Flights to Taipei: The Complete Guide

Taipei is the primary gateway to Taiwan. Most international travelers arrive at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), the country’s largest hub. It handles nearly all long-haul traffic and major regional carriers. A smaller airport, Songshan (TSA), serves domestic routes and select regional flights from cities like Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai. When searching for flights to Taipei, your landing spot depends on your origin. TPE offers the most frequency and variety, while TSA offers a 15-minute commute to the financial district. Both airports are well-connected to the city's efficient public transit system, making arrival seamless.

Which airport should you fly into?

Taipei is served by two distinct airports. Both are clean, efficient, and integrated into the metro system, but they serve different purposes.

• Taoyuan International Airport (TPE): Located 40km (25 miles) west of Taipei. This is the main international hub. If you are flying from North America, Europe, or Australia, you will land here. It has two main terminals connected by a skytrain.
• Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA): Located within the city limits. This airport is primarily for domestic travel and "business shuttle" routes to regional hubs like Tokyo-Haneda or Seoul-Gimpo. It is much smaller and easier to navigate than TPE.

For the cheapest flights to Taipei, you will almost always look at TPE due to the high volume of low-cost carriers (LCCs) and international competition.

Best time to book flights to Taipei

Pricing for Taiwan airfare follows predictable patterns. Booking at the right moment can save you 20-30% on the total fare.

Data shows the sweet spot for booking is 5 to 7 weeks before departure for regional flights within Asia. If you are flying long-haul from the US or Europe, aim to book 4 to 6 months in advance.

Avoid booking during the two weeks leading up to Lunar New Year (usually late January or February). Prices spike as the global Taiwanese diaspora returns home. If you must travel during peak holidays, book at least 8 months out to secure a seat before the price floor rises.

Cheapest months to fly to Taipei

The most affordable time to visit Taipei is generally late October, November, and early December. During this late autumn window, the weather is mild, typhoons have subsided, and tourist crowds are thin.

• September to November: Stable prices and pleasant weather.
• May and June: The "Plum Rain" season often brings lower fares due to frequent rainfall.
• January/February: The most expensive time due to Lunar New Year.
• July/August: High season for family travel; expect mid-range to high pricing.

Mid-week departures (Tuesday and Wednesday) consistently offer lower rates than weekend flights.

Direct flights vs connecting flights

If you prioritize time, direct flights to Taipei are available from major global hubs. EVA Air and China Airlines (Taiwan's flag carrier) dominate these routes.

Connecting flights are the easiest way to find the cheapest flights to Taipei. Common layover cities include:

• Hong Kong (HKG): Frequent 90-minute hops to Taipei.
• Tokyo (NRT/HND) or Seoul (ICN): Excellent for travelers coming from North America.
• Manila (MNL) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): Often used by budget carriers like Cebu Pacific or VietJet to offer lower total fares.

A one-stop itinerary typically saves you $200–$400 compared to a non-stop ticket on long-haul routes.

Best airlines flying to Taipei

Several top-tier carriers serve Taiwan, offering varying levels of service and price points.

• EVA Air: Taiwan’s premier independent carrier known for high service standards and an extensive US network.
• China Airlines: The national flag carrier offering the most direct connections to Europe and Australia.
• Starlux Airlines: A newer luxury-focused carrier providing a premium experience on regional and select long-haul routes.
• Cathay Pacific: A major player for connecting traffic through Hong Kong with multiple daily flights to TPE.
• Scoot / Tigerair Taiwan: The primary low-cost options for budget travelers flying within Asia.

Getting from the airport to the city center

Transport from Taoyuan International (TPE) is efficient and offers options for every budget.

• Taoyuan Airport MRT (Train): The fastest option. The Express Train (purple) reaches Taipei Main Station in 35 minutes. The Commuter Train (blue) takes 50 minutes. Cost: NT$160 ($5 USD).
• Airport Bus: Several lines (like the 1819) run to various points in the city, including Ximending and East District. Operates late into the night. Cost: NT$140–$160 ($4.50–$5 USD).
• Taxi: Available 24/7 at the taxi ranks outside both terminals. A flat-rate surcharge is usually included. Cost: NT$1,100–$1,500 ($35–$45 USD).
• Rideshare (Uber): Legal and widely used. Pickup points are designated at specific pillars outside the arrivals hall. Cost: Comparable to taxis, roughly NT$1,100–$1,400.
• Private Transfer: Can be pre-booked for a fixed fee, usually preferred for large groups or late-night arrivals.

From Songshan Airport (TSA), you can take the Brown Line (Line 1) of the Taipei Metro for roughly NT$20–$30, or a taxi for under NT$300 to most central locations.

Flight duration from major cities

Approximate flight times to Taoyuan International Airport (TPE):

• Los Angeles: 14 hours 30 minutes (Direct)
• New York (JFK): 16 hours (Direct)
• London (LHR): 13 hours 30 minutes (Direct)
• San Francisco: 13 hours 15 minutes (Direct)
• Sydney: 9 hours 30 minutes (Direct)
• Singapore: 4 hours 45 minutes (Direct)
• Tokyo: 3 hours 30 minutes (Direct)
• Dubai: 8 hours 30 minutes (Direct)

Tips for finding cheap flights to Taipei

Finding the lowest fares requires a mix of timing and tool usage. Follow these steps to minimize your spend:

1. Use search aggregators with multi-city options: If you are flying from Europe or the US, check if "hidden city" or split-ticket booking via Hong Kong or Manila is cheaper than a single through-ticket.
2. Monitor regional budget carriers: If you are already in Asia, check out Scoot, AirAsia, or Peach Aviation. These airlines often don't appear in all Western search engines but offer the cheapest flights to Taipei from regional hubs.
3. Fly into TPE, fly out of TSA: Sometimes an open-jaw ticket—arriving at the international hub and leaving from the city-center airport—can be cheaper depending on your next destination.
4. Avoid the weekend surge: Airfares to Taipei often jump on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings. Aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday departure to capture the lowest base fares.
5. Set price alerts for November: Since this is the shoulder season with the best weather-to-price ratio, setting a tracker for October/November dates 6 months in advance usually yields the best results.