How to get from Taipei Taoyuan Airport to Ximending

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

Traveling from Taipei Taoyuan Airport to Ximending is straightforward, with the Taoyuan Airport MRT, the Kuo-Kuang 1819 airport bus, metered taxis, and private transfers all offering easy access into central Taipei. For most travelers, the best choice is the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station—about 35 to 38 minutes on the express train from the airport, NT$160, then just one quick stop on the Taipei Metro to Ximen, which is the fastest and most reliable option overall.

At A Glance (Taipei Taoyuan Airport to Ximending)

Mode Duration Best For
🚆 Airport MRT (TPE→Taipei Main) + Taipei Metro (to Ximen) ~50–80 min (train + transfer + short walk) Most travelers, predictable timing, no traffic
🏷️ Cost: Airport MRT NT$160 to Taipei Main + Metro ~NT$20–35 » airport MRT ticket deals | compare times
🚌 Direct Airport Bus (to Taipei Main) + Metro/walk ~70–110 min (traffic-dependent) Cheapest, late-night arrivals, simple boarding
🏷️ Cost: ~NT$135–160 bus + Metro ~NT$20–35 » Kuo-Kuang 1819 bus | alt. routes
🚖 Taxi / Private Transfer (door-to-door) ~40–70 min (traffic-dependent) Groups, big luggage, late arrivals, door-to-door
🏷️ Cost: ~NT$1,000–1,600+ per car » prebook pickup | GetTransfer options
🚐 Shared Shuttle / Carpool (book ahead) ~60–100 min (drop-offs vary) Value-focused groups, hassle-free pickup
🏷️ Cost: ~NT$300–800+ per person (provider/route dependent) » shuttle listings | alt. transfers

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Know your destination point: “Ximending” is a neighborhood; your most useful rail target is Ximen Station (Blue Line/Green Line). If your hotel is on the pedestrian streets, the nearest exit is often Exit 6 (popular for the main shopping zone).
  • Use EasyCard for smooth transfers: An EasyCard works on Airport MRT, Taipei Metro, buses, and many convenience stores—tap-and-go beats buying single tokens.
  • Airport MRT fare and where it takes you: The Airport MRT fare to Taipei Main Station is NT$160 per the airport’s own fare table (Airport MRT info).
  • Booking ahead can save time: If you prefer vouchers/QR pickup, compare Airport MRT tickets and bus tickets like Kuo-Kuang 1819.
  • Storing bags near Ximending: If you arrive before check-in, consider luggage storage in Taipei (pick a location near Ximending/Taipei Main).
  • Things to do once you arrive: Ximending is great for food streets and night vibes—browse Ximending tours and activities if you want a guided intro.
  • Where to stay: Compare hotels in Ximending for walkable access to the station and pedestrian zone.

🚆 Option #1 — Airport MRT (TPE→Taipei Main) + Taipei Metro to Ximending (Most Popular)

Predictable Fast 1–2 transfers

  • Overview: Take the Taoyuan Airport MRT from A12 (Terminal 1) or A13 (Terminal 2) to A1 Taipei Main Station, then transfer to Taipei Metro to reach Ximen Station (Ximending). The airport states the fare to Taipei Main is NT$160 (fare table).
  • Typical duration: ~50–80 min total depending on Express vs Commuter and walking inside Taipei Main.
  • How to book (with price): You can buy tickets on-site, or use vouchers from Klook or Trip.com. For schedule comparisons, check 12Go and the official timetable tools (Taoyuan Metro timetable search).
  • Pros: No traffic, frequent service, luggage racks (Express). Cons: Taipei Main is huge—budget extra walking time for transfers.

Step-by-step: Airport MRT + Taipei Metro (to Ximen)

  1. At TPE, follow signs for Airport MRT to reach A12 Airport Terminal 1 Station or A13 Airport Terminal 2 Station (the airport provides MRT access details on its Airport MRT page).
  2. Choose Express if you want fewer stops, or Commuter if you need an intermediate station; ride to A1 Taipei Main Station.
  3. Follow Taipei Main transfer signs to Taipei Metro. Your goal is Ximen Station:
    1. Blue Line (Bannan) route: from Taipei Main (BL12) to Ximen (BL11) (1 stop).
    2. Green Line (Songshan–Xindian) route: from Taipei Main (G13) to Ximen (G12) (1 stop).
  4. Exit toward the pedestrian shopping zone (many visitors use Exit 6 for the busiest Ximending streets). If you’re heading to a specific hotel, use the nearest exit indicated on your map.

Getting to the main embarking points (A12/A13 Airport MRT stations)

  • Terminal 1: The airport’s public transport page shows how to reach the MRT station areas (Public Transportation).
  • Terminal 2: Follow “Airport MRT” signage to A13; trains run at frequent intervals (check the airport’s MRT page for service notes).
  • Best arrival station for Ximending: Ximen Station (Blue/Green lines) is the hub for Ximending.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Direct Airport Bus to Taipei Main + Metro/Walk (Cheapest, Late-Night Friendly)

Low cost Good late-night option Traffic-dependent

  • Overview: Take an airport bus from TPE to Taipei Main / Taipei Bus Station, then ride one MRT stop to Ximen Station (or take a short taxi). Taoyuan Airport lists bus routes and operators on its Buses page, including the popular Kuo-Kuang services.
  • Typical duration: ~70–110 min depending on traffic, plus ~5 min MRT from Taipei Main to Ximen.
  • How to book (with price): Buy at airport counters or use a voucher like Klook’s Kuo-Kuang 1819 bus ticket. For route comparisons, check 12Go. Expect around NT$135–160 for the bus (route/operator dependent) plus ~NT$20–35 for the MRT to Ximen.
  • Pros: Cheap, straightforward, often runs later than the MRT. Cons: Rush-hour traffic can add time; seats may fill on peak arrivals.

Step-by-step: Airport Bus + 1-stop Metro to Ximen

  1. After customs, follow signs for Bus/Coach and confirm your route at the counters or on the airport’s bus route list.
  2. Choose a bus that terminates at Taipei Main / Taipei Bus Station (the classic choice is Kuo-Kuang routes; availability varies by time).
  3. At Taipei Main, transfer to Taipei Metro:
    1. Take Blue Line from Taipei Main to Ximen (1 stop), or
    2. Take Green Line from Taipei Main to Ximen (1 stop).
  4. Exit into Ximending and walk to your hotel; if you’re staying right in the pedestrian zone, Exit 6 is often convenient.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport bus stops/counters)

  • Where to buy: Airport bus ticket counters in arrivals; staff can point you to the correct platform.
  • Finding the bus stop: Follow “Buses” signage; platforms are outside arrivals.
  • If you arrive very late: Buses can be more available than the MRT; check the operator and last-departure info at the counter.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #3 — Taxi / Private Transfer (Door-to-Door Convenience)

Most convenient Great for groups Highest cost

  • Overview: Take a licensed airport taxi or prebook a private transfer directly to your hotel in Ximending. Taoyuan Airport explains where to find licensed taxis and pickup points on its Taxi page.
  • Typical duration: ~40–70 min depending on traffic and exact address.
  • How to book (with price): Walk-up taxis are available at the designated taxi area; for prebooked rides, compare Welcome Pickups and GetTransfer. A realistic ballpark is NT$1,000–1,600+ per car (traffic/time/vehicle dependent).
  • Ride-hailing alternatives: Uber operates in Taipei (availability info), and local taxi apps (e.g., Taiwan Taxi/LINE Taxi) are common—use whichever is easiest with your payment method.
  • Pros: No transfers, direct to the hotel, best with heavy luggage. Cons: Costs more than rail/bus; traffic varies.

Step-by-step: Taxi / Private Transfer

  1. After arrivals, decide between a walk-up taxi or a prebooked driver (helpful for late-night landings or groups).
  2. Walk-up taxi: Follow signs to the taxi stand and show your destination (hotel name + address). Use the airport’s guidance for where taxis queue (Taxi info).
  3. Prebooked: Confirm terminal, landing time, and luggage count; your provider will specify a meeting point (arrivals hall/column number).
  4. Ask to be dropped near your hotel’s closest street access—some parts of Ximending are pedestrian-only, so final meters may be on foot.

Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi stands / pickup zones)

  • Licensed taxis: Use the official taxi stand areas described on the airport’s Taxi page.
  • Pedestrian zone note: If your hotel is deep inside the walking streets, coordinate a nearby drop-off point on Zhonghua Rd or Chengdu Rd.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Shared Shuttle / Carpool (Prebooked, Good Value)

Pickup included Better than taxi for solo May include multiple drop-offs

  • Overview: A shared van or carpool-style airport shuttle picks you up at the airport and drops you near your Ximending hotel (or the nearest accessible street if your address is inside the pedestrian area).
  • Typical duration: ~60–100 min depending on how many drop-offs and traffic.
  • How to book (with price): Look for shared shuttle/carpool products on Trip.com or Klook airport transfers. Prices vary widely by provider and whether it’s truly shared vs semi-private, but a useful ballpark is ~NT$300–800+ per person.
  • Pros: Less hassle than trains with luggage; cheaper than a private car for solo travelers. Cons: Arrival time can be less predictable due to multiple drop-offs.

Step-by-step: Shared shuttle / carpool

  1. Choose a product that lists TPE (Taoyuan International Airport) pickup and Taipei City drop-off, and add your hotel address in Ximending.
  2. Confirm terminal and flight number so the provider can track delays.
  3. Meet the driver at the stated meeting point (arrivals hall signage/column number) and ride to the nearest accessible drop-off for your hotel.
  4. If your hotel is inside the pedestrian zone, expect a short walk for the last block or two.

Getting to the main embarking points (Shuttle meeting points)

  • Where to meet: Meeting points depend on provider; follow your voucher instructions carefully.
  • Plan for drop-off rules: If your address is within pedestrian-only streets, choose the nearest vehicle-accessible cross street.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Taipei Taoyuan Airport to Ximending)

What’s the easiest way to get from Taoyuan Airport to Ximending?
For most travelers, Airport MRT to Taipei Main + one Metro stop to Ximen is the easiest and most predictable.

How much is the Airport MRT from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station?
The airport lists the fare as NT$160 for Taipei Main Station on its Airport MRT page.

Is there a direct train to Ximending from the airport?
Not directly. The Airport MRT takes you to Taipei Main Station; from there, Ximen is typically one stop by Taipei Metro (Blue or Green line).

Which Ximen Station exit is best for Ximending?
Many visitors use Exit 6 for the busiest pedestrian shopping streets, but the best exit depends on your exact hotel address.

Should I take a taxi or Uber from the airport?
If you have heavy luggage, a late-night arrival, or a group, a taxi/private transfer is simplest. Uber operates in Taipei (service info), and local taxi apps are also common.

Can I store luggage near Ximending before check-in?
Yes—consider luggage storage in Taipei and select a location near Ximending or Taipei Main.