Roberta Aguirre
If you're wondering whether you can leave the airport during a layover in Taiwan, the answer is yes, but it depends on the length of your layover. A layover of 6 hours or more is generally considered the minimum time worth considering to leave the airport. If you have a 7- to 24-hour layover, you can take advantage of the airport's free half-day city tours, which require advance registration. Taipei, the capital, is easily accessible from the airport, with an efficient train ride to the city centre costing under $10 USD. However, it is important to consider the time required for immigration, collecting luggage, and returning to the airport, which can significantly reduce the time available for exploring the city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum layover time | 5 hours |
| Recommended layover time | 6 hours |
| Transport options | MRT, train, taxi |
| Time to city centre | 20-30 minutes |
| Visa requirements | Many nationalities can enter Taiwan visa-free for 30 days, but some need a visa |
| Airport facilities | Sleep pods, spa and massage services, duty-free shopping |
| Airport tours | Free half-day tours for layovers of 7-24 hours |
| Attractions in Taipei | Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Shilin Night Market, Lungshen Temple, Longshan Temple, National Palace Museum, Yangmingshan National Park, Taroko Gorge, Beitou hot springs |
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What You'll Learn
How long is needed for a layover to go outside the airport?
The length of your layover will depend on several factors, including the location of the airport, the efficiency of the airport, and the availability of transportation. Here are some things to consider when deciding if you have enough time to leave the airport during a layover:
Location of the Airport
The proximity of the airport to the city center or desired destination will impact your travel time. For example, Zurich Airport is close to and well-connected to the city center, allowing for 3-4 hours of sightseeing during a 6-hour layover. In contrast, Paris's Charles de Gaulle Airport is farther from the city center and has longer security lines, making it impractical to leave the airport during a 6-hour layover.
Efficiency of the Airport
The efficiency of the airport in terms of deplaning, passport control, customs, and security can vary. Some airports may have longer wait times due to multiple terminals, frequent flight arrivals, or other factors. It is essential to consider these potential delays when deciding if you have enough time to leave the airport.
Transportation Options
The availability of reliable transportation options, such as public transportation or taxis, is crucial. Research the travel time to and from the airport and consider potential delays due to traffic or other factors.
Baggage Handling
If your baggage is transferred directly to your connecting flight, you have more flexibility to leave the airport with just your carry-on luggage. However, if you need to collect your baggage before going through customs, it may be less convenient to explore during your layover.
Visa Requirements
For international layovers, you may need to obtain a visa to leave the airport. Research the visa requirements for the specific country to ensure you are eligible to exit the airport during your layover.
Recommended Minimum Time
While it is possible to exit the airport during a short layover of a few hours, it is generally not recommended due to the potential risks and time constraints. A minimum layover length of 6 hours is often suggested as a bare minimum for considering leaving the airport. Even with a 6-hour layover, you may only have 1 to 1.5 hours to spend in the city center before needing to return.
Additionally, it is essential to consider the time required for various procedures, including deplaning, exiting the airport, transportation, returning to the airport, security, and navigating to your departure gate. It is always advisable to leave extra time to account for unexpected delays or complications.
In summary, when deciding if you have enough time to leave the airport during a layover, consider the location of the airport, its efficiency, transportation options, baggage handling, visa requirements, and allow for sufficient time to navigate all the necessary procedures. While a 6-hour layover is often the minimum recommended length, longer layovers of 8 hours or more can provide a more comfortable buffer and a more enjoyable experience outside the airport.
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What are some attractions near the airport?
Taoyuan International Airport offers free half-day city tours for layovers between 7 and 24 hours, which you can sign up for in advance. If you'd rather explore on your own, there are several attractions near the airport that you can visit.
Nearby Attractions
- Zhuwei Fish Harbor's Rainbow Bridge: From the northern platform of the airport's outdoor observation deck, you can see Zhuwei Fish Harbor's Rainbow Bridge, some coastal wind turbines, and the Taiwan Strait.
- Taiwan Temple Avenue: Located on the 5th floor of Terminal 2's south side, Taiwan Temple Avenue is a mini version of a Taiwanese old street, offering food and activities.
- Chintan Park: A 10-minute walk from Taoyuan Airport MRT A9 Station (Linkou Station), Chintan Park is a waterfront park adorned with art installations, making it a trendy spot for photography.
- Te-Hsin Hall: A short walk from Taoyuan Airport MRT A10 Station (Shanbi Station), Te-Hsin Hall is a famous sake brewery where you can learn about the cultural significance of Yuchun Sake and even DIY your own sake lees soap and Shio Koji.
- Goat World Ranch: About a 13-minute walk from Taoyuan Airport MRT A20 Station (Xingnan Station), Goat World Ranch is a place where you can take photos with adorable animals.
- Xpark: Xpark is an aquarium that you can get to by taking the Airport Line to the A18 stop. It features 13 themed exhibition areas with dazzling performances and exclusive music composed by Joe Hisaishi.
- Gloria Outlets: Also accessible via the Airport Line to the A18 stop, Gloria Outlets is a large, modern shopping complex with a variety of restaurants and an aquarium.
- Longshan Temple: If you're a seasoned traveller, you can take the Airport Line to the main station on the Express train (about 35 minutes) and then either explore the area or transfer to Ximending to visit Longshan Temple.
Food
If you're more interested in trying some local food, there are several recommendations for places to eat near the airport. Zhongli, a small town accessible from the airport, offers local dishes such as beef noodles and dumplings. There are also several restaurants and food options within the airport itself, including Taiwanese snack food.
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What are the visa requirements?
The visa requirements for a layover in Taiwan depend on your nationality and the length of your layover. If you have a passport from a country that is eligible for visa-free entry to Taiwan, you can leave the airport during your layover without a visa. However, if you are not a national of a country that has visa-free entry to Taiwan, you will need to apply for a visa if you want to pass immigration and leave the airport during your layover.
It is important to note that even if you are eligible for visa-free entry, you may still need to complete an electronic entry registration in accordance with local regulations. It is recommended to refer to the official websites of Taiwan and your respective country for detailed information and specific procedures.
In terms of the length of your layover, it is generally recommended to have at least a 6-hour layover if you want to leave the airport. This will give you enough time to go through immigration, explore nearby areas, and return to the airport. Keep in mind that the time required to exit the airport and reach the city can vary. It usually takes around 1 hour from landing to exiting the airport, and it takes around 30 minutes to reach Taoyuan city center or 1 hour to reach Taipei city center.
If you have a longer layover of 7-24 hours, you can take advantage of the free half-day city tours offered by the airport. These tours are a great option as they save you the trouble of figuring out how to get to the city and ensure that you return to the airport on time. To join these tours, you will need to have a valid visa or visa-free entry status, and a valid passport.
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What are the transport options to get into the city?
Transport Options to Get into the City
If you're looking to get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei, you have a few transport options, depending on your budget and time constraints.
The Taoyuan Airport MRT is a fast and efficient way to travel to Taipei Main Station, with the standard service taking around 38 minutes, and the express service taking 35 minutes. The MRT runs from 6:05 am until 11:35 pm and costs around 160 New Taiwan Dollars (NT).
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are public buses that run 24 hours a day from the airport to Taipei Main Station. The Kuo Kuang 1819 Bus is a popular choice, but be aware that there is a break in service between 2 am and 4 am.
For those who prefer more flexibility, taxis or private vehicles are also available outside the arrival hall 24/7. This option is the most expensive, with an average ride costing around NT$1,200. However, Taiwanese taxis are known for being safe and having friendly drivers.
Another option is to purchase an EasyCard, which gives you access to various transport options, including the Airport MRT, buses, shuttle services, Taiwan railways, the metro, and even taxis and bikes. This card can be purchased online with a credit card and picked up at the airport.
Finally, if you're looking for a unique way to explore the city, you can opt for an Uber or use the bike services provided by the EasyCard.
With these transport options, you can easily get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei and enjoy the city during your layover.
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What are the food options at the airport?
If you're looking for food options at Taiwan's Taoyuan Airport, there are plenty of options available. The airport is rated second in the world for food choices and prices. However, most of the restaurants are not airside.
If you have enough time, you can go through immigration and try the food court outside customs. Terminal 2 typically has better food options, with restaurants and cafes on the 4th floor, including Mos Burger and Starbucks. T2's food court also has a 24-hour McDonald's. A few restaurants in both terminals may open as early as 6 am.
In Terminal 1, the food court is at B1 under the Departures Hall, and in Terminal 2, it is at B2 under the Arrivals Hall. The B1 Food Court in the non-controlled area offers a variety of options, including ramen, fresh juice, Korean food, Southeast Asian food, and Taiwanese food. Most restaurants in this area are open from around 10 am to 9 pm. There's also a bakery that opens at 5 am and a Burger King that opens at 5:30 am.
Before security in Terminal 1, you can find a few restaurants, including Mos Burger (7 am to 6 pm), Hanlin Tea Room, Hakka Restaurant, and Starbucks.
If you're looking for a quick bite, there are 24-hour convenience stores outside immigration, and 24-hour 7-Elevens on either side of the bus station, offering snacks, small meals, and drinks, including alcohol.
For a sit-down meal, there are several options within the airport. The Oriental Lounge is recommended for its food. Plaza Premium Lounge offers free food with a variety of options, including classic braised pork on rice, dumplings, hash browns, and soft serve. There's also a Chun Shui Tang for bubble tea, and a Sunmai Bar serving Taiwanese craft beer in Terminal 1.
If you're looking for something more unique to Taiwan, there are a few options outside the airport. In Taoyuan, there are Gloria Outlets with a decent variety of restaurants. However, keep in mind that leaving the airport with a short layover time may be risky due to potential delays and the time required to navigate customs and luggage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Taiwan. However, the general recommendation is that you only consider leaving the airport if your layover is longer than 6 hours.
The train from Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei city centre takes between 35 minutes and 1 hour.
Many nationalities can enter Taiwan visa-free for 30 days, but some nationalities need a visa. It is important to check before travelling.
Taipei has a lot to offer during a layover, including the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the National Palace Museum, and Shilin Night Market. If you don't want to venture too far from the airport, you can visit Gloria Outlets, which has a variety of restaurants and stores, as well as an aquarium.
