🚇 Taiwan City Travel Guide: A Complete Look at 5 MRT Systems

> Taiwan has more than just Taipei MRT! Understand all 5 rail systems and payment pitfalls across the island to avoid getting stuck at the gates.

Attention, international travelers! Taiwan currently has 5 MRT systems located in the North, Central, and South regions. While they may look similar, their "payment methods" and "door opening rules" vary significantly.

Here's the latest verified guide for your journey.

1. 💳 Ticketing Guide: How Should I Pay? (The "Credit Card" Trap)

This is where foreign visitors often get most confused! Not every city's MRT allows direct payment with Apple Pay or credit cards.

🏆 Best Solution: Buy an IC Card (EasyCard / iPass)

• Highly Recommended: This is the only way to travel seamlessly. One card can be used on all MRTs, Light Rails, buses, and Taiwan Railways local trains across Taiwan.
• Where to Buy: Any convenience store (7-11, FamilyMart) or MRT station information counter.

💳 Credit Card / Mobile Payment (Apple Pay)

If you wish to tap your phone or credit card directly at the gate, please carefully review this table to avoid getting stuck:

2. ⚠️ Universal Rules: The Golden Principles

No matter which city you're in, these two rules are absolute:

1. 🚫 No Eating or Drinking:
   • Most Important Rule! After entering the gates or crossing the yellow warning line, eating, drinking, or chewing gum is strictly prohibited.
   • Fines are very heavy (approx. NT$1,500 - $7,500), so please do not test the limits.
2. 🗣️ Speak Softly:
   • Public transportation in Taiwan is generally very quiet. Please keep your voice down when talking on the phone and avoid using speakerphone.

3. 🗺️ Northern Taiwan

A. Taipei MRT

• Code: Metro Taipei
• Features: The most frequently used system by tourists, with the densest network.
• Key Lines:
  • 🔴 Red Line: Taipei 101, Shilin Night Market, Tamsui Old Street.
  • 🔵 Blue Line: Ximending, Taipei Main Station, Taipei City Hall (Xinyi District).
  • 🟢 Green Line: Songshan (Raohe Night Market), Ximen, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
• ⚠️ 2025 Current Status Reminder: Taipei MRT is upgrading its gates. You might see new machines with Visa/Master logos, but they are not yet active. Please do not attempt to use credit cards.

B. New Taipei Metro - Light Rail Transit (LRT) System

• Main Lines:
  • Danhai LRT: A must-take to visit Fisherman's Wharf.
  • Ankeng LRT: Xindian area.
• ⚠️ Special Light Rail Rules (Must Read):
  1. Press the button to open doors! Light Rail doors do not open automatically. After the train stops, please press the green button on the door to open it.
  2. Tapping Method: You must tap your card on the card reader on the platform when entering and exiting (unlike MRTs which have gates).
  3. Payment Pitfall: Although the card readers have a tap area, they primarily support Mastercard. If you have a Visa card, it's recommended to stick with EasyCard.

C. Taoyuan Airport MRT

• Color: Purple.
• Function: Connects Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) ↔ Taipei Main Station.
• Train Types:
  • Express Train: Purple carriages, stops only at major stations, takes approx. 35 minutes to Taipei.
  • Commuter Train: Blue carriages, stops at every station, takes approx. 50 minutes to Taipei.

4. 🏙️ Central Taiwan

D. Taichung MRT

• Code: TMRT
• Line: Currently, there is only one 🟢 Green Line.
• Function: Primarily connects HSR Taichung Station ↔ Taichung City Hall / Downtown Taichung.
• Limitations: This MRT line does not go directly to Fengjia Night Market or Sun Moon Lake; you typically need to transfer to a bus.

5. 🌴 Southern Taiwan

E. Kaohsiung MRT

• Code: KRTC
• Main Lines:
  • 🔴 Red Line: Zuoying HSR Station, Kaohsiung Main Station, Formosa Boulevard.
  • 🟠 Orange Line: Pier-2 Art Center, Sizihwan (Cijin Ferry).
  • 🟢 Circular Light Rail: A streetcar that loops around downtown Kaohsiung.
• Features:
  • Formosa Boulevard Station: Home to the world's largest glass art installation, "Dome of Light," located at the intersection of the Red and Orange Lines.
  • Most Payment-Friendly: This is the most foreigner-friendly system in Taiwan, with direct support for Visa / Mastercard / Apple Pay at the gates.

6. 📝 Quick Summary