TAOYUAN AIRPORT TO SHILIN NIGHT MARKET
Getting from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Shilin Night Market represents your first Taiwan travel experience, and choosing the right transportation method sets the tone for your entire visit. This comprehensive 2025 guide provides detailed information on all transportation options, including costs, travel times, and step-by-step directions to help international visitors navigate efficiently from Taiwan's main international gateway to the country's most famous night market.
Airport MRT (Recommended) Fast, Affordable, Tourist-Friendly
Cost: NT$160 (approximately US$5) Travel Time: 75 minutes total (35 minutes to Taipei Main + 25 minutes to Jiantan + walking) Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - 11:30 PM daily Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Exit Airport: After clearing customs, follow purple "Airport MRT" signs in Terminal 1 (B1 level) or Terminal 2 (B2 level)
2. Purchase Tickets: Buy tickets at automated machines (English available) or use EasyCard for seamless travel
3. Board Airport MRT: Take the purple line toward "Taipei Main Station" (台北車站)
4. Transfer at Taipei Main Station: Exit Airport MRT and transfer to Taipei Metro Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line)
5. Board Red Line: Take the train toward "Tamsui" (淡水) for 6 stops
6. Exit at Jiantan Station: Use Exit 1 for the shortest walk to Shilin Night Market
7. Walk to Market: 5-minute walk following signs to "Shilin Night Market" (士林夜市)
Advantages: Most economical option, avoids traffic congestion, tourist-friendly with English signage, connects directly to Taipei's extensive MRT system for future travel.
Payment Options: Single-journey tickets, EasyCard (recommended for multiple trips), or Taipei Pass for tourists planning extensive public transport use.
Taxi Service Direct, Convenient, Premium Option
Cost: NT$1,200-1,500 (approximately US$40-50) Travel Time: 45-60 minutes (depending on traffic) Availability: 24 hours daily Capacity: Up to 4 passengers with luggage
Taxi Options:
Regular Taxis: Yellow cabs available at designated taxi ranks outside both terminals. Meters start at NT$70 with highway tolls (NT$40) added separately.
Airport Taxi Services: Pre-arranged services offer fixed pricing (NT$1,200-1,400) and English-speaking drivers. Book online or at airport service counters.
Ride-Sharing: Uber and local Taiwan Taxi apps provide upfront pricing and GPS tracking for added security and convenience.
Tips for Taxi Travel:
• Have destination written in Chinese characters: 士林夜市 (Shilin Night Market)
• Confirm fare beforehand for airport taxi services
• Late night surcharges (11 PM - 6 AM) add 20% to meter fare
• Highway tolls are additional charges beyond the meter fare
Bus Transportation Budget Option for Patient Travelers
Cost: NT$125-145 (approximately US$4-5) Travel Time: 90-120 minutes (including transfers) Operating Hours: 5:30 AM - 12:30 AM Routes: Bus 1840, 1841, 1842 to Taipei, then MRT transfer
Route Options:
Express Bus 1840: Direct to Songshan Airport, then MRT Brown Line to transfer for Red Line to Jiantan
Bus 1841: To Taipei Main Station, then MRT Red Line direct to Jiantan
Bus 1842: To Minquan West Road MRT, then direct Red Line connection to Jiantan
Advantages: Most economical option, no transfers within airport system, connects to multiple MRT lines for onward travel flexibility.
Considerations: Longer travel time, potential traffic delays, limited luggage space during peak hours, less comfortable than MRT for tourists with heavy bags.
Private Airport Transfer Premium Comfort and Service
Cost: NT$1,800-2,500 (approximately US$60-85) Travel Time: 45-60 minutes Booking: Online advance reservation required Services: Meet-and-greet, luggage assistance, English-speaking drivers
Service Features:
• Professional drivers with flight monitoring for delays
• Luxury vehicles with air conditioning and comfortable seating
• Fixed pricing regardless of traffic conditions or time of day
• Child seats available upon request for family travelers
• Multiple language support and local travel tips included
Recommended Providers: KKday, Klook, and local Taiwan transfer companies offer reliable services with online booking, customer reviews, and guaranteed arrival times.
Travel Planning Tips Optimize Your Journey
Timing Considerations:
Morning Arrivals (6 AM - 12 PM): All transportation options available, lighter traffic for taxis, perfect timing to reach hotels before night market opens
Afternoon Arrivals (12 PM - 6 PM): Rush hour traffic affects taxi times, MRT remains consistent, allows evening check-in and immediate night market exploration
Evening Arrivals (6 PM - 11 PM): Peak traffic hours, MRT still optimal, perfect timing to drop luggage and experience night market atmosphere immediately
Late Night Arrivals (11 PM - 6 AM): Limited MRT service (ends 12:30 AM), taxi surcharges apply, consider overnight accommodation near airport
Luggage and Comfort:
• Large luggage: Taxi or private transfer recommended for comfort
• Light travelers: MRT provides excellent value and cultural experience
• Group travel (3+ people): Taxi becomes cost-competitive with MRT
• Family with children: Private transfer offers most convenience and flexibility
Payment Preparation:
• EasyCard purchase at airport: NT$100 card fee + value for convenient public transport
• Taiwan dollars: Exchange at airport for taxi fares and initial expenses
• Credit cards: Accepted for private transfers and some taxi services
• Mobile payments: LinePay and iPASS increasingly accepted across transport modes
Language Assistance:
• Download offline translation apps for communication assistance
• Carry hotel address in Chinese characters for taxi drivers
• MRT stations have English announcements and signage
• Tourist information counters at airport provide bilingual maps and directions
For comprehensive Taiwan travel planning, explore our guides to Taipei accommodation options, authentic night market food experiences, and must-visit Taipei attractions to maximize your Taiwan adventure beyond Shilin Night Market.