Detective Conan themed Nissan X-Trail Itasha car parked near Taoyuan Metro Taipei Main Station

Taipei Main Station (Taoyuan Metro)

Taipei Main Station: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Travel Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Taipei Main Station is not only the largest and busiest transportation hub in Taiwan but also a pivotal cultural landmark in the heart of Taipei. Seamlessly integrating the Taoyuan Airport MRT, Taipei Metro (MRT), Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR), and Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA), the station stands as a testament to Taipei’s rapid modernization and rich history. Its strategic location and comprehensive facilities make it essential for commuters, tourists, and anyone looking to explore the city’s dynamic urban life or travel across the island. This guide covers visiting hours, ticketing options, travel tips, accessibility features, nearby attractions, and everything you need to make your visit smooth and memorable.

Northeast view of National Taiwan Museum Railway Department Park, construction site of Taipei Twins, Taoyuan Metro Taipei Station, and Taipei North Gate in Zhongzheng District

Shin Kong Life Tower near Taipei Main Station Exit 6 and Taipei Twins construction site in Taipei

Taipei Travel Plaza stone stele facing Zhongxiao West Road Section 1

Taipei Twin Towers construction site with North Gate Square and Taoyuan Metro Taipei Station in the background

Introduction
History and Evolution of Taipei Main Station
Architecture and Urban Significance
Visiting Hours and Ticketing Information
Accessibility and Passenger Services
Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips
FAQ
Conclusion
Sources and Further Reading

History and Evolution of Taipei Main Station

Taipei Main Station’s origins date back to 1891 when it was established during the Qing Dynasty as the Taipei Railway Wharf, serving as a crucial node for trade and transportation (Agoda). During the Japanese colonial period, the station underwent significant transformations, including the construction of a Renaissance-inspired red-brick building in 1897. After World War II, Taipei’s rapid urbanization necessitated further expansion. The current station building, completed in 1989, consolidated multiple rail and metro services, establishing Taipei Main Station as the city’s central transportation hub (MrHost Blog).

A milestone in its development was the integration of the Taoyuan Airport MRT in 2017, connecting the station directly to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. This addition transformed Taipei Main Station into a true multimodal hub, streamlining transfers between air, rail, metro, and bus services (Wikipedia: Taoyuan Metro; UrbanRail.net).

Architecture and Urban Significance

Taipei Main Station is architecturally notable for blending traditional Chinese motifs—such as palace-style roofs and decorative eaves—with modern materials like glass and steel (Vicki Chiu Blog). The multi-level structure is designed for high passenger flow, accommodating approximately 700,000 commuters daily. Key features include:

B2 Level: Taoyuan Airport MRT platforms for express and commuter trains.
B1 Level: In-Town Check-In for select airlines, connections to Taipei Metro, and extensive underground malls.
Ground Level: Main concourse with ticketing, information booths, and access to buses and taxis.
Upper Levels: Administrative offices and additional commercial spaces.

The station’s grand central atrium and palace-style roofing are architectural highlights, providing both visual grandeur and efficient passenger movement (Vicki Chiu Blog). Underground, the station anchors a vibrant commercial district with shopping malls such as Taipei City Mall, offering shelter and entertainment for travelers (MrHost Blog).

Visiting Hours and Ticketing Information

Opening Hours:

General station access: 5:00 AM to midnight.
Some shops and underground malls may operate on extended or varying schedules.

Taoyuan Airport MRT Service:

Express trains: 05:55–22:58 (from airport), 06:00–23:00 (from Taipei Main Station).
Regular train intervals: every 7–8 minutes (Taipei Travel Geek; Taiwanderers).

Ticketing:

Single-journey tokens: Purchase at vending machines (cash only).
EasyCard: Rechargeable smart card usable on all metro, bus, and train services; offers a 20% discount on city MRT rides and seamless transfers (Taipei Travel Geek).
Fare Example: One-way Taoyuan Airport MRT express ticket costs approximately NT$160.
Online Discounts: Pre-purchase tickets via platforms like Klook for potential savings.

In-Town Check-In:
Available on the B1 level for select airlines, allowing passengers to check luggage and receive boarding passes before going to the airport (Taipei Travel Geek). Check-in must be completed at least three hours before departure.

Accessibility and Passenger Services

Taipei Main Station is fully accessible:

Elevators, ramps, and tactile paving for travelers with disabilities.
Extra-wide faregates and accessible restrooms.
Multilingual signage in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean.
Automated announcements and information counters with English-speaking staff (Wikipedia: Taipei Metro).

Amenities:

Free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, coin-operated lockers, and tax refund booths.
SIM card vendors and currency exchange services.
Family-friendly features such as baby care rooms and nursing rooms.
Environmental initiatives include energy-efficient lighting and natural lighting through large glass panels (Vicki Chiu Blog).

Nearby Attractions

Taipei Main Station is an excellent base for exploring some of Taipei’s most significant sites:

Taipei City Mall: Underground shopping arcade with local fashion, electronics, and snacks (Klook).
National Taiwan Museum & 228 Peace Memorial Park: Five-minute walk; Taiwan’s oldest museum and a tranquil historic park (Traveloka).
Ximending Youth Shopping District: A short walk or one MRT stop; vibrant area for shopping, street food, and entertainment.
Ningxia Night Market: Famous for Taiwanese street food, about 20 minutes’ walk or two MRT stops.
Presidential Office Building: Iconic Japanese-period architecture, offers weekday guided tours.
Huashan 1914 Creative Park: Arts and culture center with exhibitions and performances.
Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store: Multi-level mall directly across from the station.

Travel Tips

Best Times: Visit early morning or late evening for fewer crowds.
Transfers: Allow 10–15 minutes for transfers between different rail lines during peak hours; all lines are color-coded for ease of navigation.
Ticketing: Buy an EasyCard for convenience and discounts on all public transport.
In-Town Check-In: Arrive at least three hours before flight departure for check-in.
Luggage: Use provided luggage carts and coin lockers; trolleys are not permitted on escalators or in Airport MRT trains.
Etiquette: No eating, drinking, or smoking inside station premises (WeFunTaiwan).
Connectivity: SIM cards and eSIMs are readily available.

FAQ

Q: What are Taipei Main Station’s operating hours?
A: The station is open from 5:00 AM to midnight; some facilities and shops may have extended hours.

Q: How do I buy tickets for the Taoyuan Airport MRT?
A: Use ticket machines or counters for tokens, or use an EasyCard for added convenience and discounts.

Q: Is Taipei Main Station accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the station is fully accessible with elevators, ramps, tactile paving, and multilingual signage.

Q: Can I check in for my flight at Taipei Main Station?
A: Yes, selected airlines offer in-town check-in services at the station.

Q: What are the best attractions near Taipei Main Station?
A: Taipei City Mall, National Taiwan Museum, 228 Peace Memorial Park, Ximending, Ningxia Night Market, and the Presidential Office Building.

Conclusion

Taipei Main Station exemplifies the harmonious blend of Taipei’s historical legacy and modern urban development. Its evolution from a modest railway wharf to a state-of-the-art multimodal hub reflects the city’s dynamic growth. As both a transportation nexus and a destination, the station offers efficient airport transfers, rich cultural experiences, and access to vibrant commercial and historic districts. By planning your journey with current ticketing and schedule information, you can enjoy a seamless visit and make the most of Taipei’s urban and cultural offerings.

For the latest updates, ticket prices, and more travel tips, refer to the official Taoyuan Metro website and trusted travel resources. Enhance your experience by downloading the Audiala app for real-time transit updates and curated travel guides.