TAIPEI TAIWAN TAOYUAN AIRPORT review : 11 July 2008 : by M Branham

Customer Rating : 4/5

I just had a short layover here in the morning. It was very easy to transfer from one terminal to the other. Just follow the signs. I was there at 6 am so it was very quiet, but it was very easy to get around. Terminal 1 is a little old, but I didn't think it was bad.

TAIPEI : Taiwan Taoyuan Int'l Airport review by J Atkins

15 April 2008   Customer Rating :

I was recently in Taipei for two layovers, one for an entire day, so i got to know it pretty well. My initial thoughts about the old Terminal 1 was that it was old, cold and smelt quite odd, but after a while you get past that and it is a nice change from more busy airports where there are constantly announcements, crowds and salespeople. Terminal Two, which is much newer, strikes a good balance and I found it really warm, comfy and well signed. The service I found in Taipei was great and no one hesitates in helping you. It's also a relatively unknown fact that you can walk between the two terminals, so you can walk on over to terminal two and enjoy the shopping or whatever. Although I have noticed that passport control is distinctly understaffed in both terminals at nearly every time of the day. Also if you're in the airport for more than seven hours you're eligible for a free four hour tour, which is well worth it.

TAIPEI : Taiwan Taoyuan Int'l Airport review by Sasun Vartanyan

14 March 2008   Customer Rating :

The following comments pertain to the older Terminal 1 which I happened to use. It is older looking, but very efficient and user friendly. No crowds, plenty of seating and huge windows to check out the tarmac. On an additional note, the personnel, from the check-in to the immigration officers (who even pointed out the direction of my gate!) were extremely polite and nice, ( a total opposite of our officers at LAX).

TAIPEI : Taiwan Taoyuan Int'l Airport review by Kenneth Cheng

7 December 2007   Customer Rating :

Used Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal Two for a flight to Singapore. Journey to the airport from our hotel, Howard Plaza Taipei - located in the city - took 45 minutes. Staff at the check-in counter was affable and helpful. Immigration officer courteous and chatty. Airport was clean, albeit run-down. There's also quite a variety of retail outlets.

TAIPEI : Taiwan Taoyuan Int'l Airport review by P Bancroft

14 November 2007   Customer Rating :

Long walks in the Terminal, but that's what they are all like now. I was impressed by cleanliness, good shopping selection, innovative lounges, clean bathrooms, sense of security and ease of use. Could use a few more gate monitors though. Overall, a world class airport and I left impressed.

TAIPEI : Taiwan Taoyuan Int'l Airport review by Mike Kwan

20 September 2007   Customer Rating :

En-route stopover in Taipei airport. There are two termini, T1 is old and T2 is new and they are connected by skytrain and walkway. Airlines transit desks are good and the staff is friendly. If you are transiting between termini, it's better to allow 2 hours or more. Children playground and Hello Kitty play area are available in T2. Although T1 is an old one, it is acceptable. Things are clean and tidy with plenty of seats. Medium range and variety of shops and the food court is quite expensive.

TAIPEI : Taiwan Taoyuan Int'l Airport review by Stuart Walker

7 February 2007   Customer Rating : n/a

Taipei International Airport is divided into two terminals. Both are massive so there are long walking distances. Facilities are good although duty free shopping, although extensive, is dominated by whisky. Immigration was very slow and not very well organised.

Taipei CKS Airport review review by Arnold Long

2 November 2006

Overnight in Taiwan on transit and a full day on the return. Fantastic terminal found the staff so helpful and friendly, used the showers in the terminal, wonderful after a long flight, did the 1/2 day tour of the city which was also excellent. Definitely one of the best international airports in the world for ease of use, plus such wonderful, helpful staff at every turn, customs, baggage, passport checkin, shops, tourist information, etc great to travel through such a friendly efficient place, especially after the lack of service at US airports.

Taipei CKS Airport review by Pauline Pearse

28 August 2006

Flying with China Airlines from BNE to YVR return. On route to Vancouver there was no connecting flight on same day so airline put me up at Miramar Golf Country Club Hotel in Taipei (very nice! also gives you a chance to see a bit of Taipei, as it's about 30mins shuttle from airport). Actually thought I'd be put up in the Transit Hotel (located inside Terminal 2) but for some reason, was not. Miramar was so lovely that I'm definitely not complaining. Wasn't so lucky on the way back (7 hour stopover in Taipei) Tried to get into the China Airlines lounge, but was informed it's only for Business and First Class - and they won't even let you pay to try it. My hopes of getting a shower were quickly diminishing. Was directed to the Transit Hotel, up an elevator past this "dragons in the clouds" wall display. Honestly, just follow the signs to the transit hotel, there are plenty. If you get lost, just ask someone, their english isn't always good, but they understand "transit hotel" and will happily point you in the right direction. The transit hotel charges US$10 for a shower, which also gives you the use of their lounge for 2 hours (where you can help yourself to some coffee or tea, or jump on the internet for free). The shower facilities are minimal, with a small locker made available for your stuff, a towel, shower cap, toothbrush and toothpaste provided. There are about 6 shower cubicles and a sauna (which costs marginally extra) in this one room, with shower gel and "conditioning shampoo" (not the best quality by a long shot, but it will suffice) provided. For US$36 you can have the use of a hotel room for 3 hours (US$12 for every hour over that). Another thing worth mentioning, is that CKS has no ATMs inside the terminal, you actually have to go out past security if you want to find one (which isn't really worth it). And Subway doesn't do EFTPOS (nor do they take coins!) So make sure you have at least US$20 cash on you (in notes preferably), and eat first, before you spend your last $10 on a shower.

Taipei CKS Airport review by Henry Osserman

28 April 2006

Terminal 2 with EVA. Easy to find where one is going First, Business and economy check in areas well seen when entering the building under the airlines signage above doorways. Passport control is also very easy and then you are right in the middle of the main part of the Terminal building. Many shops to visit and plenty of seating everywhere. Go upstairs for more seating and the wonderful lounges offered by EVA (including their many code-share partners) & Singapore airlines. There is also a pay full service lounge with meals, showers, and business facilities. Gate areas are large but can be crowded when trying to board a 747. Pay attention to announcements and look for signage regarding your cabin (First, Business & economy). Don't be shy to move up if you are in one of the premium cabins. You won't get dirty looks from the other passengers!

Taipei CKS Airport review by Melody Church

12 February 2006

I was pleasantly surprised by Taipei airport. Sure terminal 1 is old but not too bad and it is clean. I didn't encounter any shouting sales people - everyone seemed very subdued. The check in counters in terminal 1 were chaotic but it was only 1 week before lunar new year - everyone was travelling but most people were friendly. They seemed slow to check in at the China Airlines counter however. We did one of free city tours. Well worth your time - if you have a stopover that fits in with the timetable. See the information desk in the airport for more info. Terminal two has heaps of shops - selling mostly Taiwanese food and goods duty free of course. I found them reasonably priced. The food in the noodle bar near gate D3 was also very tasty as was the bakery beside it. One thing I didn't realise and no web site seemed to mention - you can walk from terminal one to terminal two and vice-versa. Unless you have mobility issues it isn't very hard. In terminal two just keep on walking past gate D1, go down a short ramp, turn a corner and you will find yourself in terminal one - you don't even need to go outside. If you have plenty of time during transfer you may as well walk from one terminal to the other - depending on what gate you are at it could take you less than 5 minutes! The toilets in terminal two are great. The baby change rooms are also plentiful. What may also be useful is to parents is the nursery near the children's playground in terminal two. It has a couple of cots in it and where your infant could have a nap while you read a book or something. Beats carrying them on your shoulder while they sleep. They also supply free lotion, wipes and nappies if you need them! Frankly this is better baby service facilities than I find in Australia.

Taipei CKS Airport review by Tien-Lun Yao

8 February 2006

If you ever have a chance to stay at TPE Terminal 2 CI-Lounge you will see what a nice lounge is. The way of seating is efficient like you they would have organised an army unit, but the noodle kitchen which is operated between 6 am and 11 pm make a stay very comfortable. Nice noodle soups, hot dumplings and biscuits. Good variation of drinks. And if you have the time: have a use of the shower facilities. The best was good enough in the personal shower cabins with own personal toilet. A real possible to relax in any way after a long distance flight - even you do not have any toiletries yourself with you - which you will not need as you get a nice basket of towel and other bath supplies.

Taipei CKS Airport review by Travis Benson

5 July 2005

I have travelled through CKS airport a numerous amount of time. I must admit that terminal 1 is very old, and reminds you of the times of the propeller planes. However I would say that it still is allot better than American airports. Terminal 1 is very peaceful and has a reasonably old but decent facilities. Most of the people here wrote negative comments of this airport but I am guessing they haven’t seen terminal 2. Terminal 2 looks allot better than terminal 1. Terminal 2 has good facilities, however it is smaller than terminal 1. Never the less CKS airport is not a bad airport. Most people here are exaggerating just because one of its terminals is old.

Taipei CKS Airport by Nicholas Lang

30 November 2004

I have travelled into CKS T1 recently and found it a bit too old. Before arriving at the immigration counters, you have to walk a long way before you see some duty free shops. You will be shocked that this is an airport and not a night market as all the sales girls were shouting all the way to promote their products, an unusual way for an airport to do so? There were a lot of immigration counters but they only opened 5 of them, therefore immigration was slow. The baggage claim was okay, just like any other airports in the world, nth to complaint. Here comes the real problem, once you leave the arrival gate it is very confusing. They have three exits, you can turn left, right or walk straight. It took us 15 min to find our tour guide. I think that CKS should adopt the same system as Changi by make the baggage claim area visible to the people outside at the meeting point. Overall, nth more to complaint as you must understand this airport is 20+ yrs old!

Taipei CKS Airport by Darran Thomas

30 September 2004

I have used CKS airport several times during my 2.5 year stay in Taiwan. You can keep terminal 2. Terminal 1 is my preference. Arriving at CKS makes you feel very alone. The atmosphere is very sterile. People are not rude but not friendly either. The only sign of being welcome is a few ladies saying "welcome to Taiwan." Departing from CKS is a more pleasent experience. I'm an experienced traveler yet it takes me 5 to 10 minutes to discover which counter I need to visit because they use small, paper signs. The counter staff are always friendly and helpful, however, after check-in, you're on your own. I think CKS should be more comfortable and less sterile.

Taipei CKS Airport by Hiroshi Murata

12 September 2004

Used Terminal 1 last week for our first trip to Taipei. Arrival and immigration went quite smoothly, immigration line for less than thirty minutes. Meeting point was kind of confusing due to dozens of waiting signs. It took us two end-to-end walk before we found our tour operator. Departure was more comfortable. Check in staff at Cathay Pacific was quite friendly and kind, they even provided me some vinyl tape to bend my instable cart strongly. Immigration went quite smooth, waiting line was as short as four passengers before our turn. Shopping and dining need to be added, especially because most passengers know there're quite a number of nice cafe and restaurants in city centre of Taipei. All in all, I liked the place and will come again in near future.

Taipei CKS Airport by George Roberts

13 August 2004

Terminal 1 is still my favorite, even if it is older. I am not sure what Terminal 2 trying to be, but world-class it ain't. Once flying to the States the security guards thought that a bunch of nicotine patches in my suitcase were condoms, and kept making loud jokes, thinking I couldn't understand what they were talking about. Wireless Internet access in both airports is a plus, though.

Taipei CKS Airport by Johnson Lee

18 May 2004

Just using T1 last week. It was my first time to Taiwan. From the facilities and people of the airport, it really scare me. The airport is very very old and smell. Immigration staff is not helpful. The arrival hall is also very old. During my departure, there is full of people queuing to pass the immigration, however, they just open 4-5 counters. Also, security check is done is a loosely manner, no check on hand-carry. In these year, I think they should enhance the security check.

Taipei CKS Airport by Chris Taylor

6 January 2004

The facilities at CKS in terminal 1 are better than the impression given by many of the comments below. There is a good food court below the check-in area in T1. Many people may miss it. Sure the terminal isn't the most modern - it was built in 1978.

Taipei CKS Airport by James Clost

27 September 2003

Overall, CKS Airport is not too bad. It's easy to get to, it's not overly busy and things move quickly. I had a major problem this year in that I had received my salary the night before departing Taiwan and had to rely on exchanging those NT$ at the airport prior to departure. Well, finding a bank or exchange bureau open before 10 or 10:30 in the morning is impossible.

Taipei CKS Airport by H Chang

12 July 2003

CKS airport is probably one of the worst airports in Asia. I know most people hated the facilities of terminal 1. But the Taiwanese government are trying to improve facilities like terminal 1. There will be separate floors for arrival and departure.

Taipei CKS Airport by J Lim

22 April 2003

I agree it is one of the worst airports in all developed cities in Asia. The air inside the airport smells bad, some parts of the airport are dark and the facilities are old and broken. Chairs and table are dusty; food and beverage is costly and unfriendly staff.  I think they should refurbish the old CKS or people will stop or avoid using the airport or the airline.

Taipei CKS Airport by Steve Fenton

9 April 2003

Just got back from another trip to Taipei to find KLM this last week switched the handling agents to EVA - and  now you have a really good lounge with showers. You can even use the business area with free hook ups and even get a reasonable warm snack which helps as a lot of the outbound flights leave late evening

Taipei CKS Airport by Chohong Choi

24 December 2002

CKS is a modern-looking airport, and pretty user friendly. But it sure doesn't compare with Chek Lap Kok or Changi when it comes to the variety of shops and restaurants on site. Voicers shouldn't be surprised that no rail system exists to connect CKS to downtown Taipei. Taipei's subway system is very new and not very widely utilized, as the Taiwanese prefer cars and scooters.

Taipei CKS Airport by Thomas Lui

23 December 2002

I agree with that Terminal 1 is simply too old. Facilities in Terminal 1 are not sufficient as well. At the landside, there are only a few banks and shops. The variety is not enough. At the airside, apart from the small duty free shop located at both side A and side B of the terminal and a book shop located at the connecting corridor between the two sides. You cannot find anything more. While the major airlines such as China Airlines and Cathay Pacific still stay at Terminal 1, I think the Airport Authority should do more things to make the terminal more attractive.

Taipei CKS Airport by Vincent Goh

17 December 2002

I myself have visited Taipei many times. Now that CKS T2 is ready to serve customers, the central government should spend sometime refurbishing T1 which is much older and lacking in facilities. This will definitely help to raise the status of CKS in the near future. 

Taipei CKS Airport by R Langford

19 November 2002

CKS Terminal 2 isn't as bad as some of these comments would make you think. It's clean and spacious. I've been through TPE several times this year (on both EVA and Continental Micronesia) on connecting flights as well as staying in Taiwan. In the past (the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s), before the new construction, it was much worse. However, none of the telephones in the Terminal are user- friendly for an English speaker (those in the Business Class lounge were much better). The Taiwan government really needs to get the light rail link to downtown completed quickly!

Taipei CKS Airport by Jan Willem Meijer

12 October 2002

During the last few years I have travelled 4 times to and from and via Taipei with EVA, using terminal 2. Terminal 2 is nice - spacious, clean and with lots of places to sit down. The only things that missing are an ATM and a shop with with more international magazines and books. The one bookshop is very small! The Transit hotel all the way at the back is great value for money!

Taipei CKS Airport by Steve Fenton

10 October 2002

I used CKS many times- in last few years have gone with EVA via T2. I find EVA has reasonable facilities - I like the facilities in the transit hotel which you simply pay $10 for and you can workout, take a sauna and relax with many English periodicals. This is upstairs next to the business lounges.

Taipei CKS Airport by W Shum

4 October 2002

CKS is one of the worst airport in all developed cities in Asia. Poor transport connection, not like HKIA, NRT, have railway to connect. It's not far from downtown, however the highway is always jammed! Talking about environment and design, it's also bad, not enough sunlight, lack of shops, restaurants, unfriendly staff. The worst thing is that you need to climb up after check in and then go down again with stairs to the boarding gate - remember you have your hand luggage! Overall, it's stayed in 80's and cannot compare with other major airports like KUL, NRT, HKG and SIN.

Taipei CKS Airport by Paul Wen

15 August 2002

I do not think that TPE is that bad - it is much easier to get in or out than other airports in Asia. Unlike NRT, you can always find a seat to sit down at TPE. Unlike NRT, I do not need to spend more than one hours to go through immigration at TPE. Unlike HKG, you do not need to take the train then spend another ten minutes before you reach the gate or main building at TPE. Who care about shopping or eating in Airports ?

Taipei CKS Airport by Jason Amison

31 July 2002

Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport is one of the more average airports in Asia. I have flew EVA Air from Taipei to Manila & Taipei to Hong Kong, thus only been able to use Terminal 2. Terminal 2 is okay, but is lacking facilities. There was only one little bookstore in the whole terminal, with very few English books or magazines. This terminal is comfortable & clean, but not spacious and don't expect much to do on long connections! I would rather choose Hong Kong or Singapore, which are much superior that Taipei. From the look of photos of Terminal 1, I seriously doubt that it can be as good as Terminal 2

Taipei CKS Airport by C Tung

31 July 2002

CKS Terminal 1 is indeed a horrible one. It only provides very basic functions. Almost all other Asian-pacific airports provide better service (Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Shanghai, KL, Hong Kong, Singapore). The only advantage of T1 is easy access to Internet. If you have a laptop you can be connected anywhere in CKS. Terminal 2 of CKS is new and clean, but not vivid and not cozy. It's really a shame that such a wonderful country with high-tech only greet people with such a poor airport.

Taipei CKS Airport by John Wright

26 July 2002

I have traveled through CKS in Taipei many times in the last couple of years. The terminal is horrible. They are doing some construction, however about all they have a Duty Free shops and a couple of very basic snack shops - if you really want to stretch it and call them that. Fortunately I was only having to make a technical stop the last 4 times on MAS to Bali ,and only had to spend about 1.5 hours there. Hopefully the government will make some major improvements to this airport in the near future. Avoid this airport if at all possible. There are so many great airports in Asia, and for a modern country as Taiwan, CKS is a disgrace.