How to Get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei City: Early Morning and Late Night Arrival Guide

Most Taiwan travel guides cover the standard Airport MRT route and call it a day. But what happens when you land at 2:00 a.m.? Or touch down before the trains start running? That's where most first-timers get caught off guard — standing at arrivals with luggage, no transport, and no plan.

This guide covers exactly that: all your transport options from Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei city, with specific guidance for early morning and late night arrivals when the usual options aren't available. Ganito lang 'yan! ✌🏻

First, Know the Operating Hours

Before you decide which transport to take, the most important thing to check is what's actually running when you land.

• Taipei MRT — Operates daily from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight)
• Airport MRT — Operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight)

If your flight lands outside these windows — which covers a significant chunk of red eye arrivals and early morning budget flights — neither MRT option is available to you. That means you need one of the alternatives below. 👇🏻

Your Transport Options from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei

✅ Option 1: Kuo-Kuang Bus 1819 (24 Hours)

This is your go-to for early morning and late night arrivals. Bus 1819 (operated by Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport) runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — which makes it the most reliable fallback when the MRT isn't running.

The route takes you from Taoyuan Airport directly to Taipei Main Station, where you can then walk to your hotel (if it's in the nearby area) or take an Uber for the last leg.

⭐️ Best for: Red eye arrivals, early morning landings, or anyone who wants a budget-friendly option regardless of arrival time.

✅ Option 2: Private Airport Transfer

If you're traveling with a group, have heavy luggage, or simply want a completely hassle-free arrival experience, a private airport transfer is worth considering. A driver meets you at arrivals and takes you directly to your hotel — no transfers, no navigating bus stops at 3:00 a.m., no walking.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Book in advance so your driver is confirmed and waiting when you land
• Make sure to select the right vehicle size for your group and luggage volume — bigger groups will need a larger car or van

Available on Klook — use promo code HEYIANCKLOOK at checkout for 5% off (new users only).

⭐️ Best for: Groups, families with luggage, late night arrivals who want zero friction.

Option 3: Uber

Uber operates in Taipei and is a practical option, particularly for the last stretch from Taipei Main Station to your hotel if you've taken the Bus 1819. Fares from the airport to central Taipei run approximately NT$1,100–NT$1,800 depending on destination and time of day.

Download the Uber app before your trip and link your payment card in advance — you don't want to be setting up an account at the airport at 2:00 a.m. as it may also require an OTP for your card.

⭐️ Best for: The final leg from Taipei Main Station to your hotel, or as a standalone option if you're traveling solo with light luggage and prefer door-to-door convenience.

If you still don't have an itinerary for your trip, check out this 6D5N sample Taipei itinerary.

What to Do Outside the Airport While You Wait

If you land in the early hours and want to wait until the MRT opens rather than spending on a transfer, the arrivals hall at Taoyuan Airport is open 24 hours with seating, convenience stores, and WiFi. It's not glamorous, but it's a workable option if your hotel is close to an MRT station and you'd rather wait than spend on Uber or a private transfer.

Get Your Transport Essentials Sorted Before You Leave the Airport

Regardless of which option you take, here's what to sort out before you leave the arrivals area:

• EasyCard — Available at 7-Eleven inside the airport. Load it with NT$500–NT$1,000 to start. You'll use it on virtually every MRT and bus ride throughout your trip.
• Taipei Fun Pass — If you've pre-booked this on Klook, you can claim it the next day at the Taipei Main Station Tourist Service Center (open 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. daily).
• Taipei Metro Unlimited Travel Pass — Pre-booked on Klook, claimable the next day at Ximen Station or Taipei Main Station (available 6:00 a.m.–11:59 p.m.).

💡 Pro Tip: If you arrive late at night and need to claim a Fun Pass or MRT pass, you won't be able to pick it up until the following morning. Plan your Day 1 morning accordingly — claim your pass first thing before heading out.

🏷️ Travel Discount Codes

Planning to book hotels or activities for your Alishan trip? Use these exclusive discount codes before you check out — tap the buttons below to open the app directly and save the code to your account automatically.

⚠️ Codes are limited use only. Tap the buttons above to open the app and save your code before booking.

Final Thoughts

The Airport MRT is great — when it's running. But Taiwan attracts a lot of budget flights that land outside those hours, and knowing your alternatives in advance is the difference between a smooth arrival and a stressful one. Sort out your transport before you fly, download your apps, load your EasyCard, and you'll be at your hotel before most people have even figured out where the bus stop is.

Hope this helps! More travels soon!