Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

TPETaiwanTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

Taipei, Taiwan

Drop-off

Taipei Main Station

Pin before customs

Fastest

Taoyuan Airport MRT – Express Train

metro · 15-30m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: Taoyuan Airport MRT – Express Train
Headway: 15-30
Backup: Taoyuan Airport MRT – Commuter Train · 15m

Note

Purple-line express trains run between Airport Terminal 1/2 (stations A12/A13) and A1 Taipei Main Station in about 35–39 minutes from roughly 06:00–23:00, stopping only at New Taipei Industrial Park and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. This is the fastest public transport link and connects directly into the Taipei Main Station rail and metro complex for onward travel across the city.

Budget focus

Taipei: Fare Hacker Playbook

Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries liketaipei airport busandtpe to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport 1819 (TPE Taipei Main Station)
Mode: bus
Freq: 15-20 day, 20-40 nightm
Note: Route 1819 is a 24‑hour airport bus linking both terminals to Taipei Main Station in about 55–70 minutes depending on traffic. It is one of the most used night-time options when the Airport MRT is closed and serves the Taipei Main Station/BUS station complex on the city side.

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: Taoyuan Airport MRT – Express Train
Mode: metro
Freq: 15-30m
Note: Purple-line express trains run between Airport Terminal 1/2 (stations A12/A13) and A1 Taipei Main Station in about 35–39 minutes from roughly 06:00–23:00, stopping only at New Taipei Industrial Park and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. This is the fastest public transport link and connects directly into the Taipei Main Station rail and metro complex for onward travel across the city.

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FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.