The Ultimate Taoyuan International Airport Guide (桃園國際機場)
Last Updated on March 9, 2025 by Erin Donahue
Planning a trip through Taiwan‘s main international airport? This comprehensive Taoyuan International Airport guide will help you navigate one of Asia’s busiest transport hubs. Located in Taoyuan City’s Dayuan district, west of central Taipei, this airport serves as the primary international gateway to Taiwan. While many travelers assume it’s in Taipei itself, it’s actually an hour’s drive from the capital, though conveniently connected by a dedicated airport MRT line.
Over the years, Taoyuan International Airport has earned its place among the world’s notable airports, though its Skytrax ranking has been dropping in recent years. However, rankings don’t tell the whole story. I always feel this sense of comfort wash over me when I arrive here. Maybe I’m biased, but it’s the only airport where I tear up every time I depart.
About Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Taoyuan International Airport’s story begins in 1979 when it first opened as Chiang Kai-shek International Airport, complementing the already existing Songshan Airport in central Taipei (which still handles domestic flights and select international routes today). In 2006, it was renamed to its current title: Taoyuan International Airport with the IATA code TPE.
Currently, the airport features two main terminals. Terminal 1’s architecture was inspired by Washington D.C.’s Dulles International Airport, while Terminal 2 joined the complex in 2000. Both terminals have undergone significant modernization. T1 received a major facelift in 2012, followed by T2’s renovation in 2020.
Looking ahead, the airport is undergoing its most ambitious expansion yet. Terminal 3, currently under construction between T2 and the Novotel Hotel (the official airport hotel), is set to open in 2026. With an impressive budget of US$2.3 billion, this new addition will boost the airport’s capacity beyond what T1 and T2 can currently handle combined.
Travelers passing through will find plenty of amenities to make their journey comfortable. Both terminals offer 24-hour convenience stores, complimentary WiFi, artistic installations, themed waiting areas, and wheelchair services (available upon request at check-in). A free 24-hour skytrain connects the terminals, and the airport MRT provides easy access to both Taipei and Taoyuan cities.
EVA Air & China Airlines Hub
If you’re flying EVA Air like I typically do, you’ll be going through Terminal 2. The terminal has four concourses spread across both terminals. EVA Air mainly operates from Concourse C in T2, which connects to T1’s Concourse B (where you’ll find Cathay Pacific). On the other side, China Airlines primarily uses T2’s Concourse D and T1’s Concourse A. A neat split between Taiwan’s two major carriers!
I’ve got a special connection to EVA Air: I’ve literally been flying with them since before I could walk! My mom took me on my first flight when I was just six months old, and I’ve been soaring through their friendly skies ever since. These days, I treat myself to their Premium Economy cabin when heading back to Taiwan. It’s worth the upgrade! On the departures floor, don’t miss the adorable EVA Air Hello Kitty-themed check-in area. While you can’t actually check in there, it’s a must-visit spot for photos. You’ll find this kawaii corner at the back of the T2 Departures Hall (3F), behind gates 16 and 17. Just follow the trail of people taking selfies. You can’t miss it!
Terminal 2 Lounges
For frequent fliers like me, you’ll be happy to know that both terminals have excellent lounge options on the 4th floor. As a Capital One Venture X cardholder, I can access several of these through the Priority Pass perk. The Plaza Premium Lounge is available in both terminals, while Terminal 2 also offers the Oriental Club Lounge.
EVA Air’s Exclusive Lounges: A Tier-by-Tier Guide
EVA Air really takes its lounge game seriously with four distinct spaces, each offering something special. Let me break them down for you:
The Garden
Think of this as EVA’s crown jewel. With skylights streaming in natural light and greenery everywhere, it feels more like a luxury greenhouse than an airport lounge. My favorite part? You can order fresh Taiwanese noodles made to order, alongside their extensive Western and Chinese buffet. Perfect for BR Diamond cardholders flying EVA Air, UNI AIR, or Star Alliance.
The Infinity
This is where modern design meets comfort. The urban forest theme with curved walls creates a unique atmosphere. Business and Royal/Premium Laurel class passengers get access to four gorgeous shower rooms – each with its own theme like metro forests or star drops. Trust me, nothing beats a shower after a long flight!
The Star
Appropriately named, this lounge features a gorgeous starry sky theme. As a frequent business traveler, I appreciate their wide tables – perfect for catching up on work before a flight. It’s open to BR Gold and Star Alliance Gold members flying Star Alliance.
The Club
Picture an urban skyline-inspired space with a modern, minimalist vibe. While it might be EVA’s entry-level lounge for Silver cardholders, it still offers all the essentials: good food, showers, and plenty of power outlets.
Other Airline Lounges
Don’t worry if you’re not flying EVA – several other airlines maintain their own lounges here, including:
- China Airlines
- Starlux Airlines
- Thai Airways
- Cathay Pacific
The Secret Food Court at Taoyuan International Airport T2
Don’t make the mistake of leaving Taiwan without eating at the hidden food court in the airport. Many people are not aware there’s a food court that’s open to everyone. For those of you anxious fliers who like to arrive 5 hours early, this place is perfect to eat some delicious food before taking to the skies. What I really like about Taoyuan International Airport is that there are tons of places to eat at. Options will be more limited at night but there are still a few. Since most people are in a hurry to get past security after checking in their luggage, they completely miss the food court on the B1 level.
Last Chance To Draw Your Luck With The Taiwan Tourism Lottery
From May 2023 until June 2025, once you arrive in Taiwan at Taoyuan International Airport, test your luck and see if you win Taiwan’s Lucky Land International Tourism Attraction lottery for some spending money. Even though the island is the size of New Jersey and is home to ~24,000,000 people, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau has been trying to promote tourism in the country post-COVID. The website is a bit clunky and makes the registration process a bit frustrating. What do you expect from a government-run site?
The prize is NT$5,000 which converts to about $150-$160. It might not seem like a lot, but wouldn’t you rather have free money to spend than not? The Taiwan Tourism Bureau will be awarding 500,000 tourists during the campaign. Unfortunately, I didn’t get lucky this time, but my baby niece did!
Eligibility
Foreign travelers staying between 3-90 days and who are not part of tour groups can enter to have a chance at winning NT$5,000 in consumption vouchers.
Lucky Draw Process
Be sure to register for the lottery within a week before arriving in Taiwan. After clearing customs and grabbing your luggage, you’ll find a dedicated section in the arrival hall to scan your QR code. If that lucky lottery screen lights up with a win, simply head to the staff stand directly behind the activation area to claim your prize.
Prize Options
The NT$5,000 prize can be redeemed either as either an E-Ticket-iPass, E-Ticket- EasyCard, or accommodation vouchers.
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