Flights to Taipei

Top Things to Do and See

Go to the Beitou hot springs

The best way to get rid of jet-lag and recover from your long flights to Taipei is the Beitou Hot Springs. Located by the volcanic hills around the city, you reach Beitou with a 30-minute ride on the MRT line and then soak up the hot springs for the afternoon. You can expect to pay $40 TWD ($1,84 AUD) at a public bath, but there are also more expensive and private options.

Hike Elephant Mountain

For hikers buying return flights to Taipei, you'll get the best view of the city by summiting Elephant Mountain. It's a half-day walk, and you can start the trail from Housphanpi Station. Don't forget to stop and take in the views at 95 Peak, Mount Muzhi and Mount Nangang!

Visit the National Palace Museum

If you want to learn more about Taipei and Chinese culture, a visit to the National Palace Museum is a must. It's a popular choice among art lovers buying tickets to Taipei who want to see the world's largest collection of Chinese art. Entrance costs $250 TWD ($11.51 AUD) per person.

Go rock climbing

Taipei has some incredible rock climbing routes for adventurous travellers. You can sign up for a tour to Long Dong and spend the day climbing the 70-metre crags. If you're buying flights to Taipei and are bringing your own climbing equipment, you can take the bus from Taipei to Long Dong or hire a car.

See the Xingtian Temple

The Xingtian Temple is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in the country. Pilgrims from all over China and abroad buy their airfare to Taipei to make an offering to Guangdong, the god of war and martial arts.

Tips for First-Time Travellers to Taipei

Research tour operators

While Taipei has an extensive public transportation system to most of the top attractions, it can work out cheaper to sign up for a tour. For example, you can book a shuttle bus that will take you to Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen and Shifen in one day. A round-trip fare will only cost you $680 TWD ($31.30 AUD). After buying your flights to Taipei, it’s a good idea to do a cost comparison between local tour operators and public transport to see which option will be the best for your budget and time.

Download a translation app

Before you board your flights to Taipei, download a translation app. The hardest part about travelling to Taiwan can be the language barrier, so having an app that can help you communicate with locals and translate signs will be a lifesaver.

Eating out at night markets

For budget travellers searching for cheap flights to Taipei, you'll want to stay away from the famous night markets. The food here is more expensive than the smaller hawker stalls sprinkled across the city. If you want to save money, hit the pavement and go on a culinary street food adventure.

Public Transport and How to Get Around Taipei

Metro

The metro (MRT) is a cheap way to get around Taipei. For English speakers, the system is easy to navigate, and all stations have English translations to help you avoid getting off at the wrong stop. You can also pick up a free metro map at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) when your flights to Taipei arrive.

Bus

Another affordable transportation option for travellers buying return flights to Taipei is the local bus. If you plan on using the system, download Google Maps and get a local sim card or a portable WiFi device. The app will tell you exactly which bus you need to take and when you need to get off, so you don't need to worry about getting lost while exploring the city.

Transport from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

• Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR): The Taiwan High-Speed Rail will take 45 minutes to get from the airport to Taipei. However, because it isn’t a direct journey into the city, it's not the best option for first-time travellers buying flights to Taipei. You'll need to transfer to local bus 705 once you arrive at the Taoyuan Station. A single ticket will cost you $195 TWD ($8.98 AUD).
   
• Taoyuan Airport MRT: If you prefer something cheaper and more direct, you can take the Taoyuan Airport MRT. It has a travel time of 35 to 45 minutes and costs $160 TWD ($7.36 AUD). Bus: The local bus is the cheapest transportation option from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). A one-way trip costs $125 TWD ($5.75 AUD). The entire journey will take 55 minutes, so it's not a great option if your flights to Taipei land and you're in a rush to get to your hotel.
   
• Car Rental: If you want more freedom getting around or you're planning a few day trips, you can add a car rental to your trip when booking your cheap flights to Taipei with Webjet. Alternatively, you can hire a car when you arrive at the airport or from one of the providers in the city.
   
• Taxi: There are metered taxis and Ubers available from the airport. A trip to the city centre will cost on average $1,150 TWD ($52.93 AUD) and take 40 minutes.