Lois Larson
Taiwan's largest airport, Taoyuan International Airport, is located just 50km from Taipei, offering a range of transport options for travellers. The airport itself has plenty to keep you occupied during layovers, from themed gates and lounges to reading rooms, video games, and free half-day city tours. When it's time to depart, you can choose from the Airport MRT, private vehicles, taxis, or buses, depending on your budget and preferences. The MRT is the fastest way to reach Taipei, with the express service taking 35 minutes from Terminal 1 to Taipei Main Station. If you prefer a private transfer, you can book a charter vehicle, such as a Skoda or Mercedes-Benz, or opt for a taxi outside the arrival hall. Alternatively, you can take a bus, such as the Kuo Kuang Bus 1840, to Taipei's Songshan Airport. So, whether you're looking for convenience, comfort, or a scenic route, there are plenty of options for getting to and from Taiwan's main airport.
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What You'll Learn
Getting to Taipei from Taoyuan Airport via the MRT
Taoyuan Airport is located in Taoyuan City, about 30 kilometres west of Taipei Main Station in the Taipei City centre. Taipei Main Station is the main transportation hub of the city, so that’s where you’ll be headed first if you go by public transportation. Luckily, in 2017, Taoyuan launched the Taoyuan Airport MRT, making travel from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station faster and easier.
To get to the MRT station from the airport, exit into the arrivals hall and follow the signs to the Airport MRT. Both T1 and T2 Arrival Halls are on the 1st (ground) floor. Go to the front and take the escalator or elevator down to the MRT station.
You can buy an EasyCard online with a credit card for pickup when you arrive at the airport. An EasyCard costs TWD 100 (non-refundable deposit), plus you need to load some money onto it. The total price will be 300 or 500 – go for the larger amount, because you’ll use this card for all your MRT rides in Taipei and other cities in Taiwan. Once you have the card and it is loaded with cash, swipe the card to enter the station and proceed to the platform. Make sure you catch the MRT in the direction of Taipei – it also goes in the opposite direction. You can also swipe a credit card or use cashless payments like Apple Pay. Tickets can also be purchased with cash.
The express service takes just 35 minutes from Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1 to Taipei Main Station, while the standard service takes 38 minutes from Terminal 2. The commuter service that stops at all stations takes 50 minutes from either terminal. The fast and convenient service is a great choice for international travellers to commute between the airport and Taipei.
From Taipei Main Station, you’ll be able to walk, transfer to the Taipei City MRT, or take a taxi to destinations in the city.
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Travelling by taxi or private vehicle
If you're travelling by taxi or private vehicle, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, if you're landing at Taoyuan International Airport, the official airport hotel is the Hyatt Regency, which is a short distance from the airport and offers a free shuttle service. A taxi to the Hyatt Regency from the airport takes around 5 minutes.
If you're heading into Taipei, it's recommended to arrange a private vehicle from the airport to your hotel, as this can often be cheaper than a taxi and you can pay in advance with a credit card. The cost of a private vehicle depends on your location in Taipei and the time of day, but travellers usually pay between TWD 1000 and 1500.
Taxis in Taipei only take cash, and some take EasyCards, which you can load with cash. If you don't already have an EasyCard, you can purchase one online with a credit card and pick it up when you arrive at the airport. An EasyCard costs TWD 100 (a non-refundable deposit) and you will need to load money onto it.
If you're travelling with a lot of luggage or are tired, a taxi or private vehicle is a good option as it will take you directly to your destination. However, if you're looking to save money, public transport is also an option, with buses and the MRT connecting the airport to the city.
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Layover requirements and things to do
If you have a long layover in Taiwan, you can take advantage of one of the free half-day city tours offered by the airport. These tours are available for those with a 7-24 hour layover. The morning tour, 'Discover Taipei's 100 Years of Glory', includes visits to Lungshan Temple, the National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, and Yongkang Street. The afternoon tour, 'Beauty of Taiwanese Arts & Nature', includes visits to the Yingge Pottery Street, the New Taipei City Art Museum, and the Sanying Spatial Art District.
If you have less than 7 hours between flights, you may want to stay at the airport. Taoyuan Airport has comfortable seating and public rest lounge areas located near Gates A7, B6, and D. There are also recliner chairs at various gates. The airport offers free WiFi, and there are plenty of dining options, including Taiwanese specialties, Chinese and Japanese cuisine, and Western chains like Starbucks.
If you decide to venture out on your own with a layover of 7 hours or more, you can take the MRT to downtown Taipei or other attractions. However, keep in mind that you will need to clear customs, which can take some time. To ensure you make it back to the airport in time for your next flight, you can hire a private driver/guide to take you around.
- Taipei 101: Formerly the world's tallest building, Taipei 101 offers sweeping views of the city.
- Shilin Night Market: This vibrant nightly market features food stalls, clothes booths, and various knick-knacks. It's a great place to sample Taipei's famous street food and bubble tea.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: A popular attraction that offers insights into Taiwan's history and culture, with museums, exhibits, gardens, and city views.
- National Palace Museum: This museum provides a glimpse into the history of Taipei.
- Yangmingshan National Park, Taroko Gorge, and the hot springs in Beitou: These natural attractions offer a break from the city and a chance to enjoy Taiwan's scenery.
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Immigration and customs procedures
Taiwan's main airport is Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, located in Taoyuan City. The airport has two terminals, T1 and T2, with T2 being the newer and nicer of the two.
Immigration Procedures:
After disembarking your plane, turn on your eSIM or connect to the airport's free WiFi. You may be given a form indicating whether you need an Asian Swine Flu (ASF) inspection. If required, this will add some time to your arrival process.
Proceed to the immigration area and queue in the appropriate line. There are separate lines for foreign arrivals, Taiwanese citizens, Taiwanese residents (ARC holders), and a special line for parents with young children. After clearing immigration, you will proceed to collect your checked luggage from the conveyor belts.
Customs Procedures:
After collecting your luggage, you will go through customs inspection. Passengers who do not wish to carry their baggage into Taiwan may deposit them at the bonded baggage counters for future claim.
It is important to note that there are restrictions on certain items when entering Taiwan. Passengers are prohibited from carrying fresh fruits, melons, cucumbers, gourds, and marine products. Unauthorized live animals, plants, and their products, including meats and seeds, are also restricted. If you are carrying any animals, plants, or agricultural products, you must go to the quarantine counters to undergo the necessary procedures. It is recommended to inquire with the Animal and Plant Quarantine Bureau of the Agricultural Committee beforehand.
Transportation Options from the Airport:
There are several transportation options available to get from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to your destination:
- Private Vehicle or Taxi: You can arrange a private vehicle or take a taxi to your hotel. Private vehicles can be booked in advance and paid for online, and they typically offer better rates than taxis.
- MRT (Metro): The Airport MRT (commuter Blue Line) connects the airport to Taipei and other cities in Taiwan. You can purchase an EasyCard, a reusable transit card, at the airport or online before your arrival. The card can be used for all MRT rides in Taipei and other cities.
- Bus: Kuo Kuang Bus offers services between the airport and Taipei. Bus 1840 provides a direct connection to Taipei City Center's Songshan Airport, while Bus 1841 is a slightly slower alternative.
- Train: For travel to other cities in Taiwan, you can connect to the TRA (regular intercity train) or HSR (High-Speed Rail) from Taipei Main Station.
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Airport facilities and amenities
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the largest airport in Taiwan and the main airport serving Taipei, the capital city. It is located in Dayuan, Taoyuan, approximately 40 km (25 mi) west of Taipei. In 2016, it was ranked the best airport for its size in the Asia-Pacific region by Airports Council International.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport has two terminals, with transportation between them provided by the Taoyuan Airport Skytrain, which transports both passengers who have cleared security and those who have not through separate train cars. The airport also offers free Wi-Fi and wireless charging services on trains.
The airport has two parallel runways, both capable of catering to the next generation of aircraft. The runways have an ultimate capacity of over 60 aircraft movements an hour. There are 41 frontal stands at the main passenger concourse, 15 remote stands, and 25 cargo stands. The airport handles over 1.5 million tonnes of cargo annually through two air cargo terminals.
The Huan Yu VIP Terminal, also known as the Taoyuan Business Aviation Centre (TYBAC), is a three-story facility with its own terminal and facilities separate from the public terminals. It provides a multimedia conference room, passenger lounge, private rooms, showers, a spa, sauna, gym, and business centre facilities.
The airport offers downtown check-in and luggage facilities at Taipei Main Station for passengers flying with China Airlines, EVA Air, Mandarin Airlines, and UNI Air. There are also 24-hour convenience stores, and passengers can find food and drinks at the B2 Food Court in Terminal 2.
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Frequently asked questions
The fastest way to reach Taipei from Taoyuan Airport is by taking the express service of the Taoyuan Airport MRT, which takes 35 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station from Terminal 1 and 38 minutes from Terminal 2.
Yes, you can take a taxi, private vehicle, or bus. Taxis and private vehicles are available outside the arrival hall and are more expensive, while buses are a cheaper option.
Yes, there are luggage lockers at the Airport MRT station and Beimen Station. If you plan to store your luggage at the airport, allocate about an hour for navigating the airport and 15-30 minutes for storing your luggage.
Taoyuan Airport offers free half-day city tours if your layover is between 7 and 24 hours. You can also explore the various themed gates and lounges within the airport, such as the Taroko Gorge, traditional Taiwanese puppets, and Orchid Island-themed gates.
It is recommended to bring cash in case your debit or credit cards do not work. After landing, turn on your eSIM or connect to the airport's free WiFi, and be prepared to go through immigration and customs before proceeding to the Arrivals Hall.
