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Taiwan MRT & Light Rail Guide

Last Updated: 2026/01/06
Taiwan currently has operational MRT systems in Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. While Taipei and Kaohsiung have the most mature networks, Taoyuan and Taichung are actively expanding. Other cities like Keelung, Hsinchu, Chiayi, and especially Tainan—the cultural capital with high tourist density—are currently planning their own networks.

A Note on Light Rail (LRT): You will also see Light Rail Transit in New Taipei and Kaohsiung. These are slower, similar to streetcars in Australia. They are favored for their lower cost, shorter construction time, and ability to weave through city streets, making them excellent for connecting High Speed Rail stations to city centers.

⚠️ CRUCIAL RULE: No Eating or Drinking

Before we start, there is one golden rule for all Metro and Light Rail systems in Taiwan: NO Eating, and NO Drinking (not even water/gum).

Once you cross the yellow line on the floor at the station gate, or board the Light Rail, consumption is strictly prohibited. This rule is strictly enforced, and violators face heavy fines. This unique cleanliness culture is why Taiwan's metro is famous for being spotless.

1. Taipei & New Taipei Metro (The Dual Network)

The Taipei (Taipei Metro) and New Taipei (New Taipei Metro) systems form a massive interconnected network. For travelers, they function almost as one, but the Yellow Line (Circular Line) and the Light Rails (Danhai/Ankeng) are operated by New Taipei Metro.

Payment & Passes

For the general Taipei Metro, you can use various payment methods. However, for the New Taipei Metro (Circular Line & Light Rails), please note that they currently primarily accept IC Cards (EasyCard, iPASS) or Single Journey Tickets.

Luggage & Bikes

General luggage rules apply (Read here). If you are bringing a bicycle on the New Taipei lines, check the specific regulations here.

1. Taipei & New Taipei Metro (The Dual Network)
Photo Credit: Taipei Metro (臺北捷運) | Official Source 🔗
1. Taipei & New Taipei Metro (The Dual Network)
Photo Credit: New Taipei Metro (新北捷運) | Official Source 🔗
1. Taipei & New Taipei Metro (The Dual Network)
Photo Credit: New Taipei Metro (新北捷運) | Official Source 🔗

2. Taoyuan Metro (Airport Line)

This is the line most travelers use to get from Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Taipei Main Station. It offers both Express (purple) and Commuter (blue) trains.

Payment

The payment systems are largely compatible with Taipei Metro (Credit cards, IC Cards, QR codes). See ticket types here.

2. Taoyuan Metro (Airport Line)
Photo Credit: Taoyuan Metro (桃園捷運) | Official Source 🔗

3. Taichung Metro (Green Line)

Taichung currently operates the Green Line, which connects the High Speed Rail station to the city center. It is a convenient way to bypass Taichung's heavy traffic.

Payment

Accepted tools are similar to Taipei (EasyCard, iPass, ICash). Taichung also offers various ticket types, including tourist passes that may integrate with the local bus network.

3. Taichung Metro (Green Line)
Photo Credit: Taichung Metro (台中捷運) | Official Source 🔗

4. Kaohsiung MRT & Light Rail

Kaohsiung has a fully mature network consisting of the Red and Orange MRT lines, plus a circular Light Rail (LRT) that runs above ground, offering great harbor views.

Payment & Tickets

Payment methods are similar to Taipei. However, Kaohsiung has specific ticketing pages for different systems:

Unique Multi-Transport Passes: Unlike other cities, Kaohsiung offers "MeN Go" or Joint Tickets that combine MRT, LRT, Ferry, and Bus access. Check Joint Tickets here.

Large Items

Bringing a bike or large board? Rules may require you to ask a station master or buy a specific ticket. Read the regulations here.

4. Kaohsiung MRT & Light Rail
Photo Credit: Kaohsiung Metro (高雄捷運) | Official Source 🔗
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The Bridge to the Real Taiwan

About the Author | Uly Zih (子幼羽)

"From Pingtung to Taipei. Commuting between two cities, but embracing the whole island at heart."

Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

Born and raised in Pingtung, Southern Taiwan, I used to be an introvert who preferred the comfort of home. However, my university life at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) marked a turning point. Determined to change, I applied to become a Special Cadre at the NTUST Association of International Affairs (AIA).

I still vividly remember the leader's words during my interview: "Most of our members are international students far away from home. I want you to be the bridge that connects them with local activities in Taiwan."

That mission defined my university years. Through organizing events and planning projects, I learned to see Taiwan through the eyes of a traveler. To broaden my horizons, I spent a month on a working holiday in Australia and actively participated in language exchange events in Taipei. These experiences taught me not just how to communicate, but what travelers truly seek in a foreign land.

Why I Built "TaiwanMe"

The spark for this website came during a "Travel and Life" general education class. Listening to a classmate present a "day trip route around South Taipei", I was struck by a realization: the streets I cycled through every day were filled with stories I had completely ignored.

I realized then: It’s not that Taiwan looks the same everywhere; it’s that our busy lives have stripped us of the energy to explore.

My Vision

This is the beginning of TaiwanMe.

Although my physical journey often shuttles between just two points—Taipei and Pingtung—my heart has expanded to embrace the entire island of Taiwan.

I created this website to be that "bridge" once again. Whether you are an international traveler or a local resident, I hope this platform helps you discover the hidden gems of this island—and perhaps, like me, find a renewed love for the land we stand on.

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About Us

Rediscovering the Lost
"Tâi-uân Bī"

The Story Behind "TaiwanMe"

I recently discovered a beautiful linguistic harmony: "Taiwanese Flavor" (台灣味) is pronounced Táiwān wèi in Mandarin, Tâi-uân-bī in Taiwanese Hokkien, and toiˇ vanˇ mi in Hakka. These remarkably similar sounds across languages inspired the name TaiwanMe.

Tracing the roots further, the name "Taiwan" itself originates from the Siraya indigenous term Taywan. Early Siraya people referred to the sandbars near the Taijiang Inner Sea as Teyoan or Taioan, meaning "the place where strangers or foreigners live."

To me, TaiwanMe embodies this fascinating cultural tapestry—a dialogue between the diverse ethnic groups and histories that define our island.

It started with a moment of realization. While hosting international students, I watched them queue endlessly for commercialized "hotspots" and trendy shops. As a local, I found myself unable to share the deeper, authentic stories of my own land.

It wasn't until a general education class, where a classmate vividly described the very alleys I cycled through every day—my rental place, the campus corners—that it hit me: Taiwan isn't mundane; we've simply lost the energy to explore it amidst our busy lives.

Our mission is simple: The Real Taste of Taiwan.

You won't find cliché tourist traps here. Instead, we guide you to the authentic scenery hidden in ordinary alleys—stories worth telling. Whether you are a first-time traveler or a long-time resident, we hope to accompany you in finding that unique, irreplaceable Taiwanese sentiment.

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The Vision

Many visit Taiwan, but few truly see it.

TaiwanMe was created to unveil the island’s best-kept secrets. Whether it's the profound indigenous culture of Pingtung or the mystical Water Lantern ceremonies in Keelung, we exist to help you find the real taste of Taiwan.

But our vision goes deeper than just tourism. We aim to not only offer foreign travelers a genuine opportunity to deeply understand Taiwan, but also to inspire locals to rediscover the beauty of the land they call home. We believe every corner of this island has a story waiting to be told—and heard.

To Our Potential Partners

To be completely honest with you—we are just getting started. We are a young platform, and we know we have a long way to go. We believe that trust and reputation are earned over time, not overnight. Right now, our primary focus is on pouring our hearts into creating the best content possible, rather than seeking commercial spotlight or formal advertising partnerships. We want to make sure we are truly providing value before we ask for your investment.

That said, we never say no to a good conversation. If our mission resonates with you, or if you see the potential in what we are building—even while we are still in our early days—we would be honored to hear from you. Whether you have a suggestion, a story to share, or simply want to support a growing team, please feel free to reach out.

Email: tangsouptutor@gmail.com
Social Media: Facebook / Line
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