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Taiwan Airports Guide

Taiwan Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Taiwan is served by several international and domestic airports, with one primary gateway handling the vast majority of international traffic. The island’s efficient transportation network makes airport transfers and domestic connections relatively straightforward.

This guide explains the major airports in Taiwan, focusing on the main international hub and key regional airports, to help you navigate your arrival and travels around the island.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Overview: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is the main international gateway to Taiwan, located about 40 km (25 miles) west of central Taipei. It is the primary hub for China Airlines and EVA Air, handling over 80% of Taiwan’s international passenger traffic. The airport consists of two main terminals and a third on the way.

Terminals:

Terminal 1 (T1): Serves a mix of international airlines, including many SkyTeam and Star Alliance carriers. Recently renovated, it features modern facilities.
Terminal 2 (T2): The larger terminal, serving China Airlines, EVA Air (Star Alliance), and several other international and cross-strait carriers. It also houses the main airport MRT station.
Terminal 3 (Future): Under construction, with completion expected in the coming years to handle increasing capacity.

SkyTrain: A free, automated people mover connects Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the parking/transportation hub airside and landside. It runs every few minutes.

Getting to and from Taoyuan Airport (TPE):

Airport MRT (Metro):
The fastest and most reliable public transport to Taipei. The Express Train takes about 35 minutes to Taipei Main Station (non-stop). The Commuter Train makes stops and takes about 50 minutes. Trains are frequent, clean, and affordable.
Airport Buses:
Numerous bus companies (e.g., Kuo-Kuang, Evergreen) operate comfortable coaches to key locations in Taipei, including Taipei Main Station, Songshan Airport, and major hotels. The journey takes 50-70 minutes depending on traffic and is slightly cheaper than the MRT.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing:
Designated taxi ranks are outside arrivals. Ride-hailing services like Uber operate. Fares to central Taipei are metered and include tolls, typically costing around NT$1,200-1,500 ($40-50 USD). The trip takes 40-60 minutes.
Pre-Booked Private Transfer:
Many hotels and tour companies offer this convenient door-to-door service, ideal for families or groups.

Best for: Nearly all international travelers and those connecting to domestic flights via the domestic transfer area.

Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)

Overview: Taipei Songshan Airport is a convenient downtown airport located in the heart of Taipei City. It primarily handles domestic flights, cross-strait flights to mainland China (e.g., Shanghai, Beijing), and short international flights to nearby East Asian cities like Tokyo (Haneda), Seoul (Gimpo), and Shanghai.

Terminal:

Main Terminal: A compact, integrated terminal with both domestic and international wings. It’s famous for its observation deck and proximity to the city.

Getting to and from Songshan Airport (TSA):

Taipei Metro (Brown Line):
The airport has its own MRT station, Songshan Airport Station, on the Wenhu (Brown) Line. This provides incredibly fast and cheap access to the entire Taipei Metro network.
Taxi:
Very convenient due to the central location. Fares to most parts of Taipei are very reasonable (NT$200-400).
Walking/Bike:
Some hotels in the nearby Nanjing East Road area are within walking distance.

Best for: Business travelers, those flying to select East Asian cities, or domestic flights within Taiwan. Ideal for its unparalleled convenience to downtown Taipei.

Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH)

Overview: Kaohsiung International Airport is the primary airport serving southern Taiwan and the country’s second major international gateway. It handles a mix of international flights (mainly to East and Southeast Asia), cross-strait flights, and domestic services.

Terminals:

International Terminal: Handles all non-domestic flights.
Domestic Terminal: Adjacent to the international terminal.

Getting to and from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH):

Kaohsiung Metro (Red Line):
The airport is connected directly to the city’s metro system via Kaohsiung International Airport Station on the Red Line, providing quick access to downtown Kaohsiung (like Formosa Boulevard Station) in about 15 minutes.
Taxi & Bus:
Taxis and local buses are also readily available outside the terminals.

Best for: Travelers exploring southern Taiwan (Tainan, Kenting) and those flying directly to/from Southeast Asia.

Taichung International Airport (RMQ)

Overview: Taichung International Airport serves central Taiwan. It operates a growing number of international flights to East and Southeast Asia (often low-cost carriers), cross-strait flights, and domestic routes.

Best for: Travelers visiting central Taiwan (Sun Moon Lake, Alishan) and those using budget airlines for regional travel.

Essential Travel Information

Visa & Immigration: Check visa requirements before travel. Most Western passport holders are eligible for visa-exempt entry for 30-90 days. Immigration at TPE can have queues; automated e-Gates are available for eligible passengers.

Currency: The New Taiwan Dollar (NTD or TWD). ATMs and currency exchange are plentiful in airport arrivals halls. Taipei is highly cash-based for small transactions, though cards are accepted at most larger establishments.

SIM Cards & Wi-Fi: Purchasing a local SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi device at the airport (counters in arrivals at TPE) is highly recommended for navigation and communication. Free airport Wi-Fi requires registration.

High-Speed Rail (HSR) Connection from TPE: To travel south from Taoyuan Airport, take the Airport MRT to Taoyuan HSR Station (not Taipei Main Station). From there, you can board Taiwan’s high-speed rail to major cities like Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung in under two hours.

Domestic Transfers at TPE: If connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight (e.g., to Taitung or Kinmen), you must clear immigration, collect baggage, and then re-check in at the domestic counters (located in T2). Allow at least 2.5 hours.

Which Taiwan Airport Should You Use?

Use Taiwan Taoyuan (TPE): For all long-haul international flights from outside Asia, and most flights from within Asia unless served by Songshan.
Use Taipei Songshan (TSA): If you find a convenient flight to/from Tokyo Haneda, Seoul Gimpo, or major Chinese cities, and value downtown proximity above all else.
Use Kaohsiung (KHH) or Taichung (RMQ): If your primary destination is in southern or central Taiwan, respectively, to avoid backtracking to Taipei.

Bottom Line: Most international travelers will arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). For a fast and efficient transfer to Taipei, take the Airport MRT Express Train. For unparalleled convenience within Taipei, Songshan Airport (TSA) is a superb alternative for eligible routes. Taiwan’s airports are modern, well-organized, and seamlessly connected to excellent public transportation.