How to Get toShilin Night Market - Complete Transport Guide 2025
Important: Despite its name, Shilin Night Market is actually closest to Jiantan MRT Station (劍潭站), not Shilin Station. This common confusion trips up many first-time visitors, so make sure to get off at the correct stop for the shortest and most convenient walk to the market.
MRT Transportation (Recommended)
Station: Jiantan Station (劍潭站)
Line: Tamsui-Xinyi Line (Red Line / 淡水信義線)
Walking Time: 5-7 minutes from Exit 1
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM daily
Step-by-Step Directions from Jiantan MRT
Step 1: Take the MRT Red Line to Jiantan Station. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes from central Taipei locations like Taipei Main Station or Ximending.
Step 2: Exit the station using Exit 1 (出口1). You'll notice the station's unique architectural design that combines modern suspension bridge elements with traditional dragon boat aesthetics.
Step 3: After exiting, you'll be underneath the elevated MRT tracks. Walk north along Wenlin Road (文林路) for about 80 meters until you reach the second pedestrian crossing.
Step 4: Cross Wenlin Road at the pedestrian crossing to enter the main night market area. During evening hours, you'll easily spot the crowds of visitors heading in the same direction.
Alternative Transportation Options
From Taoyuan Airport:
Take the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station (35 minutes), then transfer to Tamsui-Xinyi Line toward Tamsui and get off at Jiantan Station (4 stops). Total journey time: approximately 60-75 minutes.
Taxi from Central Taipei:
Cost: NT$150-250 (depending on traffic and exact pickup location)
Journey time: 15-25 minutes
Bus Transportation:
Multiple bus routes serve the Shilin area, including routes 216, 218, 250, 260, 304, and others. Get off at "Jiantan" or "Shilin Night Market" bus stops.
Navigating the Market Area
Underground Food Court: Walk about 200 meters along Jihe Road (基河路) to find the main market building on your right, past the parking area. This climate-controlled food hall reopened in April 2025 after major renovations and features organized dining areas with modern facilities.
Street Food Area: For the traditional outdoor night market experience, take the right path along Wenlin Road for about 280 meters to Danan Road (大南路). Turn left into this narrow street, which becomes densely packed with food stalls and shops during evening hours.
Cixian Temple (慈諴宮): Continue 200 meters along Danan Road to reach the historic temple at the heart of the night market. The temple, beautifully illuminated with red lanterns at night, serves as the traditional center of the market and a popular meeting point.
Payment and Practical Tips
EasyCard: While most vendors still prefer cash, an increasing number now accept EasyCard (the same card used for MRT). Load your card at the station before visiting.
ATM Access: Several 7-Eleven stores around the market area have ATMs that accept international cards for cash withdrawal.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available at MRT stations and some larger vendors. Look for "TPE-Free" network throughout Taipei.
Language: Basic English is spoken at many popular tourist stalls, and most vendors are patient with international visitors. Consider downloading a translation app for easier communication.
🔗 Specific Route Guides
From Ximending: Complete step-by-step guide from Ximending to Shilin Night Market with MRT transfers, timing, and insider tips for this popular route (25-30 minutes total).