Taipei Metro Information
The Taipei Metro has had a huge impact on the people of Taipei. Not only has it helped alleviate some of the city’s traffic congestion, but it has also helped increase tourist traffic. It is a considerable metro network, with more than 110km of track. There are a total of 5 lines serving 117 stations. It was inaugurated almost 20 years ago, on 28 March 1996. Not because it is the first metro network in Taipei, but because the MRT is generally very popular with the public. As of 2015, it has a daily ridership of 2.15 million. The Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation has the daunting task of keeping it running.
The Taipei Metro, also known as the MRT, is an important part of the public transport infrastructure in Taipei, Taiwan. Serving approximately 2 million passengers a day, it does not operate 24 hours a day, but rather from 6:00 am to 12:00 am.
The MRT is air-conditioned and allows passengers to walk between platforms. Some of the trains are driverless, notably those on the Wenshan (Muzha) VAL line, which have been operating since 1996.
Certain busy MRT stations are equipped with Platform Gate Doors (PGDs), while all VAL stations are equipped with Platform Screen Doors (PSDs). The system operates at an average speed of 34km/h with a maximum speed of 90km/h.
The Taipei Metro system is operated by the Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation. The fare is 20 New Taiwan Dollars (NT$).
Taipei Metro Map
Map of Taipei Metro showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Taipei Metro map in PDF format.
Taipei Metro Timing and Hours
The Taipei Metro starts at 6am and runs until midnight. The frequency of trains varies from 1.5 minutes to a maximum of 15 minutes depending on the time of day. During holidays and special events, the operating hours are extended to accommodate increased passenger traffic.
Taipei Metro Lines and Stations
The lines of the Taipei Metro are laid out in a radial pattern from the centre of the city to the periphery. Metro lines are identified by colour and name.
Line 1 or Wenhu Line
The Wenhu Line, also known as the Brown Line, runs from Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre Station to Taipei Zoo Station. It serves 24 stations over a distance of 25.7 km and includes both underground and elevated stations. The line operates at an average speed of 80 km/h and was opened in March 1996.
Peak hours on this line are from 07:00 to 09:00 and 16:00 to 19:00 from Monday to Friday. During these peak hours, trains run approximately every 2.5 minutes. At other times the frequency drops to about every 4 minutes, increasing to every 12 minutes after 23:00.
Line 2 or Tamsui-Xinyi Line
The Tamsui-Xinyi Line, recognisable by its red colour, has 30 stations along a 32.3km route. It operates at an average speed of 80 km/h and includes a branch line, the Xinbeitou Branch.
Similar to the Wenhu Line, peak hours are 7:00-9:00 and 17:00-19:30 from Monday to Friday, with a train frequency of approximately every 3-6 minutes. At off-peak times, the frequency drops to every 4-10 minutes, and after 23:00, trains arrive approximately every 12 minutes. At weekends and public holidays, trains run every 8-10 minutes, increasing to every 12 minutes after 23:00.
Line 3 or Songshan-Xindian Line
The Songshan-Xindian Line, indicated by the colour green, serves 20 stations along a 20.7 km route. It has an average operating speed of 80 km/h and includes a branch line, the Xiaobitan Branch.
Peak hours and train frequency are similar to the previous lines, with a train frequency of approximately every 3-6 minutes during peak hours, decreasing to every 4-10 minutes during off-peak hours, and further decreasing to every 12 minutes after 23:00. At weekends and holidays, trains run approximately every 8-10 minutes, increasing to every 12 minutes after 23:00.
Line 4 or Zhonghe-Xinlu Line
Known as the Orange Line, the Zhonghe-Xinlu Line serves 26 stations along a 29.3km route. Similar to the other lines, the Zhonghe-Xinlu Line operates with a train frequency of approximately every 3-6 minutes during peak hours, decreasing to every 4-10 minutes during off-peak hours, and further decreasing to every 12 minutes after 23:00. On weekends and holidays, trains run approximately every 4.5-10 minutes, increasing to every 12 minutes after 23:00.
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Popular Attractions Accessible by Taipei Metro
Several popular attractions in Taipei are easily accessible by the Taipei Metro. For example, Songshan Ciyou Temple, Rainbow Bridge and ‘A Winding River, Flowers in Bloom, the Dome of Light’ can be reached from Line 3. Other attractions such as Fort Santo Domingo and the Dadaocheng Branch of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan can be reached on the Tamsui-Xinyi and Zhonghe-Xinlu lines respectively.
Line 5 or Bannan Line
The Bannan Line, also known as the Blue Line, runs from Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre to Dingpu. It serves 23 stations along a 26.6km route. It operates from 6am to midnight with a frequency of 3-6 minutes during peak hours (7am-9am and 5pm-7.30pm on weekdays), 4-10 minutes during off-peak hours and 12 minutes after 11pm. At weekends and holidays trains run approximately every 8-9 minutes, increasing to 12 minutes after 23:00.
Tickets and Fares
The Taipei Metro uses a distance-based fare system. Fares range from NT$20 for journeys under 5km to a maximum of NT$65 for journeys over 31km. A variety of ticket types are available to suit different passenger needs, including
Single tickets
Single tickets, or tokens, can be purchased from vending machines at each station. Tokens must be returned at the end of the journey.
One-day and 24-hour Metro Passes
The One Day Pass allows unlimited travel on the Taipei Metro for one day from the time of validation until midnight. The 24 Hours Metro Pass is valid for 24 hours from the time of first use. Both passes cost NT$150 and NT$200 respectively and can be purchased at the information desk of any Taipei Metro station.
Group Tickets
Groups of 10 or more can take advantage of discounted group tickets, with savings of up to 20%. Groups of up to 40 people can save up to 30%. These tickets can be purchased at station information desks and must be stamped by the Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation (TRTC).
Single ticket for cyclists
This ticket allows you to take your bicycle with you on the Metro and costs NT$80. These tickets are only valid at certain stations and time slots and are not valid at several major stations including all Wenhu Line stations, Tamsui Station, Taipei Main Station, Daan Station, Zhongxiao Fuxing Station, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Station and Nanjing Fuxing Station.
Easy Cards
The EasyCard is a rechargeable smart card that can be used in the subway, buses, car parks, shops and government offices. The cards are available in three versions: Adult, Student and Concessionary, each offering different benefits and discounts.
Park’n Ride in Taipei
Park and Ride facilities are available at almost every station in Taipei and up to 21 stations accept EasyCard as payment.
Curious Facts
There are areas reserved for women in stations to ensure their safety while waiting for the next train at night. There are also intercoms in all stations and trains to contact security staff. In addition, the public address system on the Taipei Metro operates in four languages: Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka and English.