Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EASY DOES IT
If you're going to spend any length of time in Taipei, buy yourself an EasyCard (aka
Yoyo Card), the stored-value card of the Taipei Rapid Transit Association (TRTA).
Adult/child EasyCards sell for NT$500/300, of which NT$100 is a deposit. In ad-
dition to MRT rides (which the card gives you a discount on) the card is valid on
buses within Taipei City, New Taipei City, Keelung City, Taichung City (buses here
are free with an EasyCard), Yilan County, Matsu Islands and Tainan City. It is also
good for local trains in the north, non-reserved HSR rides, some taxis, the Youbike
program and purchases at all convenience stores, Starbucks and dozens of other
shops. There's also a 10% to 15% discount on Tourism Shuttle Buses when you
use the card.
When you're done using your EasyCard, simply take it to an MRT ticket booth,
where your deposit plus any remaining value will be refunded. You can add value to
the cards at any MRT station or 7-Eleven.
Getting There & Away
As the nation's capital, Taipei is well connected to the rest of the island, as well as the
outer islands, by rail, bus and air.
AIR
Taipei is directly connected to most major cities in Asia, and there are daily flights to
North America, Europe and Oceania countries such as Australia. Most international
flights leave from Taoyuan International Airport (
www.taoyuanairport.gov.tw
), 40km
from downtown Taipei. Domestic flights as well as direct flights to China, Japan and
Korea leave from Taipei Songshan Airport (
www.tsa.gov
)
, located in the city itself and
accessible by MRT.
You can also book tickets at any ezTravel office, including the one in Taipei Main Sta-
tion on the ground floor near the TRA ticket counter.
BUS
Taipei city is serviced by four major bus stations.
Taipei Main Station on Zhongxiao Rd. Has buses to Taoyuan International Airport (see
Getting Around), Taoyuan, Chungli, Keelung, Jinshan and other destinations (mostly) in
northern Taiwan.
