A long layover doesn’t have to mean pacing the terminal or counting down the hours. TPE offers a mix of dining, quiet spaces, and small diversions that can make a wait more manageable — especially if you know what’s available and what to expect. Here are 12 things to do on a layover at Taipei Taoyuan Airport:
1. Sample the cuisine
In addition to standard food court options, you’ll find well-known Taiwanese brands and specialties scattered throughout both terminals. Look for shops serving beef noodle soup, xiao long bao (soup dumplings), braised pork rice, and Taiwanese set meals, along with bakeries and snack counters selling local treats.
Bubble tea is widely available, including shops inspired by popular Taiwanese tea chains, making it easy to grab milk tea or fruit tea to go. Convenience stores are also a reliable fallback for hot snacks, drinks, and packaged foods, especially late at night.
Most restaurants close late at night, but a small number of dining outlets in both terminals operate 24 hours, along with several convenience stores, which are helpful for overnight layovers.
2. Hang out in a lounge
If you want to get work done or simply relax in an all-inclusive setting, an airport lounge is just the thing! No longer serving only First and Business Class flyers, several lounges here allow any traveller, no matter your airline or flight class. Pre-book your visit or use your lounge membership program to gain entry. Take advantage of unlimited food and drinks, WiFi, news and TV, and maybe even shower facilities — all in a calmer, quieter environment. [ read more ]
3. Go shopping
Shopping at Taipei Taoyuan Airport is practical rather than overwhelming, but it’s a good place to pick up Taiwan-specific gifts before you leave. In addition to duty-free shops, pharmacies, and bookstores, you’ll find stores selling locally produced teas, pineapple cakes, nougat candies, and other packaged snacks that travel well.
Tea lovers can browse a range of Taiwanese oolong and high-mountain teas, often sold in gift-ready packaging. You’ll also see small souvenir shops offering Taiwan-themed stationery, accessories, and design items, alongside familiar international brands such as Adidas, Puma, and Nike.
4. Take a shower
If you’re facing a long layover, a shower can be a welcome reset. Free shower facilities are available in multiple locations across both terminals and are open 24 hours. These are basic but functional, and you’ll need to bring your own towel and toiletries. [ read more ]
5. Get a massage
Relax with a short upper-body or back massage at the Visually Impaired Friend Massage Service Center in Terminal 2. Location: T2, airside, 4F. Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Massage chairs are also available in T2, Airside, near Gate D2.
6. Check out the reading rooms
Two quiet reading rooms offer shelves of books and book-exchange areas if you feel like unwinding away from the main concourses. These spaces also host traditional calligraphy and stone-rubbing activity areas, giving travellers a low-key way to engage with Taiwanese culture. Locations: T1, Airside, near Gate B6 • T2, Airside, near Gate D8.
7. Try out the e-sports simulator
Head to the E-Generation e-Sports Experience Center to try video games and racing simulators, or use computer stations to pass the time digitally before your flight.
8. Explore the themed lounges
Several public waiting areas are designed around specific themes, offering a change of scenery from standard gate seating. Examples include the Hello Kitty-themed seating area, the Smart Green Energy Waiting Room, where stationary bikes generate power, and the Metaverse Waiting Room, which features rotating displays by Taiwanese designers.
9. Take a free transit tour
Transit passengers with at least 7 hours between flights may be eligible to join a free half-day transit tour, organized by the Taiwan Tourism Administration. These guided tours are designed specifically for layover travellers and typically last around 4 hours, including transportation.
Tour themes vary by time of day and may include historic landmarks, art districts, traditional streets, or night market experiences. Routes and attractions can change, and participation depends on flight schedules, immigration requirements, and seat availability.
Advance online registration is recommended, though same-day sign-ups may be possible if space allows. Availability can sometimes be checked at the Tourist Service Centers in the Arrivals areas of Terminals 1 and 2. Transit tours are generally best suited for travellers who want a structured outing without the stress of planning transportation on their own.
10. Sightseeing
If you prefer to explore independently, Taipei is reachable by public transit, but it’s not especially close to the airport. To keep things low-stress, we recommend having at least 8–9 hours between flights before attempting a city visit.
The Taoyuan Airport MRT (purple line) connects both terminals with Taipei Main Station in about 40 minutes, with frequent daytime service. Buses and taxis are also available, though travel times vary with traffic.
From Taipei Main Station, you can walk to Liberty Square, home to the National Theatre, National Concert Hall, and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Yongkang Street, near Dongmen MRT station, is a popular area for classic Taiwanese dishes like beef noodles and dumplings. With more time, MRT lines also reach Taipei 101 and Shilin Night Market.
Whatever you choose, leave plenty of buffer time for the return trip and airport security. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Taipei.
11. WiFi
Need to spend your layover working or catching up? Free WiFi is available throughout the airport.
12. Sleep
Taipei Taoyuan Airport generally tolerates travellers resting overnight, and you’ll see others doing the same during late-night hours. Seating is reasonably comfortable in many areas, and some quieter corners offer a bit more privacy, though this is still a busy public space. Public rest lounge areas are located near Gates A7, B6, and D, and some gates have reclining chairs. [ read more ]
For more privacy, travellers can rent private rest rooms inside the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 2, or check-in to the capsule hotel on the south side of Terminal 2. A nearby off-airport hotel also offers shuttle service. See our Taipei Taoyuan Airport Guide for details. See our Taipei Taoyuan Airport Guide for details. [ read more ]
Updated 19 December 2025
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Taipei Taoyuan Airport. Visit our Taipei Taoyuan Airport Guide for more information about more services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.