Flights to Taipei: Insider Tips to Save Money & Avoid Crowds

I’ve guided dozens of groups into Taipei over the past decade. And honestly? The flight part is where most people trip up — before they even touch down. Not because they can’t find a ticket, but because they fall for cheap prices that aren’t cheap, or they land at the wrong terminal and waste two hours figuring out a SIM card. Here is the catch: booking flights to Taipei isn’t hard. But booking smart is a different story. Let me walk you through what I’ve learned from countless arrivals and departures — the stuff no search engine tells you.

Why Most “Cheap Flights to Taipei” Ads Are Misleading

You see a $300 round trip from LAX to TPE on some aggregator. Great, right? Not always. That price usually means two things: a 15-hour layover in some hub (Narita or Incheon) and a basic economy ticket that doesn’t include a meal or even a carry-on. I booked one for myself once — never again. By the time you add the checked bag ($60) and a hot meal ($15), you’re at $375. And you lost a whole day sitting in an airport.

The other trick? Code-share flights. You book a cheap ticket on Airline X, but you actually fly on Airline Y — and Y charges for everything. Always check the operating carrier before you click “confirm.”

Best Airlines for Flights to Taipei — Based on My 10 Years of Guiding

Not all airlines are created equal on this route. I’ve flown almost all of them with groups, and here’s my honest ranking:

My go-to for most first-timers? EVA Air or China Airlines direct from LAX or SFO. Yes, you pay more. But the 13-hour flight goes by easier, and you arrive fresh enough to hit the night market that evening.

Taoyuan vs. Songshan — Which Airport Should You Fly Into?

Taipei has two airports. Most international flights use Taoyuan (TPE), about 40 km west of the city. But if you’re coming from within Asia — Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul — you might land at Songshan (TSA), right inside Taipei.

Songshan is tiny but super convenient — the MRT station connects directly to the city center in 15 minutes. But most long-haul flights don’t operate there. If you can find a connection via Tokyo Haneda to Songshan, take it. You’ll save 40 minutes of transit.

Taoyuan (TPE) Quick Facts

• Transfer options: Taoyuan Airport MRT (express train 36 min to Taipei Main Station, $160 TWD), taxi (~$1,200 TWD, 45–60 min), Uber (similar price).
• Prepaid SIM: Buy at counters in arrivals (Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile). I always use Chunghwa — reliable coverage in mountains too.
• Wi-Fi: There’s free airport Wi-Fi, but you need to register with passport. Do it while waiting for luggage.

What to Do Immediately After You Land

You clear immigration — good. Now what? Don’t just rush to the taxi queue. Here’s a checklist:

1. Get cash. Exchange a small amount at the airport bank (rates are decent). Taipei still runs on cash for night markets and small eats. ATMs accept international cards easily.
2. Buy an EasyCard or iPASS. You can get one at the MRT station counter right outside arrivals. It works on MRT, buses, convenience stores, and even some taxis. Put $500 TWD on it to start.
3. Set up your phone. I tell my groups: buy a prepaid SIM at the airport counter (they speak English) or rent a pocket Wi-Fi. Don’t rely on roaming data — too slow.
4. Download Google Maps offline for Taipei. Trust me, you’ll need it when MRT signals get weak underground.

How to Save Money on Flights to Taipei Without Sacrificing Comfort

I’m not about suffering in a middle seat for 14 hours just to save $50. But there are legit ways to cut costs:

• Fly mid-week. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often $100–200 cheaper than weekend flights.
• Use miles or points. EVA Air is a Star Alliance member — you can book with United miles. I’ve scored a round trip for 40,000 miles plus $50 in taxes.
• Consider a stopover. Korean Air offers free stopovers in Seoul. Spend a day there, then fly to Taipei for free. Same with Japan Airlines (Tokyo). Two cities, one fare.
• Book 2–3 months ahead. Last-minute deals to Taipei are rare because demand is steady. The sweet spot is 60–90 days before departure.

Common Mistakes Travelers Make When Booking Flights to Taipei

I keep a mental list of blunders I see year after year:

• Mistake 1: Not checking visa requirements. Citizens of many countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia) get 90 days visa-free. But some need a visa or an online arrival card. Always check the Bureau of Consular Affairs website before booking.
• Mistake 2: Booking separate tickets to save money. Example: a cheap flight to Hong Kong and then a separate flight to Taipei. If you miss the connection due to delay, the second ticket is forfeited. I always recommend a single itinerary.
• Mistake 3: Ignoring baggage allowances between different airlines. If you book a codeshare flight, the most restrictive baggage policy applies. I once saw a family pay $200 at the gate for overweight luggage because they thought their allowance was 23 kg, but it was 20.
• Mistake 4: Not checking the aircraft type. Some flights from the US use older 777-300ERs with 9-abreast seating (narrow seats). Newer A350s have wider seats. You can check on SeatGuru.

FAQ About Flights to Taipei