Taiwan Airport Transfer Guide: The Ultimate Handbook for Arriving in Taipei and Kaohsiung
Arriving in Taiwan is the beginning of an exciting journey, and getting from the airport to your hotel is straightforward thanks to the island's world-class public transportation network. Taiwan operates two major international gateways: Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) in the north, serving Taipei and the surrounding regions, and Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) in the south.
Whether travelers are heading directly to the bustling streets of Taipei or connecting to the high-speed rail to explore the scenic west coast, this guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the most efficient transport options.
Whether travelers are heading directly to the bustling streets of Taipei or connecting to the high-speed rail to explore the scenic west coast, this guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the most efficient transport options.
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[KYC Pre-Registration – Fast Pickup] Taiwan SIM Card | Chunghwa Telecom 4G/5G
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Express Train (Purple): This is the preferred option for travelers heading to downtown Taipei. It stops only at major stations and takes approximately 35–38 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station.
Commuter Train (Blue): This train stops at every station. It takes about 50 minutes to reach Taipei and is best suited for those staying in intermediate districts like Linkou or Sanchong.
Practical Information:
Operating Hours: approx. 06:00 – 23:30 (Service intervals: 15 minutes).
Fare: NT$150 one-way.
Payment: EasyCard, iPASS, or Contactless Credit Cards (Visa/Mastercard/JCB/Apple Pay) directly at the gate. Token tickets are also available at vending machines.
Time: 50–60 minutes (traffic dependent).
Fare: NT$135–150.
Location: Bus terminals are located on the lower levels of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Estimated Cost: NT$1,200–1,500 to downtown Taipei.
Ride-Hailing Apps: Uber is widely available in Taiwan and can be a convenient alternative for those who prefer fixed pricing via an app.
Tip: Most drivers speak limited English. It is highly recommended to have the hotel name and address written in Traditional Chinese.
Step-by-Step Transfer Guide:
Take the Airport MRT: From the airport, take the MRT (Purple or Blue line) south to A18 Taoyuan HSR Station.
Ride Time: approx. 20 minutes.
Fare: NT$25.
Board the High-Speed Rail: Upon arriving at A18, follow the signs to the THSR station next door. From here, bullet trains depart frequently for major cities along the west coast.
Estimated HSR Travel Times from Taoyuan:
To Taichung: 40 minutes
To Tainan: 90 minutes
To Kaohsiung (Zuoying Station): 105 minutes
Note: HSR trains feature designated luggage areas for large suitcases. Tickets can be purchased at the station or reserved online in advance.
Get an EasyCard: This rechargeable IC card is essential for effortless travel on MRTs, buses, and even for purchases at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart). They can be purchased at airport service counters or convenience stores.
Stay Connected: Purchase a tourist SIM card with unlimited 4G/5G data at the telecom counters in the arrival hall. These airport plans are often cheaper and easier to register than in city branches.
Download Essential Apps:
Google Maps: The gold standard for transit planning in Taiwan.
Bus+: Provides real-time tracking for city buses.
Uber: For convenient car booking if you don't speak Chinese.
Cash is King: While credit cards are widely accepted, small eateries and night markets deal in cash. Use the airport ATMs to withdraw some New Taiwan Dollars (TWD) upon arrival.
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Taiwan Airport Transport Guide (Figure 1)
Figure 1: An overview of transportation options from Taiwan's two main international airports to major city centers and high-speed rail connections.
Taoyuan Airport MRT
Airport Shuttle Buses
Taxis and Private Transfers
THSR-Connecting to Other Cities (Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung)
Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) – The Southern Gateway
1. Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) – The Northern Gateway
Located approximately 40 kilometers west of Taipei, Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is Taiwan’s primary hub. Upon arrival at either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, travelers have three main options to reach downtown Taipei: the Airport MRT, shuttle buses, or taxis.
Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1
Option A: The Taoyuan Airport MRT (Most Recommended)
The Taoyuan Airport MRT is the fastest and most reliable way to reach Taipei Main Station. However, it is crucial to distinguish between the two train types:Express Train (Purple): This is the preferred option for travelers heading to downtown Taipei. It stops only at major stations and takes approximately 35–38 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station.
Commuter Train (Blue): This train stops at every station. It takes about 50 minutes to reach Taipei and is best suited for those staying in intermediate districts like Linkou or Sanchong.
Practical Information:
Operating Hours: approx. 06:00 – 23:30 (Service intervals: 15 minutes).
Fare: NT$150 one-way.
Payment: EasyCard, iPASS, or Contactless Credit Cards (Visa/Mastercard/JCB/Apple Pay) directly at the gate. Token tickets are also available at vending machines.
[Foreign Travelers Exclusive] Taoyuan Airport MRT Ticket: Round-trip between Taoyuan Airport & Taipei City (Pickup at Taoyuan Airport)
EasyCard (Airport pickup)
Taipei Metro (MRT) Unlimited Travel Pass (Airport pickup)
EasyCard (Airport pickup)
Taipei Metro (MRT) Unlimited Travel Pass (Airport pickup)
Taoyuan MRT
Option B: Airport Shuttle Buses (Best for Late Arrivals)
For travelers arriving after the MRT service ends (past midnight), buses are the primary public transport option. The Kuo-Kuang Bus 1819 offers 24-hour service to Taipei Main Station.Time: 50–60 minutes (traffic dependent).
Fare: NT$135–150.
Location: Bus terminals are located on the lower levels of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Option C: Taxis and Private Transfers
Taxis are available 24/7 outside the arrival halls. They operate on a meter, with a surcharge for airport pickups.Estimated Cost: NT$1,200–1,500 to downtown Taipei.
Ride-Hailing Apps: Uber is widely available in Taiwan and can be a convenient alternative for those who prefer fixed pricing via an app.
Tip: Most drivers speak limited English. It is highly recommended to have the hotel name and address written in Traditional Chinese.
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GetYourGuide - TPE Airport: one-way private transfer to or from Taipei City
GetYourGuide - TPE Airport: one-way private transfer to or from Taipei City
Connecting to Other Cities (Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung)
For destinations outside of Taipei, the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) is the most efficient mode of travel. Since the HSR does not stop directly at the airport terminal, a short transfer is required.Step-by-Step Transfer Guide:
Take the Airport MRT: From the airport, take the MRT (Purple or Blue line) south to A18 Taoyuan HSR Station.
Ride Time: approx. 20 minutes.
Fare: NT$25.
Board the High-Speed Rail: Upon arriving at A18, follow the signs to the THSR station next door. From here, bullet trains depart frequently for major cities along the west coast.
Estimated HSR Travel Times from Taoyuan:
To Taichung: 40 minutes
To Tainan: 90 minutes
To Kaohsiung (Zuoying Station): 105 minutes
Note: HSR trains feature designated luggage areas for large suitcases. Tickets can be purchased at the station or reserved online in advance.
2. Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) – The Southern Gateway
Unlike Taoyuan, Kaohsiung International Airport is located conveniently within the city limits, just 10 kilometers from the downtown core.The Kaohsiung MRT (Red Line)
The Kaohsiung MRT (Red Line) is directly linked to the airport terminals (Station R4). It is the most seamless way to travel.
To City Center: Ride north to Central Park (R9) or Formosa Boulevard (R10). The journey takes less than 20 minutes.
The Kaohsiung MRT (Red Line) is directly linked to the airport terminals (Station R4). It is the most seamless way to travel.
To City Center: Ride north to Central Park (R9) or Formosa Boulevard (R10). The journey takes less than 20 minutes.
Kaohsiung Metro (MRT) Unlimited Travel Pass
To High-Speed Rail: Continue north to Zuoying Station (R16) to connect with the THSR for trips to Tainan, Taichung, or Taipei.
Fare: NT$20–50 depending on distance.
Payment: EasyCard, iPASS, or Contactless Credit Cards (Mastercard/Visa).
Taxis
Because the airport is so close to the city, taxi rides are affordable and quick.
Cost: NT$300–500 to most downtown hotels.
Time: 20–30 minutes.
To High-Speed Rail: Continue north to Zuoying Station (R16) to connect with the THSR for trips to Tainan, Taichung, or Taipei.
Fare: NT$20–50 depending on distance.
Payment: EasyCard, iPASS, or Contactless Credit Cards (Mastercard/Visa).
Taxis
Because the airport is so close to the city, taxi rides are affordable and quick.
Cost: NT$300–500 to most downtown hotels.
Time: 20–30 minutes.
Traveler Essentials: Before You Leave the Airport
To ensure a smooth trip, consider sorting out these logistics in the arrival hall before heading to the city:Get an EasyCard: This rechargeable IC card is essential for effortless travel on MRTs, buses, and even for purchases at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart). They can be purchased at airport service counters or convenience stores.
Stay Connected: Purchase a tourist SIM card with unlimited 4G/5G data at the telecom counters in the arrival hall. These airport plans are often cheaper and easier to register than in city branches.
Download Essential Apps:
Google Maps: The gold standard for transit planning in Taiwan.
Bus+: Provides real-time tracking for city buses.
Uber: For convenient car booking if you don't speak Chinese.
Cash is King: While credit cards are widely accepted, small eateries and night markets deal in cash. Use the airport ATMs to withdraw some New Taiwan Dollars (TWD) upon arrival.
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