Layover guides
Taipei layover guide
If you have a layover of five hours or more you can comfortably leave Taoyuan Airport and glimpse Taipei’s bustling core. In a short visit you can see the iconic Taipei 101 skyline and stroll through the nearby Ximending pedestrian zone.
TPE · Taoyuan International Airport
33 km to the centre
Fastest way into the city: about 38 min
Leave the airport with at least 5 hours
How long is your layover?
6 hours is too short to leave the airport
Passport control, the trip into the city and the way back would leave less than 2 hours. Stay at the airport and rest.
If you stay, you can relax in airline lounges, use free Wi‑Fi, or explore the airport’s art displays and the nearby Taoyuan HSR station’s shopping area.
About 3 hours in the city
Land and leave the airport · about 1 hour
Taoyuan Airport MRT Express → Taipei Main Station · about 38 min-
1
about 1 hourTaipei 101
Tall skyscraper with observation deck and shopping mall, iconic Taipei skyline view
0.8 km-
2
about 1 hour
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Cultural venue with exhibition hall and performance space, surrounded by gardens
- Back to the airport · about 38 min
Be back at the airport at least 2.5 hours before an international flight
Open this layover as a plan About 7 hours in the city
- Land and leave the airport · about 1 hour
- Taoyuan Airport MRT Express → Taipei Main Station · about 38 min
-
1
about 1 hour
Taipei 101
Tall skyscraper with observation deck and shopping mall, iconic Taipei skyline view
- 0.8 km
-
2
about 1 hour
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Cultural venue with exhibition hall and performance space, surrounded by gardens
- 1.6 km
-
3
about 1 hour
Raohe Street Night Market
Bustling night market offering street food, games and cheap souvenirs
- 5.3 km
-
4
about 1 hour
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Large plaza with grand hall and changing of guard, symbol of modern history
- 1.2 km
-
5
about 1 hour
Zhongzheng District Presidential Office Building
Historic government building with guided tours, located in central district
- Back to the airport · about 38 min
- Be back at the airport at least 2.5 hours before an international flight
A night in the city and a full day of sightseeing
- Land and leave the airport · about 1 hour
- Taoyuan Airport MRT Express → Taipei Main Station · about 38 min
-
1
about 1 hour
Taipei 101
Tall skyscraper with observation deck and shopping mall, iconic Taipei skyline view
- 0.8 km
-
2
about 1 hour
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Cultural venue with exhibition hall and performance space, surrounded by gardens
- 1.6 km
-
3
about 1 hour
Raohe Street Night Market
Bustling night market offering street food, games and cheap souvenirs
- 5.3 km
-
4
about 1 hour
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Large plaza with grand hall and changing of guard, symbol of modern history
- 1.2 km
A night in the city-
5
about 1 hour
Zhongzheng District Presidential Office Building
Historic government building with guided tours, located in central district
- 1.4 km
-
6
about 1 hour
Longshan Temple
Historic temple with intricate carvings, active worship and local market nearby
- 2.6 km
-
7
about 1 hour
Dadaocheng Wharf
Riverfront area with bike paths and river views, quiet spot away from traffic
- Back to the airport · about 38 min
- Be back at the airport at least 2.5 hours before an international flight
Times are estimates. Visa rules depend on your nationality: check official sources and your airline before you leave the airport.
Getting into the city
Taoyuan Airport MRT Express
→ Taipei Main Station · about 38 min
Runs every 15 minutes from 06:00 to 23:00; pay with EasyCard or single‑ticket machine
Airport Express Bus (e.g., Kuo‑Kuang 1819)
→ Taipei Main Station area · about 55 min
Every 15‑20 minutes; cash or EasyCard accepted
Airport Taxi
→ City centre (e.g., Zhongzheng) · about 45 min
Available 24 h; pay by cash or card, expect traffic during rush hour
Good to know
Leaving the airport
You must clear passport control to exit the airport; visa requirements vary by nationality and should be confirmed with official sources before travel.
Left luggage
Left‑luggage lockers are available in both Terminals 1 and 2 for a few hours.
If you stay at the airport
If you stay, you can relax in airline lounges, use free Wi‑Fi, or explore the airport’s art displays and the nearby Taoyuan HSR station’s shopping area.
A quick bite
Try a quick bite of Taiwanese pineapple cake at the food court near Terminal 2’s arrival hall.
Written with AI using Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Check details before you travel. Wikivoyage: Taipei
Layover tips
Buy an EasyCard for seamless MRT and bus rides
Avoid rush‑hour (07:30‑09:00, 17:30‑19:00) for faster travel
Keep your boarding pass handy for re‑entry security checks
Questions about a layover in Taipei
How long should my layover be to visit Taipei?
Around five hours allows time for immigration, transport, a brief city tour and returning through security.
Can I store my carry‑on bags at the airport?
Yes, coin‑operated lockers are in both terminals; size limits apply.
Do I need a visa to leave the airport?
Visa requirements depend on your passport; check the latest rules with Taiwan’s immigration office.
Is English spoken on public transport?
Station signs and announcements are bilingual (Chinese and English), and staff usually understand basic English.
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