Air Travel

Taiwan's central location in the Asia-Pacific makes it an ideal travel hub for regional and international connections. Taoyuan International Airport stands is at the center of this hub with state-of-the-art amenities, such as smart gates and luxury lounges, while Songshan Airport offers unparalleled convenience for city travelers, providing direct flights to Tokyo and Shanghai. Beyond these major airports, regional hubs like Taitung and Penghu airports make accessing Taiwan's stunning natural landscapes and offshore islands effortless.

A short flight from Taiwan can transport travelers to vibrant destinations like Tokyo, Seoul, and Hong Kong or the pristine beaches of the Philippines and Bali. For those drawn to cultural immersion, historic landmarks in China and Vietnam are only a few hours away by air. In fact, international travel is a beloved pastime for many Taiwanese. Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia are top destinations, favored for their proximity and rich cultural experiences. Long-haul journeys to Europe, North America, and Oceania are also common, appealing to those in search of unique adventures or educational opportunities.

International Airports

Taiwan has two main international airports:

• Taoyuan International Airport (桃園國際機場, Táo Yuán Guó Jì Jī Chǎng): Located near Taipei, it's the largest airport and hub for international flights.
• Kaohsiung International Airport (高雄國際機場, Gāo Xióng Guó Jì Jī Chǎng): Serves southern Taiwan with many international and domestic flights.

Both airports offer modern facilities, including Wi-Fi, lounges, and multilingual signage.

Domestic Flights

Domestic air travel connects major cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung with offshore islands such as Penghu (澎湖), Kinmen (金門), and Matsu (馬祖). Airlines like Mandarin Airlines and UNI Air provide frequent services.

Key Tip: Book domestic flights early during holidays or festivals, as seats can fill up quickly.

Booking Tickets

Airline tickets can be purchased online, through travel agencies, or at airport counters. Major carriers like China Airlines and EVA Air offer user-friendly websites and apps for booking. For budget options, consider carriers like Tigerair Taiwan.

Airport Transportation

Getting to and from airports is easy with several options:

• Taoyuan Airport MRT: Connects Taipei to Taoyuan International Airport in under 40 minutes.
• Buses: Affordable airport buses operate between cities and airports.
• Taxis: Widely available but more expensive.
• Car Rentals: Available at airports for flexibility in travel.

Phrase to Ask for Directions: How do I get to Taoyuan Airport? (怎麼去桃園機場? Zěn me qù Táo Yuán Jī Chǎng?)

Check-In and Security

Check-in counters typically open 2–3 hours before international flights and 1–2 hours before domestic flights. Many airlines also offer online check-in, allowing passengers to save time and select seats in advance. After check-in, proceed directly to security screening and immigration for international departures. As with any international airport worldwide, it is prudent to arrive at least an hour earlier to account for unexpected delays, such as traffic, long lines, or unforeseen issues with baggage or documentation.

Prohibited Items

Follow airline guidelines for carry-on and checked luggage restrictions to avoid issues at security. Items such as meat products, fresh fruits, and plants are heavily restricted under Taiwan's agricultural import laws. Unauthorized possession of these items may result in significant fines or confiscation at security checkpoints. Always check with your airline and Taiwan Customs for a full list of prohibited items to ensure a smooth travel experience.

• List of regulated items on arrival.
• List of prohibted items on departure.

Tips for a Comfortable Journey

• Arrive early, especially during peak hours or holidays.
• Carry essentials in your hand luggage, including snacks, chargers, entertainment material or neck pillows.
• Exchange currency or withdraw cash for international trips, as not all destinations accept credit cards.
• Download airline apps for real-time updates and e-boarding passes.

Flight Connections

If you have a layover at Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport, you can enjoy a range of excellent amenities to make your wait more comfortable and enjoyable:

• Rest Areas

  The airport offers multiple rest areas equipped with comfortable seating, where you can relax and recharge. These areas are designed to provide a quiet space away from the bustle of the terminals.

• Shower Facilities

  For long layovers or after a long flight, you can refresh yourself at the shower facilities available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These are equipped with amenities such as towels, toiletries, and private shower stalls to ensure a comfortable experience.

• Duty-Free Shopping

  Taoyuan International Airport features a wide selection of duty-free shops, offering everything from luxury goods and cosmetics to local Taiwanese snacks and souvenirs. You can indulge in some last-minute shopping or pick up gifts before continuing your journey.

• Short City Tours

  For passengers with a layover of at least 7 hours, Taiwan offers free short city tours through the airport’s Taipei Transfer Service. These tours typically last 4–5 hours and take you around popular spots like Taipei 101, Longshan Temple, and the National Palace Museum.

Traveling During Peak Times

During peak travel times like Lunar New Year (農曆新年, nóng lì xīn nián), flight prices can increase significantly. This phenomenon of seasonally-inflated tickets, known as 漲價票 (zhǎng jià piào) or 旺季票 (wàng jì piào) is business as usual for the tightly-packed 23 million or so citizens of Taiwan. For example, a one-way flight from Taipei to Hong Kong, which might typically cost around NT$5,000–7,000 if booked months in advance, could rise to NT$10,000–15,000 or more during the peak holiday period. In some cases, last-minute bookings could see even higher surcharges, especially for flights on the days leading up to or immediately following the holiday.

This price jump is due to the high demand, as many people return home to celebrate with family or travel for vacation during this busy season. By booking two to three months ahead, travelers can avoid these price hikes and secure better deals.