Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) Guide
Quick summary
Taiwan's main international gateway, about 40 km west of central Taipei, built around Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 with a giant Terminal 3 due to open. The purple Taoyuan Airport MRT is the star: it reaches Taipei Main Station in roughly 35-38 minutes, and long-layover passengers can grab a free half-day city tour.
Terminals at TPE
Taoyuan handles international traffic through two connected passenger buildings. Terminal 1 is the older, smaller building; Terminal 2 is the larger and newer one and is home to China Airlines and most SkyTeam flights, while Terminal 1 serves a wider mix of carriers. The two are linked airside and landside, and normally a free automated Skytrain people mover shuttles between them 24 hours a day in just a couple of minutes, though sections of the inter-terminal transit have been affected by the huge Terminal 3 building project happening southwest of Terminal 2 (T3 is expected to be the airport's biggest terminal once complete). Both terminals sit directly above the Taoyuan Airport MRT station, so switching terminals or heading to the city is straightforward. If your arrival and departure use different terminals, allow a little extra time and follow the Skytrain or shuttle-bus signage.
TPE parking rates & options
| Small car — first hour | About NT$30 for the first hour |
| Small car — each extra 30 min | About NT$20 per additional half hour |
| Small car — per day (24h max) | About NT$490 per day |
| Large car — first hour | About NT$60 for the first hour |
| Large car — each extra 30 min | About NT$40 per additional half hour |
| Large car — per day (24h max) | About NT$980 per day |
🚆 Getting to & from the airport
The Taoyuan Airport MRT (Airport Express, purple line) is by far the fastest and most reliable way into the city: express trains run from the airport to Taipei Main Station in about 35 minutes from Terminal 1 and 38 minutes from Terminal 2, for around NT$160, roughly every 15 minutes, with the slower all-stops commuter service taking about 50 minutes for the same fare. The station is right under both terminals. Frequent airport buses (Kuo-Kuang, Citi Air Bus and others) also run to different parts of Taipei and beyond and are a good budget or late-night option. Taxis wait at the arrivals curb and are metered; a ride into central Taipei runs roughly NT$1,000-1,300 depending on traffic and destination. For most travellers the MRT beats a taxi on both time and cost.
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🛋️ Lounges
Both terminals have a spread of airline lounges (China Airlines and EVA Air operate their own flagship lounges in Terminal 2, and Star Alliance carriers have lounges in Terminal 1) alongside independent Plaza Premium Lounges that sell pay-per-use access and are open to Priority Pass and eligible cardholders. Plaza Premium in Terminal 2 also offers private nap rooms and shower facilities inside the transit area, usually bookable at the door subject to availability. If you don't hold lounge access through your airline or card, the pay-in Plaza Premium option is the easy fallback.
📶 Wi-Fi
Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport on the 'TPE Free WiFi' network with no time limit, plus free internet kiosks and charging points around the terminals.
😴 Layovers & overnight
Taoyuan is a comfortable place for a long or overnight wait. Both terminals have themed rest zones and quiet lounging areas with reclining seats, and the transit-area Plaza Premium in Terminal 2 offers nap rooms and showers. The landside Hyatt Regency Taoyuan sits right beside the airport MRT station for a proper bed, and there are transit-hotel style rest options airside. Best of all, if your layover is between 7 and 24 hours you can join a free half-day city tour run by Taiwan's tourism authority (bring your passport and boarding pass) to see central Taipei instead of sitting at the gate. The airside connection between terminals means you can explore the wider food and shopping choices across both buildings.
Insider tips
- On layovers of 7-24 hours, sign up for the free half-day Taipei city tour offered by Taiwan's tourism administration at the service counters.
- Take the purple Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station (about 35-38 min, NT$160) rather than a taxi — it is faster and far cheaper.
- Buy an EasyCard so you can tap through the Airport MRT, city metro, buses and convenience stores seamlessly.
- Terminal 2 has the bigger selection of shops, food and lounges, so head there if you have time to kill.
- Late at night the airport buses are a cheap alternative when MRT frequency drops; check the last express train time before midnight.
TPE airport — FAQ
How much is parking at Taoyuan (TPE) airport?
On-site parking for a standard small car is about NT$30 for the first hour and NT$20 for each additional half hour, capped at roughly NT$490 for a 24-hour day. Larger vehicles pay about NT$60 the first hour, NT$40 per extra half hour, and up to about NT$980 per day.
How do I get to central Taipei from Taoyuan airport?
The Taoyuan Airport MRT (purple Airport Express) is the quickest option, reaching Taipei Main Station in about 35 minutes from Terminal 1 and 38 minutes from Terminal 2 for around NT$160, roughly every 15 minutes. Airport buses and metered taxis (about NT$1,000-1,300 into the city) are the alternatives.
Is Wi-Fi free at Taoyuan airport?
Yes. Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available across both terminals on the 'TPE Free WiFi' network with no time limit, along with free internet kiosks and charging points.
How do I get between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at TPE?
The two terminals are linked airside and landside, and a free automated Skytrain people mover normally connects them in a couple of minutes, running around the clock. Both terminals also sit directly above the airport MRT station, and shuttle buses run when the Skytrain is affected by Terminal 3 construction.
What is the fastest way into Taipei from TPE?
The Taoyuan Airport MRT express train is the fastest and most predictable route — about 35-38 minutes to Taipei Main Station for NT$160, avoiding road traffic. For a long layover you can even take the free city tour instead of a paid transfer.
Sources
This guide is independent and not affiliated with Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Parking rates, terminal layouts, and transit options change often — always confirm on the airport's official website before you travel.