Taiwan has 4 international airports, the largest of which is Taoyuan Airport. These airports connect Taiwan to the rest of the world and serve as the main entry points for most foreign travelers, offering convenient transportation for both international and domestic passengers.
Although most of the Taiwan’s international airports offer taxi, bus and MRT services, except for Taichung’s Ching Chuan Kang Airport. Ching Chuan Kang Airport does not have an MRT connection; it only provides taxi and bus services.
Also, a kind reminder for every travelers, Taiwan has very strict regulations regarding the importation of meat products, particularly to prevent the spread of animal diseases. Whether fresh, frozen, or processed (including pork, beef, lamb, chicken, duck, ham, sausages, etc.), meat products are strictly prohibited from being brought into Taiwan from overseas, regardless of the country of origin. This includes vacuum-packed, canned, or dried meat products.
Violating these regulations can lead to hefty fines: first-time offenders may be fined NT$200,000 (around US$6,000), and repeat offenders could face fines of up to NT$1,000,000 (around US$30,000).
This comprehensive Taiwan international airports guide covers everything you need to know about Taiwan’s major airports, including facilities, transportation options, and essential travel tips.
Table of Contents
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Located in Taoyuan City, approximately 40 kilometers from downtown Taipei, Taoyuan Airport is the largest international airport in Taiwan and serves as the primary hub for most international flights. It offers numerous connections to Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, and the Middle East, with the highest number of routes to Asia. However, there are currently no direct flights to Africa, so passengers must transfer in Europe, the Middle East, or other regions.
Feel free to browse through the official website to know more about the details.
Airport Terminals:
Taoyuan Airport has 2 main terminals, T1 and T2. The third terminal (T3) is currently under construction. The airport offers free shuttle trains and buses to transport passengers between the terminals, so there’s no need to worry about getting from one to another. Since Terminal 1 was opened earlier, Terminal 2 features more modern facilities, although Terminal 1 has undergone various renovations to improve its services.
Services like money exchange, banks, post office, lounges, telecom services, and tax refund counters are all available at the airport, providing a well-rounded service experience.
Transportation Links:
Taoyuan Airport is connected to Taipei’s MRT system via the Taoyuan Airport MRT. You can take the MRT directly to Taipei Main Station (with a transfer). Once at Taipei Main Station, you can access various transportation options, including the High-Speed Rail (HSR), Taiwan Railways (TRA), buses, and intercity coaches.
When taking the MRT, be mindful of luggage size restrictions. The Taipei MRT allows luggage as long as the total length, width, and height does not exceed 165 cm, and no single side exceeds 70 cm. It’s also important not to cause any inconvenience to other passengers, so carrying luggage during rush hours is not recommended. The Taoyuan Airport MRT, however, is more lenient with large luggage, as it is designed for airport passengers and has dedicated luggage spaces on board.
In addition to the MRT, other public transport options are available, including taxis and intercity buses. If you wish to take the HSR, you can transfer to the HSR station (A18 Taoyuan HSR Station) via the Taoyuan Airport MRT, which is closer than transferring at Taipei Main Station.
Airport Accommodation:
While many passengers opt for VIP lounges to rest, those needing overnight accommodations can consider capsule hotels. On the 5th floor of Terminal 2, there is a capsule hotel called “CHO Stay” offering private sleeping pods, luggage storage, and shower facilities. This makes it a convenient resting place for weary travelers.
Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)
Located within Taipei city, Taipei Songshan Airport is just a few kilometers from the city center, making it incredibly convenient for travelers. The airport primarily serves domestic flights and some international routes to East Asia, particularly flights to and from Japan and Korea. Domestic flights connect Taiwan’s main island with its outlying islands (such as Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu). Therefore, passengers traveling to Taiwan’s outlying islands or taking domestic flights to other parts of Taiwan will need to use Songshan Airport, as Taoyuan Airport mainly handles international flights and does not operate regular domestic routes. The airport also offers international flights to destinations like Tokyo Haneda and Seoul Gimpo.
Feel free to browse through the official website to know more about the details.
Airport Terminals:
Songshan Airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 is mainly used for international flights, serving routes to East Asia, while Terminal 2 mainly handles domestic flights to destinations such as Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Hualien. The two terminals are connected, so there is no need for shuttle buses.
Though it is smaller than Taoyuan International Airport, Songshan Airport has clearly defined zones for international and domestic flights. Despite its smaller size, the airport provides essential services like shopping, dining, telecom services, ATMs, and VIP lounges.
Transportation Links:
Being just a few kilometers from downtown Taipei, Songshan Airport is extremely well-connected. You can easily take the Taipei MRT, buses, or taxis to get to and from the airport. Similar to the Taoyuan MRT, Taipei MRT allows luggage, but passengers should ensure the combined length, width, and height of their bags does not exceed 165 cm, with no side longer than 70 cm, to avoid disturbing other passengers.
Given its central location, it’s very close to the city center. Even if you don’t take the MRT, taking a taxi is an inexpensive and convenient option. While the MRT is an option, taxis are more comfortable, especially if you’re carrying luggage.
Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH)
Located in the southern part of Taiwan, Kaohsiung International Airport is about 10 kilometers from the city center. As Taiwan’s second-largest international airport, it primarily serves international flights to and from the southern region, as well as domestic flights, including routes to outlying islands like Kinmen and Penghu. The airport provides great convenience for travelers heading to southern Taiwan destinations like Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Kenting.
Feel free to browse through the official website to know more about the details.
Airport Terminals:
Kaohsiung Airport has both a Domestic Terminal and an International Terminal. The Domestic Terminal serves flights within Taiwan and to its outlying islands (such as Kinmen, Penghu, and Orchid Island). The International Terminal handles flights to international destinations, primarily in Asia, including Japan, Korea, Mainland China, and Southeast Asia.
The airport is well-equipped with amenities such as dining, shopping, ATMs, telecom services, currency exchange, and lounges.
Transportation Links:
The airport is connected to the Kaohsiung MRT (Red Line), providing easy access to the city center and other tourist attractions. You can also take the MRT to Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station. As with Taipei MRT, passengers can carry luggage, but the combined dimensions of their bags (length, width, and height) should not exceed 165 cm, and no side should be longer than 70 cm to avoid inconveniencing other passengers.
For those who prefer other options, buses and taxis are available to take you to the city center or your destination.
Taichung Qingquangang Airport (RMQ)
Located in the northern part of Taichung City, about 16 kilometers from the city center, Taichung Qingquangang Airport is an important gateway for travelers to and from central Taiwan. The airport primarily serves domestic flights, as well as some international routes to East Asia and Southeast Asia, including destinations like China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, as well as flights to Taiwan’s outlying islands. A part of the airport is associated with military facilities, but these areas are separate from the civilian terminal and do not affect general passengers.
Airport Terminal:
As a smaller airport, Taichung Airport currently has only one terminal, which handles both domestic and international flights. The facilities are relatively simple, but still offer essential services such as tax refund counters, telecom services, ATMs, and dining options.
Transportation Links:
Taichung Airport is not connected to the Taichung MRT system, so public transportation options are limited to buses and taxis.
Summary
Taiwan has 4 international airports in total, but for most travelers, Taoyuan Airport is the primary entry point, although the other three airports mainly serve international flights to East Asia, such as Japan, Korea, China, and some Southeast Asian countries. However, if you’re planning to visit Taiwan’s outlying islands, you’ll need to use other airports, as Taoyuan does not offer flights to these destinations.
Lastly, travelers should be aware of the cash restrictions when entering or exiting Taiwan. If the amount exceeds the limit, it must be declared. You can fill out the declaration form at the customs counter at the airport.
Here are some key takeaways to be take note of:
- Each person can carry up to 100,000 NTD (New Taiwan Dollars) in and out of Taiwan. Amounts exceeding this must be declared, and any undeclared portion will be confiscated.
- You can bring up to the equivalent of 10,000 USD in foreign currency. Amounts exceeding this must also be declared.
- A maximum of 20,000 RMB (Chinese Yuan) can be carried, with amounts above that requiring declaration.
- If carrying more than 20,000 USD worth of gold, it must be declared.
Additionally, all four airports have telecom service counters for foreign visitors, where you can purchase a SIM card in advance and pick it up upon arrival, or buy one after you land.
For more details, check out this: How to Stay Connected To The Internet In Taiwan? A Comprehensive guide for SIM Cards/eSIMs/Wi-Fi
