A Fun Introduction to Taipei’s Bannan Line
The Taipei MRT is one of the easiest ways to get around Taipei.
But have you ever been riding the MRT and thought you heard a food name in the station announcement?
When I first heard the MRT announcement say “Bannan Line,” I thought:
Wait… did she just say “Banana Line”? 🍌
Well, I’m probably not the only one.
Sadly, there are no free bananas on this line, and the trains aren’t even yellow.
This is the Bannan Line, also known as the Blue Line (BL). It runs from Dingpu in New Taipei City to Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, crossing Taipei from west to east.
So, no bananas.
Just Bannan.
Let’s Talk About Taipei’s Bannan Line
The Bannan Line is officially called the Bannan Line, but you’ll often hear people refer to it simply as the Blue Line, because it is shown in blue on the Taipei MRT map.
Taipei’s MRT lines are usually referred to by both their official names and their colors.
Here are the main lines you’ll see on the map:
| Official Name | Common Color Name |
|---|---|
| Wenhu Line | Brown Line |
| Tamsui-Xinyi Line | Red Line |
| Songshan-Xindian Line | Green Line |
| Zhonghe-Xinlu Line | Orange Line |
| Bannan Line | Blue Line |
| Circular Line | Yellow Line |
The Bannan Line is marked BL, while the Circular Line is marked Y.
Why Is the Bannan Line So Important?
The Bannan Line runs across the heart of Taipei, making it one of the most important routes for people commuting to work, school, shopping, and entertainment.
It starts at Dingpu in New Taipei City and ends at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. The current route has 23 stations.
Along the way, it passes through some of Taipei’s most popular areas.
Ximen
Ximen is one of the best places to experience Taipei’s youthful side, with shopping, street food, movies, and plenty of people-watching.
Taipei Main Station
Taipei Main Station is one of the city’s biggest transportation hubs.
You can transfer here to other MRT lines, the Airport MRT, Taiwan Railways, and Taiwan High Speed Rail.
If you’re traveling around Taiwan, chances are you’ll pass through here at some point.
Zhongxiao Fuxing & Zhongxiao Dunhua
These two stations are right in the middle of Taipei’s busy shopping and dining district.
You’ll find department stores, restaurants, cafés, fashion shops, and plenty of local places to eat.
Taipei City Hall
Get off at Taipei City Hall and you’re not far from Taipei 101.
It’s a convenient stop if you want to explore the Xinyi shopping and business district.
So… Where Is the Banana?
Sadly, there isn’t one.
The Bannan Line is not the Banana Line.
But if you’re visiting Taipei for the first time, don’t be surprised if “Bannan” sounds a little like “banana” when you hear it announced on the MRT.
And since the line is already known as the Blue Line, you might end up with a rather strange mental picture:
A blue metro train carrying bananas across Taipei. 🍌🚇
You’re welcome.
One More Important Taipei MRT Tip
Remember to bring your EasyCard or iPASS when using public transportation in Taiwan.
Just tap in, hop on, and enjoy the ride.
And if you hear something that sounds suspiciously like “Banana Line”, don’t panic.
You’re not lost.
You’re just on the Bannan Line.
And who knows?
Maybe you’ll even find some real-life BL on the BL. 😂
NOTE
No eating on the Taipei MRT.
That includes bananas. 🍌