Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is Taiwan's primary international gateway, located approximately 40 km southwest of Taipei city center in Taoyuan City. Handling over 48 million passengers annually, it serves as the main hub for EVA Air and China Airlines, Taiwan's two major carriers.

The airport operates from two terminals:

• Terminal 1: The original terminal, home to China Airlines, SkyTeam alliance partners, and various international carriers including Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Singapore Airlines.
• Terminal 2: Opened in 2000 and expanded in 2017, serves EVA Air, Star Alliance partners, and carriers including ANA, United, and Lufthansa.

Both terminals are connected by the Skytrain, a free automated people mover that operates 24 hours a day. The journey between terminals takes approximately 7-8 minutes.

Important: Taipei also has Songshan Airport (TSA) located within the city, handling domestic flights and some regional routes to Japan, South Korea, and China. If you have a connection involving a domestic Taiwan flight, verify which airport your flight uses.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is located approximately 40 km southwest of central Taipei. Travel times to Taipei Main Station range from 35 minutes (MRT express) to 60-90 minutes (bus or taxi during rush hour).

Method	Time to Taipei Main Station	Cost
Taoyuan Airport MRT (Express)	35 min	NT$160 (~US$5)
Taoyuan Airport MRT (Commuter)	50 min	NT$160 (~US$5)
Airport Bus	55-90 min	NT$125-145 (~US$4-5)
Taxi	45-90 min	NT$1,000-1,500 (~US$30-50)
Uber/Grab	45-90 min	NT$900-1,400 (~US$28-45)

The Taoyuan Airport MRT is the most reliable option, unaffected by traffic and connecting directly to Taipei Main Station where you can transfer to Taipei Metro lines.

Uber operates in Taiwan and is a convenient option at TPE. Both Uber and local taxis pick up at designated areas on the arrivals level of both terminals.

Uber

• Pickup location: Follow signs to "Rideshare" or "App-based Taxi" at arrivals
• Typical fare to Taipei Main Station: NT$900-1,200 (~US$28-38)
• Typical fare to Xinyi District: NT$1,000-1,400 (~US$32-45)
• Wait times: Usually 5-15 minutes

Taxis

Official taxis are plentiful and queue outside both terminals:

Destination	Fare	Time
Taipei Main Station	NT$1,100-1,300	45-70 min
Xinyi District (Taipei 101)	NT$1,200-1,500	50-80 min
Ximending	NT$1,000-1,200	40-60 min
Taoyuan City	NT$300-500	15-25 min

Tips:

• Taxis are metered; no need to negotiate
• Tolls (NT$40-80 for highways) are additional
• Most drivers speak limited English; have your destination written in Chinese
• Credit cards generally not accepted; bring Taiwan dollars
• Late-night surcharge (20%) applies 11 PM to 6 AM

Taoyuan Airport MRT (Recommended)

The Taoyuan Airport MRT is the fastest and most reliable way to reach Taipei:

Express Train (Purple):

• Fare: NT$160 to Taipei Main Station
• Journey time: 35 minutes (direct)
• Frequency: Every 15 minutes
• Operating hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM (first/last trains vary)
• Stops: Airport T2 → Airport T1 → Taipei Main Station (direct)

Commuter Train (Blue):

• Fare: NT$160 to Taipei Main Station (same price)
• Journey time: 50 minutes (all stops)
• Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes
• Key stops: Airport → Xinzhuang → Taipei Main Station

How to take the MRT:

1. Follow signs to "MRT" or "Airport Express" at arrivals
2. Purchase tokens at machines (accept cash and Easy Card)
3. Express trains depart from the same platform but are marked in purple
4. Exit at Taipei Main Station for metro connections

In-Town Check-In: Available at Taipei Main Station (A1) for China Airlines and EVA Air. Check bags up to 3 hours before departure and receive boarding passes. Walk hands-free to the airport.

Easy Card: Purchase a stored-value Easy Card (similar to Suica or Octopus) at MRT stations or convenience stores (NT$100 deposit + stored value). Works on MRT, buses, and convenience stores throughout Taiwan.

Airport Buses

Multiple bus companies operate routes to Taipei and other cities:

To Taipei Main Station:

• Kuo-Kuang Bus 1819: NT$125, every 15-20 min, 55-70 min journey
• Departs from both terminals

To Taipei City Hall (East Taipei):

• Kuo-Kuang Bus 1840: NT$145, hourly departures
• Good for Xinyi District hotels

To Taoyuan HSR Station (for high-speed rail connections):

• Bus 705: NT$30, every 20-30 min, 20-25 min journey
• Connect to HSR for destinations like Taichung, Tainan, or Kaohsiung

Night Buses: Limited service operates after the last MRT. Check schedules at bus counters.

Parking is available at multi-story car parks adjacent to both terminals:

Car Park	Rate	Notes
Terminal 1 (P1)	NT$30/hour	Closest to T1, covered
Terminal 2 (P2)	NT$30/hour	Closest to T2, covered
Terminal 2 (P3)	NT$30/hour	Overflow parking
Long-term (P4)	NT$200/day	Free shuttle to terminals

Daily maximums:

• Short-term (P1-P3): NT$300/day maximum
• Long-term (P4): NT$200/day

Tips:

• First 30 minutes free
• Payment accepts cash, credit cards, and Easy Card
• Pre-booking not typically available
• Motorcycle parking available at reduced rates

Taiwan Taoyuan offers diverse dining options showcasing Taiwanese and international cuisine:

Terminal 1:

• Din Tai Fung: Famous Taiwanese xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), airside
• Taipei Bistro: Taiwanese comfort food
• McDonald's, MOS Burger: Quick service options
• 7-Eleven, FamilyMart: Convenience stores with onigiri, bento boxes, and beverages

Terminal 2:

• Hello Kitty Themed Restaurant: Unique experience, airside
• Formosa Chang: Traditional Taiwanese braised pork rice (lu rou fan)
• Starbucks: Multiple locations
• Food Court (4F): Multiple options including noodles, rice dishes, and dim sum

Airside Recommendations:

• Din Tai Fung (T1): Worth the wait for authentic soup dumplings
• Duty-Free Taiwanese Snacks: Pineapple cakes, sun cakes, and nougat

Landside (before security):

• Both terminals have food courts on upper floors
• More affordable than airside options

Tip: Taiwan is famous for its food. If you have time, take the MRT to Taipei for night market food rather than settling for airport prices.

Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals:

• Network: "TPE-Free" or "iTaiwan"
• Speed: Adequate for browsing and email
• Registration: May require phone number or email verification

iTaiwan: A government-sponsored WiFi network available at the airport and throughout Taiwan. Register once with your passport number for access across the island.

Tips:

• Speed can be slow during peak hours
• Lounges offer faster, more reliable connections
• Consider purchasing a SIM card for better connectivity

SIM cards are readily available at both terminals:

Arrival Hall Locations (after immigration):

• Chunghwa Telecom: Taiwan's largest carrier, widest coverage
• Taiwan Mobile: Competitive pricing, good coverage
• FarEasTone: Budget-friendly options
• Counters open: 6:00 AM to midnight typically

Typical Costs:

• Tourist SIM (5 days, unlimited data): NT$300 (~US$10)
• Tourist SIM (10 days, unlimited data): NT$500 (~US$16)
• Tourist SIM (30 days, unlimited data): NT$1,000 (~US$32)

Carriers:

• Chunghwa Telecom: Best coverage nationwide, including mountains
• Taiwan Mobile: Good urban coverage, competitive prices
• FarEasTone: Budget option, urban areas only

Tips:

• Bring your passport for registration (required by law)
• Plans include unlimited data with some speed throttling after threshold
• Pre-order online via Klook for airport pickup
• eSIM available from providers like Airalo

ATMs are located throughout both terminals, before and after immigration:

Locations:

• Arrival halls (multiple ATMs)
• Departure gates area
• Near convenience stores
• MRT station entrance

Major Banks:

• Mega Bank
• Bank of Taiwan
• Cathay United Bank
• CTBC Bank
• E.Sun Bank

Currency Exchange:

• Bank of Taiwan counters: In arrivals hall, reasonable rates
• Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Exchange: Multiple locations

Tips:

• Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$ or TWD)
• Exchange rate: Approximately NT$32 = US$1
• Airport exchange rates are 1-3% worse than city rates
• ATMs widely accept Visa, Mastercard, Plus, and Cirrus networks
• Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) have ATMs that accept foreign cards
• Taiwan is increasingly card-friendly, but night markets and small shops prefer cash

Taoyuan Airport offers extensive duty-free and retail shopping:

Duty-Free:

• Ever Rich Duty Free: Main operator in both terminals
• Cosmetics: Japanese and Korean beauty brands
• Liquor: Kavalan Whisky (award-winning Taiwanese whisky)
• Tobacco: Standard duty-free selection

Taiwanese Specialties:

• Pineapple Cakes (鳳梨酥): Taiwan's signature souvenir, multiple brands available
• Sun Cakes (太陽餅): Flaky pastry from Taichung
• Oolong Tea: High-quality Taiwanese tea
• Kavalan Whisky: World-renowned Taiwanese single malt

Popular Stores:

• SunnyHills: Premium pineapple cakes
• Chia Te Bakery: Traditional Taiwanese pastries
• Ten Ren Tea: Quality tea selection
• Franz Collection: Taiwanese porcelain art

Terminal 1:

• Duty-free shopping zone after security
• Taiwanese souvenir shops

Terminal 2:

• Larger duty-free area
• More luxury brand boutiques
• Hello Kitty themed stores

Tips:

• Buy pineapple cakes and sun cakes at the airport (convenient and authentic)
• Pre-order duty-free online for discounts and guaranteed availability
• Kavalan Whisky is significantly cheaper than international prices

TPE has various lounge options for different access methods:

Priority Pass Lounges

Terminal 1:

• Plaza Premium Lounge: Near Gate C4. Hot food, showers, decent seating. Can get crowded during peak hours.

Terminal 2:

• Plaza Premium Lounge: Near Gate D4. Similar amenities to T1 location, newer facilities.

Credit Card Lounges

• Plaza Premium accepts various credit card programs and Priority Pass
• Check your card benefits for specific access

Airline Lounges

EVA Air Lounges (Star Alliance/EVA status):

• The Infinity (T2): EVA's flagship lounge, excellent food including Taiwanese dishes, showers, comfortable seating
• The Star (T2): Secondary lounge, still high quality
• The Garden (T2): Additional overflow lounge

China Airlines Lounges (SkyTeam):

• Dynasty Lounge (T1): Multiple locations, traditional Taiwanese food options
• VIP Lounge (T1): First Class passengers

Other Notable Lounges:

• Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge (T1): Star Alliance Gold access
• Cathay Pacific Lounge (T1): Oneworld access

Pay-Per-Use:

• Plaza Premium Lounges: Walk-in rates approximately NT$1,200-1,500 (~US$38-48) for 3 hours
• Book via lounge websites or apps for potential discounts

Lounge Quality Notes

EVA Air's The Infinity lounge in Terminal 2 is considered one of the best airline lounges in Asia, featuring:

• Extensive hot food buffet with Taiwanese specialties
• Noodle bar with made-to-order dishes
• Shower suites
• Relaxation areas with daybeds

At the Airport:

• Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport: Connected to Terminal 2 via walkway. Full-service hotel with restaurants, pool, and gym. From NT$4,500/night (~US$140). Most convenient for early departures or late arrivals.

• Hotel & Into Novotel: Budget option within the Novotel complex. Smaller rooms, lower price. From NT$3,000/night (~US$95).

Near the Airport:

• Sheraton Taoyuan: 10-minute drive, free shuttle. Full-service hotel. From NT$4,000/night (~US$125).

• Hotel Kuva Chateau: 5-minute drive, shuttle service. Business hotel. From NT$2,500/night (~US$80).

• City Suites Gateway: Near MRT station in Taoyuan. Budget-friendly. From NT$2,000/night (~US$65).

Transit/Rest Options:

• Free Rest Areas: Reclining seats available in transit areas of both terminals
• Paid rest areas: Available in some lounges

Tips:

• For early morning flights, the Novotel offers the most convenient option
• For late arrivals with Taipei plans next day, consider staying in Taipei (35-minute MRT ride)
• Budget travelers can rest in terminal seats and shower at Plaza Premium Lounge

Taiwan offers incredible food, natural beauty, and cultural attractions:

From the Airport to Taipei (35-50 minutes via MRT):

Must-See Taipei Attractions:

• Taipei 101: Iconic skyscraper, observation deck (NT$600), and upscale shopping. MRT to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station.
• National Palace Museum: World's largest collection of Chinese art. MRT to Shilin, then bus or taxi.
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: Impressive monument and grounds. MRT to CKS Memorial Hall.
• Longshan Temple: Historic Buddhist temple. MRT to Longshan Temple.

Night Markets (essential Taiwan experience):

• Shilin Night Market: Largest and most famous. MRT to Jiantan.
• Raohe Street Night Market: More local, less touristy. MRT to Songshan.
• Ningxia Night Market: Food-focused, excellent selection. MRT to Zhongshan.

Day Trips from Taipei:

• Jiufen: Historic mountain village, famous from Spirited Away. 1.5-hour bus ride.
• Beitou Hot Springs: Natural hot springs district. MRT Red Line to Xinbeitou.
• Yehliu Geopark: Unique rock formations. 1-hour bus ride.
• Maokong: Tea houses and gondola ride. MRT to Taipei Zoo, then Maokong Gondola.

Beyond Taipei:

• Taichung: Art museums, Rainbow Village, Sun Moon Lake. 1 hour by HSR.
• Tainan: Historic temples, street food capital. 1.5 hours by HSR.
• Kaohsiung: Port city, pier attractions. 1.5 hours by HSR.
• Hualien/Taroko Gorge: Stunning marble canyon. 2 hours by train.

Getting Around:

• Get an Easy Card for seamless payment on MRT, buses, trains, and convenience stores
• Taipei Metro operates 6:00 AM to midnight
• YouBike public bike sharing available throughout Taipei (use Easy Card)
• Download Google Maps; it works well in Taiwan
• Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) connects major western cities efficiently

Practical Tips:

• Taiwan uses Type A/B electrical plugs (same as US/Japan)
• Tap water is safe but locals drink bottled or boiled water
• Tipping is not customary
• English signage is common; basic English widely spoken in Taipei
• 7-Eleven and FamilyMart are everywhere and excellent for quick meals
• Taiwan is very safe, including at night