Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the main international gateway for Taiwan (Republic of China/ROC). The airport is located in Dayuan District, Taoyuan City, about 40-50 km west of Taipei.
In 2024, TPE processed nearly 45 million passengers. This puts it among the top 60 busiest airports worldwide.
Taipei Airport is a major hub for the three largest Taiwanese airlines, China Airlines, EVA Air, and Starlux Airlines, as well as a base for several regional carriers. It’s an important transit hub too.
Major Airlines - China Airlines, EVA Air
The two Taiwanese flag carriers, China Airlines and EVA Airways, are the dominant full-service operators at TPE. They provide an extensive network of international and regional routes via approximately 2000 monthly flights each.
Starlux Airlines, another full-service carrier in Taiwan, also uses Taipei Airport as its hub.
Other airlines with significant presence include Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, and Korean Air.
Global airlines like Emirates, Etihad Airways, KLM, and United Airlines also offer flights between Taipei and their respective hubs.
Low-cost carriers like the local Tigerair Taiwan, the regional Scoot, and AirAsia allow budget-conscious travelers to connect with the largest airports throughout East and Southeast Asia.
Taipei Airport is a significant transit hub, particularly for routes between Southeast Asia and North America, with transit passengers accounting for a notable share of the traffic.
See all the 50+ airlines present at TPE.
Terminal Layout and Gates of TPE
TPE has two terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2), each with two concourses:
Terminal 1 is older, forming an “H” where “Concourse A” (north side) and “Concourse B” (south side) are linked by the central building, which houses Check-in, Security, Immigration, and Baggage Reclaim. Terminal 1 has 18 gates. T1 is used by China Airlines for its regional flights, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Garuda Indonesia, Vietnam Airlines, among others.
Terminal 2 opened in 2000 with a North Concourse (Concourse D) and South Concourse (Concourse C). T2 handles a larger share of international and long-haul flights with airlines such as Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines. China Airlines uses T2 for its flights to North America, Oceania, Japan & mainland China.
The two terminals are connected via the Skytrain people mover system. It has two parallel tracks (North & South) linking Terminal 1 & Terminal 2 concourses and allowing for transfers. One track is exclusively for passengers who have cleared passport control (airside), while the other is for the general public or mixed traffic (landside).
Walking distances can be substantial depending on the gate and concourse. You may need up to 25 minutes, particularly if moving between distant gates or between T1 and T2.
Terminal 3 is under construction with a planned opening around 2026.
Connecting Flights and Transit at Taipei Airport
Taipei Taoyuan is a popular transit airport, and many travelers experience a layover at it. Despite its size, TPE has organized its areas efficiently enough to facilitate transfers.
Normally, you would have your second boarding pass ready when you land at TPE. If this is indeed the case, you can clear Security and proceed to the Secure Area of the airport (airside), where you can remain until your next flight. You generally do not need a visa for Taiwan, as you won’t be clearing Immigration.
If you don’t have your second boarding pass, go to the airline's transfer counter - follow the signs after you land. At the transfer counter, you will be issued a boarding pass and can proceed to the Secure Area and the gate of your second flight.
There are 4 transfer counters: A and B are located in T1. C and D are in T2.
Note that the transfer counter you must go to is in the terminal of your second flight. This means you may have to change terminals. The SkyTrain connects T1 and T2, including airside.
Transit or transfer passengers with layovers between 7 and 24 hours are eligible for a Free Half-Day Tour. You must have a valid R.O.C. visa, a Travel Authorization Certificate, or come from a visa-exempt country to benefit. Register online via the official airport page at least 5 days before arrival to participate.
Check out some of the best things to do in Taipei.
Wi-Fi at Taoyuan Airport
Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals in public and secured areas. The SSID is “Airport Free WiFi,” and connecting to it involves accepting the terms and conditions on the welcome page that should open automatically when you select it.
The connection is not limited in duration or bandwidth and is generally reliable.
Lounges often have faster and more stable WiFi, as well as more power outlets.
Lounges at TPE
Taoyuan has many lounge options, both airline-operated and independent, pay-per-use ones.
EVA Air operates 4 lounge areas in Terminal 2:
The Garden: Open from 05:30 to 23:30.
The Star: Open from 04:30 to 23:30.
The Infinity: Open from 04:30 to 23:30.
The Club: Open from 05:30 to 10:00 and from 16:00 to 21:30.
To reach any of them, follow the signs to the exclusive lounges of EVA Air on the 4th floor of Terminal 2.
All of them offer facilities such as a business center, drinks, snacks and desserts, digital reading materials, free Wi-Fi, TVs, and showers.
The China Airlines Business Class Lounge is located in Terminal 1 and is open from 5.00 AM to 11.30 PM daily. It’s a well-equipped lounge with lots of food options, comfortable places to sit, plenty of charging points, and other amenities.
Of the foreign carriers serving TPE, JAL, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Starlux, and Cathay Pacific also have lounges for their premium passengers.
Independent lounges include the 4 Plaza Premium Lounge branches in Terminal 2:
Plaza Premium Lounge in Zone A, Terminal 2 is open from 5 AM to 11 PM daily.
Plaza Premium Lounge in Zone A1, Terminal 2 is open from 5 AM to 11 PM daily.
Plaza Premium Lounge in Zone C, Terminal 1 is open from 5 AM to 9 PM daily
Plaza Premium Lounge in Zone D, Terminal 1 is open 24/7.
Notably, the Plaza Premium Lounge in Zone A offers private relaxation suites, complete with beds and private toilets, making it possible to get a good sleep while waiting between flights.
The Plaza Premium Lounges in Zone A and Zone D have shower facilities.
Rates for 2-3 hour passes at Plaza Premium Lounges start from TWD 1300 (~43 USD).
Another lounge worth mentioning is the Oriental Club Lounge located in Terminal 2. Open from 7 AM to 3 PM daily, this lounge frequently receives Lounge of the Year awards by offering a variety of amenities such as buffet dining and a gym. It also accepts Priority Pass.
Dining Options at Taipei Airport
Both terminals offer a wide variety of dining, from fast-casual to more full-service and local options.
In T2, especially in the departures halls and concourses, there are restaurants, cafés, snack kiosks, and shops offering Taiwanese and international cuisine, snacks, desserts, coffee, and more. Terminal 2 generally has more up-to-date options, a better variety, and more premium or lounge-adjacent dining.
Terminal 1 has food courts and several cafés. Some are located beneath or near the arrival/departure halls.
On the non-secured (landsides) levels of both terminals, there are food courts, convenience stores, and 24-hour shops.
Here are some popular restaurants, bars, and cafés at TPE:
Ramen Iroha in Terminal 2 (B2 or 5F). Try their signature dish - black soy sauce ramen.
Chengmeng in Terminal 2 (1F) for authentic Hong Kong-style meals.
Dodoli in Terminal 2 (4F) for authentic Korean food.
Gontran Cherrier: a French bakery in Terminal 1-3F.
Sunmai Bar in Terminal 1-3F for a modern and fashionable bar experience, craft beer, cocktails, and an elevated mood.
kafeD in Terminal 1-1F.
Mai's Roasted Delicacies in Terminal 1-B1 for American breakfasts and all-day Taiwanese and Hong Kong cuisines.
TKK Fried Chicken x KUNG FU TEA: a unique fried chicken fast food restaurant with a long history. Find it in Terminal 1-3F (Departure Area).
Well-known international chains like McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, and Starbucks have several locations throughout the airport.
Transport to and from Taipei Taoyuan Airport
TPE is well served by several public transport options:
Airport MRT: runs from Taipei City to TPE (Terminals) and is very reliable. The travel time is around 35-45 minutes between the airport and Taipei Main Station, depending on service (express or local). The fare is NT$160 for either train, payable by card at the counters just before the turnstiles. At Taipei Main Station, you can connect to the Red or Blue Line of the MRT.
Taipei High Speed Rail Station (THSR): To reach it from the airport, take the MRT (or a bus) for about 15 minutes. The THSR connects Nangang in the north to Kaohsiung in the south via the western part of the island.
Buses: Several bus lines connect TPE to Taipei City, major hotels, and bus stations. Fares are reasonable (NT$110-140 or so) and travel time depends on traffic (~50 minutes from Taipei). Some buses run through the night too.
Taxi: Available outside arrivals. Taxis are, as usual, more direct but also more expensive, though if you’re carrying heavy bags, a taxi may be preferred. A one-way fare from the airport to the city center of Taipei costs around NT$1000. Have your address in Chinese to help the driver.
Car Rentals: Four car rental companies provide services at TPE: Carplus Auto Leasing, Union Rental Car, Ching Bing Auto Leasing (in Terminal 1 in the Arrivals Lobby), and Avis Taiwan in Terminal 2, Arrivals.
Parking at TPE
Parking is available at both terminals, with short-term and longer-term lots. There are official parking structures close to the terminal buildings.
Parking Lot 1 is located on the east side of Terminal 1 (close to Provincial Highway 4).
Parking Lot 2 is located on the west side of Terminal 1 (close to National Highway 2).
Parking Lot 3 (for large vehicles) is on the east side of Terminal 2 (close to Provincial Highway 4).
Parking Lot 4 (basement floor height restriction is 1.9 m) is on the west side of Terminal 2 (close to National Highway 2).
The first 30 minutes are not charged at either parking lot. This is limited to 3 times per day. After that, the parking fee is NT$30 for the first hour and NT$20 for each half hour thereafter, capped at NT$490 per day.
For cheaper rates, reserve spots or use off-airport lots with shuttle access. Also, many hotels near the airport offer parking for guests.
Because TPE is busy, short-term lots fill up during peak departure times (holidays and summer evenings). If driving yourself, arrive earlier to allow for parking and walking to the terminal or via a shuttle.
Hotels near Taipei Taoyuan Airport
Within the airport itself, you have two options for places to sleep or nap:
CHO Stay Capsule Hotel is located inside Terminal 2’s secured (airside) area. Good option for transit travellers or very early/late flights. Note that this is not a full-service hotel, but rather sleeping pods with shared toilets and showers.
The Private Relaxation Suites of Plaza Premium Lounge in Zone A, Airside, Terminal 2. While the rooms are small, they have everything necessary for a short stay, including a shower and toilet ensuite.
There are hotels outside, but close to the airport too. Notably, the Hyatt Regency Taoyuan International Airport is a 5-star hotel just a 5-minute drive away from the terminals. It has a dedicated subway station next to it called “Airport Hotel”.
On the other end of the budget spectrum is the Backpackers' Hostel Taoyuan Airport, located on the east side of the airport. It offers shared accommodation with beds costing as little as NT$1500.
Many hotels in Taoyuan City or near the airport provide free or paid shuttle services. If your layover is long or you have an early flight, staying nearby reduces stress.
Taipei, Taiwan
