If you are visiting Taipei for the first time, the Taipei MRT will quickly become your best friend. Clean trains, clear signs, and friendly locals make the Taipei MRT one of the easiest metro systems for Singaporean travellers to use.
I still remember my first trip from Singapore, landing tired but excited, then realizing how easy it was to move around the city just by following color lines and station names in English.
Below is a simple and practical guide to help you plan your daily travel in Taipei with confidence.
Metro Operating Hours
The Taipei MRT runs daily and covers most tourist areas. Trains are frequent and reliable, even during peak hours.
Day | First Train | Last Train |
Monday to Friday | Around 6.00 am | Around 12.00 am |
Saturday to Sunday and Public Holidays | Around 6.00 am | Around 12.00 am |
Last train timing depends on the line and direction, so it is always good to check station boards before leaving late at night.
How to Buy Metro Tickets
Buying tickets for the Taipei MRT is simple and fast. You do not need to speak Mandarin to manage it.
You can choose from these options
- Single Journey Token available at ticket machines in every station
- EasyCard which works like an EZ Link card in Singapore
- Airport MRT tickets if you are traveling from Taoyuan Airport
Ticket machines support English and accept cash and cards. I personally recommend the EasyCard because you can use it on buses, convenience stores, and even some night markets.
Top Rated Hotels in Taipei
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Main Taipei Attractions Which Metro Lines Most Tourists Use
Most popular attractions in Taipei are connected by just a few MRT lines.
MRT Line | Color | Popular Stops | Attractions Nearby |
Tamsui-Xinyi Line | Red | Tamsui, Taipei 101, Xiangshan | Taipei 101 Observatory, Tamsui Old Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Elephant Mountain hiking trail |
Bannan Line | Blue | Ximending, Longshan Temple, Taipei Main Station | Ximending Shopping Street, Lungshan Temple, National Taiwan Museum, Taipei Main Station shopping & food |
Songshan-Xindian Line | Green | Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Guting, Songshan | Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, National Theatre & Concert Hall, Raohe Street Night Market, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park |
Wenhu Line | Brown | Taipei Zoo, Daan Park, Zhongxiao Fuxing | Taipei Zoo, Maokong Gondola, Daan Forest Park, Taipei Arena |
Zhonghe-Xinlu Line | Orange | Nanjing Fuxing, Zhongshan Junior High, Luzhou | Miniatures Museum of Taiwan, local markets, shopping areas |
Circular Line | Yellow | Dapinglin, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center | Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, local parks, business districts |
Once you understand these lines, getting around Taipei feels very natural and stress free.
Best Flights to Taipei
Helpful Tips for First Time Metro Users
Helpful Metro Tips
- Check the line color before you enter
Taipei MRT lines are color coded and very clear. Always double check the color and direction on the platform screen so you do not board the wrong train, especially when changing lines at busy stations like Taipei Main Station. - Stand on the correct side of escalators
In Taipei, people usually stand on the right side and walk on the left. Following this simple habit helps you move smoothly and avoid blocking locals during peak hours. - Use station lockers for short trips
If you are stopping by a mall or attraction for a few hours, many MRT stations have coin lockers. This is useful if you are carrying shopping bags or luggage. - Watch the platform floor signs
Queue lines and boarding spots are marked clearly on the floor. Lining up properly makes boarding faster and more comfortable, especially during busy periods. - Download an offline MRT map
Mobile signal can drop underground. Saving an offline map helps you check routes quickly without relying on internet access. - Top up your EasyCard early
Some stations can get crowded in the evening. Topping up your card in the afternoon saves time and avoids last minute queues at ticket machines.
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Top Hotels Near Taipei Metro Stations
Staying near an MRT station saves time and energy, especially after a long day of walking.
Caesar Metro Taipei
Caesar Metro Taipei is a comfortable hotel located right above Longshan Temple MRT station. This makes it very easy to reach popular spots like Ximending and Taipei 101 without long walks.
Rooms are clean and spacious with modern decor. It is also near local shops and food stalls, so you can explore Taipei like a local.
Highlight:
- The hotel includes free WiFi and a nice breakfast selection.
- Direct access to Longshan Temple MRT
- Great value for families and first time visitors
Hotel Papa Whale Ximending
Hotel Papa Whale is a friendly hotel just a short walk from Ximen MRT station and the vibrant Ximending area. The rooms are stylish and colourful.
The hotel has helpful staff who can assist with local tours and transport tips. Being in Ximending means you are close to cafes, street food, and night markets, making it a fun choice for first time visitors.
Highlight:
- Short walk to Ximen MRT and shopping streets
- Lively area with food options till late night
- Perfect for young travellers and couples
CitizenM Taipei North Gate
CitizenM Taipei North Gate is a modern hotel near Taipei Main Station, ideal for travellers who want easy access to trains, buses, and the airport line. The rooms have a smart design with comfortable beds and large windows.
There is a lounge area on the ground floor where you can relax with a coffee or work quietly. It is a good base if you plan to explore Taipei and take day trips to nearby cities.
Highlight:
- Near Taipei Main Station
- Easy airport transfer and modern rooms
- Perfect for travelers with easy access transport
Plan Taipei Vacation with Trip.com
Planning your Taipei trip is easier when flights, hotels, and attraction tickets are in one place. Many Singapore travellers use Trip.com to compare MRT friendly hotels, book airport transfers, and secure attraction tickets before arrival.
With the Taipei MRT covering most areas, you can plan your daily routes confidently and focus more on enjoying the food, shopping, and culture of the city.
Taipei is a city that feels welcoming from the first train ride. Once you experience the MRT, you will understand why so many travellers fall in love with it.
FAQs – Taipei MRT
What are the Taipei MRT operating hours?
Most MRT lines run daily from around 6.00 am to 12.00 am. Last train times vary by line and direction, so check station boards if travelling late.Which MRT lines are best for tourists?
Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi), Blue Line (Bannan), Green Line (Songshan-Xindian), and Brown Line (Wenhu) cover most popular attractions like Taipei 101, Shilin Night Market, Ximending, and Taipei Zoo.Is the Taipei MRT easy for first-time visitors?
Yes. Signs are in English, queues are organized, and most locals are helpful. Using an EasyCard makes travel faster and convenient.Can I use the Taipei MRT to reach my hotel easily?
Yes. Many hotels are near MRT stations, including Caesar Metro Taipei, Hotel Papa Whale Ximending, and CitizenM Taipei North Gate, making sightseeing simple.