# Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

> Taipei, TW · 40 km (25 mi) west of Taipei

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/tpe
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/tpe.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: TPE
- **ICAO**: RCTP
- **Timezone**: Asia/Taipei
- **Runways**: 2
- **Terminals**: 2
- **Passengers**: 48.5M/yr
- **Worldwide rank**: #40
- **Hub for**: China Airlines, EVA Air, Starlux Airlines
- **Official site**: https://www.taoyuan-airport.com/?lang=en

## Overview

## Welcome

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) gives long layovers a taste of Taiwan through its local brands, cultural touches, and efficient services. Unlike some sprawling mega-hubs, it retains a calm and human-scaled ambiance. The airport features plane-spotting decks and curated Taiwanese shops like the pineapple cake haven. Situated 40 km west of Taipei, TPE acts as a gateway with airport-loyal national carriers, China Airlines, EVA Air, and Starlux Airlines.

## At a glance

Handling 48.5 million passengers a year, TPE is a busy yet efficiently managed hub. With T1 and T2, it is home to major airlines and offers diverse connections. Its serious plane-spotters' decks and themed concourses underscore an emphasis on local culture. The seamless access to Taipei via the MRT exemplifies the airport’s focus on creating accessible travel experiences.

## Terminals & layout

Terminal 1 is primarily served by China Airlines, EVA Air, and Starlux Airlines, while Terminal 2 hosts carriers like Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, and ANA. Each terminal is a mini city with dining options ranging from Chun Shui Tang in T2 to Hi-Life Cafe in T1. A Skytrain links the terminals, running every 2-6 minutes during the day and requires a call button press at night.

## Getting to and from the city

The Taoyuan Airport MRT is a transformative link to Taipei, whisking travelers from TPE to Taipei Main Station in 35-38 minutes on the express train, at a cost of $4-6. Buses such as the Kuo-Kuang Bus 1819 and taxis provide alternatives, though the MRT remains unbeatable for cost and efficiency, except after midnight.

## Traveller essentials

Wi-Fi is complimentary but can be inconsistent; an eSIM might be worthwhile if you plan to stream or work. If you have luggage and need to relax, the indoor 5F areas offer seating and a 24-hour convenience store. Immigration times have spikes with midnight arrivals; the e-Gate program helps frequent flyers expedite the process.

## Dining & shopping highlights

TPE doesn’t disappoint with its culinary offerings. Grab bubble tea at the iconic Chun Shui Tang or a quick bite at Mos Burger in T1 and T2. For snacks and gifts, explore Taiwanese brands at the Ever Rich Duty Free stores. However, prepare for limited late-night options, as some cafes and restaurants close early.

## Lounges

The lounges at T1 and T2 offer havens of tranquility, from the China Airlines Dynasty Lounge to the EVA Air Infinity Lounge. For premium experiences, the Cathay Pacific Lounge in T1 and Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge in T2 deliver spacious luxury. If you need a shower but aren’t a lounge member, free public showers are available airside.

## Insider tips

- **Money:** Save money by taking the Taoyuan Airport MRT to Taipei for $4-6 instead of a $30-40 taxi ride.

- **Insider:** The observation deck in Terminal 2 offers superior runway views from 06:30 to 22:30. Don’t be surprised by a bag check upon entry.

- **Time:** Transfer smoothly between terminals with the 24-hour Skytrain, pressing the call button after midnight for service.

- **Quiet:** The 5F landside areas with 24-hour seating in both terminals offer relatively quiet spaces for resting or working.

- **Avoid:** Many dining options close by 22:00, so eat early or rely on convenience stores and vending machines.

- **Local:** Crowds might miss the curated pineapple cake selections airside; try them for authentic local flavors.

- **Time:** With a layover over 6 hours, consider a quick MRT trip into central Taipei for a bowl of beef noodle soup, keeping return security in mind.

## Terminals (2)

- **Terminal 1** — China Airlines, EVA Air, Starlux Airlines
- **Terminal 2** — Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, ANA, Japan Airlines

## Dining (20)

- **7-Eleven Cafe** — T1 · $
- **7-Eleven Cafe** — T2 · $
- **85°C Bakery Cafe** — T1 · $
- **Burger King** — T2 · $$
- **Chun Shui Tang** — T2 · $$
- **Food Republic** — T2 · $$
- **Hi-Life Cafe** — T1 · $
- **Hi-Life Cafe** — T2 · $
- **KFC** — T2 · $$
- **McDonald's** — T2 · $
- **Mos Burger** — T1 · $
- **Mos Burger** — T2 · $
- **One More Cafe** — T1 · $$
- **Silks Gourmet** — T2 · $$
- **Starbucks** — T1 · $$
- **Starbucks** — T2 · $$
- **Subway** — T1 · $$
- **Subway** — T2 · $$
- **Taiwanese Gourmet** — T2 · $$
- **Tim Ho Wan** — T1 · $$

## Lounges (14)

- **Cathay Pacific Lounge** — T1 · Terminal 1, oneworld
- **China Airlines Dynasty Lounge** — T1 · Terminal 1, airline lounge
- **China Airlines Dynasty Lounge** — T2 · Terminal 2, airline lounge
- **EVA Air Infinity Lounge** — T2 · Terminal 2, Star Alliance business
- **EVA Air Star Lounge** — T2 · Terminal 2, Star Alliance business
- **EVA Air The Garden** — T2 · Terminal 2, Star Alliance premium
- **Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge** — T2 · Terminal 2, oneworld
- **Korean Air KAL Lounge** — T1 · Terminal 1, SkyTeam
- **Plaza Premium Lounge** — T1 · Terminal 1, pay-per-use Priority Pass
- **Plaza Premium Lounge** — T2 · Terminal 2, pay-per-use Priority Pass
- **Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge** — T2 · Terminal 2, Star Alliance
- **Thai Airways Royal Orchid Lounge** — T2 · Terminal 2, Star Alliance
- **The More International Lounge** — T2 · Terminal 2, pay-per-use Priority Pass
- **The More Premium Lounge** — T1 · Terminal 1, pay-per-use Priority Pass

## Shops (20)

- **7-Eleven** — T1
- **7-Eleven** — T2
- **Bookstore Elite** — T2
- **Chia Te Bakery** — T2
- **Ever Rich Duty Free** — T1
- **Ever Rich Duty Free** — T2
- **Hi-Life** — T2
- **Kuai Che Pork Paper** — T2
- **Longchamp** — T2
- **MUJI to GO** — T2
- **Relay** — T1
- **Sogo Boutique** — T2
- **SunnyHills** — T2
- **Swarovski** — T2
- **Taoyuan Souvenir Shop** — T1
- **Taoyuan Souvenir Shop** — T2
- **Tasa Meng Duty Free** — T1
- **Tasa Meng Duty Free** — T2
- **Uniqlo** — T2
- **Watsons** — T2

## Parking (10)

- **Airport Employee Parking Area** — Long-term staff
- **EV Charging Area P1** — EV charging
- **EV Charging Area P2** — EV charging
- **Novotel Taoyuan Airport Parking** — Hotel parking
- **Off-site Private Parking Chungli** — Off-site economy
- **Off-site Private Parking Dayuan** — Off-site economy
- **Parking Lot P1** — Terminal 1 short-term
- **Parking Lot P2** — Terminal 2 short-term
- **Parking Lot P3** — Multi-storey long-term
- **Parking Lot P4** — Economy long-term

## Ground transport (16)

- **CitiAir Bus 1960** — Bus · 60-80 min TPE–Xinyi · $4-5 · Every 20-30 min · roughly early morning to late evening
- **Hotel Shuttle Novotel Taoyuan Airport** — Hotel shuttle · 5-10 min hotel–TPE · $0 (complimentary for guests, taxi backup ~$5-10) · Roughly every 30-60 min · schedule varies by time of day
- **Intercity Coach to Kaohsiung** — Coach · 4-5.5 hr TPE–Kaohsiung · $20-25 · Roughly every 30-60 min across operators · day and some night runs
- **Intercity Coach to Taichung** — Coach · 2-3 hr TPE–Taichung · $10-15 · Every 20-40 min · roughly early morning to late evening
- **Kuo-Kuang Bus 1819** — Bus · 55-70 min TPE–Taipei · $4-5 · Every 15-20 min · early morning until after midnight
- **Kuo-Kuang Bus 1843** — Bus · 60-80 min TPE–eastern Taipei · $4-5 · Every 20-30 min · roughly early morning to late evening
- **Licensed Airport Taxi** — Taxi · 35-60 min TPE–central Taipei · $30-40 (about 1000-1200 TWD) TPE–central Taipei · On demand · 24/7 from official ranks
- **Taipei Metro Connection at Taipei Main Station** — Metro · 10-20 min walk and transfer time inside station · Every 2-5 min for Taipei Metro lines during operating hours
- **Taiwan High Speed Rail Taoyuan Shuttle** — Bus · 20-30 min TPE–Taoyuan HSR · $2-3 · Every 15-20 min · roughly 06:00–23:30
- **Taiwan Taxi App** — Rideshare taxi · 35-60 min Taipei–TPE (similar to regular taxi) · On demand · 24/7 (pre‑book possible in app)
- **Taoyuan Airport MRT Commuter** — Train · 40-45 min TPE–Taipei Main · $4-6 · Every 7.5-15 min · roughly 06:00–23:00
- **Taoyuan Airport MRT Express** — Train · 35-38 min TPE–Taipei Main · $4-6 · Every 15 min · roughly 06:00–23:00
- **Taoyuan City Bus 302** — Bus · 30-50 min Taoyuan–TPE (area dependent) · $1-2 · Every 10-20 min · daytime; reduced evenings
- **Uber** — Rideshare · 35-60 min TPE–central Taipei (similar to taxi, traffic dependent) · On demand · 24/7 (subject to driver availability)
- **Ubus 705** — Bus · 20-30 min TPE–Taoyuan HSR · $2-3 · Every 15-20 min · roughly 06:00–23:00
- **Ubus 706** — Bus · 30-50 min depending on Taoyuan stop · $1-2 · Every 20-30 min · daytime; reduced evenings

## Insider tips

- _Money_: Save money by taking the Taoyuan Airport MRT to Taipei for $4-6 instead of a $30-40 taxi ride.
- _Insider_: The observation deck in Terminal 2 offers superior runway views from 06:30 to 22:30. Don’t be surprised by a bag check upon entry.
- _Time_: Transfer smoothly between terminals with the 24-hour Skytrain, pressing the call button after midnight for service.
- _Quiet_: The 5F landside areas with 24-hour seating in both terminals offer relatively quiet spaces for resting or working.
- _Avoid_: Many dining options close by 22:00, so eat early or rely on convenience stores and vending machines.
- _Local_: Crowds might miss the curated pineapple cake selections airside; try them for authentic local flavors.
- _Time_: With a layover over 6 hours, consider a quick MRT trip into central Taipei for a bowl of beef noodle soup, keeping return security in mind.
