Taipei layovers: Taoyuan International (TPE)

At a glance

• Two terminals: T1 (Zones A and B) and T2 (Zones C and D), linked by the free Skytrain. ^[S1][S2]
• Main airlines: EVA Air, China Airlines and STARLUX are the home carriers, split across both terminals by route. Per JAL's terminal list (Jan 2026), China Airlines flies its Asia and Europe routes from T1 and its Japan, Americas and Oceania routes from T2. STARLUX flies its Americas and Singapore/Thailand routes from T2 and its other Asia routes from T1. EVA Air, United and Turkish Airlines are at T2. Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Thai and Vietnam Airlines are at T1. ^[S2]
• One of only two hubs in this guide with an official free transit tour (the Taiwan Tourism Administration's Free Half-Day Tour). ^[S4]

Minimum connection times

These figures come from JAL's airport guide. The airport itself tells transfer passengers to be at the gate at least 30 minutes before departure. ^[S1] Other airlines' own minimums weren't checked, so check with your airline.

Terminals and transfers

• With an onward boarding pass: go through transfer security, then up to the 3F departure level, and be at the gate at least 30 minutes before departure. ^[S1]
• Without an onward boarding pass: go to your airline's transfer counter, which is in the zone your airline uses (A/B in T1, C/D in T2), then security, then your gate. ^[S1]
• T1 to T2 or T2 to T1: take the Skytrain from the transfer area, check in at the transfer counter in the other terminal, then go through security (on 2F in T2) to the 3F gates. ^[S1]

Transit visas

US passport holders

• Visa-exempt for up to 90 days. The stay is counted from the day after arrival and can't be extended. You need a confirmed return or onward ticket. US nationals can enter on any passport valid for the stay, including emergency passports. ^[S3]
• Complete the online arrival card (TWAC) within 7 days before you arrive. ^[S3]

Philippine passport holders

• Visa-exempt trial for up to 14 days, in effect until July 31, 2027 (extended on Aug 1, 2026). ^[S3][S3a]
• Extra requirements for Philippine passports: passport valid 6+ months on entry; proof of accommodation (hotel) booking; host or sponsor contact information; sufficient travel funds; and a confirmed return or onward ticket. ^[S3]
• Diplomatic and official/service passports are excluded, and so are crew members boarding to report for duty. ^[S3]
• Staying airside without entering: not confirmed on an official page; check with your airline.

Leaving the airport and the free transit tour

• Free Half-Day Tour (Taiwan Tourism Administration). The guided bus tour is for transit or transfer passengers with a 7- to 24-hour layover who hold a valid Taiwan visa or qualify for visa-exempt entry. ^[S4][S5]
  • The tour is free, and joining it involves no departure or entry fees. Your airline might still charge its own fees, so check with them. ^[S5]
  • Departure times from the Tourist Service Center: morning tour leaves T1 at 08:30 (T2 at 08:15) and returns by 12:30; afternoon tour leaves T1 at 14:00 (T2 at 13:45) and returns by 18:00. The evening tour (18:00–22:00) is for group bookings only. ^[S4][S5]
  • Morning-tour registration isn't accepted if your flight departs before 3:00 pm that day, and afternoon-tour registration isn't accepted if it departs before 8:30 pm. ^[S4]
  • Online booking opens 5 to 90 days before arrival, with 18 seats per tour. Same-day spots may be available at the Tourist Service Centers. You can join only one tour per stopover. ^[S4]
  • You must clear immigration first; passengers who stay in the transit area aren't eligible. Bring your passport and both boarding passes. There's no luggage space on the bus, so store bags (for a fee) beforehand. ^[S5]
  • Through-checked bags stay checked. ^[S5]
  • Self-guided option: for non-Taiwan-passport travelers who enter for no more than 24 hours. ^[S4]
• Getting into Taipei: the Taoyuan Airport MRT connects the airport and the city. Travel times weren't checked on an official page, so check with your airline.

Lounges and sleep

• Plaza Premium Lounge (Zone A, T2, international departures) has private relaxation suites with beds. It's airside, and you need an onward boarding pass. ^[S6]
• The airport's services directory lists showers and rest areas. ^[S7] The T1 free rest area with recliners is mentioned in secondary sources only (not confirmed on an official page; check with your airline).
• Airside transit hotel: none confirmed on an official page; check with your airline.
• Airline lounges (EVA Air, China Airlines, STARLUX) aren't detailed here.

Layover ideas by length

Editorial suggestions, not official guidance.

• Under 6 hours: stay airside. Try a Plaza Premium Lounge, or the T2 Zone A suites for sleep. ^[S6]
• 6–12 hours: if you're visa-exempt (US, and Philippine passports while the trial runs), a 7+ hour layover qualifies for the free half-day tour. ^[S4] The morning tour visits Tamsui (Danjiang Bridge, Fuyou Temple, Tamsui Old Street). ^[S4]
• Overnight: US passports can enter and stay in Taipei. Philippine passports can too during the trial, but bring the accommodation proof and funds evidence. ^[S3]

Pitfalls

1. Wrong terminal. China Airlines and STARLUX split by route between T1 and T2. ^[S2]
2. Tour cutoff times are strict. Check your departure time against the 3:00 pm and 8:30 pm cutoffs before you book. ^[S4]
3. The Philippine visa-exempt trial has an end date (July 31, 2027). Recheck before travel. ^[S3]
4. Arrival card: complete TWAC before arrival, even for a short layover entry. ^[S3][S5]