One of the first steps of planning your trip to Taiwan must include your airport transportation. As you step off the plane and into the bustling atmosphere, the first things on your mind is likely how to get to your destination efficiently and comfortably! Same thing probably applies on your way back home. Luckily, Taiwan’s airport transportation system is renowned for its convenience and reliability, ensuring that your journey from the airport to your desired location or the other way around is smooth and hassle-free.
This post highlights three major airports in Taiwan, mainly focusing on Taoyuan International Airport, supplemented with information about Taipei Songshan Airport, Taichung International Airport and Kaohsiung International Airport. We will include information about transportation within the airport, specifically how to move between terminals, and also explore the various modes of airport transportation available in Taiwan, helping you navigate your way to your next adventure with ease. From squeaky clean metros and high-speed railways to efficient shuttles and convenient taxis, Taiwan offers a range of transportation options that cater to every traveler’s needs.
Introduction
Taiwan boasts four international airports strategically located across the island, each serving as a gateway to different regions. That is a lot of airports for a tiny island, but don’t worry, 99% of the travelers will probably travel through Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). It is located near the capital city Taipei and is the primary gateway and the largest airport in Taiwan. Known for its state-of-the-art infrastructure, Taoyuan Airport offers a wide range of domestic and international flights.
The other three airports are Taipei Songshan International Airport (TSA), Taichung International Airport (RMQ) and Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), each located in the city in which their name suggests. They usually only serve flights to and from mainland China or some nearby Asian countries, and are usually only familiar among Taiwanese.
⚠️ Important note ⚠️ It is very important not to confuse Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) with Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). Most of the time, when people refer to TPE, Taipei Airport or flying into Taipei, they still mean Taoyuan Airport, which is technically NOT in Taipei city.
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Airport Terminals
Taoyuan International Airport has two terminals T1 and T2, while T3 is under construction, expected to be done by 2026. The following table is a general guide to which terminal each airline operates in, however, please always check your flight ticket for the most up to date and accurate assignment.
| Terminal 1 | Terminal 2 |
| • Most budget airlines • Most Southeast Asian airlines • Emirates Airline (EK) • Cathay Pacific (CX) • China Airline (CI) from Europe, Hong Kong, Korea, South East Asia • Korean Air (KE) | • Japanese/Korean Airlines ◦ All Nippon Airways (NH) ◦ Asiana Airlines (OZ) ◦ Japan Airline (JL) • Chinese airlines • Taiwanese airlines ◦ China Airline (CI) from North America, Pacific, Oceania, Japan, China ◦ Eva Airline (BR) • other US/European airlines ◦ Air Canada (AC) ◦ KLM ◦ Singapore Airlines (SQ) ◦ Turkish Airlines (TK) ◦ United Airlines (UA) |
Terminal Transportation
If you need to commute between terminals, there are three ways to do this, all of them free! There are tons of English signs in Taoyuan International Airport, so do not worry about remembering every single detail. In the worse case, you can always ask someone for help. Taiwanese are always extremely friendly and more than happy to help.
- Airport SkyTrain (Most Recommended)
⏰ Peak hours (06:00-22:00) | Every 2-4 mins ⏰Off-peak hours (22:00-24:00)| Every 2-4 mins ⏰Night schedule| Press button to request 🎫 Prices | Free 📍 Location | 3rd floor (Signs throughout the airport)
2. Airport Shuttle Bus
⏰ Nonstop service 🎫 Prices | Free 📍 T1 shuttle station | South side stop number 6-10 📍 T2 shuttle station | South east side stop number 12 ☎️ Service number | (+886) 0800-010-138
3. Airport Metro
Airport metro provides two types of train, Express and Commuter, varied by the number of stops they serve. Both of them stop by station A12 (Airport Terminal 1) and station A13 (Airport Terminal 2) about every 7.5 minutes.
⏰ Hours | 06:00 - 23:00 🎫 Prices | Free with EasyCard 📍 Location | B2 Floor
Airport Commute and Transportation
There are infinite combinations you can take to travel from Taipei’s major airport to your destinations, or vice versa. For public transportation, the rule of thumb is to get to major transportation hubs and continue from there. For example, once you get to hubs like Taipei Main Station, it is very easy to get to Taoyuan International Airport via Metro. The following table is a summary of some of the options you can consider:
| Transportation | Cost | Best for | Pro | Con |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Metro | ~NT$160 | Commute from Taipei or Taoyuan City | Fast and affordable. No traffic congestion. | Only for shorter distance. |
| Commercial Shuttle Bus | NT$100~1000 | Mandarin speakers, late night commute | Point to point. Huge variety of routes. | Luggage limitations. Language barrier could be a problem. |
| High Speed Rail | NT$1000-1600 | Commute from southern Taiwan | Fastest from point to point. No traffic congestion. | More expensive than train. |
| Train | NT200-500 | Commute from all parts of Taiwan | More affordable than HSR. No traffic congestion. | |
| Private Airport Transfers | Varies | Large group, many luggages | Convenient and comfortable. Usually better value than taxi/uber. | Expensive |
| Taxi/Uber | Varies | Last minute commute | Convenient | Most expensive |
| Car Rental | Varies | If you already have plans for car rental. Large group. | Highest flexibility | Expensive for individuals. |
- Airport Metro (Taoyuan Airport MRT)
As mentioned in the terminal section, Airport Metro is one of the nicest and fastest way to commute around and to Taoyuan International Airport. It is highly recommended if you plan to use the Taipei Metro or other public transportations that bring you to Taipei Main Station. Apart from Taipei City, the Airport Metro also stops at New Taipei City and Taoyuan City.
Each train compartment is equipped with designated luggage storage areas and fixed ropes for securing large luggage. Some compartment also has large space between seats for you to sit with your luggage. At the Airport MRT Taipei Station and the New Taipei Industrial Park Station, there is also a pre-check-in service available for downtown passengers, making it convenient for travelers to go to the airport without having to go to the airline counter for check-in.
⏰ Hours | 06:00 - 23:00 (vary by station)
🎫 Prices | Varies. NT$160 dollars (Taipei Station ↔ TPE Airport)
⏳ Travel time | ~35 minutes (Taipei Station ↔ Taoyuan Airport) /
~25 minutes (Taoyuan Airport ↔ Huanbei)
✅ Advantages | Fixed schedules, fastest speed, unaffected by peak-hour traffic
⛔ Disadvantages | No service during late-night hours from 00:00 to 06:00.
🌐 Website (✅English)
2. Commercial Shuttle Bus
Before the opening of the Taoyuan Airport MRT, buses have always been the main means of transportation to and from Taoyuan Airport. Even after the MRT opened, they have remained popular, especially for those outside of the Taipei. Compared to the MRT, buses offer affordable ticket prices and many variations. Some bus operators even provide 24-hour service, making them a good choice for passengers on red-eye flights. Some larger bus operators include Kuo-Kuang Bus (KingBus), Ho-Hsin and Ubus.
Unfortunately, many of the operators’ websites and booking systems are not friendly for non-Mandarin speakers. If you are confused, there are usually counters in train stations and airports that will provide you with the help you need. Or alternatively you can try using online booking system Klook.
This table lists out the two most useful shuttle routes. When Taipei Metro is not operating, you can consider 1819 instead. If you want to go to Central Taiwan straight from the airport, 1623 might be a good starting point.
| Route Number | Route | Operator |
|---|---|---|
| 1819 (24 hours) | Taipei Main Station ↔ Taoyuan Airport | Kuo-Kuang Bus (King bus) |
| 1623 | Taichung Train Station ↔ Taoyuan Airport | |
| 706 | Taoyuan Train Station ↔ Taoyuan Airport | UBus |
⏰ Hours | Varies. (Route 1819 operates 24 hours) 🎫 Prices | Varies. (From NT$100 to NT$1000 based on distance) ⏳ Travel time | Varies. (From 1 to 4hrs) ✅ Advantages | Numerous transportation routes, affordable prices; service during late hours, little to no transfers. ⛔ Disadvantages | Susceptible to peak-hour traffic congestion; limited to carrying 2 pieces of luggage, not suitable for passengers with multiple pieces of luggage; More difficult for non-mandarin speakers.
3. High Speed Rail/Train
Taoyuan High-Speed Rail Station is only about 13 km away from Taoyuan Airport, so residents from the central and southern parts of Taiwan can take the high-speed rail and then transfer to a taxi or the Airport MRT to easily reach the airport within approximately 10 to 20 minutes. For those in a hurry to catch a flight, taking a taxi directly is recommended. For those with more time, simply follow the signs towards the Taoyuan Metro station once you exit the high-speed rail station to reach the Airport MRT station. The fare for transferring to the Airport MRT is NT$25, and the travel time is about 16 minutes. However, trains operate only every 15 minutes, so patience is required while waiting.
⏰ Hours | 05:00 - 24:00 🎫 Prices | NT$1,000 - 1,600 ⏳ Travel time | 40 - 60 mins ✅ Advantages | Fastest way from central/southern Taiwan. ⛔ Disadvantages | Slightly more expensive, travels less frequent.
4. Train (Taiwan Railways)
If you are not located near Taipei or Taoyuan, and your city does not have a high speed railway stop, you can consider taking the train. You can either take the train straight to Taoyuan Train Station and transfer to Taoyuan Airport via shuttle 706. Or transfer at a high speed rail station and go from there.
⏰ Hours | 05:00 - 24:00 🎫 Prices | NT$500 - 1,000 ⏳ Travel time | 1 - 5 hrs ✅ Advantages | Affordable. Large variety of routes. No traffic congestion. ⛔ Disadvantages | Slow for long distance.
5. Private Airport Transfers
Private airport transfers are also a popular option for airport transportation. You don’t have to drag your luggage onto buses or trains; you can simply sit in the car and elegantly arrive at the airport, starting your journey smoothly. Many premium credit cards offer airport transfer services, typically by meeting a certain spending threshold or using the card to purchase tickets or tour packages. This allows you to book the service for free or at a discounted rate. If you don’t have credit card privileges, you can still make a reservation and pay for it yourself. Through [service or website], you can enjoy even more favorable fares compared to taxis and specify your pick-up time, allowing you to wait comfortably at home for the driver to arrive. If you are traveling with a group, it’s an incredibly cost-effective option! Additionally, Klook offers various types of transfer vehicles, from small cars to 9-seater vans, and even luxury imported cars, all with professional drivers, allowing you to enjoy a privileged experience!
⏰ Hours | Available 24/7 🎫 Prices | Varies ⏳ Travel time | Varies ✅ Advantages | Convenient, pick-up and drop-off directly at your doorstep, available 24/7; fares are more favorable compared to taxis. ⛔ Disadvantages | Expensive fare, susceptible to peak-hour traffic congestion.
6. Taxi/Uber
You can also choose to take a taxi or Uber to Taoyuan Airport, but it is the most expensive option among the transportation services. Another similar local service is called Yoxi. The fare from Taipei or New Taipei to Taoyuan Airport is approximately between NT$800 and NT$1300, and prices may be higher during peak hours. It is recommended to use this mode of transportation when traveling with a group, as otherwise, you might end up spending a significant amount of money before even leaving the country.
⚠️ Important note ⚠️ If you are taking a taxi from Taoyuan Airport to any destination, there is a dedicated taxi service available at the airport. All drivers have been strictly selected by the Aviation Police Bureau, ensuring safety and security.
⏰ Hours | Available 24/7 🎫 Prices | NT$1,000 to NT$1,600 (metered fare; prices vary by location) ⏳ Travel time | Varies ✅ Advantages | Convenient, no need to carry luggage along the way; taxis are available everywhere and operate 24/7. ⛔ Disadvantages | Expensive fare, susceptible to peak-hour traffic congestion.
7. Car Rental
Renting a car in Taiwan might be worth it depending on your itinerary. With a car, you can pick up at the airport and drop off before your flight departs. If you already booked you car online through services like Skyscanner, KAYAK etc, your booking confirmation should tell you where to check-in and pickup your car. Otherwise, there are a couple car rental companies scattered across both terminals in Taoyuan International Airport, including Avis, CarPlus, Ching-Bing, Hotai etc.
Taiwan’s airport transportation system offers convenience and reliability, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey for travelers. Taoyuan International Airport serves as the primary gateway, while Taipei Songshan International Airport, Taichung International Airport, and Kaohsiung International Airport cater to specific regional flights. The airport provides various transportation options, including the Airport SkyTrain, shuttle buses, and the Airport Metro, allowing travelers to move easily between terminals. Additionally, public transportation options such as the Airport Metro, shuttle buses, and high-speed rail/train connect the airport to major transportation hubs like Taipei Main Station. Private airport transfers and taxis are available for those seeking a more comfortable and convenient option. Lastly, car rental services are also available at the airport for travelers who prefer to explore Taiwan by driving. With this comprehensive guide, we hope you can navigate your way to and from the airport with ease, ensuring a seamless start or end to your Taiwan adventure.
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