Kaohsiung Airport Layover: Things To Do And See

what to do in kaohsiung airport

Kaohsiung International Airport, also known as Siaogang Airport, is a medium-sized airport in Taiwan. It has two terminals: one international and one domestic. The international terminal has more amenities, including shops, duty-free, and eateries. The airport is well-connected to the Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit (KRT) system, making it easily accessible. If you're looking for things to do at the airport, there are lounges accessible by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program. There are also food options, storage lockers, and nearby hotels. Additionally, the Kaohsiung International Airport Tourist Service Center provides good information for travellers.

Characteristics Values
Location Siaogang District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
IATA Code KHH
ICAO Code RCKH
Type Medium-sized international airport
Number of Runways 1
Number of Terminals 2 (domestic and international)
Connectivity Integrated with Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit (KRT) system
Services Lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, eateries, duty-free shopping, tourist service center
Nearby Hotels Available

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Explore the airport's rich history, dating back to its use as an Imperial Japanese Navy base in 1938

Kaohsiung International Airport, also known as Siaogang Airport, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The airport was originally built as an Imperial Japanese Army Air Squadron base in 1942 during the Japanese rule of Taiwan. Even after the Republic of China government took control of Taiwan in 1945, the airport retained its military purpose.

However, in 1965, the airport underwent a significant transformation. Recognising the need for civil transportation in southern Taiwan, the airport was demilitarised and converted into a domestic civil airport. This marked the beginning of its transition towards serving civilian travel needs.

The domestic terminal, built in 1965, has undergone expansions and improvements over the years, catering to smaller planes that do not require jet bridges. In 1969, the airport was upgraded to international status, and regular international flights commenced in 1972, marking another important milestone in its history.

Today, Kaohsiung International Airport boasts two terminals: a newer, larger international terminal and a domestic terminal. The international terminal, opened in 1997, offers various amenities, including shops, duty-free stores, and eateries, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience for its passengers.

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Utilise the airport's connectivity options, including the MRT, local buses, and taxis

Kaohsiung International Airport is well-connected to the city, with several transport options available to travellers. The Kaohsiung Metro is a convenient way to get to and from the airport, with the airport station located just a short walk from the terminals. To get to the Domestic Terminal, passengers can take Exit 2, while Exit 6 leads to the International Terminal. During rush hour, trains arrive at the airport station every 4 to 6 minutes, with a slightly longer interval of 8 minutes during off-peak hours. The first train from the city to the airport arrives as early as 5:56 am, with the last train departing the airport well after midnight, making it a reliable option for travellers with early departures or late arrivals.

For those who prefer a more direct option, taxis are also readily available at the airport. Taxi stands can be found outside the terminals, and passengers can choose from a range of taxi services, including roaming and scheduled taxis.

In addition to the metro and taxis, local buses provide another means of transportation from the airport. Bus stops are located near the terminals, offering easy access to travellers. Schedules and routes for the local buses can be found online or at the airport, helping passengers plan their journeys efficiently.

The connectivity options at Kaohsiung Airport ensure that travellers can easily navigate their way to and from the airport, providing convenience and flexibility for their journeys.

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Take advantage of the various lounges, which can be accessed by paying at the door or through membership programs

When it comes to passing the time at Kaohsiung Airport, taking advantage of the lounges can be a great option. The airport has a range of lounges that are accessible to passengers, regardless of the class of service they are flying. This includes the More Premium Lounge, which is located airside on the third floor, just a one-minute walk from security.

Lounges can be accessed by paying at the door or through membership programs. For example, the More Premium Lounge charges NT $1,100 per adult usage, NT $550 per usage for children aged 2-12, and is free for children under 2. Each usage is limited to 3 hours. Alternatively, if you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to airline lounges, such as those offered by China Airlines, UNI Airlines, Dragonair, and JAL. These lounges are located at the International Terminal.

The More Premium Lounge offers a range of amenities to enhance your comfort and convenience. This includes temporary storage for handbags and luggage, flight information displays, and a variety of local and international magazines and newspapers in English, Chinese, and Japanese. You can also request an oxygen concentrator to increase oxygen saturation for your relaxation. The lounge provides high-quality wireless headphones so you can listen to music, and interactive touch-enabled monitors for easy browsing.

A unique feature of the More Premium Lounge is its pay-per-use Business Center, which offers services such as colour photocopying, printing, faxing, and access to well-trained secretaries. This can be especially useful for business travellers who need to stay productive while on the move. The lounge also provides private rooms equipped with both Macs and touch-enabled PCs, offering high-speed WiFi in 8 different languages.

When it comes to dining, the More Premium Lounge offers a self-serving buffet with a variety of refreshments, light snacks, and hot food options in Western, Chinese, and Japanese styles. You can expect dishes like sandwiches, soup noodles, miso, congee, meat buns, Japanese oden, and minced pork rice. They also cater to health-conscious travellers with fresh fruits and salad options.

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Find essential travel services, such as storage lockers, WiFi, mobile charging points, and 24-hour food options

Kaohsiung Airport has a range of essential services to accommodate travellers passing through.

Storage Lockers

Storage lockers are available at Kaohsiung Airport for NT $50–NT $100 per 12 hours, depending on the locker size (small or large). The maximum storage period allowed is six days. You can find storage lockers in the following locations:

  • Domestic Terminal, near Baggage Delivery luggage storage box (24 hours)
  • International Terminal, landside, 3F (5:00 AM – 9:00 PM)

WiFi

Kaohsiung Airport provides free WiFi throughout the airport. Connect to the "FREE Kaohsiung-Airport" network. Additionally, "@ Internet Area" kiosks offer free wired internet access. Look for these kiosks on the eastern and western sides of Waiting Area 3F in the International Terminal and Waiting Area 1F in the Domestic Terminal.

Mobile Charging Points

While there is no specific information about mobile charging points within Kaohsiung Airport, most airports provide charging stations for travellers.

24-Hour Food Options

Currently, there are no 24-hour dining options at Kaohsiung Airport. However, there are various food concessions throughout the airport, operating on different schedules, with some opening as early as 5:30 AM. Food options include:

  • International Terminal: Chef Teng Restaurant, Family Mart Convenience Store, Homee Kitchen, and Starbucks.
  • Domestic Terminal: Taiwan Souvenir Shop (sells light meals).

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Visit the nearby hotels, with options to suit different budgets, distances, and traveller ratings

There are several hotels near Kaohsiung Airport that cater to different budgets, distances, and traveller ratings.

For those looking for a hotel near the airport, the GIN JIAN Commercial Hotel is a short walk from the domestic terminal, although travellers with large luggage may prefer to take a 2-minute taxi ride from the international terminal. The hotel is described as clean and tidy, perfect for a one-night stay.

The Riverside Hotel International is another option, located within a 14-minute walk of Siaogang Station. Travellers praise the friendly and efficient staff, comfortable rooms, and good location.

Kaohsiung International Plaza is also conveniently located, within an 11-minute walk of Siaogang Station. The service and breakfast are highly rated by guests.

For those seeking accommodation with a garden, free private parking, and a restaurant, I Live Motel is a good choice. It is located 3.3 miles from Siaogang Station.

Kindness Hotel Wu-Jia is a 10-minute walk from Kaohsiung Metro Station and offers a restaurant, free internet access, and 24-hour free ice cream, tea, and coffee.

Hotel Sunshine is located in Kaohsiung's Lingya District, a 15-minute metro ride from the airport.

You can find more options on Tripadvisor, where you can sort hotels by price, distance, traveller rating, and popularity.

Frequently asked questions

Kaohsiung International Airport is connected to the Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit (KRT) system, with the MRT station just a short walk from the airport. Local buses also serve both the domestic and international terminals, and taxis are readily available. A car rental centre is located between the terminals.

Kaohsiung Airport has separate domestic and international terminals, with the latter offering more amenities. The international terminal has shops, duty-free, and eateries, while the domestic terminal has a Taiwan Souvenir Shop that sells light meals. Drinking water is available at a reasonable distance throughout the airport. Storage lockers are also available for a fee.

Yes, there are lounges at Kaohsiung Airport that can be accessed by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program. First or Business Class travellers may also have access to specific airline lounges, such as China Airlines, UNI Airlines, Dragonair, and JAL.

The Domestic Terminal is open daily from 5:30 am to 9:00 pm, while the International Terminal operates from 4:20 am to 12:00 am.

Kaohsiung Airport is located in the Siaogang District of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The airport serves as a gateway to southern Taiwan and various destinations in China and Southeast Asia. From the airport, you can easily access the Kaohsiung Port and Train Station, and the city centre via the MRT Red Line.

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