The transit tour program
The Taoyuan Airport transit tours are run by Taiwan’s Tourism Administration for passengers with a layover of 7 to 24 hours.
| Tour | Who it suits |
|---|---|
| Morning guided tour | Flight lands before 07:00 and leaves after 15:00 |
| Afternoon guided tour | Flight lands before 13:00 and leaves after 20:30 |
| Self-guided tour | Includes an itinerary and an MRT voucher; for stays in Taiwan up to 24 hours |
- Who can join: transit passengers who can enter Taiwan, either with a valid visa or a visa-exempt passport. Citizens of India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos can join with a Travel Authorization Certificate.
- Booking: online, 5 to 90 days before arrival for guided tours (0 to 90 days for the self-guided option). Leftover same-day seats can be checked at the Tourist Service Centers in the arrival lobbies (Terminal 1 07:00 to 23:30, Terminal 2 05:30 to 24:00).
- Bags: there is no room for luggage on the bus. Leave bags at the paid baggage storage counters first.
- Weather: tours can be cancelled for typhoons or bad weather.
What to do with your layover
| Time at TPE | Realistic plan |
|---|---|
| Under 4 hours | Stay airside: lounges, food, duty-free, a walk between gates. |
| 4 to 7 hours | If you can enter Taiwan, ride the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station (about 35 minutes) for a meal nearby, then come straight back. |
| 7 to 24 hours | Join a transit tour, or explore Taipei on your own. Leave at least 2 to 3 hours to get back and through security. |
| Overnight | Sleep at the airport hotel by MRT station A14a, or near Taoyuan HSR Station. See hotels. |
Check visa and entry rules first, and see hotels near the airport.
Connecting at TPE
Connecting on one ticket? Follow the transfer signs to the transfer security check; you stay airside. The airside Skytrain still links Terminals 1 and 2 for connecting passengers. On separate tickets, you will usually need to enter Taiwan, collect bags and check in again. Transfer procedures.
Questions travelers ask
Is the Taoyuan Airport transit tour free?
The guided half-day tours run by the Tourism Administration are free for eligible transit passengers. Luggage storage at the airport costs extra.
How long a layover do I need for the transit tour?
Between 7 and 24 hours, and your arrival and departure times must fit the morning or afternoon tour window.
Sources
Last reviewed October 13, 2026. Schedules, fares and airport facilities change; confirm with the operator before you travel.