One of the best and easiest ways to reach Taipei Main Station from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is by using Bus 1819. The journey, which takes about one hour, is inexpensive, comfortable, and perfect for travelers in groups or those with large luggage.
Bus 1819 connects Taoyuan Airport with Taipei Bus Station (Q Square), next to Taipei Main Station. For the return trip to the airport, board at Platform 409 on the 4th floor.
Orientation to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
Taoyuan International Airport is located in the city of Taoyuan, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of central Taipei. The airport is the largest and busiest in Taiwan and is one of the busiest in the world.
If you are flying into Taiwan from an international point of origin, the odds are that you will land at Taoyuan Airport. The airport also serves as the main international hub of China Airlines, EVA Air, and Starlux. Nearby Taipei Songshan Airport handles most flights originating from Taiwan, China, Japan, and South Korea.
If you board the bus at Terminal 2, it will make stops at Terminal 1 and several city stops, including The Ambassador Hotel, before reaching its final destination: the Taipei Bus Station (Q Square).
This guide will focus on arriving at Terminal 2. If you arrive at Terminal 1, simply follow the signs for “Bus to City” to the B1 level.
Clearing Customs and Immigration
After landing in Taiwan, you will first need to clear immigration and customs before entering the country.
Most foreign visitors need to complete the free Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) online within seven days before arriving in Taiwan. Submit it before immigration inspection. The officer can retrieve your details by scanning your passport.
Eligible travelers can use e-Gate after completing the required enrollment. U.S. Global Entry members need to complete Taiwan’s separate online application and interview before using e-Gate. Enrollment requirements differ by nationality.
If you checked in any luggage for your flight, you will need to retrieve your luggage at baggage claim after clearing immigration.
Only have carry-on luggage? If so, you can proceed straight to the customs line near the exit to the arrivals hall.
After clearing customs, exit through the sliding doors into the arrivals hall of Terminal 2. Notice the sign indicating the bus to the city will be to the right.
Inside Arrivals Hall of Terminal 2
You have now officially entered Taiwan.
To reach the bus station, follow the signs for the bus to the city.
If you get lost or have questions, stop by the Tourist Service Center, located just to the right after exiting customs.
Pulling out Money from Airport ATMs
You will want cash for Taipei’s famous night markets. You will find multiple ATMs scattered across Terminal 2.
Foreign currency exchange counters are also available near baggage claim and inside the arrivals hall.
Head to Bus to City
When you reach the end of the terminal, continue down the walkway following signs for “Bus to City.”
You will eventually need to exit the air-conditioned building to reach the Outdoor Gallery where the ticket counters are located. It might feel humid immediately. Welcome to Taiwan.
Purchasing a ticket for Bus 1819
Arriving late? No problem. Bus 1819 runs 24 hours a day. While the Airport MRT stops running around midnight, the 1819 is your reliable backup for red-eye flights.
If you arrive hungry in the middle of the night, taking this bus is your best bet to reach the city and grab a bowl of beef noodle soup at Lin Dong Fang, which stays open until 3:00 AM.
Look for the Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport counters (often Counter 2). Adult one-way fares depend on the coach:
- Three seats across: NT$164
- Four seats across: NT$133
You can buy a ticket at the counter or pay with an EasyCard. If you are using an EasyCard, have enough balance for the fare and check with the counter staff before joining the boarding line.
With a ticket in hand, you can now head towards the bus.
From the ticket counters, check the signs for the Bus 1819 bay number (usually Bay 3, but always double-check the electronic boards).
Bay 3
The driver will help tag your luggage and place it in the hold. This is a huge advantage over the MRT, where you have to manage your own bags on the train.
Boarding Bus 1819
Seats are first-come, first-served. They are reclinable, comfortable, and usually feature USB charging ports—perfect for charging your phone after a long flight.
The New Destination: Taipei Bus Station (Q Square)
About one hour after leaving the airport, the bus will arrive in Taipei.
Bus 1819 ends at Taipei Bus Station (Q Square), next to Taipei Main Station. The old standalone Kuo-Kuang terminal shown above has closed.
For the return trip to Taoyuan Airport, go to Platform 409 on the 4th floor of Taipei Bus Station. Airport-bound departures moved here on January 1, 2025.
How to Connect to the MRT or High Speed Rail
After getting off the bus, follow the signs for Taipei Main Station, the MRT, or High Speed Rail. If you need an elevator, ask station staff for the nearest accessible route.
At Taipei Main Station, you can connect to the MRT Red and Blue lines.
- Heading to Ximending? Take the Blue Line one stop to Ximen Station. Once there, you can enjoy Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle or grab a snack at Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken. Or, for a more substantial meal, check out Tian Tian Li for their famous braised pork rice.
- Heading to CKS Memorial Hall? Take the Red Line two stops. You will find Jin Feng (Braised Pork Rice) right outside Exit 2.
Welcome to Taipei. If you are looking for the best soup dumplings in the city, make sure to read my guide on the Original Din Tai Fung Location.
Last Updated on November 11, 2026
Hi Anthony! Does the bus leave at 1:50 a.m.? And the next will be at 2:50? Thanks
Molly,
According to the schedule that was listed at the airport, after 1:50 the next bus should be at 2:30 then 3:20.
According to the Taiwan Bus website, the buses continue to run every 15 to 20 minutes, even between 2:00 and 5:00.
Please let me know your experience when you arrive in Taipei. I am curious to know which schedule is correct. I would assume the website information would be up to date but I can’t say for sure.
Hi! We arrived in Taipei last week and I’d like to inform you that Bus 1819 runs every 15 minutes. We weren’t able to catch the 2:00AM bus as we’re getting through the exit doors, the next one came after 15 minutes.
Fare now is ntd 140 at the counter.
Thanks very helpful. I have 10 hrs in taipei on March 1st, so figured I would leave and go into the city to get some food at, Fu Hang Dou Jiang.
I assume the buss was cheapest way ? How much was the train, and is it possible to get a sim card in airport ? So I can have some data and be able to use google maps ? So I know where im going.
Danny,
I have never taken the train, but according to the train website, the fare between the Airport Station and Taipei Main Station is NT$160.
My phone does not have a SIM card reader, so I never purchase SIM cards, but I am sure the airport has them. I always rent a portable WiFi router through a website called Klook.
Hi! We arrived in Taipei last week and I’d like to inform you that Bus 1819 runs every 15 minutes. We weren’t able to catch the 2:00AM bus as we’re getting through the exit doors, the next one came after 15 minutes.
Hi, thank you for the extremely detailed info! I’m arriving in late March with 10 high school students. I speak Chinese, and they speak a bit (they’re studying in school). We’re arriving at 5 am after a flight that leaves O’Hare at midnight, and I’m just trying to figure out whether we should take this bus, or go to Taoyuan to get on the MRT? We’re staying at the YMCA by the Taipei train station, so I think it will be easy enough to get to our hotel once we’re at the train station. Anyway, my reading tells me that the high speed rail is only 35 minutes, but it seems we have to take a bus to Taoyuan to catch it, whereas this hour-long bus ride leaves right from the airport. I’m also urging everyone to pack light for our short stay, but can’t be sure some won’t have more luggage. Based on the ease of moving a group of 11 with luggage, after a long flight when they’re likely tired, which do you think is the better option? Thanks so much in advance.
Natasha,
I wish I could give you more information about the MRT but I still have yet to ride it. I will have to try it next trip and document it.
If you are staying near the main station, maybe the bus is the best option.
Good luck with all of those high school students. That sounds like an exciting, and stressful trip.
A former student who lives there says both the train and bus are good options. It will be a great opportunity to have the kids work as a team and use some of their language skills from the get go. Thanks!
Thank you for the excellent and very detailed information! Do you know whether it is possible to pay with a credit card for the bus ticket (bus 1843). Are there also ticket machines where I could use a credit card to purchase the ticket for the same bus? Thank you
Daniel,
Sorry for the late reply. As far as I know, tickets could only be purchased by cash at the airport bus station. I recommend stopping by the Tourist Service Center in the arrivals hall and asking them if credit cards can be used or if you can purchase a travel card with credit card. Please let know how it goes and I will update this post.
Thks for the info 🙂
Where and how can I purchase bus 1819 ticket in Taipei City in order to go to TaoYuan airport..?
Alf,
You can purchase a bus ticket to Taoyuan Airport at the Kuo-Kuang Bus Taipei Terminal which is located just outside Taipei Main Station.
Would there be a taxi stand at the Taipei Station where the last stop is? Our hotel is at Ximending area so need a taxi after that. Thanks
Hello! Do you know where to purchase the Easy Transport Card ? Can it also be used within the metro train station and convenience stores?
Jana,
You can purchase the EasyCard at MRT stations across Taipei along with major convenience stores such as 7-11. Most convenience stores accept EasyCard payments.
From Taipei airport to Taipei main station, can the easycard be used or is it we got to purchase the bus ticket over the counter?
Eunice,
If you have an EasyCard, you do not need to purchase a ticket over the counter. You may swipe your card when you board the bus as usual.
I just need to top up my easycard and I just swipe it when I board the bus? Do I need to tap out when I alight as well?
Hi, is it safe to travel from airport to taipei city at 2-3am? Is there a good place to go?
Janine,
Yes. While incidents can happen worldwide at any time, Taipei is a very safe city, even at night. I wouldn’t worry, just use common sense.
THANKS FOR THE INFO. I HOPE WHEN WE USE THE EASY CARD FOR THE KIDS IT will CHARGE HALF THE PRICE (NT$65). WE WILL BE THERE THIS COMING JUNE 2019 (10 PAX).
Marieanne,
Yes, that is correct. I believe children under the age of 12 pay the half fare which would be NT$125. Enjoy your trip to Taiwan!
Is a 4 year old child free on the Bus 1819 fare?
Angelica,
I believe children under the age of 12 pay half fare which would be NT$65.
Would you happen to know the travel time from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station by taking Bus 1819?
Also, does the bus have wifi?
We will be arriving at Terminal 1, I’m afraid that the seats of the bus are all taken when it stop at terminal 1, since its 1st stop is at terminal 2, should we travel to terminal 2 instead just to ensure our seats in the bus? Thank you for your response.
Airiel,
I believe the bus took about one hour. I don’t remember if the bus had WiFi. I will have to check next time I am back in Taipei. I have taken Bus 1819 multiple times and never has it been full. While I can’t say for sure, I wouldn’t worry about finding a seat. Even if the bus is full, there will be another bus not far behind.
Hi! I am so sorry but I got abit confused by the bus schedule. I’ll just ask you instead. My partner and I will be arriving in Taoyuan at around 6am. And with all the walking around, exchanging money, buying easycards and sim… give or take 7-7:30 am…is there a bus available at that time? we will be flying EVA air from Manila, would you know what terminal will we be on?
Kate,
Yes, the bus will be operating at that time. Bus 1819 departs about every 20 minutes.
Hi,
May I know if I’m at taoyuan airport terminal 1, is it I need to walk to terminal 2 to buy bus ticket?
Is bus ticket to Taichung available on the spot?
Thanks.
Pauline,
Bus 1819 stopped at both Terminal 2 and Terminal 1, so you should be able to purchase a ticket in a similar fashion inside Terminal 1 or on board the bus.
While I have never gone from the airport to Taichung, just looking at Google maps, it appears you can travel from Taoyuan Auroirt to Taichung, though it may require a transfer.
I saw that the bus tickets are now priced at 140 NTD. Is the discount when using Easycard still valid till today?
IPTfdc,
Thank you for the update. I have not been back to Taipei since the increase in fare so I do not have all the details about EasyCard discounts.