Ruth Haines
Taiwan's airports offer a range of options for travellers on a budget. Taoyuan International Airport, the largest airport in Taiwan, offers a variety of affordable dining options, including ramen, fresh juice, Korean food, and Taiwanese food. The airport also provides free activities such as massage chairs, reading rooms, and video game centres. While shopping at the airport can be convenient, local shops in Taipei often offer better prices and more variety for souvenirs. Additionally, Taiwan's duty-free options may not always be the most cost-effective choice for souvenirs. For travellers looking to explore beyond the airport, Taipei offers a range of affordable transportation options, including MRT trains, buses, and taxis.
What's cheaper at Taiwan Airport?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food | Ramen, fresh juice, Korean food, Southeast Asian food, Taiwanese food, etc. |
| Transport | Private transfers, renting a car, MRT, bus, taxi |
| Souvenirs | Sanrio (Hello Kitty) and Lego products, Disney products, Starbucks mugs, local snacks, tea, etc. |
| Flights | Flying to Taiwan from neighbouring countries or during the low tourist season (December to March) |
Explore related products
![Duty Free: The Complete Series [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81ZHVWRhAUL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Food and drinks
Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the largest airport in Taiwan and has a wide range of food and drink options available. The airport has various restaurants, cafes, and fast-food options, including Taiwanese specialties like beef noodles, dumplings, and pineapple cakes.
For those looking for a quick bite, there are casual eateries and food courts serving Taiwanese, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Most of these options are open from around 10 am to 9 pm. There is also a bakery that opens earlier, from 5 am, and a Burger King, which opens at 5:30 am. After security, there are a few cafes and a fried chicken outlet.
For those looking for a sit-down meal, there are several restaurants, including Mos Burger, Hanlin Tea Room, Hakka Restaurant, and Starbucks, which can be found before security in Terminal 1. There is also a small food court on the 4th floor of Terminal 1, which has a variety of options and is open from 8 am to 9 pm. Each concourse has at least one restaurant, and there are often themed gates and lounges that offer a glimpse into Taiwanese culture.
For those looking for a unique Taiwanese experience, Wang's Broth near Gate C5 in Terminal 2 serves authentic Taiwanese cuisine, including steamed minced pork with pickles in broth and 'black gold' braised pork rice. This restaurant has received recognition from the Michelin Bib Gourmand's Choice Awards. Terminal 2 also has a Sunmai bar, which offers Taiwanese craft beer and snacks. Terminal 1 has a similar offering from Sunmai, located near Gate B7.
For those on the go, there are EZ Dining vending machines that offer hot Taiwanese meals in just three minutes. There are also two 7-Elevens located in Terminal 1 that are open 24 hours and sell snacks, small meals, and drinks, including alcohol.
Overall, Taoyuan International Airport offers a diverse range of food and drink options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants, with a focus on Taiwanese cuisine and culture.
Airports with Brookstone: Where to Find Them
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Souvenirs
Taiwan's four international airports—Taoyuan, Songshan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung—offer a variety of souvenirs for last-minute gifts or mementos of your trip. While duty-free shops at the airport can be convenient, local shops in the city centre often offer better prices, fresher stock, and more variety. Nevertheless, the airport is a great place to pick up typical Taiwan souvenirs, such as location-specific magnets, which can be found at tourist attractions across the country.
If you're looking for food souvenirs, head to the bakery or convenience stores for traditional snacks like A-Po Iron Eggs, a chewy savoury snack from Tamsui soaked in soy sauce and spices, milk candy and condensed milk treats, or lemon cakes. Sun cakes, sold by the popular dessert chain Sugar & Spice, can also be found in boxed versions at airport souvenir shops and select convenience stores. For a stronger taste of Taiwan, try Kinmen Kaoliang, a traditional liquor distilled from sorghum and originating from Kinmen Island. It has a distinct flavour and packs a punch! If you're a tea lover, Taiwan's unique climate and geography produce flavour-rich tea leaves, often hand-picked and crafted with generations of expertise.
For Hello Kitty and Lego fans, the departures area of T2 in Taoyuan International Airport has a new Sanrio (Hello Kitty) and Lego store, both duty-free. There are also Disney stores in both terminals. If you're in the city, head to the Ximending Shopping District in Taipei for cheap souvenirs, or the Lai Hao shop on Yongkang Street. The Taipei 101 Observatory Gift Shop (85th floor) offers cute, modern souvenirs, while the National Palace Museum Gift Shop (Taipei and Chiayi branches) has more traditional options.
Hawaii's Mainland Airports: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Transfers and transport
Taiwan has four international airports: Taoyuan, Songshan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the largest airport in Taiwan and the main airport serving the capital city, Taipei. It is located in the city of Taoyuan, about 50 km southwest of Taipei.
Public transport makes it easy to get from the airport to the city centre. The purple MRT line runs frequent trains between both terminals of Taoyuan Airport and the central train station, taking about 40 minutes. Buses also connect the airport to other areas of the city, and taxis are available for a more direct service.
If you want to explore Taipei, it is recommended to use the MRT system and then rent a car when you leave the city. Car rental is available at the airport, as well as private transfer services.
For those with a long layover, there are free 4-hour tours available for transit passengers with a 7-24 hour wait. The morning tour, "Discover Taipei's 100 Years of Glory", visits 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 or Spot Gallery, and the Sanying Spatial Art District. The evening tour, "Gourmet Guided Tour with Night Markets", takes visitors to Li Jing Ding, Ren Hai Temple, and Zhongli Tourist Night Market.
Helena, Montana: Airport Accessibility and Convenience
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hotels
If you're looking for a hotel near Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport, there are a variety of options to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences. Here are some recommendations for hotels near the airport:
Budget-friendly options:
- Backpackers Hostel Taoyuan Airport — This hostel offers double rooms with private or shared bathrooms, as well as male and female dorms. It is located a bit further from the airport, but the owner provides pick-up from the MRT station, and the staff can call a taxi for you.
- Economy Class Hostel — Located in Dayuan, this hostel is about a 20-minute drive or bus ride from the airport. It offers friendly service, free tea, and a variety of food options nearby.
- Hotel Kuva Chateau — Located about 5.1 miles from the airport, this hotel offers rooms at a reasonable price. There is a nearby park for walking or jogging, and a shopping mall with restaurants and an IMAX cinema.
Mid-range options:
- City Suites - Taoyuan Gateway — Located just a 5-minute walk from Taoyuan Airport MRT Dayuan Station, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and easy access to the train station.
- Freedom Design Hotel — Situated in Luzhu, this hotel provides spacious and clean rooms with air conditioning and free WiFi. It also has a restaurant and a fitness centre.
- Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport — This hotel is located right next to the airport and offers a free shuttle bus service. It's a convenient option for catching early flights.
Luxury options:
- Hyatt Regency Taoyuan International Airport — This hotel offers quick access to the airport, just a 5-minute drive away, and world-class facilities, including an indoor heated pool and free WiFi.
- Monarch Skyline Hotel — Located about a 15-minute drive from the airport, this hotel offers a range of luxurious rooms.
- Palais de Chine — An upscale option, just a 5-minute walk from the Airport MRT. It boasts Taiwan's only Michelin 3-star restaurant.
Additionally, if you're looking for a unique and modern experience, the Cho Capsule Hotel is the only hotel located inside Taoyuan International Airport. It offers Japanese capsule-style accommodations, including individual capsules in shared dorms, double capsules in mixed dorms, and private quadruple capsules.
It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, as prices tend to increase for last-minute bookings, especially in popular areas like Taipei and Alishan.
Savannah Airport: Uber Availability and Accessibility
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Activities
Taiwan's airports offer a range of activities to keep travellers entertained and occupied during layovers or before departure. Here is a list of activities to do at Taiwan's airports, with a focus on Taipei Taoyuan Airport (TPE), the largest airport in Taiwan:
Dining:
Taipei Taoyuan Airport offers a variety of dining options, catering to different tastes and preferences. Food courts and eateries serve Taiwanese specialties like dumpling soup and beef noodles, as well as Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Middle Eastern cuisines. For a quick bite, there are to-go kiosks offering milk tea, bubble tea, and coffee options like illy and Starbucks. Most dining establishments are open until midnight, with a few 24-hour options available in both terminals.
Shopping:
The airport features duty-free shopping areas, including a Sanrio (Hello Kitty) and Lego store, as well as Disney stores in both terminals. Traditional and modern souvenirs can be found at the airport's gift shops, including location-specific magnets, ceramic mugs, insulated beverage holders, and Taiwanese snacks like sun cakes, milk candy, condensed milk snacks, and lemon cakes.
Relaxation:
For those seeking relaxation, the Visually Impaired Friend Massage Service Center in Terminal 2 provides expert massage services. Massage chairs are also available near Gate D2. The airport has two reading rooms equipped with books and book exchange shelves, along with free calligraphy and rubbing experience zones near Gates B6 and D8.
Entertainment:
The E-Generation e-Sports Experience Center in Terminal 2 offers a range of video games and racing simulators. This area also has computer stations for catching up on digital content.
Tours:
Transit passengers with long layovers (7-24 hours) can join free 4-hour tours of Taipei. 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," showcases the Yingge Pottery Street, the New Taipei City Art Museum, and the Sanying Spatial Art District. The evening tour, "Gourmet Guided Tour with Night Markets," explores Li Jing Ding, Ren Hai Temple, and the Zhongli Tourist Night Market.
Exploring Taipei:
With a longer layover or before departure, travellers can explore Taipei by taking public transit from the airport. The purple MRT line connects both airport terminals to the central train station in about 40 minutes. From there, Liberty Square, home to the National Concert Hall, National Theatre, and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, is within walking distance. Yongkang Street, near the Dongmen MRT station, offers popular Taiwanese dishes and mango smoothies. The MRT red line also provides access to Taipei 101, formerly the world's tallest building, and nearby modern shopping malls.
X-ray Baggage Scanning: Airport Security's Essential Tool
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Taiwan's four international airports (Taoyuan, Songshan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung) offer various souvenirs, including Taiwan-themed magnets, Starbucks mugs, and traditional items like Tatung cookers. The departures area of T2 in Taoyuan Airport also has duty-free Sanrio (Hello Kitty) and Lego stores, as well as Disney stores in both terminals. For food-related souvenirs, you can find sun cakes, various teas, A-Po Iron Eggs, milk candy, condensed milk snacks, and lemon cakes at airport shops.
The B1 Food Court at Taiwan Airport offers a range of affordable dining options, including ramen, fresh juice, Korean food, Southeast Asian cuisine, and Taiwanese food. Most eateries in this area operate from 10 AM to 9 PM. There's also a bakery that opens at 5 AM and a Burger King that opens at 5:30 AM.
To find cheaper flights to Taiwan, consider booking during the low tourist season, typically from December to March. Additionally, look for flights from large airports that serve as hubs for multiple airlines, such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Paris, or Rome if you're in Western Europe. Using budget carriers like RyanAir, EasyJet, or Eurowings can also help you save money. If you're flexible with your departure airport, compare fares from different international airports to find the best deal.
