Kaohsiung International Airport

Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) is not merely the main aerial gateway to Southern Taiwan, but also one of the most convenient and friendly transport hubs in Asia. Located within the city limits, it allows travellers to almost instantly switch from an aircraft seat to a stroll along the promenade of the famous Love River or a tasting of street food at the night markets. The compact size of the terminals eliminates long walks, and intuitive navigation makes arrival as comfortable as possible. It is the ideal starting point for exploring the island's tropical atmosphere, bypassing the hustle and bustle of giant hubs.

Features and Benefits

Kaohsiung Airport has earned high ratings from tourists thanks to its well-thought-out infrastructure and cosy, almost home-like environment. Travellers rarely encounter the exhausting queues typical of capital city airports here, and the entire journey from the gangway to the city exit takes minimal time.

• Seamless City Access: The metro station (KRT Red Line) is located directly within the terminal, allowing you to reach the city centre or the High Speed Rail station (HSR Zuoying) in less than 20 minutes.
• Terminal Separation: The airport features two terminals — Domestic and International — connected by a convenient pedestrian corridor that ensures easy transfers.
• Tropical Ambience: The interiors are decorated with live plants and art objects reflecting the maritime theme and cultural heritage of the region, creating a relaxing mood.
• Passenger Amenities: Despite its compactness, everything necessary for a comfortable wait is available here: currency exchange bureaus, local mobile operator counters, Duty Free shops, and cafes serving Taiwanese cuisine.

• Official Website: www.kia.gov.tw
• Information Service Phone: +886-7-805-7630
• Address: No. 2, Jhongshan 4th Rd, Siaogang District, Kaohsiung City, 812, Taiwan
• Email: For general inquiries, you can use the contact form on the official website or the address dc@kia.gov.tw.
• Social Media: It is recommended to check the official website for up-to-date information, as social media pages are not updated regularly.
• Lost Luggage Information: For items left in the terminal, please contact the Lost & Found service. If your luggage was lost or damaged during the flight, you must contact your airline representative directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For immediate assistance and consultations, you can call the main airport information service number.

Getting to Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) from the city centre or other districts of Kaohsiung is quite simple thanks to an excellently developed transport system. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences. One of the most convenient and popular options is the metro (MRT). The Red Line has a station right at the airport (R4 Kaohsiung International Airport), making the trip fast and predictable. The journey from central stations, such as Formosa Boulevard (R10/O5) or Kaohsiung Main Station (R11), will take only about 15–20 minutes. This is not only the fastest but also the most economical way to reach the terminals.

An alternative to the metro is city and intercity buses. An extensive network of routes connects the airport with various parts of the city, as well as with other settlements in Taiwan, for example, the popular resort of Kenting. Buses are a budget-friendly option, although the trip may take longer due to traffic and stops. This method is suitable if your accommodation is located far from metro stations.

For those who value comfort and are travelling with a lot of luggage or with family, the ideal choice would be a taxi or private transfer. A car can be easily found anywhere in the city or ordered via apps. A taxi ride from central Kaohsiung to the airport usually takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost will be significantly higher than public transport, but you get the convenience of "door-to-door" travel.

If you plan to actively travel around the southern part of the island, it makes sense to rent a car. Offices of many international and local rental companies are located at the airport. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, convenient parking is provided. Both short-term and long-term parking zones are available in the immediate vicinity of the terminals, making this option very convenient for travellers.

Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) consists of two main terminals that are clearly separated by function: the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal. Although these are two separate buildings, they are located in close proximity to each other, making movement between them simple and quick.

The International Terminal is the main and more modern building of the airport. It is from here that all flights outside Taiwan depart and arrive. It is significantly larger than its neighbour and offers a full range of services for travellers: check-in counters for numerous airlines, Duty Free shops, diverse cafes and restaurants, currency exchange points, VIP lounges, and VAT Refund offices. Departure and arrival zones are clearly demarcated here, and navigation is intuitive thanks to signs in Chinese and English.

The Domestic Terminal, as the name suggests, exclusively serves flights to other cities and islands within Taiwan. It is older and smaller in size, with a more modest set of services. Everything here is oriented towards the fast and efficient transit of passengers. Although the choice of cafes and shops is limited, everything necessary for a short wait before a flight is available.

Transferring between terminals is effortless — they are connected by a covered pedestrian walkway. The walk takes just a few minutes. The airport layout is logical: departure and check-in areas are usually located on the upper levels, while arrival and baggage claim areas are on the lower levels. Thanks to the airport's compact size, orienting yourself within it is quite easy.

Passing through check-in and security at KHH is generally faster than at giant global hubs. Nevertheless, for international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2-3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights, 1-1.5 hours is sufficient. To avoid confusion, always check in advance from which terminal — International or Domestic — your flight departs.

The history of Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) dates back to 1942. Initially, it was built during the Japanese rule in Taiwan as a military airbase and was not intended for civilian transport. After World War II, the facility came under the control of the Republic of China Air Force, but its primary function remained military for a long time.

The turning point came in 1965, when the airport was officially opened for civilian domestic flights. This became the starting point for its transformation into an important transport hub for southern Taiwan. The demand for air travel grew, and it soon became obvious that the airport needed further development to reach an international level.

In 1972, the airport received international status, which significantly expanded its flight geography. The most large-scale reconstruction took place in the 1990s: in 1993, construction began on a new international terminal, which was grandly opened in 1997. This allowed for the separation of passenger flows: the new terminal began serving international flights, while the old one was completely reoriented to domestic ones. Such modernisation significantly increased capacity and comfort for travellers.

One of the key achievements in the airport's recent history was the improvement of its transport accessibility. In 2008, a station of the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line was opened right inside the airport building. This made it one of the most convenient airports in Asia, allowing passengers to reach the city centre in just 15-20 minutes. Today, Kaohsiung Airport is the second busiest in the country and continues to develop while maintaining its convenient location within the city.

Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) offers passengers a full range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. In the terminals, you will find numerous restaurants and cafes where you can taste both local Taiwanese dishes and familiar international snacks. for shopping enthusiasts, there are Duty Free shops, as well as outlets selling souvenirs, electronics, and travel essentials.

For those for whom staying connected is important, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Numerous gadget charging stations allow you not to worry about your devices' battery levels. Financial matters can be resolved at bank branches, currency exchange offices, or by using ATMs located in public areas.

Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can use the services of business lounges and VIP zones, where one can relax or work in a quiet atmosphere. Special play areas and mother-and-child rooms are provided for travellers with children. The airport is fully equipped for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms, and escort services can also be requested.

In case of necessity, a medical post is available at the airport, ready to provide first aid. For business travellers, conference rooms and business services may be available. If you have a long layover or an early flight, several hotels offering comfortable accommodation are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport.

At Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), travellers will find diverse dining options capable of satisfying any taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a quick snack before departure or a full lunch, there is plenty to choose from. Catering establishments are located both in the public area (before security control) and in the sterile departure zone.

For those wishing to experience local cuisine, the airport offers an excellent opportunity. Pay attention to cafes serving traditional Taiwanese dishes. Be sure to try the famous beef noodle soup or classic bubble tea (tea with tapioca pearls). In the international terminal departure zone, there is usually a wider selection of restaurants offering both Asian and European cuisine. Here you can have a leisurely lunch while enjoying the view of the runway.

If you are short on time, numerous coffee shops and fast-food outlets are at your service. They are ideal for grabbing a sandwich, pastries, and a cup of aromatic coffee. Additionally, convenience stores operate in both terminals, where you can buy drinks, snacks, and ready meals at more affordable prices. This is a great option for budget-conscious travellers.

Most restaurants and cafes open early in the morning to serve passengers on the first flights and close after the last departures. Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city but vary from budget options in shops to mid-range prices in full-service restaurants. Regarding dietary preferences, many establishments offer vegetarian options. However, if you have strict requirements (for example, gluten-free or Halal food), it is recommended to verify the availability of such dishes with the staff at the specific cafe.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Kaohsiung goes smoothly, use these tips. Planning is the key to a calm start or end to your trip around Taiwan.

Airport Arrival Time. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 1.5–2 hours. This time is sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing, especially during peak hours or the tourist season. Always check your airline's recommendations.

Check-in and Security Control. To save time, complete online check-in if possible. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready at the airport. During security screening, be prepared to remove laptops and other large gadgets from your hand luggage, as well as liquids packed in a transparent bag.

Seat Selection on the Plane. If you want to enjoy the views, choose a window seat. If quick access to the aisle or extra legroom is important to you, your choice is an aisle seat. Seats in the front of the cabin allow you to leave the plane faster upon arrival, while seats at emergency exits usually offer more legroom (often for an additional fee).

Hand Luggage. Remember the rule for carrying liquids: containers up to 100 ml must be packed in one transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. All power banks and lithium batteries can be transported only in hand luggage. Ensure their capacity is clearly marked. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are strictly prohibited.

For Transfer Passengers. If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and re-register it. Kaohsiung International Airport is quite compact and understandable, but always allocate extra time for moving between gates and potential re-screening.

Customs Control. When entering the country, fill out the customs declaration honestly. The country has very strict rules regarding the import of animal and plant products (especially meat), and violations carry heavy fines. If in doubt, it is better to declare the item or consult a customs officer.

Saving Time and Money. Reaching the airport or getting to the city is convenient and inexpensive via the metro (MRT Red Line). Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — there are drinking water fountains in the terminal. Compare currency exchange rates at the airport and in the city to choose the most favourable option.

In Case of Flight Delay. First of all, contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and possible options (rescheduling, compensation). The airport has free Wi-Fi, cafes, and shops to help pass the waiting time. If you have travel insurance, check if it covers flight delay incidents.