How to Get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station by Airport MRT or Bus
How to get from Taoyuan Airport (TPE) to Taipei Main Station & Ximending. Compare Airport MRT Express (36 min), Kuo-Kwang Bus 1819, and transit fares.
- ✓The Taoyuan Airport MRT Purple Express train connects Terminal 1 (36 min) and Terminal 2 (39 min) to Taipei Main Station for 150 TWD.
- ✓The Kuo-Kwang 1819 airport coach provides 24-hour bus service to Taipei Main Station for 140 TWD, covering red-eye arrivals after the MRT closes at 23:35.
- ✓Contactless bank cards, Apple Pay, EasyCard, and iPASS tap directly at Airport MRT turnstiles without requiring paper tokens.
Touching down at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) puts you 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of downtown Taipei. Reaching central neighborhoods like Taipei Main Station, Ximending, Zhongshan, and Xinyi (Taipei 101) is exceptionally convenient thanks to dedicated rail and highway transit corridors.
Deciding between the Airport MRT Express train, the 24-hour Kuo-Kwang 1819 bus, and private airport transfers depends on your flight arrival time and destination neighborhood.
Quick Comparison: Taoyuan Airport (TPE) to Taipei City Center
| Transport Method | Destination Hub | Travel Time (from T1) | One-Way Fare (TWD / USD) | Operating Hours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taoyuan Airport MRT (Purple Express) | Taipei Main Station (A1) | 36 mins | 150 TWD (~$4.75 USD) | 05:58 – 23:35 | Fastest, zero traffic, direct connection to High-Speed Rail & Metro |
| Taoyuan Airport MRT (Blue Commuter) | All local stations / Taipei A1 | 50 mins | 150 TWD (~$4.75 USD) | 06:05 – 23:50 | Stopping at Linkou or New Taipei industrial parks |
| Kuo-Kwang Bus 1819 | Taipei Main Station (East Exit) | 55 mins | 140 TWD (~$4.40 USD) | 24 Hours Daily (Night service) | Late-night / red-eye arrivals & direct luggage undercarriage storage |
| CitiAir Bus 1960 | Taipei City Hall / Xinyi (101) | 65–75 mins | 160 TWD (~$5.10 USD) | 06:00 – 23:00 | Staying in Xinyi District / Grand Hyatt / W Taipei |
| Official Airport Taxi / Transfer | Door-to-door anywhere | 40–55 mins | ~1,200–1,500 TWD ($38–$48 USD) | 24 Hours Daily | Families with heavy luggage & hotel front curb delivery |
Destination Match: Choosing the Right Transport Option
- For arrivals between 06:00 and 23:30 heading toward Taipei Main Station, Zhongshan, or Ximending, the Airport MRT Express provides the fastest and most predictable journey.
- If you arrive after 23:35 when the train system stops for the night, the Kuo-Kwang 1819 bus operates 24/7 directly to Taipei Main Station East Exit.
- Travelers staying in eastern commercial districts like Xinyi near Taipei 101 can take CitiAir Bus 1960 or hail a taxi directly from the curb.
Taoyuan Airport MRT: Purple Express vs Blue Commuter
The Taoyuan Airport MRT operates two train categories along shared tracks for the same 150 TWD ticket price:
Purple Express Train (直達車):
- Connects Terminal 1 (A12) in 36 minutes and Terminal 2 (A13) in 39 minutes to Taipei Main Station (A1).
- Stops only at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (A8) and New Taipei Industrial Park (A3).
- Features forward-facing seating, dedicated luggage racks, and wireless charging pads.
- Flat fare of 150 TWD.
Blue Commuter Train (普通車):
- Stops at all 12 local stations, taking around 50 to 52 minutes.
- Fitted with longitudinal bench seating and fewer luggage bays.
- Best reserved for travelers heading to local suburban stops along the line.
Kuo-Kwang 1819 Bus: 24-Hour Option for Late Arrivals
When flights arrive after midnight, the Kuo-Kwang Bus 1819 provides dependable 24/7 transit:
- Operates continuously through the night with departures every 30 to 60 minutes.
- Reaches Taipei Main Station East Exit in about 55 minutes via the freeway.
- Tickets are 140 TWD for adults and 70 TWD for children.
- Large suitcases are loaded into undercarriage compartments by staff, leaving cabin aisles completely clear.
Step-by-Step: Taking the Airport MRT from Terminal 1 or 2
Boarding the Taoyuan Airport MRT Express
Follow Purple Signs to B1 / B2 Railway Concourse
TPE Terminal ConcourseAfter clearing customs, follow the prominent purple 'Taoyuan Airport MRT' overhead signs down to the basement railway station (B1 at Terminal 1 / B2 at Terminal 2).
Tap Contactless Card, Apple Pay, or EasyCard
MRT TurnstilesNo need to queue for paper tokens! Simply tap your contactless Visa/Mastercard/JCB, Apple Pay, EasyCard, or iPASS directly on the turnstile sensor.
Board Platform 1 (Purple Express Train)
Airport MRT Express LineLook for the platform marked 'Express to Taipei' (Purple signage). Board the train, stow your luggage in the front racks, and enjoy free onboard Wi-Fi.
In-Town Check-In at Taipei Main Station
Departing passengers flying with participating airlines—including China Airlines, EVA Air, Starlux Airlines, and Tigerair Taiwan—can take advantage of city center check-in services:
- Located on Level B1 of Taipei Main Station (A1).
- Drop checked luggage and receive boarding passes up to 3 hours prior to departure.
- Spend your remaining hours exploring downtown Taipei unencumbered before taking the Airport MRT straight to your gate.
Recommended Central Accommodations Near Taipei Main Station and Ximen
Caesar Park Hotel Taipei & Palais de Chine (Taipei Main Station)
📍 Taipei Main Station underground mall direct exit & Ximending
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Selecting the Best Route for Your Taipei Trip
Taking the Airport MRT Purple Express (36 minutes from Terminal 1, 150 TWD) is the fastest and most seamless option during daytime and evening hours, taking you directly into Taipei Main Station with easy underground connections to the Taipei Metro and High-Speed Rail. If your flight lands past midnight after the MRT closes at 23:35, the 24-hour Kuo-Kwang 1819 bus (140 TWD, 55 minutes) runs throughout the night directly to Taipei Main Station East Exit. For travelers arriving with multiple large suitcases or groups of three to four heading to outlying districts like Beitou or Neihu, a pre-booked private transfer or taxi (1,200–1,500 TWD) provides direct curbside drop-off.