VISITING TAIWAN
Transportation
Transportation
Arrival in Taiwan by Air
-Arrival in Taiwan by Air-
— Arrival in Taiwan by Air —
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is Taiwan's main international airport and is served by major airlines. Taiwan's international airlines are its flag carrier China Airlines (SkyTeam member), EVA Air (Star Alliance member), and Taiwan's newest airline, Starlux. Despite the airport code (TPE), the airport is not located in Taipei, but rather a 45-minute (barring traffic!) drive south of Taipei in Taoyuan City. There is a train (both express and local options) that connect the airport to Taipei Main Station.
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is Taiwan's main international airport and is served by major airlines. Taiwan's international airlines are its flag carrier China Airlines (SkyTeam member), EVA Air (Star Alliance member), and Taiwan's newest airline, Starlux. Despite the airport code (TPE), the airport is not located in Taipei, but rather a 45-minute (barring traffic!) drive south of Taipei in Taoyuan City. There is a train (both express and local options) that connect the airport to Taipei Main Station.
Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) is an airport located in the heart of Taipei City that serves international destinations north of Taiwan. If you are coming from select cities in China, Japan, or Korea, you may find flying into TSA more convenient.
Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) is an airport located in the heart of Taipei City that serves international destinations north of Taiwan. If you are coming from select cities in China, Japan, or Korea, you may find flying into TSA more convenient.
Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) located in southern Taiwan's most populous city, Kaohsiung, may be an easier option to either fly out of or into if you will be traversing the island north-south (or vice versa) rather than returning back to Taoyuan Airport. The airport is served by China Airlines, Eva Airlines, and a number of other Asian carriers.
Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) located in southern Taiwan's most populous city, Kaohsiung, may be an easier option to either fly out of or into if you will be traversing the island north-south (or vice versa) rather than returning back to Taoyuan Airport. The airport is served by China Airlines, Eva Airlines, and a number of other Asian carriers.
Taichung International Airport (RMQ) is located in central Taiwan. This airport offers flights to Hong Kong, Macau, and some cities in China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Taichung International Airport (RMQ) is located in central Taiwan. This airport offers flights to Hong Kong, Macau, and some cities in China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Getting Around
— Getting Around —
— Getting Around —
Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR)
Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR)
Taiwan High Speed Rail connects Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung (Zuoying Station) in the south in two hours via the express route and points in between (including Hsinchu, 30 minutes from Taipei by HSR, and Taichung, 25 minutes from Hsinchu HSR station). Although one can book tickets online, tickets are also easily obtained in person at stations.
Taiwan High Speed Rail connects Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung (Zuoying Station) in the south in two hours via the express route and points in between (including Hsinchu, 30 minutes from Taipei by HSR, and Taichung, 25 minutes from Hsinchu HSR station). Although one can book tickets online, tickets are also easily obtained in person at stations.
Taipei Metro subway is commonly referred to as the MRT, which has six lines and provides extensive service within Taipei and suburbs. Signage is bilingual (Mandarin and English) and easy to navigate. The MRT connects to the Taipei HSR station at Taipei Main Station. The last trains depart around midnight.
Frequent visitors to Taiwan may want to purchase an EasyCard or iPASS card which works like a 'touch-and-go' debit card for the MRT, HSR, buses, as well as convenience stores, supermarkets, and other retailers. The EasyCard can be purchased and refilled at any MRT station and most convenience stores (7-Eleven, Family Mart, Hi-Life, OK Mart). Using the EasyCard or the iPASS card also offers a 20% discount on the Taipei MRT fare and discounted bus transfers. Some cab companies also accept these two cards for payment.
Taipei Metro subway is commonly referred to as the MRT, which has six lines and provides extensive service within Taipei and suburbs. Signage is bilingual (Mandarin and English) and easy to navigate. The MRT connects to the Taipei HSR station at Taipei Main Station. The last trains depart around midnight.
Frequent visitors to Taiwan may want to purchase an EasyCard or iPASS card which works like a 'touch-and-go' debit card for the MRT, HSR, buses, as well as convenience stores, supermarkets, and other retailers. The EasyCard can be purchased and refilled at any MRT station and most convenience stores (7-Eleven, Family Mart, Hi-Life, OK Mart). Using the EasyCard or the iPASS card also offers a 20% discount on the Taipei MRT fare and discounted bus transfers. Some cab companies also accept these two cards for payment.
The Taoyuan Metro operates the Taoyuan Airport MRT line, which connects Taoyuan International Airport with the city of Taoyuan, several stops in New Taipei City, the HSR (two stations: Taoyuan and Taipei), and the Taipei Metro (with in-town check in available at Taipei Main Station).
The Taoyuan Metro operates the Taoyuan Airport MRT line, which connects Taoyuan International Airport with the city of Taoyuan, several stops in New Taipei City, the HSR (two stations: Taoyuan and Taipei), and the Taipei Metro (with in-town check in available at Taipei Main Station).
Taxis and Uber
Taxis and Uber
Taxis are metered, with higher rates at night. Fares in Taipei currently start at NT$70, lower than the NT$85 typical across much of Taiwan. Most cab drivers cannot speak English, and are generally honest (many a lost iPhone and wallet have been returned). Tipping is not expected. Since 2012, all passengers are required to buckle their seatbelt. Some taxis accept payment by EasyCard or iPASS, but you should always be prepared to pay with cash.
Note also that Uber is also available in Taipei and other cities across Taiwan.
Pro Tip: When ordering an Uber, license plate letters and numbers in red signifies the car is Uber; black letters and numbers indicate a private vehicle.
Taxis are metered, with higher rates at night. Fares in Taipei currently start at NT$70, lower than the NT$85 typical across much of Taiwan. Most cab drivers cannot speak English, and are generally honest (many a lost iPhone and wallet have been returned). Tipping is not expected. Since 2012, all passengers are required to buckle their seatbelt. Some taxis accept payment by EasyCard or iPASS, but you should always be prepared to pay with cash.
Note also that Uber is also available in Taipei and other cities across Taiwan.
Pro Tip: When ordering an Uber, license plate letters and numbers in red signifies the car is Uber; black letters and numbers indicate a private vehicle.
Private Driver
Private Driver
If traveling in a group, a private driver may be more cost-effective than the HSR while also providing flexibility and convenience. A typical rate is NT$3,500 (approx US$120) for the first 5 hours of service. Reach out to contacts at any school for private driver recommendations.
If traveling in a group, a private driver may be more cost-effective than the HSR while also providing flexibility and convenience. A typical rate is NT$3,500 (approx US$120) for the first 5 hours of service. Reach out to contacts at any school for private driver recommendations.