Getting around in city of Taipei
A bustling metropolis of more than six million people, Taipei is a city that is sure to fascinate you. Thousands of tourists from all over the world visit the city every day. For those visiting the city for the first time, there is one very important question: How do you get around? With easy-to-use and convenient transportation, getting around Taipei is not as difficult as it may seem. Even if you don’t speak Mandarin or can’t read traditional Chinese, English will serve as your basic means of survival. Signs in most places are bilingual, and if you happen to be visiting one of the more popular tourist destinations, you will find plenty of information in English. With a basic sense of orientation and a map in hand (an iPhone or iPad will do just as well), it’s not easy to get lost in Taipei. In addition, the people are very friendly and the city is quite safe. There are so many reasons why you might want to visit the place, so it is important to have a good idea of public transport in Taipei.
Taipei Metro Map
Map of Taipei Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Taipei Metro map in PDF format.
Public Transportation System in Taipei City
Although it may seem chaotic at first, public transport in Taipei is extremely well organised. Taipei’s MRT service is one of the most efficient and cleanest in the world, and new lines are constantly being built to facilitate its expansion. Buses cover every corner of the city and there are also taxis that travel the length and breadth of the city. The city has two international airports, both of which are well served by public transport from the city centre.
Here we take a look at the various modes of public transport in Taipei, which are the best means of getting around the city and sightseeing for tourists and locals alike.
Rapid Transit System or Taipei MRT
Taipei’s MRT or subway system is the easiest and most convenient way to get around the city. Although buses can take you to many places, they often get stuck in the city’s notorious traffic and are not very user-friendly for foreigners. The same goes for taxis, which are also extremely expensive. If you take the MRT, you can be sure that you will arrive at your destination on time. The Blue Line, which runs east-west, and the Red Line, which connects North Taipei to the South, are the two main lines around the city. Most of the city’s popular tourist attractions are located near the metro stations on these lines, making the MRT your best option for exploring the city. Here are some of the stations you may want to note:
Along Line 1 (Taipei Zoo-Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center)
- Nanjing Road station– Liaoning Street Night market, Taipei Arena
- Taipei Zoo station– Taipei zoo
Along Line 2 (Xindian-Tamsui)
- Tamsui station– Fisherman Wharf, River walk, Tamsui Historical Town
- Beitou station– Hot Spring Museum, Public Open Hot Spring. Also the transfer point to Xinbeitou
- Shilin station– Taipei Astronomical Museum, C.K.S Shilin Residence Park, Shilin Night market
- Shuanglian station– Taipei Main station, Ningxia Tourist Night market
Along Line 4 (Yongning-Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center)
- Taipei City Hall station– Taipei City Hall, Taipei 101
- Ximen station– The Red House, Ximen Commercial District
- Longshan Temple Station– Numerous tourist markets and the Longshan Temple
Train service in Taipei
Regular trains are one of the most common forms of public transport in Taipei. For tourists on their first trip to the city, this is the best way to get around. Once you have decided to visit one of the many shopping malls or tourist attractions around Taipei, go to the ticket office at your nearest train station and ask for a train guide. When you arrive at your destination station, you will find signs and guides to these popular places, so there is no need to worry about getting lost. Tickets are available at very reasonable prices, and if you plan to use the train more than once a day, you can buy a day pass, which will serve you exceptionally well.
Bus service in Taipei
There was a time when Taipei’s bus system was very confusing, especially for those who could not read Chinese. In recent years, however, this form of public transport has undergone a stunning transformation, with the introduction of an English-language website for foreigners. If you go to the nearest bus stop, you must flag down the bus when you see it approaching, otherwise the driver will simply pass you by. Because there are so many routes in the city, drivers expect passengers to identify themselves when they board the vehicle, hence this practice. An illuminated sign near the driver will indicate whether you need to pay your fare when you get on or before you get off. The fare is usually based on the distance travelled. Drivers on Taipei’s bus system are extremely helpful and friendly and will tell you when you arrive at your destination if you ask, although they may not speak English.
Taxis in Taipei
Taipei’s distinctive yellow taxis are metered, with fares based on waiting time and distance. While fares are usually quite reasonable, they tend to become exorbitant at night. However, if you need to travel after one in the morning, taxis are the only form of public transport in Taipei. Taxis are ubiquitous in the city, so you won’t have much trouble hailing one. Although there are taxi ranks, most people tend to hail a taxi from the side of the road. An approaching taxi that is available will have a red light on its windscreen. If you look like you need a ride, there is a chance that a taxi will simply stop near you. Most drivers do not speak English, so if you need to take a taxi, ask your hotel or a local friend to write your destination in Mandarin so that the driver can easily get you there.
Getting Around in Taipei
Apart from these public transport options in Taipei, tourists can also hire cars and scooters to get around the city. Bicycles are also available at weekly or daily rates. However, as traffic in Taipei is governed by unwritten rules, it is not safe to travel by two-wheeler. Also, an international driver’s license is required to ride a scooter for thirty days. Although many tourists find ways to ride them without a valid licence, this is a bad idea. Taipei has a strict government and if you get caught, you are likely to face endless trouble. Spoiling your holiday with such childish stupidity is never advisable, so stick to trains and buses if you need to get around the city.