When arriving in Taiwan, getting from the airport to your hotel or other destinations is straightforward thanks to the many transportation options available at Taiwan’s two main international airports: Taoyuan International Airport and Kaohsiung International Airport. Below is a breakdown of the various ways to travel from the airport to different parts of the city or across the island.
1. Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Located about 40 kilometers from Taipei, Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is Taiwan’s main international gateway. Here are the key transportation options for getting from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei and other cities:
Taoyuan Airport MRT
Time: 35-50 minutes to Taipei Main Station
Cost: NT$150
The Airport MRT is the fastest and most convenient option to travel between the airport and Taipei. From both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, you can board the Taoyuan Airport MRT (Metro), it operates every 15 minutes and stops at major transfer points, including Taipei Main Station, where you can connect to the MRT, TRA, or HSR for further travel.
Taipei Metro (MRT) Unlimited Travel Pass (Airport pickup)
Airport Shuttle Buses
Time: 50-60 minutes to Taipei
Cost: NT$135-150
Several bus services connect the airport to Taipei, including the Kuo-Kuang Bus (1819) and CitiAir Bus (1960). These buses run regularly and stop at major hotels and transportation hubs. They are a great option if you’re traveling with larger luggage.
Taoyuan Airport (TPE) Kuo-Kuang Round Trip Bus Tickets in Taipei
Taxis
Time: 40-60 minutes to Taipei
Cost: Around NT$1,200
Taxis are available 24/7 outside the arrival hall. While more expensive than public transport, taxis are a convenient option, especially if you’re traveling with heavy luggage or arriving late at night. Most drivers do not speak English, so it’s helpful to have your destination written in Chinese.
Private Car Service
Cost: NT$1,200-2,000 (depending on the destination)
For added comfort and convenience, you can pre-book a private car service to take you from the airport to your hotel. This is especially useful if you’re traveling in a group or with lots of luggage. Many companies offer online booking with English service.
Connecting to Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) from Taoyuan Airport
Although Taiwan’s High-Speed Rail (HSR) does not have a direct connection at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, travelers can easily access the HSR by taking the Airport MRT to Taoyuan HSR Station. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this transfer:
Take the Taoyuan Airport MRT (Metro): Look for the purple line that indicates the MRT route connecting the airport to various key locations, including the Taoyuan HSR Station. The standard adult fare from the airport to Taoyuan HSR Station is around NT$35 and it takes approximately 20 minutes on the MRT to reach the HSR station.
Once you arrive at the Taoyuan HSR Station (stop A18 on the Airport MRT line), you’ll need to follow signs to the HSR platform, where you can purchase tickets or board the next available HSR train to your destination. You can buy HSR tickets at the station either from vending machines or the ticket counters. Alternatively, you can book tickets online in advance through the THSR official website.
Travel to Other Major Cities
Taiwan’s HSR runs along the western coast of the island, offering a fast and convenient way to reach major cities like Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. Here’s a quick overview of estimated travel times from Taoyuan HSR Station:
To Taipei: Around 20 minutes
To Taichung: Around 40 minutes
To Tainan: Around 90 minutes
To Kaohsiung (Zuoying): Around 105 minutes
The trains are known for their punctuality, comfort, and cleanliness, making the HSR one of the best ways to travel long distances in Taiwan.
Luggage Handling
If you’re carrying a lot of luggage, don’t worry. HSR trains have designated luggage storage areas, and large suitcases can be placed in front of your seat or at the rear of each car.
This seamless connection between the airport and the HSR system allows travelers to quickly and efficiently travel to other major cities across Taiwan, even if your destination is far from the airport.
Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket for non-Taiwanese
2. Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH)
Kaohsiung International Airport serves the southern part of Taiwan and is about 10 kilometers from downtown Kaohsiung. Here are the transportation options:
Kaohsiung MRT
Time: 15-20 minutes to central Kaohsiung
Cost: NT$35
The Kaohsiung MRT (Red Line) directly connects the airport to downtown Kaohsiung. Simply board the train at the airport station, which is linked to both Terminals 1 and 2, and you’ll be in central Kaohsiung in less than 20 minutes.
Kaohsiung Metro (MRT) Unlimited Travel Pass
Taxis
Time: 20-30 minutes to central Kaohsiung
Cost: NT$300-500
Taxis are available outside the arrival terminals. As with Taoyuan Airport, having your destination written in Chinese can be helpful, as most drivers speak little English.
Buses
Cost: Around NT$12-36
Kaohsiung’s bus system is another affordable option for reaching various parts of the city. However, the buses are less frequent than the MRT, and English information may be limited, so be prepared with translation apps or maps.
Tainan – Xiaogang Airport Passenger Ticket
Final Tips for Airport Transfers
EasyCard: Be sure to purchase or top up an EasyCard at the airport if you plan on using public transportation like the MRT or buses.
Luggage Storage: Both airports offer luggage storage services if you want to explore the city before heading to your accommodation.
Language: While most signage and announcements at the airports are in English, having key locations written in Chinese can help when using taxis or buses.
