Flights to Taiwan 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book

Major International Gateways in Taiwan

Taiwan is exceptionally well-connected with four primary international airports. Choosing the right gateway can save you hours of travel time depending on your final destination and the region you wish to explore first.

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) – The Global Hub

Source: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

Located about 40 kilometers west of Taipei, Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is Taiwan’s primary international gateway and the busiest hub in the country. If you are flying from North America, Europe, or distant parts of Asia, this is almost certainly where you will land.

• Best for: Travelers visiting Northern Taiwan (Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung) or those taking long-haul flights.
• Key Connectivity: TPE serves as the main base for Taiwan's leading carriers—EVA Air, China Airlines, and STARLUX. It offers the most robust selection of [flights to Taiwan] with high frequencies to major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Seattle.
• Transit to City: The Airport MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the fastest way into the city, reaching Taipei Main Station in just 35 minutes via the Express Train.

Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) – The City-Center Premium Gateway

Often referred to as Taipei’s "downtown airport," Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) is a favorite among business travelers and savvy tourists coming from neighboring East Asian hubs.

• Best for: Business travelers and tourists arriving from Tokyo (Haneda), Seoul (Gimpo), or Shanghai (Hongqiao).
• The "Golden Quadrangle": TSA is famous for its "city-to-city" routes. Flying from Haneda to Songshan, for example, allows you to land right in the heart of Taipei, often saving you over 2 hours of total travel time compared to flying through TPE.
• Internal Link Opportunity: Land here to dive straight into your [Taipei First-time Guide] itinerary with minimal commute.

Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) – Southern Taiwan’s Entry Point

Source: Siaogang District Office Kaohsiung City

For those planning to start their journey in the sunny south, Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) is the perfect alternative. It is the second-largest airport in Taiwan and serves as the primary gateway to the Southern regions.

• Best for: Travelers heading straight to Kaohsiung, Tainan, or the beaches of Kenting.
• Regional Routes: KHH offers excellent connections from Southeast Asia and North Asia, including frequent [flights from Hong Kong], [Singapore], and the [Philippines].
• Convenience: Unlike TPE, KHH is located directly on the Kaohsiung KMRT line, making it incredibly easy to reach the city center in under 20 minutes.

Taichung International Airport (RMQ) – The Heart of Central Taiwan

Source: Taichung Tourism and Travel Bureau

Taichung International Airport (RMQ) serves the central region of Taiwan. While smaller than TPE or KHH, it has grown significantly as a hub for regional budget carriers and cross-strait flights.

• Best for: Travelers visiting Central Taiwan attractions like Sun Moon Lake, Cingjing Farm, or Taichung City.
• Routes: RMQ is particularly convenient for travelers from Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Vietnam.

Flights to Taiwan from Key Markets

Navigating the routes to Taiwan is straightforward, thanks to its strategic location as a major aviation hub in the Asia-Pacific. Here is a breakdown of flight options from our primary visitor markets.

From North America (US) – Long-Haul Comfort & Direct Routes

For travelers coming from the United States, Taiwan is a premier destination known for having some of the world's best trans-Pacific flight services. Most direct flights arrive at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).

1. Major Gateways: You can find frequent direct [flights from the US to Taiwan] departing from major West Coast hubs like [Los Angeles (LAX)], [San Francisco (SFO)], and [Seattle (SEA)]. For those on the East Coast, daily direct service from [New York (JFK)] remains the most popular choice.
2. Airline Options: Taiwan’s "Big Three"—EVA Air, China Airlines, and STARLUX—all offer premium services on these routes. US carriers like United Airlines and Delta also provide competitive direct or one-stop options.
3. Pro Tip: Look for the new "Premium Economy" classes pioneered by Taiwanese airlines; they offer an excellent balance of comfort and value for the 12–16 hour journey.

From Southeast Asia (Singapore & Philippines) – Regional Hubs & LCCs

Traveling from Southeast Asia to Taiwan is fast and affordable, with flight times ranging from 2 to 5 hours.

1. Singapore: As a major transit hub, [Singapore to Taiwan flights] are plentiful. You have the luxury of choice between full-service carriers and reliable low-cost carriers (LCCs) like Scoot.
2. The Philippines: Travelers from the Philippines enjoy some of the shortest flight durations to Taiwan. Whether you are looking for [flights from Manila] or [Clark to Taiwan], multiple carriers like Cebu Pacific and AirAsia offer budget-friendly daily flights.
3. Market Insight: This region is perfectly served by both TPE (Taipei) and KHH (Kaohsiung) airports, allowing travelers to enter through the north and depart from the south without backtracking.

 

 

 

 

From Hong Kong – The World’s Busiest International Route

The route between Hong Kong and Taipei is consistently ranked as one of the busiest in the world, often referred to as the "Golden Route."

1. High Frequency: With dozens of [Hong Kong to Taiwan flights] daily, you can practically treat this route like a high-speed shuttle. Flights depart almost every hour, providing ultimate flexibility for your travel schedule.
2. Arrival Choice: Due to high demand, Hong Kong travelers can choose between landing at TPE (Taoyuan) for a general tour or [Taipei Songshan (TSA)] for immediate access to Taipei’s city center.
3. Ideal for: Short weekend getaways or business trips, with a flight time of only about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Taiwan Flight Route Comparison: Routes at a Glance

For a quick overview of how to reach Taiwan from our major markets, use the table below. This summary highlights the primary gateways and direct flight availability to help you streamline your booking process.

Departure Region	Major Cities	Flight Type	Detailed Route Guide
United States	LAX, SFO, JFK, SEA	Direct / Connect	[US to Taiwan Routes]
Philippines	Manila, Clark	Direct	[PH to Taiwan Routes]
Singapore	Singapore	Direct	[SG to Taiwan Routes]
Hong Kong	Hong Kong	Direct	[HK to Taiwan Routes]

*Travel Tip: Direct flight durations vary significantly by region. While flights from Hong Kong take less than 2 hours, trans-Pacific routes from the US East Coast can exceed 15 hours. Always check our dedicated guides for specific airline recommendations and seasonal fare tips.

 

Choosing the Right Airline for Your Taiwan Trip

Taiwan is home to world-class airlines known for their exceptional safety records and hospitality. Depending on your budget and preference for comfort, you can choose between full-service carriers or budget-friendly LCCs.

The "Big Three" Full-Service Carriers

If you prioritize comfort, in-flight entertainment, and checked baggage, Taiwan's three major airlines offer some of the best trans-Pacific and regional services in the industry.

1. EVA Air (Star Alliance): Consistently ranked among the world’s safest airlines. Known for its exceptional Premium Economy and Hello Kitty-themed flights. It is the top choice for travelers from the [United States] who value consistency and a vast network.
2. China Airlines (SkyTeam): The national carrier of Taiwan, offering the most extensive range of routes globally. Their "Oriental Beauty" cabin design provides a unique, culturally immersive experience.
3. STARLUX Airlines: The "luxury newcomer" that has redefined the flying experience with Michelin-starred catering and state-of-the-art cabin technology. It is a fantastic option for those flying from [Los Angeles] or [San Francisco] looking for a premium boutique feel.

Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs)

For short-haul travelers from [Singapore], [Hong Kong], or the [Philippines], budget airlines provide a cost-effective way to reach Taiwan, often with multiple flights per day.

1. Scoot: A popular choice for [Singapore to Taiwan flights], offering wide-body Dreamliners even on regional routes.
2. Cebu Pacific & AirAsia: The go-to carriers for affordable [flights from Manila] or Clark, perfect for budget-conscious travelers and weekenders.
3. Tigerair Taiwan: Taiwan's only homegrown LCC, offering great regional connectivity to secondary cities and frequent seasonal promotions.
4. Other Budget Options: For those flying from [Clark to Taiwan], airlines like Starlux or EVA Air often provide the most reliable direct connections, while LCCs frequently update their seasonal schedules for this route.

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Taiwan

Securing an affordable fare to Taiwan doesn't have to be a game of luck. By understanding seasonal trends and booking patterns, you can save significantly on your airfare.

1. Book in the "Golden Window"

For international flights, timing is everything.

• Long-haul (US): We recommend booking at least 3 to 5 months in advance.
• Regional (SG, PH, HK): Booking 4 to 8 weeks ahead usually yields the best prices, especially when flying with LCCs like [Scoot] or [AirAsia].

2. Avoid Peak Travel Seasons

Taiwan experiences massive spikes in airfare during specific holidays. If you are on a budget, try to avoid:

• Lunar New Year (Jan/Feb): The most expensive time to fly as locals return home. Dates vary each year, so check the lunar calendar.
• Cherry Blossom Season (March/April): A high-demand period for travelers from [Singapore] and [Hong Kong].
• Summer Holidays (July/August): Peak season for family travel.

Best Value Months: Traveling during the "shoulder seasons"—specifically late September to November—offers pleasant weather and much more competitive flight prices.

3. Fly Mid-Week

Statistically, flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays is cheaper than weekend departures. If your schedule allows, use the "flexible dates" search function to compare prices across a 3-day window.

4. Leverage Multi-City or Transit Routes

If direct flights from cities like [New York] or [Seattle] are over your budget, consider a transit via Tokyo (NRT/HND) or Seoul (ICN). Not only can this save you money, but it also allows you to experience two destinations in one trip.

FAQ: Flying to Taiwan

Q: What is the average flight time to Taiwan? 

Q: Which airport should I fly into for Taipei? 

Q: Are there direct flights from the US to Taiwan? 

Q: When is the cheapest month to fly to Taiwan? 

RTR Editor’s Further Reading: Master Taiwan’s Transportation

Landing in Taiwan is just the beginning. To help you navigate the island like a local, our editors have curated these essential guides covering everything from airport transfers to high-speed rail travel.

RTR Editor’s Essentials: Plan Your Perfect Taiwan Trip

Beyond flights and trains, successful travel depends on timing and preparation. These essential guides will ensure you hit the ground running the moment you land.

 

Start Your Taiwan Adventure Today

Booking your flight is the first step toward exploring the vibrant night markets, stunning mountains, and world-class hospitality that Taiwan offers. Whether you are looking for the luxury of a full-service carrier or the efficiency of a regional LCC, there is a route that fits your needs.

Now that you’ve got your flights sorted, it’s time to plan what to do once you land! Check out our [Taiwan First-time Guide] for essential travel tips, or explore our [Customized Tours] to make your first trip to Taiwan truly effortless.

Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing you in Taiwan!

Contact US: service@roundtaiwanround.com