Start from your exact destination
The right transfer option depends less on general opinion and more on where you're actually staying. If your hotel sits within easy walking distance of an MRT stop, or right next to one of the major bus drop-off points, rail or bus will get you close enough that the last stretch is trivial. If your address is down a smaller street, on a upper floor with no clear transit link nearby, or you're arriving with people who can't easily manage stairs or long walks, a taxi or ride-hailing car that goes to your door removes that uncertainty. Before you decide, check your accommodation's address against the nearest MRT station or bus stop, and note whether that stop has step-free access if it matters to you.
Airport MRT (rail)
The Airport MRT line runs between both airport terminals and Taipei Main Station, with an Express Train that bypasses some intermediate stops and a Commuter Train that stops everywhere, according to Taoyuan Metro Corporation, the line operator. Both services use the same track and the same EasyCard or single-journey ticket, so the choice is mostly about speed versus checking the schedule board for stopping pattern. Trains depart from stations connected to each terminal, and signage in the arrivals hall points you toward ticketing machines and the platform.
Large suitcases fit reasonably well since the line was built with airport traffic in mind, and stations generally have elevators alongside stairs and escalators, though the exact elevator locations and any current maintenance closures are worth checking on the operator's accessibility page if that's a hard requirement for you. The MRT is a strong default when your main priorities are a predictable travel time and not dealing with traffic, and a weaker choice if your final stop is nowhere near Taipei Main Station or one of the line's other stops and you'd need to transfer onward with heavy bags.
Bus services
Airport bus routes connect Taoyuan Airport to various points in Taipei, including some hotel districts and transit hubs that the MRT doesn't serve directly. Buses board from designated stops outside the arrivals area, typically with staff or clear signage directing you to the right platform for your destination.
The tradeoff against the MRT is travel time: buses are subject to road traffic, so a trip that takes a predictable duration on rail can run noticeably longer or shorter depending on the hour and conditions on the freeway into the city. In exchange, some bus routes drop you closer to a specific neighborhood or hotel cluster than the nearest MRT station would, which can mean less walking with your bags at the end. Buses tend to work well for travelers whose destination sits directly on a route line and who aren't on a tight connecting schedule, and less well if you need a guaranteed arrival time or your hotel isn't near a known stop.
Taxi and ride-hailing
A metered or flat-fare taxi, or a car booked through a ride-hailing app, takes you directly to your address without a walk at either end. This is the most straightforward option if you're traveling with young children, have mobility needs, are carrying more luggage than you can comfortably wheel through a station, or are arriving as a group where splitting the cost narrows the gap with public transit per person.
Taxi stands are typically located just outside the arrivals hall, staffed or with a queue system, and some services use a fixed zone-based fare into the city while others use the meter — the actual structure and any surcharges (for example, late-night or luggage fees) vary by service, so check the fare information posted at the stand or in the app before you get in rather than assuming a number in advance. Ride-hailing pickup points at the airport may be in a separate designated area from the regular taxi queue, so check the app's pickup instructions once you land.
Compare by what matters to you
| Option | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Airport MRT | Predictable timing, moderate luggage, budget-conscious travelers | Requires a walk or connection at your final stop if you're not near a station |
| Bus | Destinations directly on a route line, travelers avoiding stairs at the airport | Travel time varies with road traffic, and stops may be less frequent late at night |
| Taxi or ride-hailing | Groups, heavy luggage, late or very early flights, door-to-door need | Highest cost per person, and fare structure depends on the specific service |
Late arrivals, large luggage, and step-free needs
If your flight lands very late at night or very early in the morning, check the current operating hours for both the Airport MRT and any bus routes you're considering — rail and most buses in Taiwan don't run 24 hours, and a service that works perfectly at 2pm may not exist at 2am. When rail or bus service has ended for the night, a taxi or ride-hailing car becomes the realistic option regardless of your usual preference, so it's worth knowing the approximate cost range from the operator's own page rather than discovering it cold at the taxi stand.
For large luggage, both the MRT and buses generally accommodate standard suitcases, but a cart, an oversized case, or multiple bags per person makes a taxi meaningfully easier, since you avoid navigating turnstiles, escalators, and a walk from station to street. If step-free access matters — for a wheelchair user, a stroller, or anyone who finds stairs difficult — confirm which stations along the Airport MRT have working elevators on the day you travel, since this can be affected by maintenance, and consider that a taxi removes this variable entirely at a higher price.
Before you leave the arrivals hall
Confirm three things before you walk out of arrivals: the current fare and schedule for whichever option you've chosen, the exact platform or stand location for your terminal, and whether your destination is directly served or requires a short connection at the other end. Taoyuan Airport's terminals are laid out with signage for all three transfer options, so a few minutes spent reading the boards before you commit will save more time than guessing and having to backtrack.
This guide covers transfers into central Taipei only. It does not cover onward travel from Taoyuan Airport to other Taiwanese cities, or transfers from Taipei's separate Songshan Airport, which sits much closer to the city center and uses a different set of connections.