Our whirlwind 4-day, 5-night trip to Taipei was completely unplanned and happened during the peak travel season. Naturally, we worried about whether the trip would feel worth the cost. But looking back, all we’re left with are incredible memories and the desire to visit again.
On the final day, as we prepared to head home, it was time to say goodbye to the familiar Taipei Main Station—a place we’d passed through so often that it felt like home. Staying at citizenM Taipei North Gate Hotel near Ximen Station, we hopped over to Taipei Main Station to catch the express MRT to Taoyuan Airport.
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1. Getting to Taoyuan Airport from Taipei
From Taipei Main Station, you have two main transportation options to reach Taoyuan International Airport: the Airport MRT or the Kuokuang 1819 Bus.
1) Airport MRT
- Price: 150 TWD one-way (~$4.80 USD)
- Travel time: Around 40 minutes (depending on express or regular service)
The Airport MRT takes you directly from Taipei Main Station to Terminals 1 and 2 of Taoyuan Airport. If you already have an EasyCard (Taipei’s rechargeable metro card) with enough balance, you can simply tap your card to board.
If you’re arriving in Taiwan and heading into the city from the airport, or vice versa, consider purchasing a combo package in advance. It includes a round-trip MRT ticket and an EasyCard at a discounted price. Super convenient for beginners! >> You can make a reservation here.(click)
2) Kuokuang 1819 Bus
- Price: 140 TWD one-way (~$4.50 USD)
- Travel time: Approximately 55 minutes
The Kuokuang bus is a great option if you’re traveling during early mornings or late nights when the MRT isn’t running. >> You can make a reservation here.(click)
2. Exploring Taoyuan Airport Lounges
Taoyuan Airport has a variety of lounges, but on this trip, we discovered that Priority Pass (PP) cards offer more than just lounge access—they also come with dining perks! Here’s how we made the most of our Priority Pass benefits.
1) Dining Perks at illy Coffee
Our boarding gate (A8) was conveniently close to an illy Coffee shop, and we noticed the Priority Pass logo on the counter. Naturally, we asked about it, and to our surprise, the PP card covered:
One coffee (Iced Americano, in our case)
A Häagen-Dazs ice cream
A dessert set (croissant sandwich + mini cheesecake)
It felt like such a treat, especially after already eating a full meal. Even if you don’t have time for a lounge, this perk alone makes the PP card worth it!
2) Lounge Access Options
If you don’t have a Priority Pass but find yourself with a long layover, don’t worry—you can still purchase lounge access directly. Taoyuan Airport offers several options, including:
- Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal 1 & 2)
- Oriental Club Lounge (Terminal 2)
Pro tip: The Oriental Club Lounge is currently offering a 30% discount on access passes, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to relax in style.
From the convenience of the Airport MRT to the unexpectedly generous Priority Pass perks, our last day in Taiwan ended on a high note. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or visiting Taiwan for the first time, making use of these tips can help you maximize your time and enjoy a stress-free trip.
Now, it’s your turn! Plan your own adventure and make the most of everything Taoyuan Airport has to offer. Safe travels!