Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the 13th busiest airport in the world, and Taiwan’s largest airport, serving more than 25 million passengers annually. It is located in Taoyuan County, about 25 miles (40 km) south-west of Taipei.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport has two terminals that are linked by Skytrain people movers. Currently under construction and due for completion in 2013, the MRT rapid transit system will link both terminals as well as provide quick transport to the city of Taipei. Numerous duty-free stores are located in both terminals, as well as a host of dining and drinking venues that cater to both eastern and western palettes.
Overall, Taiwan Taoyuan International is a comfortable and clean airport with friendly and helpful staff. The terminal buildings are uniquely appealing to the eye, as numerous plants adorn public areas and natural light filters through the windows. Better yet, queues move quickly and procedures like security checks and baggage claims are a breeze.
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<div class="rxbodyfield">Skytrain people movers provide free transport between Terminals 1 and 2.</div>
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Train: The Taoyuan International Airport Access MRT System is scheduled for completion in 2013. It will link both terminals to Taipei and reduce traveling time to 35 minutes. Until then, you can take a U-Bus – from stations outside both terminals – to the nearby Taoyuan High Speed Rail station, which will then transfer you to Taipei Main Station. Fare for the U-Bus is TWD 30 (£0.60) and a one-way train ticket costs TWD 160 (£3).
Taxi: Metered airport taxis queue outside the arrival halls of both terminals. Fare to Taipei is about TWD 1300 (£28), excluding highway tolls.
Bus: Buses depart from the south-west side of the arrival passenger reception area in Terminal 1 (1st floor) and the north-east side of the arrival passenger reception area in Terminal 2. Fare is TWD 120-150 (£2.50-£3), depending on which part of town you’re heading to, and journey time 50-60 minutes.
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Both surface and underground parking lots are located on either side of the terminal buildings. The first 30 minutes of parking are free of charge, after which small cars are charged TWD 30 (about £0.60) for the first hour and TWD20 (about £0.40) for each additional 30 minutes, with a maximum daily rate of TWD490 (£10.50); rates for larger vehicles are double.
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Money and communications: ATMs, currency exchange and post office.
Luggage: There are left-luggage, lost-and-found and baggage-wrapping facilities.
Conference and business: The More International Business Center and Premium Lounge is located on the 4th floor of Terminal 1 and in Departures in Terminal 2. Meeting rooms equipped with Internet access and basic business facilities are available.
Other facilities: Medical clinics, childcare rooms, prayer rooms, beauty salons, showers and smoking rooms.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available in Terminal 2.
Shopping: A plethora of duty-free stores are situated in both terminals, all of which sell a wide range of tobacco products, alcohol, fragrances, cosmetics and local crafts. A few retail outlets stock items such as CDs, DVDs, books, newspapers and magazines.
Food and drink: Both eastern and western cuisines are served by a selection of restaurants, cafes, bars and fast-food vendors. Popular venues include Burger King, Royal Boss Coffee, The Tea House, Mr Brown Coffee, Sushi Express, Grand Formosa Regent Taipei and I-Mei-Foods Co. Ltd.
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