Popular Transport Cards & Passes in New Taipei City

In New Taipei City, travelers can easily purchase universal transportation cards, such as EasyCard or iPASS. These cards are available for purchase and top-up at service counters and top-up machines in major MRT stations, as well as at convenience stores throughout the city (like 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart). We recommend purchasing one upon arrival at the Airport MRT station or a nearby MRT station or convenience store for convenient use during your trip.

For independent travel in New Taipei City, the most recommended transportation tickets are EasyCard or iPASS. These two cards can be used not only on MRT, buses, light rail, and some ferries in New Taipei City, but are also widely applicable to public transportation in other cities in Taiwan. For short-term stays with frequent MRT and bus usage, these cards eliminate the hassle of buying tickets each time. Additionally, if you have specific attraction package needs, you can check for combined transportation and attraction passes, such as the 'New Taipei Fun Pass', to suit different travel plans.

The 'New Taipei Fun Pass' is typically a comprehensive package designed for specific tourist areas or themes, and the scope of transportation it covers varies depending on the specific package. If you plan to visit the Tamsui area, we recommend carefully checking the details of your 'Fun Pass' when purchasing to confirm if it explicitly includes Tamsui MRT, local bus routes within Tamsui, or ferries to Fisherman's Wharf. If the pass does not include these, using an EasyCard or iPASS remains the most convenient payment method for transportation in Tamsui, allowing you to use various public transport options.

To find route maps for New Taipei City's public transportation system, travelers can use various methods. The most convenient is through official websites, such as those of the Taipei Metro Corporation or the New Taipei City Department of Transportation, which provide detailed maps for MRT, light rail, and bus routes. Additionally, route maps are available for reference within each MRT station, along with free printed guide maps. New Taipei City's main modes of transport include the Taipei Metro (with some lines extending into New Taipei), New Taipei Metro (such as the Circular Line, Tamsui-Xindian Line, Ankeng Light Rail), city buses, and some regional ferry services.

During the Lunar New Year holiday, the basic usage of New Taipei City's transportation cards (like EasyCard and iPASS) on public transport remains the same as usual. However, due to the large number of tourists and returning travelers during this period, some public transport routes may adjust their frequency or operating hours. For example, they might increase service to cope with crowds or reduce service on less busy routes. We advise travelers to check the latest schedule information through official apps or websites before traveling during the Lunar New Year to ensure a smooth journey.

When planning short-term sightseeing in New Taipei City, the choice of transportation ticket depends on your itinerary. The Taipei MRT Day Pass is mainly for travelers who will use the Taipei MRT system unlimited times within a single day. If your itinerary is primarily focused on Taipei city and you will frequently use the MRT, a day pass would be more suitable. However, if your travel plans cover numerous attractions in New Taipei City and you intend to use buses, light rail, and other modes of transport, it is recommended to use an EasyCard or iPASS. These cards are applicable to the diverse public transportation systems in both Taipei and New Taipei, offering greater flexibility.

For first-time visitors to New Taipei City, purchasing transportation cards is very simple. You can go to the service counters or information desks at any Taipei Metro or New Taipei Metro station to buy an EasyCard or iPASS. Additionally, convenience stores widely available in New Taipei City (such as 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, etc.) also offer card sales and top-up services. To top up, simply hand the card to the staff and state the top-up amount. These cards do not require real-name registration and can be used immediately after purchase, making them very convenient and fast.

With a universal transportation card like EasyCard or iPASS, you can use a variety of public transport options in New Taipei City. This includes the Taipei Metro (some lines run through New Taipei), New Taipei Metro (such as the Circular Line, Tamsui-Xindian Line, Ankeng Light Rail), and city bus routes across the city. Furthermore, some regional ferry services, like the ferry between Tamsui and Fisherman's Wharf, can also be paid for with these cards. These cards offer the convenience of cashless payment, allowing you to explore New Taipei City with ease.

The New Taipei City Senior and Disabled Card is primarily intended for elderly residents (aged 65 and above) and individuals with disabilities who are registered residents of New Taipei City. This card aims to provide convenient and supportive public transportation access for these specific groups. Its scope of use covers New Taipei City buses, Taipei Metro, New Taipei Metro, and some cooperating bus routes. Cardholders enjoy fare benefits when using these public transport options, enabling seniors and individuals with disabilities to participate more easily in community activities or travel to various destinations.

In New Taipei City, using transportation cards like EasyCard or iPASS for transfers between different public transport modes is facilitated by specific measures. For instance, within a certain timeframe (usually one hour), transferring from the MRT to a bus, or from a bus to the MRT, or even bus to bus, the system automatically processes the fares accordingly, providing travelers with a more seamless journey experience. This measure encourages the use of public transportation and reduces reliance on private vehicles, while also simplifying the payment process and improving transfer efficiency.