How to Plan Your Stopover in Taipei (Itineraries Included)

Are you flying from North America to Asia, Australia, or New Zealand and considering a stopover in Taipei?

Taipei is one of the best cities to explore on a short visit. Its public transportation is easy to navigate, and you’ll enjoy great food and cultural experiences.

In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan your stopover in Taipei, from transportation and must-visit spots to local tips that will make your trip smooth and stress-free.

Taipei (TPE) is a Popular Transfer Hub

Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is a popular transfer hub because of its strategic location in East Asia. Sitting between North America, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, it serves as a convenient stopover for flights between these regions.

Taiwanese Airlines – EVA Air

There are three Taiwanese airlines that connect Taipei to other parts of the world: EVA Air, China Airlines, and STARLUX Airlines.

Among the three airlines, EVA Air (a member of Star Alliance) serves the most destinations across North America, Asia, and Oceania. If you are in the U.S. or Canada, you can catch a nonstop EVA Air flight to Taipei from Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Houston, Chicago, Toronto, and Vancouver.

EVA Air is known for its award-winning service and is consistently rated a 5-star airline by Skytrax. Its premium economy class is one of the best, and its business class service gets top marks.

If you have Citi ThankYou® Points, you can convert them to EVA Air Infinity MileageLands miles at a 1:1 ratio (1,000 points = 1,000 miles). These miles can then be used for free flights or seat upgrades.

Things to Know When Planning a Stopover in Taipei

Here is some helpful info for your planning:

Visa-Free Entry?

You can check Taiwan’s official visa policy page to see if you need a visa to enter Taiwan.

Many travelers can enter Taiwan visa-free for a short stay. The length of stay depends on nationality, but most visitors from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., EU countries, Australia, and Japan can stay visa-free for up to 90 days.

SIM Cards

Purchase Upon Arrival

Upon arriving at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), you can easily obtain a prepaid SIM card to stay connected during your time in Taiwan.

Major Taiwanese telecom providers, such as Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Mobile, have service counters conveniently located in the arrival hall.

Present your passport and choose from various prepaid plans that suit your needs. The staff will assist you in installing and activating the SIM card.

Alternative Options:

Pre-Order Online: You can pre-order a SIM card through platforms like Klook or KKday. This allows for quick pickup upon arrival (in the arrival hall) and often includes discounts.

eSIM: If your device supports eSIM functionality, you can purchase and activate a digital SIM card before your trip, eliminating the need for a physical SIM.

Transportation Options From TPE to Taipei City

There are several ways to get to Taipei City from the airport:

Taoyuan Airport MRT – A convenient and budget-friendly option, with trains running every 15 minutes and taking 35–40 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station.

Airport Bus – A budget-friendly option, though slower than the MRT. An agent at the ticket counter can help you determine the bus stop closest to your destination. Taking the bus is also a great way to get a glimpse of the surrounding areas and enjoy the scenery along the way to Taipei City.

Taxi or Uber – Takes 30–50 minutes depending on the traffic, and costs about NT$1,500 ($45 USD).

Weather in Taipei

It’s good to know what to expect so you can dress comfortably and plan accordingly. To give you an idea of the temperatures and rainfalls, I made the following chart:

Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 33°C (90°F). Afternoon showers are common, so be prepared for sudden rain.

Winters in Taipei are mild, with temperatures ranging from 14–21°C (55–72°F). While that might sound comfortable, the damp air on cloudy or rainy days can make it feel much colder than the numbers suggest.

Spring and fall are relatively comfortable, but rain can happen anytime in Taipei. Having an umbrella is always a good idea, no matter when you visit.

Language & Communication

Mandarin Chinese is the official language, and Taiwanese (Hokkien) is also widely spoken. Basic English is understood, especially at hotels, major attractions, and transportation hubs, so getting around is fairly easy.

If you need help communicating, Google Translate is a useful tool, and locals are often friendly and willing to go out of their way to assist you.

In-Town Check-In service

At the end of your stopover, if you’re flying with China Airlines, EVA Air, Mandarin Airlines, Uni Air, STARLUX Airlines, or Cathay Pacific, you can use the In-Town Check-In service at Taipei Main Station.

The In-Town Check-In (ITCI) service allows you to check in your luggage and get your boarding pass at Taipei Main Station, so you can go to the airport without carrying your bags.

For more info about In-Town Check-In, please check Taoyuan Metro’s official website.

Where to Stay for Convenience

To make the most of your short trip, pick a hotel near a MRT (It is Taipei’s Subway System) station in one of these areas:

Xinyi District (信義區)

I always recommend Xinyi District to my friends because it gives the best first impression of Taipei. This area is home to Taipei 101, high-end hotels, endless dining options, and great shopping.

Zhongshan District (中山區)

If you’re looking for a less touristy but still lively area with great shopping, amazing food, and easy access to public transport, Zhongshan District is a solid choice.

This is actually my “home base” whenever I visit Taipei (because my mom’s apartment is there), and if you’re interested, I have a separate post all about things to do in Zhongshan District.

Taipei Main Station (台北車站)

If convenience is your priority, staying near Taipei Main Station is an easy choice. You’ll have quick access to the Taoyuan Airport MRT, making it simple to get back to the airport.

In addition to endless shopping and food options, Taipei Main Station is connected to a massive underground shopping street (地下街）, linking you to even more shops, restaurants, and cafés.

My son loves to visit gochapon machines (扭蛋機）shops while I like the fashion and home accessories shops that are in Taipei Underground Shopping Street (台北地下街）.You can easily spend hours exploring without stepping outside—perfect for hot or rainy days.

Getting Around Taipei

Google Maps is the best app to use. It’s widely used by both locals and tourists, making it reliable for navigating the MRT, bus routes, and walking directions.

MRT – The Best Option

The Taipei MRT is the most convenient and efficient way to get around the city. Stations are well-marked in English, trains run frequently, and the system is clean, safe, and easy to navigate.

The EasyCard (悠遊卡) works on the MRT, buses, and even some convenience stores, making it the best way to pay for public transport.

• Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight)
• Train Frequency: Every 3–7 minutes, depending on the time of day

Taxis & Uber

Taxis in Taipei are bright yellow and can be hailed on the street or at designated taxi stands. The starting fare is NT$85, and the meter increases by NT$5 per 200 meters. There’s also a NT$20 night surcharge from 11 PM to 6 AM.

I personally prefer Uber because I can see the fare and route in advance, and I don’t need to take out my wallet to pay for my ride. It’s especially useful if you don’t speak Mandarin since you don’t have to explain your destination to the driver.

Buses – For the Adventurous

I’m reluctant to recommend public buses because the system can be confusing—even for locals! However, if you’re up for an adventure, buses are useful for short trips along the same street, where routes are more straightforward. Just tap your EasyCard when you get on and off the bus.

Local Currency & Payments

Taiwan’s currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD / NT$). For reference, 1 USD is roughly 32 TWD.

Credit cards are accepted at malls, hotels, and large restaurants.

Mobile payment (行動支付) is widely available, especially at convenience stores, supermarkets, department stores, and chain restaurants. Popular options include Apple Pay, Google Pay, LINE Pay, JKOPay, and Taiwan Pay.

In traditional markets and smaller local shops, cash is still the preferred payment method, even though many vendors now accept digital payments.

Safety & Local Etiquette

Just a few more tips for you to know:

• Taipei is very safe, even for solo travelers. Violent crime is rare, and public transport is safe at all hours.
• No tipping is expected in restaurants, taxis, or cafés.
• No eating or drinking on the MRT—you’ll get fined if caught.

Best of Taipei: 1-Day, 2-Day, and 3-Day

If you have enough time to explore, here’s how to maximize your layover based on your schedule.

Best of Taipei in 1 Day

If you only have one day, focus on Taipei’s most famous landmarks and food:

✅ Taipei 101 & Xinyi Shopping District (信義商圈) – The city’s most iconic landmark. Take in the view from the observation deck or explore the luxury malls.

There are endless food options from food courts to Michelin-rated restaurants. Check out my in-depth article about the Xinyi Shopping District.

✅ Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂) – One of Taiwan’s most important historical sites. Don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony. I have an in-depth article about the CKS Memorial Hall.

✅ Shilin or Raohe Night Market (夜市）– If your layover extends into the evening, night markets are a must. Grab Taiwanese fried chicken, pepper buns, and bubble tea before heading back to the airport.

Best of Taipei in 2 Days

With two days, you can slow down a bit and visit more cultural spots:
✅ Follow the 1-day itinerary above

✅ Danshui or Tamsui (淡水) – A charming riverside district with street food, historical streets, and sunset views. If you are interested in learning more, you can read my in-depth article about Tamsui.

✅ National Palace Museum (故宮博物院) – If you’ve been to the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, and admired its grand architecture but wondered where the royal treasures are, then you need to visit the National Palace Museum in Taipei. If you’re interested, I have an article about the National Palace Museum.

Best of Taipei in 3 Days

If you have three days, you can explore beyond the main tourist areas:

✅ Follow the 1-day and 2-day itineraries

✅ Elephant Mountain (象山) – A short hike for a stunning view of Taipei’s skyline.

✅ Huashan 1914 or Songshan Cultural Park (華山1914 / 松山文創園區) – These are former factory sites transformed into art and cultural hubs with exhibitions, shops, and cafés. I have articles about both places: Huashan 1914 and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park.

✅ Ximending (西門町) – Taipei’s trendiest area for shopping, street food, and entertainment.

Must-Try Food & Drinks in Taipei

Even if you’re only in Taipei for a short visit, food should be a priority. You don’t need a full sit-down meal—Taipei is known for its street food and grab-and-go snacks.

🟢 Taiwanese Fried Chicken (鹽酥雞) – Bite-sized, crispy, and packed with flavor.
🟢 Scallion Pancake (蔥油餅) – Crispy on the outside, soft inside. Try it with egg!
🟢 Pepper Bun (胡椒餅) – A must-try, filled with juicy pork and green onions.
🟢 Braised Pork Rice (滷肉飯) – Classic Taiwanese comfort food.
🟢 Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶) – Taiwan’s most famous drink! Try brown sugar boba or taro milk tea.
🟢 Shaved Ice (剉冰) – Topped with mango, taro, red beans, or condensed milk.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never been to Taiwan, I truly encourage you to visit, even if just for a stopover.

I hope this guide helps you plan your stopover in Taipei and makes your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Whether you’re here for a few hours or a couple of days, Taipei has so much to offer—amazing food, efficient transportation, and a perfect mix of modern city life and cultural heritage.

Safe travels, and enjoy your time in Taipei!