Taipei Airport

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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!