Getting into Taipei from Taoyuan International Airport

Getting into to town from the airport will be your first linguistic and cultural challenge (or shall we say “opportunity”), but the following information should help things go more smoothly no matter how jet-lagged you may be…

If you lack the teleportation skills of Hiro Nakamura or don’t travel with a portable helecopter, you are left with three main transportation options from Taoyuan International (a.k.a C.K.S. International) Airport to downtown Taipei: an airport shuttle bus (the most common, cheapest option), a lift in a taxi (more expensive obviously), or a ride from a friend (ideal, but with an hour plus drive each way, you will owe them quite a few rounds at the pub next time).

Airport Shuttle Bus

This is the option I prefer, and probably the best bet for the vast majority of you. It is cheap (between 90 and 150NT), convenient (buses stop at most major hotels and near many major street intersections), and more relaxing (i.e. you can catch a quick nap instead of the 90-minute, broken conversation fueled by betel nuts and probing questions about your salary and sex life you will likely encounter in a cab.)

Just follow the signs to the “Intercity Buses” (see the photos in the link below to make sure you are in the right place). Find the bus that goes to your stop and buy a ticket at the correct counter. To make your life easier, try to print out the address in Chinese before you leave home. And make sure to confirm the bus number and company before walking away from the counter so you don’t get on the wrong bus!

Go here for more information.

Taxis

A taxi ride from the airport to downtown Taipei will run you in the upwards of 1,000 NT (about $33 USD.) Aside from helping to lighten your wallet, the only real advantage is that a taxi will take you to destinations not served by the shuttle buses below.

Go here for more information.

Getting a lift from a friend, relative or colleague

There is no better feeling than being met by friends or family after coming off of a long international flight. I hope are this lucky. The best place to have someone meet you is in the waiting lobby right outside of Customs. Parking is a bit of a hassle, so make sure to be extra gracious to your meeting party. Though few will accept the offer, offering to pay for parking, gas or a meal is always a smooth move. But if you have no contacts here, you will have to make due with one of the above options.

Your friends will be able to meet you outside of customs.