7 km · 15-25 min · From $12-18
Taipei Main Station sits 7 km from Taoyuan International Airport, serving as Taiwan's largest transport hub. The journey takes 15-25 minutes depending on traffic conditions along Highway 1. Most travelers choose between metered taxis at NT$250-300, pre-booked transfers at $12-18, or the airport MRT line. Yellow taxis queue outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrivals halls with fixed pricing structures.
| Option | Price (est.) | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked transfer | $12-18 | Fixed all-in price · meet & greet · flight tracking · ALL surcharges and tolls included · free cancellation |
| Metered taxi |
⚠ $7-10 meter ONLY + $2-4 surcharges, tolls, tip ≈ $9-14 typical total |
Meter only — airport surcharge, tolls, midnight surcharge and tip added on top. Final cost varies with traffic. |
| Ride-hailing app | N/A | Upfront pricing — pickup may require walking to a designated zone, surge during busy times |
Note: Pre-booked transfer prices are the all-in amount you actually pay. Metered taxi prices shown are the meter only — typical out-of-pocket cost is 20–40% higher once airport surcharges, tolls and tip are added. Compare like-for-like before deciding.
Metered yellow taxis charge NT$250-300 (approximately $8-10) using the meter plus a NT$50 airport surcharge. Pre-booked private transfers cost $12-18 with fixed pricing and English-speaking drivers. The Taoyuan Airport MRT Express train runs every 15 minutes for NT$160 ($5), reaching the station in 35-40 minutes with no traffic concerns. Highway buses operated by Kuo-Kuang and UBus charge NT$125-145 ($4-5) but require 50-70 minutes during peak hours. Taxis become cost-effective for groups of three or more passengers with luggage.
Taxis work best for early morning arrivals before 6 AM when MRT service is limited, or late-night flights after 11 PM. Groups with three or more passengers find taxis economical compared to individual train tickets. Heavy luggage or connecting travel to eastern Taipei neighborhoods makes door-to-door taxi service worthwhile despite higher costs.
Taiwan relies primarily on traditional taxi services rather than ride-hailing apps. Uber operates with limited availability in Taipei but faces regulatory restrictions at the airport. Download the TaxiGo or 55688 apps for local metered taxi bookings with Chinese-language support and standard meter rates.
A pre-booked private transfer is $12-18 all-in — the price is fixed and includes airport surcharges, tolls and meet-and-greet. A metered taxi shows $7-10 on the meter, but the actual amount you pay is typically 20-40% higher once airport surcharges, tolls and a tip are added. Ride-hailing is N/A where available.
The 7 km drive takes 15-25 min in normal conditions. Traffic in Taipei during rush hour can add 20-30 minutes. Pre-booked transfers track your flight automatically, so a delayed arrival does not affect pickup.
Ride-hailing apps usually offer the lowest fare at N/A, but airport pickup can require walking to a designated zone. Taiwan relies primarily on traditional taxi services rather than ride-hailing apps. Uber operates with limited availability in Taipei but faces regulatory restrictions at the airport. Download the TaxiGo or 55688 apps for local metered taxi bookings with Chinese-language support and standard meter rates. For most travelers a pre-booked transfer at $12-18 offers the best balance of price, comfort and reliability — there are no extra fees added on arrival.
Pre-booking is safer because the price is fixed in advance, your driver waits at arrivals with a name sign, and there is a record of the booking. Airport taxi counters at Taipei (TPE) are legitimate but typically charge more than the running meter. Unlicensed drivers approaching arriving passengers inside the terminal should always be avoided.
Pre-booked transfer drivers are typically vetted for basic English. Metered taxi drivers' English varies — at major airports it is usually basic but functional. Have your destination written in the local script or share a Google Maps pin to avoid misunderstandings, especially for hotels on small lanes.
Pre-booked transfers include flight tracking — the driver waits regardless of how long the delay is, at no extra cost. Metered taxis are always available at Taipei (TPE) but queues can be long during peak arrival times, and counters may close for late-night flights.
See our full Taipei Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport transfer guide for all destinations, local taxi tips, FAQ and booking options. Or browse Taipei airport transfers covering all city neighborhoods. For nationwide context, see our Taiwan transfer guide.