โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport features two terminals connected by a free shuttle bus service operating every 2-3 minutes with a journey time of approximately 10 minutes.
Terminal 1, the original terminal building, handles various international airlines and select domestic services, featuring traditional check-in halls, standard security processing, immigration facilities with dedicated counters for ROC citizens and visitors, duty-free shopping areas, restaurants offering both Taiwanese and international cuisine, and several airline lounges including shared-use facilities.
Terminal 2, the newer and larger facility, serves as the primary hub for China Airlines and EVA Air while handling the majority of international traffic, featuring modernized check-in areas with automated kiosks and premium airline counters, advanced security screening systems with multiple lanes and expedited processing for premium passengers, comprehensive immigration facilities with e-gates for eligible travelers and dedicated fast-track lanes, extensive retail areas including luxury brands and Taiwanese specialty products, diverse dining options ranging from food courts to upscale restaurants showcasing Taiwanese culinary culture, multiple premium lounges including airline-specific and shared facilities, and enhanced passenger amenities including sleeping areas, children's play zones, shower facilities, and medical services.
๐ Connection Tips
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport serves as a major Asia-Pacific hub with excellent connectivity through China Airlines and EVA Air's extensive networks. Terminal transfers between T1 and T2 require exiting security, taking the free shuttle bus (2-3 minute frequency, 10-minute journey), and re-screening, so allow 45-60 minutes for inter-terminal connections. Most China Airlines and EVA Air connections remain within Terminal 2, simplifying the transfer process and reducing connection times to the standard 90-minute minimum. Ground transportation to Taipei city center includes the efficient Airport MRT line (35 minutes to Main Station), frequent bus services to various districts, taxi services with fixed rates to major areas, and hotel shuttle services. The MRT system provides direct connections to Taipei's subway network, making onward travel convenient. For connecting passengers with longer layovers, both terminals offer comfortable rest areas, shower facilities, and the option to explore Taipei if time permits (minimum 5-6 hours recommended for city excursions). However, passport holders from certain countries may require transit visas even for connections, so verify requirements in advance. Immigration processing is generally efficient, with e-gates available for many nationalities and dedicated fast-track lanes for premium passengers. Premium lounges offer excellent amenities and local cuisine, making longer connections comfortable. Free Wi-Fi throughout both terminals and numerous charging stations support connectivity needs for business travelers. Weather patterns significantly affect operations, particularly during typhoon season (May-November) when storms can cause extensive delays or diversions. The airport's modern infrastructure handles most weather conditions well, but severe typhoons can shut down operations entirely. Monsoon seasons bring heavy rainfall that occasionally impacts ground operations, while winter months generally provide stable conditions with occasional fog delays. Taiwan's unique visa policies allow many nationalities visa-free transit or landing permits for stays up to 30 days, making TPE attractive for extended layovers and regional tourism.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Hengchun Airport (HCN) is a decommissioned domestic aviation facility located in Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan. Built in 2003 at a significant cost, the airport was intended to serve as the primary gateway for tourists visiting the world-famous Kenting National Park and the southern tip of Taiwan. However, the airport faced immediate and persistent challenges due to the region's powerful "Loshuifeng" (katabatic winds), which frequently caused flight cancellations and safety concerns. By 2014, all scheduled commercial services had ceased, making it one of the shortest-lived major infrastructure projects in Taiwan's aviation history.
The terminal building at Hengchun Airport remains a prominent feature of the local landscape, though it is no longer used for passenger flights. During its operational years, the terminal featured a modern, single-level layout with check-in counters, a waiting lounge, and basic amenities designed to handle domestic traffic from Taipei and other regional hubs. The facility included a single 1,700-meter concrete runway and a small parking ramp. Today, while the civilian terminal is defunct, the site is occasionally used for training exercises by the Republic of China Armed Forces and for various community and research activities, including unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) testing.
Although the airport is closed to commercial traffic, it serves as a cautionary tale of the impact of local environmental conditions on aviation planning. The terminal once offered services such as a tourism information counter, wireless internet, and even showers for travelers returning from the nearby beaches. Now, visitors to Kenting National Park primarily use Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) as their aviation gateway, followed by a ground transfer to the south. The Hengchun terminal stands as a quiet monument to the ambition of connecting Taiwan's remote southern peninsula directly to the capital, reflecting the unique meteorological challenges of the Pingtung region.
๐ Connection Tips
Hengchun Airport (HCN) has been closed to commercial operations since 2014; standard Minimum Connection Times (MCT) are no longer applicable. Travelers heading to Kenting National Park or the southern tip of Taiwan must now use Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) as their primary gateway. The most common "connection" for this region is the ground transfer from Kaohsiung to Hengchun, which takes approximately 2 hours via the coastal highway. When arriving internationally at KHH, allow at least 5 hours for the total transition to account for customs, baggage claim, and road travel.
Ground transport from Kaohsiung is plentiful, including the efficient "Kenting Express" bus, private taxis, and car rentals. The express bus links Kaohsiung HSR station and the airport directly to Hengchun and Kenting. If you have a departing flight from Kaohsiung, ensure you leave the south well in advanceโat least 6 hours before an international departureโto navigate potential traffic along the scenic but often congested southern roads. This ensures a stress-free arrival at the KHH terminal for security and check-in.
While Hengchun Airport is no longer active for passengers, the town remains a vibrant cultural center. Layovers in the region are best spent exploring Kentingโs stunning beaches, the Eluanbi Lighthouse, or the local night markets. There are no passenger amenities at HCN, so all logistical arrangements should be made via Kaohsiung. For rebooking or missed connections, contact your airline at Kaohsiung International, as no commercial service desks exist at the defunct Hengchun terminal. The facility serves as a reminder of the unique meteorological challenges posed by the region's strong katabatic winds.
โ Back to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport