Taiwan Metro Riding Guide
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When traveling in Taiwan, the metro is one of the most convenient modes of transportation. Currently, Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung all have metro systems. Below is a compilation of frequently asked questions for your reference.
How to Buy Tickets?
Ticket Vending Machines: Most metro stations have ticket vending machines with an English interface. After selecting "English," you can choose between single journey tickets, stored value cards, and more.
EasyCard: If you plan to use the metro frequently, you can purchase an "EasyCard" at the service center in metro stations. This is a prepaid transportation card that can be used on the metro, buses, and at various retail stores.
Fare Inquiry: Metro fares vary based on distance. You can check the fares at the ticket vending machines or ask the staff for assistance.
- If you plan to take the metro multiple times in a day, you can purchase a "Taipei Metro One-Day Pass" at the service center.
- If you will frequently use other public transportation options such as buses in addition to the metro, you may consider purchasing the "Taipei Pass."
Metro Frequency and Operating Hours?
First and Last Trains: Typically, the first train of the metro departs around 6:00 AM, and the last train around 12:00 AM. You can check the exact times on the timetables for [Taipei](https://www.metro.taipei/cp.aspx?n=5298D33851223B04), [Taichung](https://opendata.taichung.gov.tw/search/cd2cf7e3-0c44-46a5-b59f-ad982ef34bff), [Kaohsiung](https://www.krtc.com.tw/Guide/first_and_last_train), and [Taoyuan Airport MRT](https://www.tymetro.com.tw/tymetro-new/en/_pages/travel-guide/timetable.php).
Train Intervals
1. Taipei and Kaohsiung Metro: During weekdays, trains run approximately every 4–6 minutes during the day; however, the intervals extend at night and on weekends, typically ranging from 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Taichung Metro: During weekdays, trains run approximately every 6–9 minutes during the day; at night and on weekends, the intervals are about 15–20 minutes.
3. Taoyuan Airport MRT: There are two types of trains: the express train and the regular train.
- Express Train: During peak hours on weekdays, trains run approximately every 15 minutes, while off-peak hours have intervals of about 30 minutes.
- Regular Train: During weekdays, trains run at a fixed interval of every 15 minutes throughout the day.
Is there free Wi-Fi on the metro?
Free Wi-Fi: Most metro systems offer free Wi-Fi service for passengers, but you will need to register or log in first to use it.
The names of the free Wi-Fi services provided in each city are as follows:
Taipei: TPE-Free
Taichung: iTaichung
Taoyuan: TYWifi
- Tymetro-WiFi1
- Tymetro-WiFi2 (No authentication required)
- TyMetro-train (Authentication required)
Kaohsiung: Currently, the metro does not provide free Wi-Fi.
Are luggage storage services available at metro stations?
Luggage Storage Services: Some major metro stations offer luggage storage services. These services are typically located on the underground level and charges may apply based on the storage duration. For more information on which metro stations provide luggage storage, you can refer to the official websites for [Taipei](https://www.opendata.vip/metro/locker/station), [Taoyuan Airport MRT](https://opendata.vip/tool/owlLocker/%E6%A1%83%E5%9C%92%E6%8D%B7%E9%81%8B), [Taichung](https://www.tmrt.com.tw/our-services/locker-service), and [Kaohsiung](https://www.krtc.com.tw/Service/convenient_service_more?id=6351b132e7144cebbc23ddf0fd2bbc06).
Does the metro support credit cards or mobile payments?
Although some metro stations allow entry using credit cards and mobile payments, it is necessary to have a Taiwanese bank account, phone number, or residency permit number to link the services. Therefore, it is recommended for short-term visitors to purchase a physical EasyCard.
How to Handle Lost Items or Emergencies?
Lost Items: If you lose anything on the metro, you can inquire at the service center of the station. The metro company will keep the items for a certain period and assist in locating them. For more details, refer to the lost and found policies for [Taipei](https://web.metro.taipei/losequery2019/metrostation), [Taichung](https://www.tmrt.com.tw/OMIS/StationLostCommon/LostInquiry), [Kaohsiung](https://www.krtc.com.tw/Service/lost_and_found), and [Taoyuan Airport MRT](https://www.tymetro.com.tw/tymetro-new/tw/_pages/service/lost.html).
Reporting at the Station: If you encounter an emergency situation (such as theft, injury, etc.), you can report it to the station staff or directly call the police or emergency services.
Handling Emergency Situations in the Train Car: In the event of an unexpected situation, please immediately press the emergency intercom inside the train, which will allow you to communicate directly with the driver or the control center. Explain the situation and request assistance.
