Book flights to Taipei

Taipei is a sprawling metropolis in northern Taiwan that is a major hub for international travel and commerce. The city sits within a basin surrounded by lush mountain ranges, providing a dramatic backdrop for travelers as they conclude their journey into this dense urban centre.

The city's architectural identity is defined by a mix of colonial influences and modern innovation, best seen at the towering Taipei 101. Visitors can explore the historic streets of Dadaocheng, visit the ornate Longshan Temple, or view the extensive collection of imperial artifacts at the National Palace Museum. These landmarks reflect a deep history that spans from the Qing Dynasty to the modern era.

Life in the capital moves between the quiet greenery of Yangmingshan National Park and the constant energy of the Shilin Night Market. This destination is a centre for world-class cuisine and traditional tea culture, offering a diverse experience for those focused on cultural discovery. The city maintains a balance between its rapid technological growth and a commitment to preserving its local customs.

Taipei in high season

Taipei experiences its peak energy during the autumn months from September to November and again during the Lunar New Year in late winter. During these periods, the weather is often mild and dry, with temperatures typically ranging between 20°C and 26°C. Upon landing at Taoyuan International Airport, visitors find a city filled with clear skies that allow for unobstructed views from the observation deck of Taipei 101. The comfortable air quality encourages a faster pace of life, as locals and travellers alike flock to the hiking trails of Elephant Mountain to capture the urban skyline.

The cultural atmosphere during high season is defined by grand public celebrations and a thriving outdoor social scene. The Mid-Autumn Festival brings the scent of grilled food to street corners, while the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival illuminates the surrounding districts with thousands of lights. Night markets like Raohe and Shilin are at their most bustling, with the cooler evenings creating the perfect environment for exploring the stalls. This season captures the city in its most polished state, where the balance of traditional festivities and modern urbanity is on full display.

Taipei in low season

The low season in Taipei coincides with the hot, humid summer from June to August and the damp, grey days of January. Summer brings temperatures that frequently climb above 33°C, often punctuated by dramatic afternoon thundershowers or the approach of a typhoon. Travellers arriving during these months will notice a shift toward indoor life, where the city’s extensive underground malls and air-conditioned museums provide a cool sanctuary. The pace slows significantly as people seek shade, and the lush green mountains surrounding the city often appear shrouded in a misty, tropical haze.

Despite the humidity, the low season offers a more intimate look at local life through events like the Dragon Boat Festival. The rain-slicked streets of Ximending take on a cinematic quality at night, reflecting the neon signs in a way that defines the city's moody, urban aesthetic. While the weather may be unpredictable, the lack of crowds at major sites like the National Palace Museum allows for a quieter, more contemplative experience. This period reveals a resilient version of the city that remains charming even under the heavy rhythm of the summer rains.

Two main gateways manage the arrival of travellers by air, with one facility handling the vast majority of international traffic and a secondary hub positioned directly within the urban core. Selecting between flights to Taipei often depends on whether you are arriving from a long-haul destination or a nearby regional city.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Located approximately 40 km west of the city centre in the Taoyuan District, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the primary entry point for the majority of international visitors. This expansive facility consists of two main terminals connected by a skytrain and is the global hub for China Airlines, EVA Air, and Starlux Airlines. As the busiest airport in the region, it facilitates long-haul flights to Taipei from North America, Europe, and Oceania, alongside a dense network of routes across Asia.

Upon landing, the Taoyuan Airport MRT provides the most efficient link to the city, with Express Trains reaching Taipei Main Station in roughly 35 to 40 minutes. Travellers can also board various Airport Express buses that run 24 hours a day, delivering passengers to major hubs like Xinyi District, Songshan Airport, and Zhongshan District. For those seeking direct door-to-door service, taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available outside both arrival halls, typically reaching central locations in 50 to 70 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)

Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) is situated directly within the Songshan District, just a few kilometres from the central business areas. While it originally served as the primary international gateway, it now functions as a specialized hub for domestic travel and select "golden route" regional flights to cities like Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai. The airport has two terminals—one for international departures and one for domestic routes—and is a major base for carriers such as Uni Air and Mandarin Airlines.

The transition from the terminal to the city is exceptionally brief due to the airport's central location. The Wenhu Line (Line 1) of the Taipei Metro has a dedicated station at the airport, whisking passengers to the Daan District or Nangang District in under 20 minutes. Numerous local city buses stop frequently at the terminal curbside, providing direct links to nearly every major neighbourhood. Because the airport sits in the heart of the city, a taxi ride to most central hotels generally takes between 10 and 20 minutes.

As your flight descends into the basin surrounding Taipei, the sight of the mist-shrouded mountains and the towering Taipei 101 signals the start of a deep cultural immersion. Stepping out into the humid, energized air, you are met with a city that balances ancient spiritual traditions with a fast-paced, neon-lit modernism.

Taipei 101
This bamboo-shaped skyscraper provides a panoramic introduction to the urban layout and the lush green peaks that hem the city in from every side. The engineering of its massive internal wind damper is as fascinating as the high-speed ascent that carries you above the clouds.

Longshan Temple
Built in the 1700s, this site is a sensory gateway into local life where the scent of thick incense smoke mixes with the rhythmic chanting of worshippers. The intricate roof carvings and stone pillars tell stories of folk deities, making it a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the city.

Shilin Night Market
The true spirit of the city awakens after dark in this sprawling labyrinth of food stalls and neon signs. Wandering through the crowds to find charcoal-grilled snacks and traditional sweets is an essential rite of passage for any newcomer.

National Palace Museum
This institution houses one of the world's largest collections of imperial Chinese artefacts, spanning thousands of years of history. The delicate jade carvings and ancient calligraphic scrolls offer a quiet, scholarly contrast to the bustling streets outside.

Beitou Hot Springs
Located at the edge of the city, these geothermal waters allow travellers to experience the natural volcanic energy of the region. The area is a charming blend of Japanese-era bathhouse architecture and steaming sulphuric pools tucked into a verdant valley.

Dadaocheng
Walking through this historic district reveals the city’s trading roots through its red-brick shophouses and traditional tea merchants. It is a place where the aroma of dried medicinal herbs and freshly roasted oolong tea lingers in the narrow alleyways.

Your journey to Taipei begins with finding the right flight, a process made simple by using the search filters on eDreams to compare various airlines and departure times. Frequent travellers can also enjoy extra benefits through eDreams Prime, helping you focus on the excitement of your upcoming arrival in this world-famous destination.