Planning a trip to Taipei? This 2026 Taipei Metro guide explains how to ride the MRT, buy tickets, use an EasyCard, purchase QR single-journey tickets, and tap in with credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Learn the easiest way for tourists to use Taipei’s metro system.

How to Ride the Taipei Metro in 2026｜Tickets, EasyCard, Credit Card Tap-In, Apple Pay Express Mode Guide

Taipei Metro, also known as the MRT, is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to travel around Taipei.

Whether you are visiting Taipei for the first time, staying for a few days, or living in the city, the metro system is clean, organized, tourist-friendly, and connected to many major attractions, shopping districts, night markets, and hotels.

In 2026, riding the Taipei Metro has become even easier. Starting July 1, 2026, passengers can enter and exit Taipei Metro stations using eligible credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. This means many travelers no longer need to buy a physical ticket or add value to a transportation card before taking the MRT.

This guide explains how to ride the Taipei Metro, how to buy tickets, how to use an EasyCard, how to use QR single-journey tickets, and how to tap in with Apple Pay or a credit card.

Quick Summary: The Easiest Ways to Ride Taipei Metro

Method	Best For	How It Works
Credit card tap-in	Tourists, short trips, business travelers	Tap your eligible card at the gate when entering and exiting
Apple Pay / Google Pay / Samsung Pay	Travelers who prefer using a phone	Add an eligible card to your wallet and tap your phone at the gate
Apple Pay Express Mode	iPhone users	Tap without unlocking your iPhone or waking the screen
EasyCard	Frequent riders, locals, long stays	Add value and tap in/out at gates
QR single-journey ticket	One-time riders	Buy from ticket machines or Go! Taipei Metro app and scan at the gate
Traditional blue token	Occasional riders	Buy at the station, tap in, insert token when exiting

Option 1: Use a Credit Card or Mobile Wallet

The most convenient new option is tapping directly with a credit card or mobile wallet.

From July 1, 2026, Taipei Metro gates support eligible international card networks, including Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover Network, and Diners Club International. Passengers can also use mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay if the payment card is properly added.

How to use it

Go to the ticket gate.
Tap your credit card, phone, or smartwatch on the card reader.
Enter the station.
When you arrive at your destination, tap the same card or device again to exit.
The system calculates the fare based on your actual ride.

The most important rule is simple: use the same card or same device when entering and exiting.

For example, do not tap in with your physical card and tap out with Apple Pay, even if they are linked to the same card account. Use the same method for the full ride.

Option 2: Use Apple Pay Express Mode on Taipei Metro

Apple Pay users can enable Express Mode for an even faster experience.

With Express Mode, you can tap your iPhone or Apple Watch at the Taipei Metro gate without unlocking your phone, opening Apple Wallet, or waking the screen. This is especially useful during busy commuting hours.

How to set up Apple Pay Express Mode

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
Select the card you want to use.
Tap the More button.
Go to Card Details.
Find Express Transit or Express Mode settings.
Choose the card you want to use for Taipei Metro.

After setup, you can simply bring your iPhone or Apple Watch close to the gate reader.

Why this is useful

Apple Pay Express Mode is great for:

Tourists with luggage
Commuters during rush hour
People who do not want to unlock their phone at every gate
Travelers used to tap-to-ride systems in Japan, Singapore, London, or New York

Taipei Metro also notes that if Express Mode is enabled, iPhone users may still be able to complete transit payment even when the phone battery is depleted.

Option 3: Use an EasyCard

The EasyCard is still one of the best options for people staying in Taipei for more than a few days.

EasyCard is a stored-value transportation card used across Taipei Metro, buses, YouBike, convenience stores, and many shops in Taiwan. It is especially useful if you plan to take both the MRT and city buses.

Why use an EasyCard?

EasyCard is good for:

Long stays in Taipei
People who take buses and MRT often
Travelers visiting multiple cities in Taiwan
Visitors who want a simple stored-value card
People who want to use the card at convenience stores

You can buy or top up an EasyCard at Taipei Metro stations and many convenience stores, including 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, and OK Mart.

EasyCard vs credit card tap-in

Credit card tap-in is very convenient, especially for visitors. However, Taipei Metro has noted that credit card rides do not count toward the Taipei Metro frequent rider discount because of payment security rules.

If you are a frequent rider and want local transit discounts, EasyCard may still be the better option.

Option 4: Buy a QR Single-Journey Ticket

Taipei Metro also offers QR single-journey tickets.

You can buy a QR single-journey ticket at station ticket machines with cash. You can also purchase one through the Go! Taipei Metro app using a credit card or e-payment.

How to use a QR ticket

Buy a QR single-journey ticket.
Go to a gate with a QR scanner.
Hold the QR code about 4 to 5 cm from the scanner.
Wait for the green arrow and gate opening.
Scan the same QR code again when exiting.

Each QR single-journey ticket is for one person only and cannot be shared.

This option is good for visitors who do not want to buy an EasyCard but also do not want to use a credit card at the gate.

Option 5: Buy a Traditional Single-Journey Token

Traditional blue plastic single-journey tokens are still available.

This is the classic Taipei Metro ticket system. You buy a token at the ticket machine, tap it on the gate when entering, and insert the token into the gate when exiting.

How to use a token

Find a ticket machine at the station.
Select your destination or fare.
Pay for the ticket.
Take the blue token.
Tap the token on the gate to enter.
Insert the token into the gate when exiting.

This method is simple but less convenient than credit card tap-in, EasyCard, or Apple Pay.

Which Taipei Metro Payment Method Should You Use?

Best for short-term tourists

Use a credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay.

This is the easiest option because you do not need to buy a ticket or top up a card.

Best for iPhone users

Use Apple Pay Express Mode.

It is fast, simple, and does not require unlocking your phone.

Best for longer stays

Use an EasyCard.

It works on MRT, buses, convenience stores, and many other places in Taiwan.

Best for one-time riders

Use a QR single-journey ticket or blue token.

This is useful if you only plan to ride once or do not want to use your personal payment card.

How to Ride the Taipei Metro Step by Step

Step 1: Find your route

Use Google Maps, Apple Maps, or the Taipei Metro route map to check which line you need.

Taipei Metro lines are color-coded, making the system easy to understand.

Common lines include:

Red Line
Blue Line
Green Line
Orange Line
Brown Line
Yellow Line

Step 2: Enter the station

Follow signs to the MRT station entrance. Most major stations have English signs.

Step 3: Choose your payment method

You can use:

Credit card
Apple Pay
Google Pay
Samsung Pay
EasyCard
QR single-journey ticket
Blue token

Step 4: Tap or scan at the gate

Tap your card or device, or scan your QR ticket.

Wait for the gate to open before walking through.

Step 5: Follow platform signs

Taipei Metro platforms are clearly marked by direction and terminal station.

Check the final destination of the train to make sure you are going the right way.

Step 6: Get off at your station

Announcements are made in Mandarin and English, and station names are displayed inside the train.

Step 7: Tap or scan again to exit

Use the same card, device, QR code, EasyCard, or token to exit.

Important Taipei Metro Rules

Taipei Metro is clean and well-managed. To avoid fines or awkward situations, remember these rules:

No eating or drinking inside paid areas.
Do not chew gum inside paid areas.
Stand on the right side of escalators unless walking.
Let passengers exit before entering the train.
Use priority seats respectfully.
Keep your voice low on trains.
Do not block doors.
Use the same payment method when entering and exiting.

The “paid area” starts after you pass through the ticket gate, so finish your drink before entering.

Taipei Metro Fare Tips

Taipei Metro fares are distance-based.

You do not need to calculate the fare manually if you use EasyCard, credit card tap-in, Apple Pay, or another mobile wallet. The system calculates the fare when you exit.

If you buy a single-journey ticket or token, the machine will calculate the fare based on your selected destination.

Best Taipei Metro Stations for Travelers

Taipei Main Station

Best for trains, high-speed rail, airport MRT, shopping, underground malls, and transfers.

Ximen Station

Best for Ximending, street food, shopping, and nightlife.

Taipei 101 / World Trade Center Station

Best for Taipei 101, luxury shopping, and city views.

Zhongshan Station

Best for cafés, boutiques, restaurants, and weekend shopping.

Dongmen Station

Best for Yongkang Street, beef noodles, mango shaved ice, and local cafés.

Jiantan Station

Best for Shilin Night Market.

Songshan Station

Best for Raohe Night Market.

Tamsui Station

Best for riverside walks, sunset views, and old street snacks.

Taipei Metro for First-Time Visitors

For first-time visitors, the easiest setup is:

Use Apple Pay or a contactless credit card for the MRT.
Buy an EasyCard if you plan to take buses or stay longer.
Use Google Maps to plan routes.
Avoid rush hour if possible.
Do not eat or drink after passing the gate.

This is enough for most travelers to move around Taipei comfortably.

Taipei Metro vs Taxi vs Bus

Taipei Metro

Best for speed, reliability, and avoiding traffic.

Taxi

Best for late-night travel, luggage, rainy days, or places far from MRT stations.

Bus

Best for areas not directly connected by MRT, but it may be harder for first-time visitors.

For most travelers, Taipei Metro should be your main transportation method.

Final Thoughts: Taipei Metro Is Now Easier Than Ever

Taipei Metro has always been one of the easiest public transportation systems in Asia, and in 2026 it became even more convenient.

With credit card tap-in, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, QR tickets, EasyCard, and traditional tokens all available, travelers now have more ways to ride than ever before.

For tourists, the easiest method is to use a contactless credit card or Apple Pay. For longer stays, EasyCard is still very useful. For one-time rides, QR tickets and tokens remain available.

Whether you are going to Taipei 101, Ximending, Shilin Night Market, Yongkang Street, Tamsui, or Taipei Main Station, the MRT is still one of the best ways to explore Taipei.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on Taipei Metro and Taipei City Government public information available at the time of writing. Payment methods, supported cards, ticket rules, fares, discounts, app functions, and station services may change. Before traveling, please check the latest Taipei Metro official announcements, station notices, and payment app information.

FAQ

Can I use Apple Pay on Taipei Metro?

Yes. Taipei Metro supports Apple Pay with eligible payment cards. Apple Pay users can also enable Express Mode for faster entry.

Can I ride Taipei Metro with a credit card?

Yes. Since July 1, 2026, Taipei Metro supports eligible credit cards and debit cards at station gates.

Do I need to buy an EasyCard in Taipei?

Not always. If you only plan to ride the MRT, you can use a credit card or mobile wallet. If you will take buses, stay longer, or use convenience stores often, EasyCard is still useful.

Can tourists use foreign credit cards on Taipei Metro?

Taipei Metro supports several international card networks, including Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover Network, and Diners Club International. Actual use may depend on your card issuer.

Can I use Google Pay or Samsung Pay on Taipei Metro?

Yes. Taipei Metro supports mobile payment options such as Google Pay and Samsung Pay when linked to eligible cards.

What is the easiest way to ride Taipei Metro?

For most tourists, the easiest way is to tap in and out with a credit card or Apple Pay.

Does credit card tap-in count toward Taipei Metro frequent rider discounts?

No. Taipei Metro has stated that credit card rides do not apply to the Taipei Metro frequent rider discount.

Can I still buy a single-journey ticket?

Yes. You can still buy QR single-journey tickets or traditional blue tokens.

How do I use a QR single-journey ticket?

Buy a QR ticket at a station machine or through the Go! Taipei Metro app, then scan the QR code at the gate when entering and exiting.

Can I eat or drink on Taipei Metro?

No. Eating, drinking, and chewing gum are not allowed inside the paid area of Taipei Metro stations and trains.