Ruth Haines
Whether you can leave the airport in Taiwan depends on a few factors, including the length of your layover, the time of day, and whether you have a visa. Taipei Taoyuan Airport, the largest airport in Taiwan, offers plenty of ways to pass the time, including food courts, lounges, sleep pods, duty-free shopping, and spa and massage services. If you have a long layover and want to explore Taipei, it's recommended that you have at least a 6-hour stopover, with some sources suggesting 7 or 8 hours to make the most of your time. The airport offers free half-day city tours for those with 7-24 hour layovers. To enter Taiwan, passport holders from 65 countries don't need a visa and can enter visa-free for stays ranging from 14 to 90 days. However, if you need a visa, you'll need to apply in advance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum layover time | 6 hours |
| Time to reach Taipei city centre | 1 hour |
| Time to reach Taoyuan city centre | 30 minutes |
| Time to exit the airport | 1 hour |
| Visa requirement | Yes, unless you have a passport from specific countries |
| Luggage storage | Available |
| Free half-day city tour | Available for layovers between 7-24 hours |
| Transport | MRT, Express train, Airport Line, commuter train |
| Attractions | Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Yangmingshan National Park, Taroko Gorge, Beitou hot springs, Taipei 101, Shilin Night Market, Xpark Aquarium, Longshan Temple, Gloria Outlets |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for entering Taiwan
Taiwan has different visa requirements for entry depending on nationality and the purpose of the visit. Nationals of certain countries must follow specific requirements for visitor visa applications. Work rights and rights of abode are separate from visas in Taiwan. Work rights are regulated by Work Permits issued by the Workforce Development Agency, while residence rights are controlled by Resident Certificates issued by the National Immigration Agency.
Those born outside Hong Kong or Macau who have entered Taiwan as a permanent resident of either place can enter without a visa if their last visit was recorded in the National Immigration Agency computer system in 1983 or later, or if they have the travel document used for their pre-1983 visit, or if they have proof of previous entry from the NIA. Hong Kong residents are allowed to have dual Chinese and British National (Overseas) status, while Macau residents with Portuguese passports can enter Taiwan visa-free for 90 days.
Nationals of the following countries who possess an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) with "TWN" on the back can enter Taiwan visa-free for business trips for up to 90 days:
- China
- Hong Kong
Chinese nationals residing in mainland China or Hong Kong are subject to entry restrictions and cannot use the card to enter Taiwan. They are required to obtain an Exit and Entry Permit.
If you are entering Taiwan as a tourist or short-term visitor for less than 90 days, you do not need a visa. Extensions or changes of status are not permitted. Citizens of Canada and the United Kingdom may apply to extend their stay from 90 days to 180 days. Taiwan also grants visa-free access to holders of passports of all states with which it has full diplomatic relations.
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Transport options to and from the airport
Taiwan's largest airport, Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), is located 30 kilometres west of Taipei, the country's capital. The airport is well-equipped and offers several transport options to get to the city centre.
The Taoyuan Airport MRT is the fastest way to reach Taipei, with the express service taking 35 minutes from Terminal 1 to Taipei Main Station, and 38 minutes from Terminal 2. The commuter service, which stops at all stations, takes 50 minutes. The MRT is a good option for those on a budget, with tickets costing around $160 New Taiwan Dollars (NT). It is also convenient, with free 4G Wi-Fi and wireless charging available on express trains.
If you prefer a more comfortable journey, you can opt for a taxi, which can be found outside the arrival hall and are available 24/7. The average ride will cost around NT$1200, and the drivers are known to be friendly and efficient.
Another option is to use a ride-sharing app such as Uber. While Uber is generally 10% more expensive than taxis in Taipei, it can be a good alternative if you feel more comfortable with this option as a tourist.
For those who want a more luxurious experience, a private transfer can be booked in advance. You can choose from a range of vehicles, including Skoda and Mercedes-Benz, which can seat up to eight people. This option is perfect for groups as it allows you to share the cost of the car.
Finally, if you want to explore Taipei at your own pace, you can consider renting a car from the airport. However, it is recommended to use public transportation like the MRT when in Taipei and rent a car when leaving the city.
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Recommended layover duration for leaving the airport
If you're considering leaving the airport during a layover in Taiwan, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, check if you need a visa to enter Taiwan. Currently, passport holders from 65 countries can enter Taiwan visa-free for stays ranging from 14 to 90 days. If you require a visa, you'll need to apply in advance.
In terms of layover duration, most sources recommend a minimum of 6 hours if you want to leave the airport. Even with 6 hours, your time outside the airport will be limited, so a longer layover of 7 hours or more is ideal. This will give you enough time to pass through immigration, explore the city, and return to the airport for your next flight. 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, but this can be longer if multiple flights arrive simultaneously.
If you have a shorter layover, it's probably not worth leaving the airport. Instead, you can enjoy the various amenities within the airport. Taoyuan International Airport, the main airport serving Taipei, offers a range of dining options, including Taiwanese specialties, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Middle Eastern cuisines. There are also several pharmacies, travel shops, bookstores, and Duty-Free shopping areas. Additionally, the airport provides free half-day city tours for passengers with layovers between 7 and 24 hours, which you can join to explore Taipei without the hassle of navigating on your own.
If you decide to venture out during a longer layover, there are a few options for getting to Taipei or Taoyuan city centres. The Airport MRT is the fastest way to reach Taipei, taking approximately 35 to 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi, especially if travelling at night, which takes around an hour. For a shorter journey, you can head to Taoyuan city centre, which is only 20 to 30 minutes away by MRT.
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Things to do outside the airport
If you're looking for things to do outside Taiwan's airports, here are some suggestions for each of the country's major aviation hubs:
Taoyuan Airport
Taoyuan Airport is located in the city of Taoyuan, which is made up of various urban centres. One option is to head to Zhongli, where you can find the Taoyuan High-Speed Rail Station and the Airport MRT Line. Alternatively, you can visit the city centre, which has a regular TRA train station. From either of these locations, you can easily get to Taipei, where you can enjoy the city's renowned food scene, including Taiwanese specialties like dumpling soup and beef noodles, as well as Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Middle Eastern cuisines. There are also plenty of options for coffee lovers, including illy and Starbucks.
If you're looking for some retail therapy, Taoyuan Airport has a variety of shops, including famous brand names like Omega, Coach, Hermes, and Saint Laurent in Terminal 1, and sports brands like The North Face, Puma, and Adidas in Terminal 2. Both terminals also feature Duty-Free shops where you can buy Taiwanese snacks, liquor, and souvenirs.
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting one of the airport lounges, which offer unlimited food and drinks, WiFi, news, TV, and sometimes even shower facilities. If you're looking for some fresh air, check out the North and South Airplane Observation Decks on the 5th floor of Terminal 2, where you can watch planes take off and land while taking in the views, including the coastal wind turbines and Zhuwei Fish Harbor's Rainbow Bridge.
Kaohsiung Airport
Although I couldn't find specific information on things to do outside Kaohsiung Airport, Kaohsiung itself has plenty of attractions to offer. These include the National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences, the River Hotels, and the Open University of Kaohsiung.
Taichung Airport
While I couldn't find information specifically about things to do outside Taichung Airport, Taichung is mentioned as a place to rent a car and explore outside of Taipei.
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Things to do inside the airport
Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) in Taiwan has both a domestic terminal and an international terminal. The international terminal has more amenities, including shops, duty-free, and eateries. The airport also has a MRT connection to Kaohsiung city, prayer rooms, and a tourist service centre. If you're spending the night, nearby hotels offer shuttle services as the airport does not allow sleeping inside.
Taipei Taoyuan Airport, the larger of the two Taipei airports, offers plenty of ways to pass the time in a modern, comfortable setting. The airport has free WiFi, comfortable seating, and friendly staff that welcomes daytime nappers and overnight sleepers. There are food courts and casual eateries serving up Taiwanese specialties, as well as Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Middle Eastern options. There are also plenty of shops, including pharmacies, travel shops, bookstores, and Duty-Free areas with international brands. If you're looking for a quiet space, you can pre-book your visit to an airport lounge, where you can enjoy unlimited food and drinks, WiFi, news, and TV. The airport also has a gym and offers free 4-hour tours for transit passengers with long layovers.
Overall, while spending time inside an airport may not be ideal, Taiwan's airports offer a variety of services and amenities to keep travellers comfortable, well-fed, and entertained during their stay.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Taiwan. However, the minimum recommended layover time to do so is 6 hours, and you should check whether you need a visa to enter Taiwan.
It takes between 35 and 50 minutes to get to Taipei Main Station from the airport by MRT. From there, you can walk to Liberty Square, where the National Concert Hall, National Theatre, and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall are located.
Taipei is a haven for foodies, with food courts and casual eateries serving up Taiwanese specialties like beef noodles and dumplings. You can also visit Taipei 101, the former world's tallest building, or the Shilin Night Market.
Taoyuan Airport offers a range of facilities and activities, including duty-free shopping, sleep pods, and spa and massage services. There is also a Cultural Experience Area in Terminal 2, which showcases local handicrafts and occasionally hosts live traditional performances.
Yes, transit passengers with a 7-24 hour layover can join a free 4-hour tour of Taipei. The morning tour, "Discover Taipei's 100 Years of Glory," visits Lungshan Temple, the National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, and Yongkang Street.
