As some of you would know, there’s finally an MRT that connects Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei City. Even though the 51km-long Taoyuan International Airport MRT line stops at 21 stations, it still cuts commute time to the airport to 35 minutes, a journey that usually takes more than one hour to drive (usually) due to traffic.
Taoyuan International Airport MRT at a glance:
– The free rides run from Feb 16 to Mar 1
– The train stops at 21 stations along the way, taking 35 mins the entire journey
– Passengers must obtain one of 25,000 number tags in order to ride the train
– During the trial, trains run from 8am to 4pm, after which it’ll run from 6am to 11pm
– Passengers get free check-in and bag drop from Taipei MRT
– There will be free Wifi onboard, as well as charging stations
– Normal fares cost up to $180 per person, with 50% off for the month of March
The Taoyuan International Airport MRT line opened to the public on Feb 16, and is offering free rides during a two week trial period, running from February 16 to March 1, 2017.
The first 2 days of the trial was chaotic (no surprise), as over 52,751 passengers rode the express line. Ironically, most of the passengers were curious riders rather than real airport commuters.
For legit travellers, there will be conveniences – a free bag-drop and check-in service from Taipei MRT A1 station, which is available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, the list of participating airlines is limited to China Airlines and Eva Airways, as well as their respective subsidiaries, Mandarin Airlines and Uni Airways.
During the trial period, the trains run between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and stops at all 21 stations. However, you’ll need to queue for a number tag to be eligible to board the train – and each day the limit is 25,000 people, and can be obtained at any one of the line’s stations at 7:40 a.m., 9:40 a.m., 11:40 a.m. and 1:40 p.m each day. About 1,200 tags per day will be handed out at A1 (Taipei Station).
The MRT officially opens on March 2, with ride costing between NT$30-$180 per person (depending on where you board and alight) – although there’ll be a 1-month discount period where fares are 50% off, so full fares are only applicable from April 2.
