Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is the main international gateway to Taiwan and the primary airport serving Taipei. Located in Taoyuan, around 40 km west of central Taipei, the airport handles a large number of international passengers every year.
The airport is an important base for major Taiwanese airlines, including China Airlines, EVA Air, and Starlux Airlines. With two passenger terminals, travelers can find a wide range of services, including restaurants, shopping areas, lounges, currency exchange, luggage storage, medical facilities, Wi-Fi, and transport connections.
For travelers arriving in Taiwan for the first time, understanding the airport and its transportation options can make the journey much easier. This guide covers everything from terminal facilities and airport transport to luggage services, parking, and getting from the airport to Taipei.
About Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is located in Taoyuan and is the main international airport for Taipei and the surrounding region.
Although the airport is not located in Taipei itself, reaching the city is relatively convenient. The Airport MRT connects the airport with Taipei Main Station, while buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services provide additional choices.
The airport has two passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Both terminals provide essential facilities for arriving and departing passengers.
Travelers can also move between the terminals using free airport transport services, including the Skytrain and shuttle services.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport |
| Airport Code | TPE |
| Country | Taiwan |
| Location | Taoyuan |
| Terminals | 2 |
| Distance from Taipei | Around 40 km |
| Main City Served | Taipei |
| Major Airlines | China Airlines, EVA Air, Starlux Airlines |
| Currency | New Taiwan Dollar |
| Airport Type | International |
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminals
The airport has two main passenger terminals.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 both offer services for passengers, including information desks, tourist services, restaurants, shops, ATMs, Wi-Fi, luggage facilities, and medical services.
Information desks are available at:
- Terminal 1: Level 1
- Terminal 2: Level 3
Passengers who need assistance can also contact the airport by telephone. Terminal 1 assistance is available at +886 3 273 5081, while Terminal 2 assistance can be reached at +886 3 273 5086.
Tourist service centres are available on Level 1 of both terminals.
How to Travel Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
Passengers who need to change terminals have several options.
Airport Skytrain
The airport provides a free Skytrain service between the airside areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
It generally operates from 05:00 to 24:00.
Skytrain locations include:
- Terminal 1 near Gates A7 and B6
- Terminal 2 near Gates C6 and D5
There is also a landside Skytrain connection between the post office area of Terminal 1 and the check-in area of Terminal 2.
Free Shuttle Bus
A free shuttle service operates between the two terminals during the hours when the airport MRT is not running.
This service operates approximately from 23:01 to 05:59.
It can be useful for passengers traveling between terminals during the late-night and early-morning hours.
Airport MRT
The Airport MRT also connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Unlike the free Skytrain, passengers need a ticket to use the MRT.
The MRT is especially useful for travelers going into Taipei.
How to Get From Taoyuan Airport to Taipei
One of the most important things for visitors is choosing the right transportation from the airport to Taipei.
There are several options, including the Airport MRT, bus, taxi, and ride-hailing services.
Airport MRT
The Airport MRT is one of the most convenient ways to travel between Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and Taipei.
The line connects the airport with Taipei Main Station, making it easy for travelers to continue their journey through the city.
The regular service takes around 50 minutes between Terminal 1 and Taipei Main Station.
Express MRT
The Express MRT is faster because it makes fewer stops.
The journey between Taipei Main Station and the airport can take around 33 minutes on the express service.
For travelers staying in central Taipei, this is one of the easiest transportation options.
Airport Bus
Bus services connect the airport with Taipei and other areas.
One important route is Bus 1819, which connects both airport terminals with Taipei Main Station.
Tickets can be purchased from the Kuo Kuang service counters:
- Terminal 1: Arrivals Level B1
- Terminal 2: Level 1
Passengers with very large luggage should check the luggage space available before choosing the bus.
Taxi
Metered taxis are available at the airport for passengers who prefer a direct journey to their hotel or another destination.
Taxi services can be found at designated pickup locations:
- Terminal 1: Meeting Point 26
- Terminal 2: Arrivals lobby
A taxi can be particularly convenient for travelers carrying several bags or traveling with a group.
Ride-Hailing
Ride-hailing services such as Uber are available for travelers in the Taipei area.
Pickup areas are provided around the arrivals sections of the terminals.
Passengers should follow airport signs and the instructions provided by their ride-hailing app when arranging a pickup.
Does Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Have an HSR Station?
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport does not have a direct high-speed rail station.
Travelers who want to use Taiwan’s High-Speed Rail system need to travel to the nearby Taoyuan HSR Station first.
The Airport MRT provides a connection between the airport and the Taoyuan HSR area, making it possible to continue the journey by high-speed train.
This can be useful for visitors who are heading to other parts of Taiwan instead of staying in Taipei.
Food and Restaurants
Passengers have several food choices at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
Restaurants and food outlets are available both before and after security, with choices ranging from Taiwanese food to Western-style meals.
For travelers looking for affordable options, food courts are available in both terminals.
Some useful locations include:
- Food court beneath the Departures Hall in Terminal 1
- Food options in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 2
This makes it possible to grab a quick meal before a flight or after arriving in Taiwan.
Shopping at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
Both terminals have shopping facilities for travelers.
Visitors can browse duty-free stores, newsagents, souvenir shops, and outlets selling Taiwanese products.
Popular souvenirs include:
- Pineapple cakes
- Taiwanese tea
- Local snacks
- Traditional crafts
- Other regional gifts
Some alcoholic products, including Kinmen Kaoliang liquor, are also available.
If you are purchasing food, drinks, or alcohol as a gift, remember to check the import rules of your destination country before traveling.
Money and Currency Exchange
ATMs are available throughout the airport, making it easy for travelers to access cash.
Currency exchange counters are also available in both public and restricted areas of the terminals.
Taiwan commonly uses cash for many everyday transactions, so having some local currency can be useful, particularly when traveling outside major tourist areas.
Travelers should also check their bank’s international withdrawal and foreign transaction fees before using an ATM.
Luggage Storage and Lost Property
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport provides several options for passengers who need to store luggage.
Left-luggage services and self-service storage lockers are available in both terminals.
This can be useful if you have a long layover and want to explore the airport or nearby areas without carrying your bags.
If your luggage is missing after a flight, you should first contact the airline that operated your flight.
For items lost inside the airport, passengers can contact the airport’s Lost & Found service at +886 3 398 2538.
The Lost & Found Centre is located on Level 1 of Terminal 2 and operates from 07:00 to 22:00.
Showers and Medical Services
Travelers with long layovers can make use of shower facilities available at various locations across the airport.
Showers are available in both the landside and airside areas of the terminals.
Medical facilities are also available for passengers who need assistance.
Medical clinics can be found at:
- Terminal 1: Level B1 and Level 3
- Terminal 2: Level 1 and Level 3
If you require regular medication during your trip, it is still best to carry your necessary medicines with you rather than relying on airport facilities.
Wi-Fi and Communication Services
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
Travelers can connect to the airport network and use the internet for flight information, transportation planning, hotel bookings, and communication.
For visitors who need mobile data, local SIM cards can be purchased from cellular service counters in both terminals.
This is a convenient option for tourists who do not want to rely on international roaming.
A Chunghwa Post office is also available in Terminal 1 on Level 1.
Airport Lounges and Business Facilities
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport has several passenger lounges.
Many lounges provide basic business facilities, making them useful for travelers who need a quiet place to work or relax before their flight.
For travelers looking for meeting facilities near the airport, the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport also provides business and meeting services.
Lounge access depends on the airline, ticket type, membership, or payment option, so passengers should check the conditions before arriving.
Accessibility at Taoyuan Airport
The airport provides facilities for passengers with reduced mobility and other accessibility needs.
Accessible features include:
- Elevators
- Ramps
- Level access
- Accessible toilets
Passengers who need special assistance should contact their airline in advance. The airport recommends making arrangements at least 48 hours before travel.
This gives the airline and airport staff time to prepare the necessary assistance.
Parking at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
Parking facilities are available around both passenger terminals.
At Terminal 1, car parks are located on the eastern and western sides of the terminal.
Additional parking facilities are available near Terminal 2.
Passengers who are driving to the airport should allow extra time for parking, walking to the terminal, and completing check-in and security procedures.
Car Rental at Taoyuan Airport
Car rental companies have facilities at both terminals.
Renting a car can be useful for travelers who plan to explore areas outside Taipei, especially if their itinerary includes several destinations.
However, visitors should consider traffic, parking, road conditions, and local driving requirements before deciding to rent a vehicle.
Booking a rental car in advance can also make the arrival process easier.
Driving to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
The airport can be reached from Taipei by road.
From the Zhongzheng District area of Taipei, travelers can use National Freeway 1, also known as the Sun Yat-sen Freeway, heading toward Taoyuan.
The route uses Exit 52 for Luzhu / Taoyuan International Airport.
Under normal traffic conditions, the journey from central Taipei can take roughly 45 minutes, although the actual time can change considerably depending on traffic.
For an early-morning or international flight, leaving extra time is recommended.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you are flying through Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport for the first time, a little preparation can save time.
Check your terminal
Confirm whether your flight departs from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 before reaching the airport.
Keep some local currency
Although card and digital payments are available in many places, cash can still be useful during your trip.
Use the Airport MRT for Taipei
For many travelers, the MRT offers a convenient connection to central Taipei.
Allow extra time
Traffic, airport procedures, and luggage collection can all affect your schedule.
Download important information
Save your hotel address, transport details, and flight information before leaving the airport.
Plan for a long layover
If you have several hours between flights, the airport has restaurants, shopping, lounges, Wi-Fi, showers, and luggage storage to make the wait more comfortable.
Why Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Is Important for Travelers
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is more than just an arrival and departure point. It acts as an important transport hub connecting Taiwan with destinations around the world.
Its two terminals provide a broad range of services, while the Airport MRT makes it relatively simple to reach Taipei.
The airport is also a useful starting point for travelers heading beyond Taipei. Connections to buses, rail services, and the nearby Taoyuan HSR station allow visitors to continue their journey to different parts of Taiwan.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at a Glance
| Service | Available |
|---|---|
| Two passenger terminals | Yes |
| Airport MRT | Yes |
| Express MRT | Yes |
| Bus to Taipei | Yes |
| Taxi | Yes |
| Ride-hailing | Yes |
| Free Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Currency exchange | Yes |
| ATMs | Yes |
| Food courts | Yes |
| Duty-free shopping | Yes |
| Luggage storage | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Medical facilities | Yes |
| Car parking | Yes |
| Car rental | Yes |
| HSR station inside airport | No |
