Taipei, Taiwan’s capital is a bustling capital city – perhaps a little more congested than you have imagined. But the good news is that, getting around this city is a breeze! And cheap – thanks to the MRT. Unless of course you are one of those people who like a more personalised (and expensive) mode of transport (like a taxi), then head for the nearest MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) line and make the most of your Taipei holiday. Fortunately, most of the tourist attractions are well within walking distance from the MRT too.
Ticket prices range from a very reasonable NT$20 (60 cents) to NT$65 for the longest possible trip. 1 -3 days pass is available.
Interesting info about MRT
- Stations: 117
- It connects cities including Taipei, New Taipei and Taoyuan.
- Trains are punctual close to 100 percent of the time, with fewer than 30 delays exceeding five minutes a year.
- Ridership on the Taipei Metro has nearly doubled in the past eight years, but customer satisfaction is more than 95 percent.
- Priority seats available for those who need it. The elderly and those with children are assisted
MRT Lines and attractions near it
The MRT operates from 6am until midnight so you are never far away from your destination – be it the night markets or Taipei 101, everything is just a MRT ride away. All announcements and signage are in both Chinese and English. If that is not enough, you can grab a free MRT map from the ticket counter.
Wenhu Line (Brown): Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center to Taipei Zoo
The first MRT line built in Taipei, the Brown Line line take you to the Zoo, Maokong Gondola, Martyr’s Shrine.
Tamsui-Xinyi Line (Red): Tamsui to Xiangshan
Some of the sights you can visit on the Red Line include Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Taipei 101, Daan Park.
Songshan-Xindian Line (Green): Songshan to Xindian
Taipei Grand Mosque, explore the busy, colorful Shi-Da Night Market, and shop on Yongkang Street. Not far from the station are the National Taiwan University, Gongguan Nightmarket, and Museum of Water
Zhonghe-Xinlu Line (Orange): Huilong/Luzhou to Nanshijiao
You can easily access the Museum of World Religions, which features ten different major world religions and designed by the world-renowned designer firm Ralph Appelbaum Associates and go to the National Taiwan Library and Lehua Night Market.
Bannan Line (Blue): Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center to Yongning
Please Note: Outside of most MRT stations, you’ll find stations for YouBike. While Taipei might not exactly be the best city to ride bikes, there are many areas around the Tamsui and Keelung River that simply must be discovered on bikes. The bike rental depends upon the amount of time used and can be paid for conveniently using an EasyCard.
Planning a trip to Taiwan next year. This is going to come in handy. Bookmarked it for then.