Taipei is served by two international airports: Taoyuan Airport (TPE), the main hub for long-haul flights, and Songshan Airport (TSA), which is centrally located and perfect for regional trips to Japan, Korea, or China.
Depending on the airline, you can arrive at one airport and depart from another!
Trip.com has prepared a comprehensive guide to help you navigate between the two airports, reach the city centre, and make the most of your layover in Taipei. It includes all the essential tips on lounges, restaurants, on-site services, and duty-free shops.
The 2 Airports in Taipei: Which One to Choose?
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Taoyuan International Airport (桃園國際機場) is Taipei's main international hub, handling almost all long-haul flights from Europe, America, and Asia.
Opened in 1979 and regularly modernised, it consistently ranks among the best airports in Asia for service quality. With its two terminals and direct MRT connections, it serves as a particularly efficient transit hub for the entire Asia-Pacific region.
- Distance from city centre: 40 km (25 miles) west of Taipei
- Terminals: 2 (T1 and T2, both serving international and domestic flights)
- Major airlines: EVA Air, China Airlines, Star Alliance, OneWorld
Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)
Taipei Songshan Airport (松山機場) is located right in the heart of the city, just 3 km (2 miles) from Taipei's centre. Much more compact than Taoyuan, it primarily serves domestic flights and short regional connections to Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai.
Its central location makes it incredibly convenient for business travellers looking to save time on transit, with direct access to the MRT right beneath the terminal.
- Distance to city centre: 3 km (2 miles) north-east
- Terminals: 1 terminal (West Wing for domestic flights, East Wing for international flights)
- Major airlines: UNI Air, Mandarin Airlines, ANA, Korean Air
💡 Good to know: TPE is essential for long-haul flights from Europe and offers significantly more services, such as lounges, restaurants, and shopping options. TSA, on the other hand, is ideal for quick regional connections and saves over 2 hours of transit time compared to Taoyuan!
Taoyuan Airport: Your Guide to Arrivals and Departures
To make your stay in Taipei even smoother, we’ve gathered all the essential information on departures and arrivals at Taoyuan Airport right here.
Departures from Taoyuan
- Check-in: Head to Terminal 1 (Level 3) or Terminal 2 (Level 3). The desks open 3 hours before your flight and close 60 minutes prior to departure (45 minutes for flights to China).
- Security check: allow 15 to 30 minutes.
- Immigration/Passport Control: E-gates are available for Taiwanese passport holders, while other travellers should head to the manual counters (wait times are approximately 20–40 minutes).
- Gates: up to a 25-minute walk – the Skytrain between T1 and T2 runs every 4 minutes and is free of charge.
Arrivals in Taoyuan
- Entry requirements: fill out the blue arrival card that is handed out on the plane.
- Baggage reclaim: Carousels 1–8 (T1), 9–22 (T2). Waiting time: 20 to 40 minutes.
- Customs:
- Green channel: Nothing to declare.
- Red Channel: Goods worth over NT$20,000 (~£476) or restricted items.
- Exit: follow the signs for buses, taxis, and the MRT.
Comparison: What Is the Best Transport Option?
| Option | Departure point | Costs | Duration | Frequency |
Airport MRT | B1, T1/T2 | NT$ 160 (~£3.80) | 35 mins | Every 7–15 mins (06:00–23:00) |
Bus No. 1819 | Arrivals Hall 1 | NT$ 135 (~£3.20) | 50–70 mins | Every 15–20 mins |
Taxi | Gates 1–26 | NT$ 1,100–1,300 (~£26–£31) | 40–60 mins | Around the clock |
Private transfer | Booking | NT$ 900–1,200 (~£21–£28) | 40–50 mins | On request |
🚨 Important information:
- MRT Express (purple train) is faster than the Commuter (blue train) – please don't mix them up!
- Bus No. 1819 stops at Taipei Main Station – try to avoid peak hours (07:00–09:00, 17:00–19:00).
- Taxis charge a 50% surcharge between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am (NT$ 1,800 / ~£43).
Check Taoyuan Airport Terminal Maps
Are terminals T1 and T2 connected?
Yes, in two ways:
- Skytrain: free of charge, 2 minutes, runs from 06:00 to 00:00 (airport side, after security control).
- Pedestrian tunnel: a 10-minute walk (city side, before security).
Terminal 1 (T1) Map
Level | What to expect there |
4th floor | Food court (Mos Burger, Starbucks), panoramic terrace |
3rd floor | Check-in desks A–K, Priority Pass lounges (The Garden, Plaza Premium) |
2nd floor | Gates B1–B10, Fast-Track Security |
1st floor | Arrivals, bus stops, taxi ranks |
B1 | Airport MRT, 7-Eleven, luggage storage (NT$ 100/approx. £2.40 per day) |
Terminal 2 (T2) Map
Level | What to expect there |
4th floor | Din Tai Fung, Food Court, Sky Lounge |
3rd floor | Check-in desks 1–22, EVA Air Lounges (Infinity, The Star) |
2nd floor | Gates C1–C10, D1–D10, Prayer Room |
1st floor | Arrivals, Kuo-Kuang Bus Counter |
B1 | MRT, FamilyMart, showers (NT$ 300/approx. £7.15 for 30 mins) |
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NO.1
Taoyuan: Lounges, Dining, Hotels & On-site Services
VIP Lounges at Taoyuan Airport (Airside)
If you have some time to spare before your flight, the lounges at Taoyuan are the perfect place to unwind, freshen up with a shower, or enjoy a meal in a peaceful atmosphere. Some lounges are also accessible for a fee, even without premium status.
Lounge | Terminal | Getting there | Highlights |
Plaza Premium | T1 (Gate B7) | Priority Pass, DragonPass, Pay-per-Use NT$ 1,200 (~£28) | Showers, noodle bar, and quiet cabins – perfect for those long layovers |
EVA Air Infinity | T2 (Gate C3) | EVA Air Business Class, Priority Pass | Homemade Taiwanese beef noodle soup, champagne, and a cosy atmosphere |
The Garden | T1 (Gate A5) | Priority Pass, DragonPass | Tea bar, direct view of the runway, Zen atmosphere |
Where are the best places to eat in Taoyuan?
Whether you have 20 minutes or 3 hours to spare, Taoyuan Airport has something for every taste, from local noodle specialities to international classics:
| Type | T1 | T2 | Opening hours | Our top picks |
Taiwanese Cuisine | Chun Shui Tang (3rd Floor) | Din Tai Fung (4th Floor) | 06:00–22:00 | Beef noodle soup (NT$ 220 / ~£5.20) |
Fast food | MOS Burger (B1) | KFC (3rd Floor) | 05:30–23:00 | Teriyaki Chicken Burger (NT$ 110 / ~£2.60) |
Café | Louisa Coffee (3rd Floor) | Starbucks (3rd Floor) | 07:00–21:00 | Iced Latte (NT$ 95 / ~£2.30) |
Open 24/7 | 7-Eleven (B1) | FamilyMart (B1) | Around the clock | Onigiri + coffee (NT$ 60 / ~£1.40) |
Where should you stay in Taoyuan?
Got an overnight layover or an early morning flight? Here are the best options for every budget:
Free quiet zones
Perfect for zero cost, but you need to know where to go:
- Near Gate A9 (T1): Reclining chairs are available 24/7 – be sure to pack some earplugs, as the air conditioning can get quite loud at night.
- Near Gate D1 (T2): dimmed lighting and a quieter atmosphere – remember to pack a jacket, as it can get chilly at night. There are only a few power sockets available.
Paid options
If you're looking to truly unwind and recharge, here are the two best alternatives:
| Option | Location | Price | Description |
Stylish sleeping pods | Terminal 1, Level B1 (City Side) | NT$ 400/hr (~£9.50) | Soundproof cabins with USB ports – the perfect choice for 2 to 4 hours of relaxation |
Novotel Taoyuan | Directly connected to Terminal 2 via a covered walkway | From ~NT$ 4,500/night (~£107) | Perfect for a restful night – including a shuttle service, pool, and 24-hour restaurant |
More handy services
- Free Wi-Fi: Connect to "Airport Free WiFi"
- Charging stations: Power sockets are located under the seats at gates A1, B6 (T1), C2, and D8 (T2).
- Luggage wrapping: T1 (3rd floor), T2 (3rd floor) – NT$150 per suitcase (~£4.10)
- Shower facilities: T1 (Gate B7), T2 (B1 Plaza Premium) – 300 NT$/30 mins (approx. £8.20), towels and toiletries included
How to Get from Taoyuan to Songshan?
| Route | Costs | Duration |
TPE → TSA (Bus No. 1840) | NT$ 140 (~£3.30) | 65–80 mins |
TSA → TPE (MRT + HSR) | NT$ 305 (~£7.30) | 55–70 mins |
Songshan Airport (TSA) Terminal Maps
Songshan Airport's central location saves you over 2 hours of transit time compared to Taoyuan, though naturally, its facilities and services are a bit more limited.
Make sure to allow at least 1 hour and 30 minutes before your flight: there are only 4 security checkpoints, which can lead to long queues, especially for the 07:00 flights to Tokyo.
Songshan Terminal Map
Terminal | Flights | Walking time | Main entrances |
West Terminal | Domestic flights only (UNI Air) | → 3 mins via the footbridge | Gates 1–12 |
East Terminal | International (Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai) | ← 3 mins via the footbridge | Gates 21–36 (Gate 25 = flights to Japan) |
🚨 Important information:
- Check your terminal before you arrive: West and East have different check-in desks.
- Free shuttle buses run every 10 minutes, 24/7 – super handy if you're travelling with lots of luggage!
Useful services in Songshan
Service | Location | Opening hours | Important Information |
EVA Air Lounge | East Terminal, Gate 25 | 06:00–21:00 | Priority Pass accepted |
24-hour restaurant | 7-Eleven (West Terminal, Landside) | Around the clock | Onigiri (NT$35 / ~£0.95), coffee |
Café | Starbucks (East Terminal, Gate 28) | 05:30–22:00 | No power sockets – make sure to charge up beforehand! |
Wi-Fi | "TSA Free WiFi" | Around the clock | Open your browser to activate Wi-Fi |
Top up | Near Gate 32 (East Terminal) | Around the clock | Type A (US) adapter recommended |
Arrival Requirements in Taipei: Visa and Regulations
Great news for British and European travellers: Taiwan has a particularly generous visa policy, and the formalities are among the simplest in all of Asia!
Available options
- 90 days visa-free: For citizens of the UK, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, France, and all EU countries – no prior application required.
- 30 days visa-free: Available for citizens of many other countries, with the option to extend once locally.
- Transit without a visa: For those just passing through who won't be leaving Taoyuan or Songshan Airport.
Requirements
To enter Taiwan visa-free, you need to:
- Hold a passport that is valid for at least 6 months
- Present a confirmed return or onward flight ticket to a third country
- Have sufficient funds to cover your stay (a bank card is accepted as proof)
- Fill out the blue arrival card, which is handed out on the plane or available at immigration.
What you can bring into the country (and what you can't)
- ✅ Allowed: up to NT$100,000 (~£2,380) in cash, 1 litre of alcohol, 200 cigarettes
- ❌ Prohibited: Fresh meat, fresh fruit, and plants without a phytosanitary certificate – customs checks are strict and fines are high!
📌 Trip.com Tip: Taiwan and mainland China are two separate territories with completely different entry requirements. If you're planning to visit Shanghai, Beijing, or Guangzhou from Taipei, be sure to check the entry requirements for China in advance and arrange your visa in good time — visas are not issued at the airport!
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Hotels near Taipei Airports with Free Shuttle Service
Near Taoyuan Airport (TPE)
Hotel | Address | From |
1-1 Hangzhan South Road | ~£95/night | |
101 Chunde Rd | ~£100/night |
Near Songshan Airport (TSA)
Hotel | Address | From |
7th Floor, No. 87, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road | ~£40/night |
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FAQ – Taipei Airports
What's the difference between Taoyuan Airport and Songshan Airport?
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is the main international airport, located about 25 miles (40 km) from central Taipei, handling most long-haul flights.
Taipei Songshan Airport is much closer around 2 miles (3 km) from the city centre and mainly serves domestic and short regional routes such as Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai.How many terminals does Taoyuan Airport have?
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport has two terminals (T1 and T2), both for international flights. Star Alliance airlines usually operate from T1, while EVA Air and SkyTeam are typically in T2—always double-check with your airline.How early should you arrive at Taipei Airport before a flight?
For international flights at Taoyuan Airport, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. At Songshan Airport, 1.5 hours is usually enough, though you should allow extra time during busy periods.Can you sleep at Taoyuan Airport overnight?
Yes. There are free rest areas near gates A9 (T1) and D1 (T2), open 24 hours. For more comfort, you can use sleep pods (around £10 per hour) or stay at the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, which is directly connected to Terminal 2.Is WiFi free at Taoyuan Airport?
Yes, free “Airport WiFi” is available in both terminals at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. You can connect easily without needing a code.