Arrival & Transport

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

The main airport of Taiwan is located 40 km west of Taipei and is the hub for international flights. Two terminals, modern and efficient. The main connections from Europe:

• China Airlines (CI): Taiwan's national airline flies directly from Frankfurt and Vienna to Taipei (approx. 12–13h). Good service, modern fleet (A350, 777).
• EVA Air (BR): Taiwan's premium line flies directly from Frankfurt, Vienna, and London. Repeatedly awarded as the safest airline in the world (JACDEC), excellent service, Hello Kitty jets for fans. Early bird: from 500€ roundtrip.
• Connecting flights: Via Bangkok (Thai Airways), Singapore (Singapore Airlines), Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific), Seoul (Korean Air, Asiana), or Tokyo (ANA, JAL). Often cheaper than direct flights.

Flight Prices (Guidelines from Germany)

Transfer to the City Center

• Taoyuan Airport MRT: The best option — express train to Taipei Main Station in 35 minutes, 160 TWD (5€). Clean, fast, Wi-Fi on board. Runs every 15 minutes, 6:00–23:00.
• Bus (Kuo-Kuang 1819): To Taipei Main Station in 50–60 min., 125 TWD (3.70€). Available 24 hours — perfect for night arrivals!
• Taxi: About 1,200 TWD (35€), 40–60 min. depending on traffic.

Songshan Airport (TSA)

The smaller city airport in the heart of Taipei — directly on the metro. Domestic flights and some international connections (Tokyo Haneda, Seoul Gimpo, Shanghai). If your flight lands here, you are in the city center in 15 minutes.

HSR — Taiwan's High-Speed Train

The Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR, 高鐵) is Taiwan's pride: A Shinkansen system that connects the west coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung (Zuoying) in just 1 hour 34 minutes at speeds of up to 300 km/h. Punctual, clean, comfortable — on a Japanese level, at a fraction of Japanese prices.

Saving Tips:

• Early Bird Tickets: Book up to 28 days in advance: up to 35% discount! Online at thsrc.com.tw (English version available).
• Tourist HSR Pass: 3 days of unlimited travel for 2,200 TWD (65€) — worth it from 2 long-distance trips. Only for tourists with a foreign passport!

Taipei Metro (MRT)

Taipei's subway is fantastic: clean (eating and drinking prohibited!), punctual, affordable, and easy to navigate. All signs and announcements in Chinese and English. Single ride: 20–65 TWD. Buy an EasyCard (100 TWD deposit) and save 20% on every ride — the card also works on buses, trains, and in convenience stores.

TRA — Conventional Trains

The TRA network (台鐵) encircles the entire island and also reaches the east coast (Hualien, Taitung), where no HSR runs. Express trains (Taroko Express, Puyuma) are fast and comfortable, local trains are dirt cheap. The route Hualien → Taitung along the east coast is one of the most beautiful train rides in Taiwan.

Scooters

In cities like Tainan, Kaohsiung, and on the east coast, a scooter is the ideal means of transport: 300–500 TWD/day (9–15€), international driving license required (with Chinese translation available at ADAC!). Taiwan drives on the right. Helmet is mandatory and provided. Attention: Traffic in Taipei is chaotic — scooters are only recommended if you have experience. Outside Taipei, it is much more relaxed.

Long-Distance Buses

For the east coast and mountain regions: Long-distance buses are cheap and comfortable, with air conditioning and sometimes even USB charging stations. Kuo-Kuang (國光) and Ubus are the main providers. Taipei → Hualien: approx. 3.5h, 250–400 TWD (7–12€).