Day 01: Taoyuan Airport to Ximen

We went to Taipei via Philippine Airlines. Our plane's touchdown in Taoyuan Airport was around 9:45 AM. However we experienced long queues for the Immigration, we were able to leave the airport around 11:00 AM.

Before leaving the Airport, we had our Philippines Peso exchanged to NTD and picked up our wifi pocket at the Unite Traveler booth.


There are many option for transportation from the Airport to the City. If you're heading to Taipei Main Station, you may either travel by Bus or by Airport MRT. The bus ride (Kuo-Kuang bus 国光客运 1819) will cost around NTD 125 and travel time will be around 1 hour. We selected the second option: the Airport MRT. The Airport MRT operated commercially last March 2, 2017 and we were lucky to avail the 50% (normal cost from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station is at NTD 160).

There are a lot of sign boards in the Arrival Hall instructing where the MRT. It's a walk, around 5 to 10 minutes, from the Arrival Hall. You will pass by the departure hall and will go down the escalator. Upon reaching the MRT entrance, you will see counters and ticket vending machine. You may buy your single entry ticket or your Easy Card at the ticket vending machine.

We bought our Easy Card since we're planning to use it around the city. Initially loaded it NTD 100 per card (paid additional NTD 100 for the card deposit). Upon entering the MRT, we went down the elevator for the platform.

The screen on the platform indicates the time of arrival of the next train and the type of train arriving: Commuter or Express. Train arrives every 15 minutes. For faster travel to the city, 35 minutes, ensure you're riding the Express Train.



How to know if it's express: (1) written on the facade of train (2) announced on the screen (3) the seat arrangement inside the train

Express Train

Commuter Train
(Credits to owner; both photos grabbed from the Internet)

The travel was comfortable but not as spacious as Hongkong Airport MRT. There were also not much view was in sight.

view from the Airport MRT

We arrived Taipei Main Station around 11:45 and transferring to Taipei Bannan Line (Blue Line). We walked around 5 to 10 minutes from Airport MRT to Blue Line Entrance. There were sign boards everywhere so you won't really get lost within the station. Not much crowded during that time. We were able to sit inside the train although we will immediately alight at the next stop (Ximen).

Our hotel, City Inn Plus Hotel in Ximending was literally few footsteps away from Ximen Station Exit #3. Our hotel was insight as soon as we exit the MRT.

Our Day 01 activities will be posted on my succeeding entries.

👣