Roberta Aguirre
If you're facing a long layover at Taipei Taoyuan Airport, you might be wondering if it's worth venturing out into the city. The general consensus is that if you have at least six hours, it's feasible to leave the airport and explore Taipei or the nearby city of Taoyuan. The airport offers free tours for transit passengers with layovers of seven to 24 hours, which include visits to notable sites such as Lungshan Temple, the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and Yongkang Street. However, if you prefer to explore on your own, Taipei is easily accessible by public transit, taxi, or private transfer. Just keep in mind that you'll need a valid visa or visa-free entry status and a passport valid for at least six months to enter Taiwan. So, depending on your layover duration and preference for guided tours or independent exploration, you can definitely make the most of your time during a layover at Taipei Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time needed outside the airport | 6 hours or more |
| Transport to the city | Public transit, taxi, private vehicle, bus, train, metro |
| Time to reach the city | 35-50 minutes |
| Transport cost | TWD 25-1500 |
| Tourist attractions | Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, Yong Kang Street, Daxi Old Street, Taipei 101, Ningxia Night Market, Yangmingshan National Park, Taroko Gorge, Beitou Hot Springs, Lungshan Temple, National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Yingge Pottery Street, New Taipei City Art Museum, Spot Gallery, Sanying Spatial Art District, Li Jing Ding, Ren Hai Temple, Zhongli Tourist Night Market |
| Airport facilities | Gym, free 4-hour tours, unlimited food and drinks, WiFi, news and TV, shower facilities, pharmacies, travel shops, bookstores, duty-free areas, restaurants, observation decks, public artworks |
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What You'll Learn
Getting to Taipei from the airport
Taipei is served by Taoyuan Airport, which is located just 50 km from the city centre. The airport is well-connected to Taipei, and there are several transport options for travellers to choose from.
If you're looking for a fast and affordable way to get to Taipei, the Airport MRT is a good option. The MRT station can be reached by taking the escalators down to B2 under the Arrivals Hall (in Terminal 2) or to B1 under the Departures Hall (in Terminal 1). The MRT offers both standard and express services, with the express service taking just 35 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station, and the standard service taking 38 minutes. Tickets cost around TWD 150 per person. From Taipei Main Station, you can walk, take the Taipei City MRT, or catch a taxi to your final destination.
Another option is to take a bus to Taipei. Shuttle buses, including Ubus, are available and offer a cheap and comfortable journey. These buses depart every 15 minutes and tickets cost between TWD 90 and TWD 145. Bus 1819 runs from the airport to the Kuo Kuang Bus Terminal at the northeastern corner of Taipei Main Station, taking about an hour.
Taxis and private vehicles are also available at the airport and can be a convenient choice, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a group. However, this option is more expensive, with taxis costing around TWD 1000-1500 for the trip to Taipei.
Finally, if you have a longer layover and want to explore Taipei, there are organised tours available that will take you to various attractions in the city. These tours typically last around 4 to 4.5 hours and require a valid visa or visa-free entry status, as well as a passport valid for at least 6 months.
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How much time do you need?
The amount of time you'll need at Taipei Airport depends on what you want to do during your layover. If you're looking to simply pass the time, Taipei Airport has a lot to offer. The airport is home to a gym, several pharmacies, travel shops, bookstores, duty-free areas, and restaurants. You can also freshen up at the free 24-hour shower facilities. If you're an art lover, there are beautiful public artworks throughout the airport.
If you're looking to leave the airport, most sources recommend having at least 6 hours between flights. This will give you enough time to visit Taipei, although you won't be able to see much, so 7+ hours is better. The airport is a bit far from the city centre, so it's recommended to leave the airport only if you have at least 8 hours between flights.
If you have a shorter layover, you may want to consider visiting Taoyuan city instead of Taipei. You can reach Taoyuan HSR Station in 15-20 minutes via the Airport MRT. There, you can visit the Xpark Aquarium or go shopping at Gloria Outlets.
If you have a longer layover of 7-24 hours, you can join a free 4-hour tour of Taipei or Taoyuan. These tours are a great option as they save you the trouble of figuring out how to get to the city and back. There are morning, afternoon, and evening tours available, each visiting different attractions. To join a tour, you'll need a valid visa or visa-free entry status and a passport valid for at least 6 months. Keep in mind that you'll need to be back at the airport 2.5 hours before your flight.
When planning your time at Taipei Airport, don't forget to consider the time needed for checking in and clearing controls. The airport recommends arriving 2-3 hours before your flight departure. However, the time required can vary depending on factors such as date and time.
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Tours of Taipei
Taipei Airport offers free half-day city tours if your stopover is between 7 and 24 hours. You can choose between a morning or afternoon tour, and there is also an evening tour for groups, which must be requested via email. The morning tour includes Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, and Yong Kang Street. The afternoon tour goes to Daxi Old Street and some other attractions in Taoyuan city. The evening tour takes you to an observation deck, a temple, and a night market in the Banqiao district of New Taipei City. The tours last 4 to 4.5 hours, and you need to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
If you'd prefer a private tour, Viator offers layover tours of Taipei that plan an itinerary to get you 45 minutes from the airport, explore some of the major city sites, and get you back to the airport in time for your next flight.
There is also the option to explore Taipei independently. The city has fantastic transport around the major sights, and Taipei's food scene is worth experiencing. The Shilin Night Market is a great stop for those who will be in Taipei from early evening to late at night. The National Palace Museum is recommended for those interested in the city's history and context. Taipei is also surrounded by interesting and beautiful destinations, such as Yangmingshan National Park, Taroko Gorge, and the hot springs in Beitou.
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Facilities at the airport
Taipei Taoyuan Airport (TPE) is the main airport serving Taipei, Taiwan. It is located in the Dayuan district of Taoyuan City, about 30-40 km west of Taipei. The airport first opened in 1979 as Chiang Kai-shek International Airport and was renamed in 2006. It is currently the largest and busiest airport in Taiwan.
Transport
The airport has excellent transport links to Taipei and other cities in Taiwan. Frequent buses connect the airport to Taipei, Taoyuan, Zhongli, Taichung, Banqiao, Changhua, and THSR's Taoyuan Station. Bus terminals are present at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The Taoyuan Airport MRT links both terminals to Taipei and Zhongli District, with free admission to the MRT stations at the airport with an electronic ticket and a credit card. An express train also connects the airport to downtown Taipei in just 38 minutes.
Food and drinks
TPE offers a variety of dining options, including food courts, casual eateries, fast food, and cafes. You can enjoy Taiwanese specialties like dumpling soup and beef noodles, as well as Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Middle Eastern cuisine. There are also options for coffee lovers, such as illy and Starbucks, and milk tea and bubble tea kiosks.
Shopping
While TPE may not have as many shops as some other major Asian airports, it offers a well-curated selection. You can find pharmacies, travel shops, bookstores, and Duty-Free areas. International brands like Adidas, Puma, and Nike are also available. The craft and souvenir shops sell beautifully packaged local teas and pineapple cakes, perfect for souvenirs.
Lounges and showers
The airport has various lounges that can be accessed by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or through a lounge membership program. These lounges offer a calm and quiet environment with unlimited food and drinks, WiFi, news, and TV. Shower facilities are also available in several locations in both terminals, and they are free and open 24 hours.
Baby care
Baby care facilities are available at the airport, including cots, nursing areas, changing tables, and hot water dispensers in the Lactation/Nursery rooms. These rooms are located in multiple areas across both terminals.
Other services
Other facilities and services at TPE include luggage storage lockers, luggage shipping services, SIM card vendors, ATMs, currency exchange booths, and massage services. There are also plans for a new Terminal 3, scheduled to be completed in 2026, which will significantly increase the airport's capacity.
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Eating and shopping in Taipei
Taipei is a foodie's paradise, with a wide variety of authentic, traditional, and creative Taiwanese dishes. The city boasts numerous night markets, offering an abundance of delicious street food and shopping opportunities.
If you're looking for a quick bite, Ay Chung Flour Rice Noodle in Ximending, a popular shopping district, is the place to go. This stand-up eatery serves only one dish: delicious noodles served in paper bowls to slurp on the go. For a more relaxed atmosphere, Raohe Night Market is a fantastic mix of shopping and food, with a friendly neighbourhood feel. Here, you can indulge in pepper pork buns and pork rib soup. If you're craving something heartier, head to Dong Yi for their famous minced pork rice and crispy pork chops.
For those with a sweet tooth, Taipei Main Station offers tasty treats like taro paste-stuffed scones, dumplings, buns, and soup. If you're looking to sit down and chill, Huashan 1914 is a block full of shops, cafes, and trendy restaurants.
If you have a long layover at Taipei Airport and want to explore, the city centre is easily accessible by public transit. The airport itself offers a range of dining options, including Michelin-rated meat soup from Wang's Broth and DIY vegetarian noodle bowls from VegeCreek. You can also pick up beautifully packaged local teas and pineapple cakes as souvenirs.
With its mix of modern culture and ancient history, Taipei offers a unique dining and shopping experience, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers and shoppers alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Taipei. However, it is recommended that you only do so if you have at least 6 hours between flights. You will need to ensure that you have a valid visa or visa-free entry status and a passport valid for at least 6 months.
You can take the purple MRT line from either terminal to Taipei Main Station in around 40 minutes. Buses and taxis are also available for a more direct service.
You could book a layover tour of Taipei, which typically lasts 4 to 4.5 hours and includes visits to popular attractions such as the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, and Yong Kang Street. Alternatively, you can explore the city independently, visiting places such as Taipei 101, the former world's tallest building, and the nearby modern shopping malls.
Yes, you can ride the Airport MRT to Taoyuan HSR Station in 15-20 minutes. There, you can visit the Xpark Aquarium, go shopping at Gloria Outlets, or dine at various restaurants.
