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
Northern Taiwan's main transport hub, an underground station shared by Taiwan Railway, the High Speed Rail and Taipei Metro, with the Airport MRT's A1 station.
Youth-culture and shopping area in Wanhua District, centred on a pedestrian district near Ximen Station.
Xinyi
Shopping district with upscale malls, cinemas and restaurants, including Taipei 101 Mall.
Getting there
Airport MRT express trains run about every 15 minutes and take about 36 minutes from Terminal 1 or 39 minutes from Terminal 2 to Taipei Main Station, per the Taoyuan Metro timetable.
Good for
- First-time visitors
- Food and night markets
- Short trips
- MRT-based sightseeing
Watch out for
- Taiwan's typhoon season falls roughly between July and September, with the peak in August, according to the Central Weather Administration.
Booking tips
- Staying near Taipei Main Station keeps the airport train one ride away.
- Taipei Main Station is an underground station shared by Taiwan Railway, the High Speed Rail and Taipei Metro, and the Airport MRT's A1 station is here too.
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?
About 36 minutes from Terminal 1 and 39 minutes from Terminal 2 to Taipei Main Station on the express train, which runs about every 15 minutes.