Where to Stay in Taipei: Main Station, Ximending, Xinyi
Taipei is compact and well served by the MRT. Taipei Main Station is the transport hub, Ximending is the lively shopping area, and Xinyi is the modern district around Taipei 101.
Areas at a glance
Taipei Main Station
Hub for the Tamsui-Xinyi and Bannan lines, the Airport MRT and the bus terminal.
Shopping and youth-culture area around Taiwan's first pedestrian zone.
Xinyi
Business and shopping district with Taipei 101, the World Trade Center and department stores.
Getting there
The Taoyuan Airport MRT express reaches Taipei Main Station in 35-37 minutes, depending on the terminal, running every 15 minutes.
Good for
- First-time visitors
- Food and night markets
- Short trips
- MRT-based sightseeing
Watch out for
- Typhoon season runs June to October.
- Summers are hot and humid with occasional heavy rain.
Booking tips
- Staying near Taipei Main Station keeps the airport train one ride away.
- Taipei Main Station connects underground to the Airport MRT terminal and the Taipei Bus Station.
FAQ
Where should first-timers stay in Taipei?
Near Taipei Main Station for transport, or Ximending for shopping and food.
How long is the airport train?
35-37 minutes to Taipei Main Station on the express train.