Traveling in Taiwan is incredibly convenient — but for first-time visitors, one question always comes up:
👉 “Which transportation card should I get in Taiwan?”
Should you buy an EasyCard? A metro pass? Or something like the Taiwan Pass?
In this guide, we’ll break it all down for you:
- ✔ All transportation card options
- ✔ Which one fits your travel style
- ✔ The most cost-effective choice
So you can explore Taiwan without confusion or unnecessary costs
🧭 Types of Transportation Cards in Taiwan
1️⃣ EasyCard — The Best Choice for Most Travelers
👉 Official Website: https://www.easycard.com.tw
The EasyCard is Taiwan’s most popular smart card and the #1 recommendation for tourists.
✔ Where you can use it:
- Taipei MRT & Airport MRT
- City buses (nationwide)
- TRA trains (selected routes)
- YouBike (bike-sharing system)
- Convenience stores (7-11, FamilyMart, etc.)
💰 Cost:
- Card: NT$100 (non-refundable)
- Top-up: Flexible (recommended NT$300–500)
👉 Why it’s great:
- Works almost everywhere in Taiwan
- Can be used for both transport and payments
- Easy to buy and reload
👉 Downsides:
- No tourist discounts (pay-as-you-go only)
2️⃣ iPASS — Alternative Option (Better in Southern Taiwan)
👉 Official Website: https://www.i-pass.com.tw
The iPASS card works similarly to EasyCard, but is more common in southern cities like Kaohsiung.
✔ Works on:
- Kaohsiung MRT and buses
- Most transport and stores nationwide
👉 Verdict:
👉 If you’re unsure, just go with EasyCard — it’s more widely used
3️⃣ Taipei MRT Unlimited Pass (1–3 Days)
👉 Official Website: https://english.metro.taipei
✔ Available options:
- 24 / 48 / 72-hour unlimited passes
💰 Price:
- Around NT$150–440
👉 Pros:
- Unlimited MRT rides
👉 Cons (important):
- ❌ Not valid on buses
- ❌ Cannot be used for shopping
- ❌ Not valid on TRA or HSR
👉 Best for:
👉 Travelers staying in Taipei who take many MRT rides per day
4️⃣ Taiwan Pass — Best for High-Speed Rail Travel
👉 Official Website: https://twpass.tw
✔ Includes:
- High-Speed Rail (HSR)
- TRA (selected routes)
- MRT (selected cities)
👉 Pros:
- Saves money on long-distance travel
👉 Cons:
- Limited flexibility
- Must follow a fixed travel plan
👉 Best for:
👉 Travelers planning to travel across cities or around the island
💰 Which Option Is the Most Cost-Effective?
✅ Best Choice for 90% of Travelers
👉 Get an EasyCard + top it up
Why?
- Works on all major transport systems
- Can be used for payments
- No need to understand complicated ticket systems
👉 It’s not just the cheapest — it’s the most convenient and stress-free
🧠 Smart Traveler Strategy (Advanced)
✔ If you:
- Stay in Taipei for 2–3 days
- Take MRT 8–10 times per day
👉 Consider a Taipei MRT Pass
✔ If you:
- Travel between cities (e.g. Taipei → Kaohsiung)
- Plan a round-island trip
👉 Consider the Taiwan Pass
✈️ Where to Buy a Transportation Card?
The easiest places:
- Taoyuan International Airport (on arrival)
- 7-Eleven
- FamilyMart
👉 Cards are available almost everywhere in Taiwan
📌 Bonus Tip (Many Tourists Don’t Know)
👉 Your EasyCard can also be used to:
- Buy coffee ☕
- Pay at night markets 🍜
- Shop at convenience stores 🛒
👉 It’s basically a transport card + digital wallet in one
🎯 Final Recommendation
If you’re visiting Taiwan for the first time:
👉 Just get an EasyCard
- ✔ Simple
- ✔ Flexible
- ✔ Works everywhere
👉 Unless you have a very specific travel plan, this is the best decision you can make
🚀 Pro Tip (For Your Travel in Taiwan)
Staying connected is just as important as transportation.
👉 Pair your EasyCard with a reliable Taiwan eSIM
So you can navigate, book rides, and explore without interruption.