In magnetic tape transport system of the type comprising a tape supply reel, a tape take up reel and vacuum columns located on the supply and take up for applying a tension to a magnetic tape, there are provided tape mounting members for removably supporting the take up reel and the supply reel, upright supply and take up vacuum column having openings opened downwardly, said supply and take up vacuum columns being disposed on the right side of and adjacent to the supply and take up reel mounting means their openings directed downwardly, and a capstan and a magnetic head assembly, said supply and take up vacuum columns, said capstan and said magnetic head assembly being disposed on a tape running path from said supply vacuum column to said take up vacuum column. There is also provided an automatic tape threading means between the magnetic head assembly and the take up reel on the tape path.