3. Tell the driver “Taipei 101” (No. 7, Sec. 5, Xinyi Rd.); pay by cash or card depending on cab.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport MRT & Taxi stands)

  • Airport: MRT stations in both terminals; English signage throughout.
  • Taipei Main: Multiple taxi queues; watch the signs for the closest exit.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Airport Bus to Taipei Main + Metro (Cheapest, More Relaxed)

Low cost Direct to city Traffic-dependent

  • Overview: From TPE, take an airport coach (e.g., Kuo-Kuang 1819) to Taipei Main Station, then switch to the Red Line to Taipei 101/World Trade Center.
  • How to book (with price): Bus ~NT$140 to Taipei Main + Metro ~NT$25–35. Look for bus/MRT passes or value combos on Klook.
  • Pros: Cheap, easy luggage storage under the coach. Cons: Slower than MRT at rush hour.

Step-by-step: Airport Bus + Metro

  1. From arrivals, follow signs to the Bus counters; buy a ticket to Taipei Main Station (e.g., Kuo-Kuang 1819).
  2. Board the next bus at the signed bay; store large bags in the hold.
  3. At Taipei Main, enter the Metro and ride the Red Line → Taipei 101/World Trade Center (R03).

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Bus bays & Taipei Main)

  • Airport: Bus ticket counters by arrivals; bays are numbered and well signed.
  • City: Alight near/at Taipei Main Station; follow Metro signs to the Red Line.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #4 — Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-Door)

No transfers 24/7 Most expensive

  • Overview: Official taxis queue outside both terminals; Uber also operates at TPE. Expect 45–70 minutes depending on traffic.
  • How to book (with price): Metered fare typically NT$1,100–1,600 plus tolls. For fixed, prebooked meet-and-greet, compare Welcome Pickups (availability varies) or GetTransfer.
  • Pros: Fastest door-to-door; ideal with kids or heavy luggage. Cons: Highest cost; traffic variability.

Step-by-step: Taxi / Rideshare

  1. Exit customs and follow signs to the Taxi rank (or request an Uber in the app to the designated pickup point).
  2. Show the driver “Taipei 101” or the Chinese address; keep some cash or use card if supported.
  3. Ride directly to Taipei 101’s mall entrance or hotel nearby.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport forecourt & Taipei 101)

  • Airport: Clearly marked curbside lanes for official taxis and ride-hails.
  • Taipei 101: Drop-off available at the mall/office entrances; follow security guidance for the observatory if visiting.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #5 — Private Transfer (Meet & Greet, Easiest with Family)

Meet at arrivals Door-to-door Higher cost

  • Overview: A driver waits in the arrivals hall with a name sign and takes you straight to Taipei 101 or your hotel nearby.
  • How to book (with price): From ~NT$1,300–2,300 per vehicle depending on time and size. Browse Klook transfers or request quotes on GetTransfer.
  • Pros: Stress-free with children/elderly or lots of luggage. Cons: More expensive than MRT/Metro.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

  1. Enter flight details, passenger count, and destination (Taipei 101 or hotel) when booking via Klook or GetTransfer.
  2. On landing, switch on your phone/Wi-Fi and meet your driver at the specified point.
  3. Ride directly to Taipei 101; confirm return pickup if needed.

Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals Hall & Taipei 101)

  • Arrivals meet points: Drivers typically wait by the exit area with a sign; precise spot is messaged to you.
  • Destination: Taipei 101/World Trade Center area has clear drop-off bays; follow signage.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Taipei Taoyuan Airport to Taipei 101)

Is the Airport MRT faster than the bus?
Yes—especially in rush hour. The Express to Taipei Main is around 35 minutes, then ~12 minutes on the Red Line.

Can I pay with a credit card on public transport?
Yes—contactless Visa/Mastercard/UnionPay/Apple Pay/Google Pay generally work. EasyCard/iPASS also work everywhere.

Which Metro station is closest to Taipei 101?
Taipei 101/World Trade Center (R03) on the Red Line—follow exits 2/4 for the tower and mall.

What time does the Airport MRT run?
First/last trains vary by terminal/day; typical service is early morning to near midnight. If you land very late, consider taxi or private transfer.

Any tips for luggage?
Airport MRT and Metro have elevators; avoid peak rush if you have large suitcases. For sightseeing before check-in, use luggage storage near major stations.

Can I buy Taipei 101 Observatory tickets in advance?
Yes—skip-the-line/e-tickets are available on GetYourGuide or Klook.