Taipei Airport Transfer Guide: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is about 40 km southwest of central Taipei. The Taoyuan Airport MRT (metro) gets you to Taipei Main Station in 35-39 minutes for TWD 160 ($5 USD). A taxi costs TWD 1,000-1,300 ($30-$40 USD) and takes 40-60 minutes. A pre-booked private transfer runs $40-$65 USD. There are also frequent buses for TWD 125-145. TPE is a large, modern airport with excellent connectivity to the city.

TPE has two terminals. Terminal 1 handles most international carriers, while Terminal 2 serves China Airlines, EVA Air, and several others. After clearing immigration (which is efficient by international standards), you collect your bags and pass through customs. The arrivals halls in both terminals are well-organized with clear signage in Chinese and English.

You will find currency exchange counters, SIM card vendors, and tourist information desks before you exit. The Airport MRT station is connected to both terminals via walkways. Taxi ranks are outside the arrivals hall on the ground floor. If you have a pre-booked transfer, your driver will wait in the arrivals hall holding a name sign.

Airport bus: Several bus companies (Kuo-Kuang, UBus, others) run from both terminals to various points in Taipei. Fares are TWD 125-145 ($4-$4.50 USD). The ride takes 50-80 minutes depending on traffic and your stop. Comfortable seats with luggage storage below. A good option if your hotel is near a bus stop.

Taxi: Metered taxis queue outside both terminals. The fare to central Taipei runs TWD 1,000-1,300 ($30-$40 USD) including tolls. A highway toll of about TWD 50 is added. The ride takes 40-60 minutes. Taxis are safe, metered, and drivers are honest, though English skills vary.

Pre-booked private transfer: A driver meets you at arrivals with a name sign and takes you directly to your accommodation. Prices range from $40-$65 USD depending on vehicle type. This is the most comfortable door-to-door option, especially for groups or travelers with heavy luggage.

High Speed Rail (HSR): The MRT connects to HSR Taoyuan Station, from which bullet trains reach Taipei in about 20 minutes. This is an indirect route that only makes sense if your destination is along the HSR line outside Taipei.

Transport from TPE to central Taipei (Zhongzheng, Da'an, Zhongshan districts):

• Airport MRT Express: TWD 160 ($5 USD) per person
• Airport bus: TWD 125-145 ($4-$4.50 USD) per person
• Taxi: TWD 1,000-1,300 ($30-$40 USD) total
• Pre-booked transfer (sedan): $40-$55 USD total
• Pre-booked transfer (minivan): $50-$65 USD total

TPE handles flights arriving around the clock. The Airport MRT runs from approximately 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. If your flight lands after 10 PM, you may miss the last train. Late-night buses continue to operate with reduced frequency, with some routes running until 1-2 AM. Taxis are available 24 hours. For arrivals between midnight and 6 AM, your options are a taxi, a pre-booked transfer, or a late-night bus (if the timing works). A pre-booked transfer is the most reliable choice for overnight arrivals.

The Airport MRT handles luggage well, with dedicated racks on the express train. However, navigating Taipei Main Station with a stroller and multiple bags is tiring. The station is large with long walks between platforms. For families with young children, a taxi or pre-booked transfer that goes door-to-door avoids this hassle entirely.

Child seats are not standard in Taiwanese taxis. If you need one, pre-book a transfer and specify the requirement. For families of four or more with vacation luggage, a minivan transfer is the practical choice.

Airport bus: Bus stops are on the ground floor (B1) outside arrivals. Ticket counters are nearby, and you can also pay with an EasyCard.

Taxi: The taxi rank is outside the arrivals hall on the ground floor. An attendant directs you to the next available vehicle.

Pre-booked transfer: Drivers typically wait in the arrivals hall near the exit with a name board. Your booking confirmation will include a meeting point and the driver's phone number.

Choose the airport bus if: your accommodation is near a bus stop, you have time, and you want to save money. Good for budget travelers.

Choose a taxi if: you have heavy luggage, are traveling in a group of 2-3, or want door-to-door service without pre-booking. Split between passengers, taxis are reasonably priced.

Choose a pre-booked transfer if: you are traveling with family, arrive late at night, have specific vehicle needs (child seat, minivan), or want the most seamless door-to-door experience.