Cheapest Time to Fly to Taoyuan Airport (TPE)
The weather in Taipei remains hot and humid year round, so seasonal fluctuations in flight prices are not common. However, you may want to miss out the typhoon seasons which lasts from June and peters out in October, when decent weather and cheap hotel rates more frequently coincide. Bargains can more frequently found on last-minute flights between April and June, but if you want to experience Chinese New Year in Taipei you are best off booking in advance.
Flying to Taoyuan Airport
Taoyuan Airport, situated 30 miles out of Taipei, is amongst the 20 busiest international airports, so expect plenty of hustle and bustle when you arrive. Find direct flights here with China Airlines from London Gatwick, or choose return flights here with Emirates from most major airports in the UK, with a stopover in Dubai. Indirect flights are also offered by Turkish Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Air France.
On arrival and getting around TPE
Moving around Taoyuan airport is made easy with the free Shuttle buses, and the driverless Skytrain both options to move between the two terminal buildings. For those who would like some extra culture before you leave, visit the art gallery or the aptly named Cultural Experience Area, both in Terminal 2, or top up your Zen by visiting the indoor gardens. There is a good array of restaurants to select from, where you can choose from Chinese and Eastern cuisine to more western-style options. Netflights allows you to search for flights to a specific airport, enabling you to plan perfect return flights to Taoyuan.
Getting to the city from the airport
Public transport options to the city centre are by bus or rail. Buy reasonably priced bus tickets inside the terminal building that will take you to the city centre in around 55 minutes. If you prefer something a little quicker, take the 25-minute shuttle bus journey to the nearby train station in Taoyuan to catch the high-speed train (HSR) to the city. It is worth asking your hotel whether they offer a courtesy shuttle bus service from the airport, many of the major chain hotels do. Taxis are another option, but are by far the most expensive. Stands are outside both terminals and run 24 hours per day.
Don't forget before you fly
British travellers are permitted to spend up to 90 days in Taiwan without a visa. This can subsequently be extended for a further 90 days whilst in Taiwan. This is good news if you are searching out bargains on last-minute flights. You could order your New Taiwan dollars before you visit the country, or use one of the many ATMs found in the airport and the city. All major credit and debit cards are widely accepted.
