Jazmin Li
Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport is known for its long layovers, but there are plenty of ways to pass the time. The airport offers free half-day city tours for those with 7-24 hour layovers, but if you're looking to explore on your own, it's recommended to have at least 6 hours between flights to leave the airport. The airport is well-connected to the city by MRT subway, with the express train taking around 30-40 minutes to reach Taipei city centre. There are plenty of things to see and do in Taipei, from visiting temples and museums to exploring the night markets and food scene. However, it's important to keep in mind the time needed to get back to the airport, go through security and immigration, and board your next flight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum layover time to leave the airport | 5-6 hours |
| Travel time from airport to Taipei city centre | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Time to return to the airport before your flight | 1.5-2 hours |
| Transport options | MRT, bus, taxi |
| Luggage storage | Available at the airport and in the city |
| Free tours | Yes, for layovers of 7-24 hours |
| Visa requirements | Check the official website |
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What You'll Learn
Recommended layover length to leave the airport
If you have a layover in Taipei, it is recommended that you have at least a 6-hour layover to leave the airport and visit the city. This will give you enough time to go through immigration and customs, and get to and from the city centre. It usually takes around 1 hour from landing to exiting the airport, and you'll want to be back at the airport 1.5-2 hours before your flight.
If you have a 7-24 hour layover, you can join a free half-day city tour offered by the airport, but you need to register in advance. The tour includes airport pick-up and drop-off, and you can also book one-day tours from the airport.
If you have an overnight layover or a layover longer than 10 hours, you may want to consider getting a hotel for the night. This will give you a chance to rest and explore the city the next day.
- Find out if you need to pick up your luggage or if it will be checked through to your next flight. If you need to pick up your luggage, you'll need to store it at the luggage storage centre, which will add time to your layover.
- Check the current exchange rate before you leave the airport, and plan to have enough cash for transportation and sightseeing.
- Taipei has a reliable and convenient public transportation system, including the MRT subway and buses. The airport is connected to the city by the MRT subway, and it takes around 30 minutes to reach the city centre.
- If your layover is in the evening, you can visit the Ximending district or the Ningxia Night Market, which is a 10-minute walk from the Airport MRT Station.
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Transport options to Taipei city centre
Taipei's Taoyuan Airport is located just 50 km from Taipei city centre, offering a range of transport options to get you there. The most convenient and reliable option is to pre-book an airport taxi, which will take you directly to your destination in about 50 minutes for around €42 (TWD 1,300). Taiwanese taxis are safe, and the drivers are friendly. Uber is also an option, although it is generally 10% more expensive than a regular taxi.
If you're looking for a cheaper option, you can take the bus, which costs €4 (TWD 125) for a single ticket. There are two buses that stop at both terminals: bus number 1819A will take you to Taipei Main Station, and bus number 1960 will take you to Taipei City Hall Bus Station, located in the city centre. Shuttle buses are also available, with tickets costing between NT$90 and NT$145.
For a cheap and fast option, the Taoyuan metro (MRT) can take you to Taipei City in about 36 minutes for €4.80 (TWD 150). The express train takes 35 minutes, while the commuter train takes 50 minutes and stops at all stations. The MRT is easily accessible from the airport, with signs guiding you to the station.
Finally, if you have a longer layover, you may want to consider booking a hotel in the city centre and taking a taxi or Uber directly there. This way, you can explore the city without having to worry about your luggage.
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Visa requirements
If you're planning to leave Taoyuan International Airport during your layover in Taipei, it's important to check whether you need a visa for Taiwan. The requirements for a visa will depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. Here are the visa requirements you should know:
Visa-Exempt Countries
Citizens of certain countries are exempt from obtaining a visa for Taiwan. Currently, passport holders from 65 countries are eligible for visa-free entry to Taiwan, including the United States. This means that if you hold a passport from one of these countries, you can enter Taiwan without a visa during your layover. It is recommended to verify if your country is on the list of visa-exempt countries before your trip.
Visitor Visa or eVisa
If your nationality requires a visa for Taiwan, you can apply for a visitor visa or an eVisa, depending on your eligibility. The process and requirements for obtaining a visa may vary, so it is essential to check the official website for detailed information. Remember to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six more months when applying for a visa.
Transit Visa
If you are not planning to leave the transit area of the airport during your layover, you typically do not need a visa. However, if you need to stay overnight at an airport hotel outside the transit area, you may need to pass through immigration and obtain a transit visa. It is recommended to check the specific regulations for your situation.
If you plan to join the free Taipei tour offered by the airport, you will need a minimum layover duration of 7 hours. This tour allows you to explore temples, art locations, observation decks, and Taipei Night Markets. Please note that the tour may have specific visa requirements, so ensure you check the necessary documentation required.
Luggage Considerations
When considering leaving the airport during your layover, it is essential to determine whether you need to pick up your checked luggage. If you do, you will need to store it at a luggage storage centre, which can add time to your layover plans. Some sources recommend leaving your luggage at the airport or reserving a hotel room downtown if your layover is long enough.
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Luggage storage
If you want to store your luggage for multiple days, you can use the Taipei Station Baggage Service Centre, located one block east of Taipei Main Station and one block south of Kuo Kuang Bus Station. The centre is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm, and the price per day is determined by the total height, width, and length of your luggage. For example, luggage under 100 cm will cost TWD 30 per day, while luggage over 150 cm will cost TWD 70 per day.
Alternatively, you can use the Lalalocker luggage storage program, which has locations across Taiwan, including Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and other airports, train stations, HSR stations, and MRT stations. There are also luggage storage lockers at every HSR station, which can be used for up to 3 days and have small and large sizes. These lockers accept cash or EasyCard as payment.
If you are looking to store your luggage at the airport during a layover, Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) offers a left luggage service that is open to the public and located outside of the secure area. There is an attendant on duty to collect payment and answer any questions, and you may need to show a confirmed ticket within a 30-day limit. However, it is important to note that the maximum storage length for luggage lockers at the airport is three days.
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Things to do in Taipei
If you have a layover in Taipei, you may be wondering if you can leave the airport and what you can do in the city during your brief stay. The answer is yes, you can leave the airport during your layover in Taipei, but it is recommended that you have at least a 6-hour layover to make it worthwhile. Here are some things to keep in mind and some suggestions on how to spend your time in Taipei:
Transportation:
Taipei has a reliable and convenient public transportation system, including the MRT subway and buses. The airport is connected to the city by the MRT subway, which takes around 35 to 40 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station. The express train costs the same as the commuter train and is your best option, but you can also take the bus if you prefer. Remember to factor in time for immigration and customs, as these can impact your available time outside the airport.
Luggage:
Before you leave the airport, find lockers to store any carry-on luggage you don't need for your exploration of the city. If you need to pick up checked luggage, you'll need to factor in additional time and then store it at a luggage storage center. If you are checked through to your next flight, your checked luggage will be handled by the airline during your layover.
Tours:
If you don't want to explore Taipei on your own, there are tour options available. The airport offers free half-day city tours for layovers of 7-24 hours. You can also book one-day tours from the airport or private tours through companies like Viator. These tours will take you to some of the major sites in Taipei and ensure you return to the airport in time for your next flight.
- Taipei 101: Enjoy sweeping views of the city from Taipei 101, a must-visit destination according to many.
- Shilin Night Market: Immerse yourself in the local culture and indulge in delicious street food at the Shilin Night Market.
- National Palace Museum: Explore the National Palace Museum's vast collection of Chinese artifacts and historical relics. With skip-the-line tickets, you can save time and explore at your own pace.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: Visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a recommended stop on many Taipei itineraries.
- Din Tai Fung: Enjoy a delicious lunch at Din Tai Fung, a popular restaurant with multiple locations in Taipei.
- Gloria Outlets: If you're looking for a modern shopping experience, head to the Gloria Outlets, which offer a variety of restaurants and stores.
- Xpark Aquarium: Located near the Gloria Outlets, Xpark is a good aquarium to visit if your layover is during its opening hours.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during your layover in Taipei. However, it is recommended that you only do so if you have at least a 6-hour layover to account for travel time to and from the city, which takes around 30 minutes by express train and 1 hour by commuter train.
The airport is connected to Taipei by the MRT subway. You can take either the express train or the commuter train to Taipei Main Station in around 30-40 minutes. The express train takes 35 minutes, while the commuter train takes 50 minutes. Fares are \$160 NTD or around \$5 USD each way.
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport 2 hours before your next flight. If you already have your boarding pass, you may be able to arrive 1.5 hours before departure.
Yes, there are luggage storage options available at the airport. If you have checked luggage, your airline may be able to store it for you during your layover. Otherwise, you can store your luggage at a baggage storage center or locker for a fee.
Yes, the Taiwan Tourist Bureau offers free half-day tours of Taipei for passengers with 7-24 hour layovers. These tours include visits to temples, art locations, observation decks, and night markets. You can also book paid tours or explore Taipei on your own using public transportation.
