Taipei Songshan International Airport

Welcome

Taipei Songshan International Airport (TSA) is arguably Taipei's in-city airport gem, situated only 6 km (3.7 mi) northeast of the bustling city center. A favorite among Taipei–Tokyo and Seoul commuters, TSA allows travelers to disembark and be downtown or on the MRT in under 20 minutes. The airport's compact nature combined with planes descending over the Keelung River and Taipei's skyline lends Songshan a plane‑spotter allure that's unique for a capital city's airport.

At a glance

Handling approximately 6.3 million passengers annually with one runway and two terminals, TSA serves as a hub for Mandarin Airlines and Uni Air. The International Terminal (Terminal 1) and Domestic Terminal (Terminal 2) are strategically organized to facilitate easy navigation for passengers. While it might not compare in size to Taoyuan International Airport, Songshan offers a direct gateway to central Taipei, ensuring a swift transition from plane to city life.

Terminals & layout

The airport comprises two main terminals: Terminal 1, serving international routes with airlines such as Mandarin Airlines, Uni Air, and Japan Airlines, and Terminal 2, which handles domestic flights with Mandarin Airlines, Uni Air, and China Airlines. Despite its smaller size compared to larger international hubs, Songshan handles security and immigration expediently, although queues might spike between 08:00-10:00 during the bustling Japan and Korea banks.

Getting to and from the city

Songshan Airport is seamlessly connected to Taipei's urban network. The Taipei Metro Wenhu Line (brown line) links the airport directly to the city via the Wenhu Line, taking about 30 minutes at NT$30 per trip. Taxis and rideshares like Uber provide a quick option, generally costing between NT$200 to NT$300 for a 15-20 minute drive into central districts such as Zhongshan or Xinyi. For those opting public buses, the Kuo-Kuang Bus 1840 and other regular city services can be an economical alternative.

Traveller essentials

Parking options at TSA include Short Stay Parking at $20.00 per day, Long Stay Parking at $15.00 a day, and valet service at $30.00 daily. For budget-friendly travelers, Remote Parking is available at $10.00 per day. Inside the terminals, there is a mix of currency exchange services, ATMs, and Wi-Fi access points. For those planning to catch flights from outlying islands, a printed or offline itinerary is advisable, as smaller carriers sometimes handle changes manually.

Dining & shopping highlights

TSA may not offer a tantalizing array of dining like the bustling Taipei city, but Terminal 2 houses noteworthy local options, including a Traditional Taiwanese Noodles Shop and a Congee Stand. International flavors are found at the Italian Bistro and Subway outlets. Coffee enthusiasts can refuel at Starbucks Coffee, whereas shoppers can peruse Electronics Store and the Duty Free in Terminal 1 for last-minute purchases.

Lounges

While the lounge scene isn't as extensive as other airports, TSA provides solace with entries like Lounge 1 in Terminal 1 for $30, or a more economical option, Lounge 6 in Terminal 2, at $15. The China Airlines Dynasty Lounge and JAL Sakura Lounge offer extra sophistication, although business travelers expecting extensive spa services may find Songshan's offerings more modest.

Insider tips

• Insider: For easy plane-spotting, head to the riverside parks near the airport where jets skim close by with the Taipei skyline in the backdrop.
• Quiet: The nearby Rongxing Garden Park offers a peaceful escape for a quick walk between flights, just minutes from the airport.
• Money: A taxi ride into central Taipei is often competitively priced around NT$200-300, making it a steal, especially for groups or with luggage.
• Local: For a bite before flying, check out the Raohe Night Market, just one MRT stop away, for authentic Taiwanese snacks.
• Avoid: Steering clear of peak hour Wenhu Line rides can save the stress of crowded carriages if laden with luggage.
• Time: Aim to arrive 90 minutes early for morning Japan/Korea flights due to occasional security line backups.
• Insider: Utilize the MRT from Songshan Airport Station to Taipei Main Station to efficiently transfer to Taoyuan Airport MRT, bypassing road traffic delays.