EasyCard, iPASS, MRT, THSR and TR: getting around Taiwan as a first-timer

EasyCard versus iPASS

EasyCard (悠遊卡) and iPASS (一卡通) are tap-and-go stored-value cards. Both work on the Taipei, Kaohsiung and Taichung MRT, city buses, local Taiwan Railway trains and in convenience stores. For basic use they behave alike, so pick whichever is easier to buy.

• Buy at MRT station service counters, large convenience stores and airport counters. Check the current card price and refund terms from the issuer.
• Top up at station machines or at a convenience-store cashier, usually with cash.
• Use it at 7-Eleven and FamilyMart, but many night-market stalls still want cash.
• Spend the balance before you fly home, or ask the issuer about refund terms.

A card is not accepted everywhere. Small shops, night markets and some taxis may take cash only, whereas hotels, department stores and most chain restaurants take credit cards. Convenience-store ATMs accept foreign cards in most cases. Keep a little cash on hand and check any fees with your own bank.

MRT systems by city

Signs and announcements on the MRT use English alongside Chinese. Stations carry both names and codes such as BL12, so it is easy to match them with your phone map. In Taipei, learn the terminus name of your line, because platform signs show direction by the end-of-line station.

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)

THSR runs from Nangang through Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Chiayi and Tainan to Zuoying in Kaohsiung, making it the main west-coast route. Book on the official T Express app or website with your passport, then enter the gates with the QR code or ticket the system issues.

• Reserved seats guarantee a seat on your chosen train. Non-reserved tickets can be bought on the day, but on busy days you may stand.
• Passes for foreign visitors exist. Check the terms and whether they suit your route on the official site.
• THSR stations are often outside city centres, so allow a connection by MRT, TR, bus or taxi.

Taiwan Railway and intercity buses

Taiwan Railway (TR) covers the whole island, including the east coast and places THSR does not reach. Book through the official TR app or website. Local trains stop everywhere and accept a card tap, while express trains stop less often and usually need a seat ticket. Popular services such as those to Hualien fill quickly.

Intercity buses fill the gaps where trains do not go, such as routes towards Sun Moon Lake or Alishan. Check times and payment methods with each operator.

Airport links and taxis

1. 1Airport MRT from TaoyuanThe Airport MRT links TPE with Taipei Main Station and accepts a card tap. Check in the official app which trains are express and which stop everywhere.
2. 2Taxis and UberTaxis can be hailed on the street or called by app in big cities. Some accept only cash or EasyCard, so keep the destination in Chinese characters from your map app to show the driver.
3. 3Plan the connectionDownload offline maps and keep data on so the ticket apps and timetables work. See “Taiwan Trip Prep: First-Time Checklist and Choosing a SIM or eSIM” for choosing a SIM or eSIM.

Habits that keep travel smooth

• Check the exit number before you board. Big stations such as Taipei Main have dozens of exits, so choose the one nearest your hotel or meeting point.
• Follow the signed side on escalators, and do not eat or drink inside the paid area of the MRT, where warnings are clearly posted.
• City buses often need a tap on boarding and again on leaving. Watch the signs on board or your map app to know which applies.
• On TR and THSR, sit in the seat on your ticket and check your car and seat numbers before boarding.
• Allow at least half an hour when changing from THSR to a TR train or bus, because some stations are large and exits are spread over several levels.

Map apps such as Google Maps show public-transport routes, departure times and station exits in fine detail across Taiwan. Use them alongside the official THSR and TR apps for booking and train status.

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