Roberta Aguirre
If you're wondering whether you can leave Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport during a layover, the answer is yes. However, the length of your layover will determine how much time you can spend outside the airport. It typically takes around 1 hour to exit the airport after landing, and you'll need to be back at the airport 1.5 to 2 hours before your flight. This means that with a 6-hour layover, you could have 3 to 4 hours to explore Taipei. If you have a longer layover, you might even consider booking a hotel room downtown.
Taipei has excellent transport links, with a metro system that can take you from the airport to Taipei Main Station in under 40 minutes. The city is known for its food scene, fascinating architecture, arts, and artefacts, and there are plenty of attractions to visit during a layover, including Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, and the Shilin Night Market.
Before you leave the airport, remember to check if you need a visa for Taiwan and ensure you have sufficient local currency. Also, consider the length of the immigration lines and whether you need to pick up your check-in luggage, as these factors can impact your time outside the airport.
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What You'll Learn
Minimum layover time to exit the airport
If you're wondering whether you can exit Taipei airport during a layover, the answer is yes, but you'll need to take into account various factors such as the length of your layover, transportation to and from the city, and any potential delays.
A good rule of thumb is that a layover of 5 or more hours is enough time to consider leaving the airport. With 6 hours or more, it becomes feasible to leave the airport and visit Taipei, although some sources recommend a minimum of 7 hours, especially if you want to join a free city tour. If you only have a 6-hour layover, you'll have to move quickly and be prepared for potential delays. It usually takes around 1 hour from landing to exiting the airport, and you'll need to be back at the airport 2 hours before your flight. If you don't have check-in luggage, you can save some time, but keep in mind that you'll need to factor in time for security and immigration, which can vary depending on the length of the lines.
Taipei has a well-connected metro system, and it's easy to get from the airport to the city centre. The express MRT train from the airport to Taipei Main Station takes 35 minutes, while the commuter train takes 50 minutes. From Taipei Main Station, you can walk to the Ximending Walking District in 15 minutes, or head to the Ningxia Night Market, which is a 10-minute walk from the Airport MRT Station. If you're short on time, you can also explore the areas near the airport, such as the Gloria Outlets, which offer shopping, dining, and an aquarium.
To make the most of your layover, it's recommended to check the current exchange rate before leaving the airport and plan to spend at least NT$1,500 for a modest day of sightseeing and eating. If you prefer a more structured tour, you can book one-day tours directly from the airport, or follow recommended itineraries that cover key attractions such as the National Palace Museum, Taipei 101, and the Shilin Night Market.
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$16.99
Transport from the airport to Taipei
If you have a layover of six hours or more, it is possible to leave the airport and visit Taipei. It usually takes around one hour from landing to exiting the airport. If you have check-in luggage, you will need to pick it up and store it at the luggage storage centre, which can add 15-30 minutes to your time.
Taoyuan Airport is located about 30-50 km from Taipei Main Station in the city centre. Taipei Main Station is the main transport hub of the city, so this is where you will arrive first if you are travelling by public transport.
There are several transport options to get from the airport to Taipei:
Airport MRT
The Airport MRT is the fastest way to reach Taipei. The standard service takes 38 minutes to get to Taipei Main Station, while the express service takes 35 minutes from Terminal 1. A ticket costs around $160 New Taiwan Dollars (NT). The MRT runs from 6:05 am until 11:35 pm.
Shuttle Buses
Shuttle buses are available to travel to the Taipei 101 area. There are three buses to choose from: 1819, 1960 and 1961. This is a good option if you miss the Airport MRT, as the shuttle buses run until 1:05 am. Tickets cost between NT$90 and NT$145. You can also book a luggage service to transport your bags to your destination.
Taxi or Private Transfer
Travelling by taxi or private transfer is the most expensive option, but it is also the easiest. Airport taxis are available 24/7 outside the arrival hall and will cost around NT$1,200-1,600. You can also book a private charter vehicle in advance, choosing from four different types of vehicles, from Skoda to Mercedes-Benz.
Uber
Uber is generally 10% more expensive than taxis, but it may be a good option if you feel more comfortable as a tourist. You can also pre-book an airport transfer on Klook.com for about $1,000 NTD.
EasyCard
You can purchase an EasyCard online with a credit card and pick it up when you arrive at the airport. The card costs TWD 100 (non-refundable deposit), and you need to load money onto it. The card gives you access to the Airport MRT, buses, shuttle services, Taiwan railways, the metro, and taxi and bike services.
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Visa requirements for Taipei
If you have a layover in Taipei, you may be wondering if you can exit the airport and, if so, what the visa requirements are for entering the city.
Firstly, it is recommended that you have at least a 6-hour layover if you want to leave the airport, as anything less will not give you enough time to explore the city. It usually takes around 1 hour from landing to exiting the airport, and you'll want to be back at the airport 2 hours before your flight.
Now, regarding visa requirements, according to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan), certain activities do not require a visa or permit for entry into Taiwan. These include tourism, visiting friends or relatives, attending social events, conducting business, attending exhibitions, and engaging in fact-finding missions or international exchanges. However, if you intend to engage in activities that require a permit by law, you must obtain one. Additionally, if you intend to enter Taiwan for purposes that require specific qualifications, such as religious work, you must obtain a visa from an ROC overseas mission before entering the country.
It is important to note that the visa requirements may vary depending on your nationality, so be sure to check with the appropriate embassy or consulate for your specific situation.
Overall, with a long enough layover and the necessary visa requirements sorted, you can definitely take advantage of your time in Taipei to explore the city, enjoy the food, and visit popular destinations such as the National Palace Museum, Taipei 101, and the Shilin Night Market.
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Things to do in Taipei during a layover
If you have a long layover in Taipei, Taiwan, you may want to exit the airport and explore the city. A 6-hour layover is the minimum recommended time to leave the airport. It usually takes around 1 hour from landing to exiting the airport, and you'll want to be back at the airport 2 hours before your flight.
Taipei has a reliable and convenient public transportation system, including the MRT subway and buses, with the airport connected to the city by the MRT. The express train is your best bet, taking just 40 minutes to reach the city centre and costing the same as the commuter train.
- National Palace Museum — Get context on the city's history and explore the museum at your own pace.
- Taipei 101 — Take in sweeping views of the city and experience national pride.
- Shilin Night Market — Immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy delicious street food.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall — Visit this iconic landmark in the Zhongzheng District.
- Din Tai Fung — Sample the local cuisine at this popular restaurant with multiple locations in Taipei.
- Fu Hang Soy Milk — Start your day with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast.
If you have a longer layover, such as 10 hours or more, you may want to consider booking a hotel for some rest, or you can embark on a sightseeing marathon. You can also book a layover tour of Taipei, which typically includes airport pick-up and drop-off, and explores some of the major city sites. These tours are a great option if you don't want to navigate the city on your own.
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Recommended layover tour companies
Yes, you can exit Taipei Airport during a layover. A 6-hour layover is recommended to leave the airport, and you will need at least 7 hours for the free Taipei tour offered by the airport. It usually takes around 1 hour to get from the plane to the exit of the airport, and you will need to be back at the airport 2 hours before your flight.
- Taiwan Outdoors: This company believes Taiwan is the "adventure capital of Asia", and offers tours that reflect this.
- Klook and KKday: These companies offer hundreds of budget-friendly and efficient day tours across the country. While Klook is more popular, choose KKday to support a Taiwan-based company.
- TourMeAway: This company offers both free and paid tours, run by young, passionate individuals. They are best known for their free walking tours of Old Town and Longshan Temple. They also offer paid custom tours, including a Taipei Food Tour, Pub Crawl, and Shrimping Tour.
- Get Your Guide: This company offers layover tours of Taipei, which are recommended due to their ability to maximise your experience in a short time.
- Viator: This company offers layover tours of Taipei, which are recommended due to their ability to maximise your experience in a short time.
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Frequently asked questions
A layover of 6 hours or more is recommended to leave the airport and visit Taipei. It usually takes around 1 hour to exit the airport and reach Taipei city centre, and the same time to get back. You'll want to be back at the airport 1.5-2 hours before your flight.
First, check if you need to pick up your luggage. If you do, you'll need to store it at the luggage storage centre. Second, check if you need a visa for Taiwan. Third, check the current exchange rate and take out some local currency. Fourth, check the weather and dress appropriately.
Taipei has fantastic transport around the major sights and a vibrant food scene. Some recommended places to visit include Taipei 101 for city views, Shilin Night Market for street food, and the National Palace Museum for history and culture. You can also take the free half-day layover tour offered by the airport.
The Airport Express Metro will get you to Taipei Main Station in under 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or Uber, which will take around 30 minutes.
