How to get from Taipei 101 to Taipei Main Station

Taipei 101 and Taipei Main Station are directly connected by Taipei MRT’s Red Line, making this one of the easiest city transfers in Taipei; below are the fastest, cheapest, and most convenient ways to do it, plus booking tips and route planners.

At A Glance (Taipei 101 to Taipei Main Station)

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest/Most Convenient: Option #1 — MRT Red Line. It is direct, frequent, and avoids Taipei traffic.
• Cheapest/Most Economical: Option #2 — City Bus (often the cheapest cashless/public option), though travel time varies more with traffic.
• Best for Luggage/Family: Option #3 — Taxi / Ride-hailing / Private Transfer for true door-to-door travel.
• Most Scenic/Flexible Schedule: Option #4 — Walk / Bike if weather is good and you want to explore Xinyi and central Taipei on the way.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Use the MRT for reliability: Taipei traffic can add delays to buses and taxis, especially on weekdays and around rush hours.
• Check fare/time before departing: Use the TRTC fare & travel time inquiry for the most current information.
• Paying for MRT and buses: EasyCard/iPASS is usually the most convenient for public transport. Single-journey MRT tokens are also available at station machines.
• If carrying large luggage: MRT is still workable, but taxi/private transfer may be easier during peak hours. If you need to stash bags near the station, compare luggage storage options.
• Late-night travel: If MRT service has ended, use taxi/ride-hailing or a prebooked private car. Ride-hailing alternatives commonly used in Taipei include Uber and local taxi apps/operators (availability varies by area/time).
• Street-level navigation: Taipei 101 has multiple nearby bus stops and MRT exits; check the Taipei 101 access page for stop names and directions.

🚇 Option #1 — MRT Red Line (Fastest, Most Reliable)

Fastest reliable Direct line Great for first-timers

• Overview: Take Taipei MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Line (Red Line) directly from Taipei 101/World Trade Center (R03) to Taipei Main Station (R10). No transfers are needed.
• Typical duration: About 12–18 minutes on the train, plus time to enter/exit stations and walk to your final point inside Taipei Main Station’s large complex.
• How to book/pay (with price): Buy a single-journey token at the station or tap an EasyCard/iPASS. Fare is distance-based and is commonly around NT$25 for this route; confirm via the official fare & travel time inquiry. If you are sightseeing and making multiple rides, compare Taipei MRT pass listings or Taipei Metro travel info.
• Pros: Frequent service, easy navigation, predictable travel time. Cons: Can be crowded in rush hour; station walking at Taipei Main can take extra time.
• Official websites (relevant): Taipei Metro (TRTC), Fare & Travel Time Inquiries, Taipei 101 Access.

Step-by-step: MRT Red Line

1. From the Taipei 101 complex, follow signs for MRT Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (Red Line / Tamsui-Xinyi Line).
2. Enter the station and buy a single-journey token to Taipei Main Station or tap your EasyCard/iPASS at the gate.
3. Board the Red Line train toward Tamsui (northbound direction).
4. Ride to Taipei Main Station (R10) and exit using the station signs for your target transfer (TRA/HSR/MRT Airport Line/Taipei Bus Station/hotel district).
5. If you need help inside the complex, allow extra walking time because Taipei Main Station is a large interchange with multiple connected areas.

Getting to the main embarking points (Taipei 101 MRT Station)

• From Taipei 101 Observatory / mall: Follow indoor signs to the MRT connection and street-level wayfinding for Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station.
• From Grand Hyatt Taipei / TICC side: Walk toward Xinyi Road / Songzhi Road side and follow MRT signs; this is usually a short walk.
• If unsure which entrance to use: Check the Taipei 101 access page or ask building/station staff for the nearest MRT entrance to the Red Line.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — City Bus (Low Cost, Street-Level Ride)

Low cost No station stairs Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Take a city bus from the Taipei 101 / Xinyi area toward Taipei Main Station. There are multiple possible routes depending on your exact stop and time.
• Typical duration: Usually 20–40 minutes total, but can be longer during rush hour or rain.
• How to book/pay (with price): Tap EasyCard/iPASS on boarding/alighting as required by route rules, or pay exact fare where accepted. Ballpark fare is often ~NT$15–30. Use Taipei eBus for routes and arrivals, and check route options with 12Go or city mapping apps for alternatives.
• Useful note: The Taipei 101 access page lists nearby bus stops and notes a Xinyi Mainline bus option toward Taipei Main Station.
• Pros: Cheap, easy if you are already near a stop, good for travelers who prefer street-level transfers. Cons: Route selection is less straightforward than MRT; delays depend on traffic.
• Official websites (relevant): Taipei eBus, Taipei 101 Access.

Step-by-step: City Bus

1. Identify your nearest stop around Taipei 101 (for example, stops on Xinyi Road Sec. 5 / Shifu Road / nearby Grand Hyatt area).
2. Open Taipei eBus (or a map app) and search for buses heading toward Taipei Main Station / Taipei Station area.
3. Confirm direction before boarding; several routes in Xinyi go elsewhere.
4. Tap your EasyCard/iPASS when boarding (and again when exiting if the route uses segmented fare rules).
5. Get off near Taipei Main Station / Taipei Bus Station / Zhongxiao West Road area and walk to your final entrance.

Getting to the main embarking points (Taipei 101 bus stops)

• MRT Taipei 101 / World Trade Center stop area: Multiple bus stops sit around Taipei 101 and the World Trade Center/TICC area; stop names matter, so check carefully.
• Xinyi Road Sec. 5 stops: Common departure area for buses that cross central Taipei toward the station district.
• Grand Hyatt / City Hall side: If one stop has a long wait, nearby stops around the Taipei City Hall / Xinyi commercial zone may have more frequent alternatives.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚕 Option #3 — Taxi / Ride-hailing / Private Transfer (Door-to-Door)

Door-to-door Best with luggage Higher cost

• Overview: Taxis and ride-hailing are the easiest way if you are traveling with suitcases, children, or during late hours. The route is short but traffic can fluctuate.
• Typical duration: About 10–20 minutes door-to-door in normal conditions; longer in peak traffic.
• How to book (with price): Hail a metered taxi outside Taipei 101 or book via ride-hailing apps (commonly Uber in Taipei, plus local taxi apps/operators depending on availability). For fixed/prearranged service, compare Welcome Pickups and GetTransfer Taipei options. Ballpark taxi fare is often around NT$180–350+ depending on traffic, exact pickup point, and luggage/loading time.
• Pros: No transfers, easiest with bags, good if MRT is closed. Cons: More expensive; traffic can erase the speed advantage.
• Optional extras: If you are turning this into a city day trip, you can bundle activities on GetYourGuide Taipei or compare Klook Taipei activities.
• Official websites (relevant): Taipei 101 Access.

Step-by-step: Taxi / Ride-hailing / Private Transfer

1. Choose your pickup point (Taipei 101 mall entrance, observatory exit area, or nearby hotel such as Grand Hyatt Taipei).
2. If using ride-hailing, pin the pickup point carefully because Taipei 101 has multiple curbside areas and traffic circulation lanes.
3. Set destination as Taipei Main Station and, if needed, specify the exact drop-off (TRA, HSR, Airport MRT A1, Taipei Bus Station, or nearby hotel).
4. If carrying many bags, consider prebooking a private car via Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer.
5. Allow a time buffer on weekday evenings and in rainy weather.

Getting to the main embarking points (Taipei 101 curbside pickup areas)

• Taxi queue / curbside pickup: Follow signs to designated pickup/drop-off areas around Taipei 101 and adjacent roads.
• Hotel pickups: Grand Hyatt Taipei and nearby hotels are often easier landmark pickups than busy mall entrances.
• Exact destination matters: Taipei Main Station is a large complex, so choose the correct entrance for train/metro/bus transfers to save walking time.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚶 Option #4 — Walk / Bike (Scenic, Flexible)

Flexible Scenic city route Best with light luggage

• Overview: A good option if you want to explore Taipei at street level and are not in a rush. Walking from Taipei 101 to Taipei Main Station is straightforward with map apps, and bike-share docks are common in the city.
• Typical duration: Walk ~60–80 minutes (pace and route dependent). Bike ~25–45 minutes depending on traffic lights, route choice, and bike dock availability.
• How to book/pay (with price): Walking is free. For bikes, use local bike-share where available or compare rentals on BikesBooking. If you want to leave luggage first, compare Radical Storage near the station area.
• Pros: Great for sightseeing and flexible stops. Cons: Weather-sensitive; not ideal with heavy bags or tight schedules.
• Stay option if arriving late: If you decide to stay near the station instead of transferring immediately, compare Taipei hotels on Booking.com.
• Official websites (relevant): Taipei 101 Access.

Step-by-step: Walk / Bike

1. Open a navigation app and choose a walking or cycling route from Taipei 101 to Taipei Main Station.
2. If walking, carry water in hot months and an umbrella/rain jacket in wet weather.
3. If cycling, verify local rules, bike lane conditions, and docking/return availability before starting.
4. If you have luggage, consider storing bags first (for example near Taipei Main Station) before sightseeing detours.
5. Build in extra time for photos, crossings, and traffic signals.

Getting to the main embarking points (Taipei 101 plaza / nearby sidewalks)

• Walking start point: Any main entrance of Taipei 101 works; choose the side that best matches your map route.
• Bike start point: Check nearby bike docks/rental pickup points in the Xinyi district before leaving.
• Weather check: Rain and summer heat can make MRT or taxi a better choice even for short city transfers.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Taipei 101 to Taipei Main Station)

What’s the easiest way to get from Taipei 101 to Taipei Main Station?
For most travelers, the MRT Red Line is the easiest and most reliable option because it is direct and frequent.

How long does the MRT take from Taipei 101 to Taipei Main Station?
The train ride is typically around 12–18 minutes, but allow extra time for entering/exiting stations and walking inside the Taipei Main Station complex.

How much does it cost?
Public transport fares are generally low. The MRT route is commonly around NT$25 (distance-based), while buses are often around NT$15–30. Taxi/ride-hailing usually costs more, often ~NT$180–350+ depending on traffic and exact pickup/drop-off points.

Should I use bus or MRT?
Use MRT if you want speed and simplicity. Use bus if you prefer a street-level ride or your hotel/bus stop location makes it more convenient.

Is taxi faster than MRT?
Sometimes, especially late at night or with luggage. In rush hour, MRT is often faster or at least more predictable than road traffic.

Are ride-hailing apps available in Taipei?
Yes, ride-hailing is available in Taipei (availability varies by area/time). Taxis are also easy to find around Taipei 101 and Taipei Main Station. Prebooked private transfers via Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer can be useful for families or heavy luggage.

Can I go directly to the Airport MRT from Taipei 101?
Not directly by a single MRT line. Most travelers take the Red Line to Taipei Main Station and then transfer to the Airport MRT (A1 Taipei Main Station area connection). Is walking realistic?
Yes, if you have light luggage and good weather. It is a practical city walk, but MRT is usually much faster and more comfortable.

This guide was researched and written by Jacob, and it was last updated on July 30, 2026. 0 people found this post useful.

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