Public Transport InfrastructurePractical guide to Taiwan's three metro systems, fares, cards, line colours, and transfers in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.
Taiwan runs three separate metro networks, each with its own character. Buy an EasyCard (悠遊卡) on arrival and you can ride all three with one tap, plus every bus, YouBike, and most convenience-store purchases along the way.
Taipei Metro (TRTC)
The Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation network is the largest, with six lines, 131 stations, and a daily ridership above 2.2 million. Lines are colour-coded and numbered on signage in English and Traditional Chinese:
- Red line (BR), Xinbei to Xiangshan, passes Taipei Main Station and Da'an
- Blue line (BL), Airport link extension at the western end (separate Airport MRT, see below)
- Green line (G), Songshan–Xindian, cuts through Zhongzheng and Da'an districts
- Orange line (O), Zhonghe–Xinlu, serves Banqiao and Songshan Airport
- Yellow line (Y), Circular Line (Huanzhong), connects New Taipei suburbs
- Brown line (BR2), Wenhu Line (elevated, rubber-tyred)
Single-journey fares run from NT$20 to NT$65 depending on distance. EasyCard users get an automatic 20 pct discount on every single-trip fare, that alone pays for the NT$100 deposit on the card.
The Airport MRT (Taoyuan MRT) is a separate operator with two services: the Express (purple seats, no stops, 35 minutes to Taipei Main Station, NT$160) and the Commuter (blue seats, all stops, ~50 minutes, NT$150). Both accept EasyCard.
Taipei Station transfer note
Taipei Main Station connects the TRTC Red and Blue lines underground, the Airport MRT, the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR), and the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA), all under one roof but with separate paid zones. Follow the colour-coded overhead signage; do not exit the paid zone unless you are done with TRTC.
Kaohsiung Metro (KRTC)
The Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation is smaller but essential for getting between the city's spread-out districts. It has two lines:
- Red line, Gangshan South to Siaogang (the airport), 37 stations
- Orange line, Sizihwan to Daliao, 14 stations
These two lines intersect at Formosa Boulevard Station, the network's centrepiece. The station's Dome of Light, a 2,180-square-metre stained-glass installation by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata, is the largest glass artwork in the world and worth a detour even if you are not changing trains.
Fares start at NT$20 and cap at NT$60. Kaohsiung Metro also accepts EasyCard; no separate city card is needed.
The LRT (Light Rail Transit) circles the western harbour and connects to the Orange Line at Hamasen and the Red Line at Kaisyuan. Fares are flat at NT$20 with EasyCard and cover most waterfront attractions.
Taichung MRT (TMRT)
The Taichung Metro is Taiwan's newest system, opened in 2021, currently operating a single Green Line of 18 stations running from Beitun District south to HSR Taichung Station. The line is fully elevated and serves the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and Zhongqing Road shopping areas.
Single fares range from NT$20 to NT$35. EasyCard works here too. A planned Blue Line is under construction and will create a cross-city network, expected in stages from 2027.
Practical tips across all three networks
- EasyCard: buy at any station's service centre or 7-Eleven for NT$100 deposit. Top up at station machines, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Hi-Life. Refund the deposit at any TRTC service centre on departure.
- Station signage is consistently bilingual; English announcements play on every system.
- Last trains run around 23:30–00:00 on most lines. Check the system app or posted timetables, weekend hours may extend slightly.
- No food or drink in the paid zones or on trains. Fines start at NT$1,500. This rule is actively enforced.
- Luggage: there are no size limits stated by TRTC, but bulky bags during rush hour (07:30–09:00, 17:00–19:00) are strongly frowned upon by other passengers. Travel off-peak if you are moving between stations with a suitcase.
A single EasyCard covers all three cities and the Airport MRT. Load NT$500 on arrival and you will not need to think about transit payment for the first few days of any Taiwanese trip.
