Jazmin Li
Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport is known for its long layovers, and whether you have 6 hours or 14, there are a few things to consider before leaving the airport. Firstly, check if you need a visa for Taiwan. If you do, it's probably not worth leaving the airport for such a short layover. If you don't, then 6 hours is generally considered the minimum time to leave the airport and see some of Taipei. The airport offers free half-day city tours if your layover is 7-24 hours, but if you want to explore on your own, the metro system is a great way to get into downtown Taipei in under 40 minutes.
| 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 |
| Travel time from airport to Taoyuan city centre | 30 minutes |
| Transport options to city centre | MRT, taxi, Uber |
| MRT travel time from airport to Taipei Main Station | 35 minutes (express line), 50 minutes (commuter line) |
| MRT travel time from airport to Taipei Main Station | 40 minutes (express line) |
| MRT fare | $160 NTD (around $5 USD) |
| One-day metro pass | NTD $150 (under $5 USD) |
| Visa requirements | Citizens of over 60 countries, including the US, can enter Taiwan without a visa. Check if your country is eligible. |
| Airport facilities | Free WiFi, recliner chairs, lounges, capsule hotel, shuttle service to a nearby hotel |
| Airport tours | Free half-day city tours for layovers of 7-24 hours |
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What You'll Learn
How much time do you need outside the airport?
The amount of time you will need outside the airport depends on what you want to do during your layover. Taipei has a lot to offer, from food to sightseeing and shopping. If you are looking for a quick bite or a coffee, you can find Taiwanese specialties, Chinese and Japanese options, as well as Thai and Middle Eastern food in the airport itself. There are also plenty of options outside the airport, in the city centre, which is about a 30-minute ride on the MRT subway.
If you are looking to explore the city, it is recommended that you have at least a 6-hour layover. The time taken to get from the airport to the city centre and back is about 1 hour each way. If you have checked-in luggage, you will need to store it at the airport, which can take 15-30 minutes. You will also need to factor in time for immigration and customs, which can vary depending on the length of the line.
If you are short on time, you can take the MRT to Taoyuan HSR (Gloria Outlets) for some food and shopping. There is also an aquarium called Xpark nearby, but it is closed on Mondays at 6 pm.
If you have more time, Taipei has many classic tourist destinations that are easily accessible by metro. These include Taipei 101, Martyr's Shrine, Longshan Temple, and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall & Memorial Park. You can also book one-day tours from the airport or create a custom itinerary and travel by car.
If you have an overnight layover, you can rent a hotel room in the city or at the airport.
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Do you need a visa?
If you are not leaving the airport during your layover in Taipei, you do not need a visa. However, if you want to leave the airport during your layover, you will need to check whether you need a visa to enter Taiwan.
Citizens of more than 60 countries and territories, including the US, Canada, and most of Europe, can enter Taiwan without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. If you are a passport holder from one of these countries, you can leave the airport during your layover without obtaining a visa.
If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you will need to apply for a Taiwan visa if you want to leave the airport during your layover. The process and requirements for obtaining a Taiwan visa may vary depending on your country of citizenship, so be sure to check the specific requirements for your country.
It is important to note that even if you are eligible for a visa-free entry to Taiwan, you may still need to present other documents, such as a valid passport and an immigration card, to enter the country. Additionally, it is recommended to have at least a six-hour layover if you plan to leave the airport, as it can take around one hour to exit the airport and additional time to travel to and from your desired destinations.
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What can you do in Taipei in a few hours?
If you have a layover of around six hours or more in Taipei, it is feasible to leave the airport and visit the city. However, it is important to consider factors such as immigration lines, time of day, and transportation to and from the city centre. Here are some options for what you can do during your layover in Taipei:
Taipei City Tours
Taipei offers a variety of city tours that can be booked directly from the airport. These tours typically last around four hours and provide an overview of the city's highlights. The airport also offers free half-day city tours for layovers of seven to 24 hours.
Taipei 101
Visit Taiwan's tallest skyscraper, boasting 101 stories of spectacular views. Taipei 101 offers high-end shopping boutiques and dining options, including a Din Tai Fung restaurant in the basement. The challenging trail to the tower offers panoramic city views and is a popular spot for urban adventurers and photo enthusiasts.
Creative Parks
Visit one of Taipei's creative parks, such as Huashan 1914 Creative Park or Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. These parks are former industrial sites that have been transformed into creative hubs with exhibitions, pop-up stores, restaurants, and live music. Huashan 1914 Creative Park, established in 1914 as a sake and wine factory, offers a unique blend of old factories with large chimneys and modern creative spaces.
Temples
Explore the beautiful temples in Taipei, such as Bao'an Temple and Confucius Temple. Bao'an Temple, dating back to the 18th century, received a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for its impressive restoration. Both temples are free to visit and offer a glimpse into Taipei's rich cultural heritage.
Night Markets
If your layover extends into the evening, visit one of Taipei's famous night markets, such as Ningxia Night Market or Raohe Night Market. These markets offer a variety of delicious food options and a vibrant atmosphere. For a unique drinking experience, explore the bar patios beside the Red Theater, the centre of Taipei's LGBTQ+ scene, or visit Hankou 60, a movie-themed speakeasy cocktail bar in Ximending.
Taipei Zoo
Located on a hill, the Taipei Zoo offers a variety of animals, including the popular panda exhibit. The zoo also has food and drink stands, making it a great option for a few hours of exploration.
Remember to consider the time required for transportation and immigration procedures when planning your activities during a layover in Taipei.
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What is the best way to get to the city from the airport?
Taipei's Taoyuan Airport is conveniently located just 50 km from Taipei city centre, and there are several transport options for travellers to reach the city.
One of the fastest and most convenient ways to get to Taipei from the airport is by taking the Airport MRT. The MRT is accessible from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with stations located near the food courts. The express service takes approximately 35 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station, while the standard service takes around 38 minutes. Tickets are affordable, costing around $160 New Taiwan Dollars (NT). The MRT operates from 6:05 am to 11:35 pm, so it is important to plan your travel accordingly.
If you prefer a more direct mode of transport, taxis are readily available at both airport terminals. Taxi counters allow for easy booking, and the ride typically takes about an hour, depending on traffic and your destination within Taipei. Taxis are a good option if you have a lot of luggage.
For those on a tighter budget, shuttle buses are also available. There are three bus options: 1819, 1960, and 1961, which offer services until 1:05 am, with tickets ranging from NT$90 to NT$145.
Additionally, if you are travelling in a group, a private charter can be a comfortable and cost-effective option. You can choose from a range of vehicles, accommodating up to eight people, and enjoy the convenience of waiting in the Oriental Club Lounge inside Terminal 2.
Lastly, if you are feeling adventurous and prefer to explore the city at your own pace, you can opt for solo travel using Taipei's reliable public transportation system, including the MRT subway and buses.
Remember to bring cash, as debit or credit cards may not always work, and ensure you have checked the current exchange rate before leaving the airport.
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What are the best restaurants and food options in Taipei?
Taipei is a foodie's paradise, with a wide variety of dining options to choose from. The city is known for its vibrant street food culture, with vendors setting up shop in slim alleyways and night markets taking up entire neighbourhoods. Here are some of the best restaurants and food options to try during your layover in Taipei:
Street Food and Night Markets
- Huaxi Night Market: This bustling night market features several Michelin-recommended street food stalls, including Wang's Broth and Yuan Fang Guabao. Try their signature braised pork rice with oysters, a local favourite.
- Raohe Night Market: This market is famous for its Fuzhou Pork Pepper Bun, a delicious treat where the dough, filled with peppery minced pork, is baked on the sides of a large cylindrical oven.
- Ningxia Night Market: For a slightly less crowded option, Ningxia offers a more relaxed atmosphere while still providing a variety of tasty treats.
- Scallion Pancakes: These greasy pockets of dough stuffed with cheese or egg and basil are a popular street food item that you can find throughout the city.
Restaurants
- Yong Kang Beef Noodle: Known for serving some of the best beef noodles in Taipei, this restaurant is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
- Tai Ho Dien: This restaurant offers a delicious hot pot, perfect for warming up during the colder months.
- Orange Shabu: While this restaurant leans more towards Japanese cuisine, it offers one of the best hot pot experiences in Taipei, with huge sets and amazing porridge made from the leftover broth.
- NCISushi: This restaurant serves Northern California-inspired sushi, a unique twist on traditional Japanese cuisine.
- Ijy Sheng: A local bakery offering a variety of excellent breads, including a grain loaf with nuts and orange peel, 'pineapple' croissants, and sesame mochis.
With Taipei's diverse culinary scene, you're sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds during your layover. Remember, most establishments open well after 11 am, so the evening is when the city truly comes alive with dining options.
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Frequently asked questions
Taipei layovers can last anywhere from 5 to 24 hours.
Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport offers free half-day city tours for layovers of 7-24 hours. You can also book one-day tours or explore Taipei's food scene and tourist destinations by yourself.
First, check if you need a visa to enter Taiwan. If you do, make sure to apply for one before your trip. Second, check if you need to pick up your luggage. If so, you'll need to store it at the airport's luggage storage center. Third, make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Lastly, leave plenty of time to get back to the airport and pass through security and immigration.
