Taichung International Airport

Taichung International Airport serves as the aerial gateway to the very heart of Taiwan, making it ideal for those wishing to immediately immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the central regions. Unlike the massive capital airports, this airport captivates with its compactness and cosy atmosphere, where everything is literally within walking distance. Previously serving exclusively as a military base, today it has transformed into a modern and technological hub connecting the region with key Asian cities. Here, travellers are greeted not by the hustle of a metropolis, but by thoughtful comfort and renowned Taiwanese hospitality.

Compactness and Speed
The main advantage of the airport is its size. It is practically impossible to get lost here, and the journey from the check-in counter to the boarding gate takes mere minutes. This is particularly appreciated by tourists tired of long walks in huge terminals. Passport control and baggage claim are also surprisingly quick.

Amenities for a Comfortable Wait
Despite its status as a regional hub, the airport offers an excellent range of services. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the territory, and for those wishing to have a snack, cafés featuring local cuisine and 24-hour convenience stores are available. In the international terminal, travellers can visit Duty Free shops or relax in VIP lounges. For passengers with children, play areas and nursing rooms are provided.

Transport Accessibility
The airport is well-integrated into the city's transport network. Modern buses depart directly from the terminal, connecting the airport with Taichung city centre and the High Speed Rail (HSR) station, from where you can easily reach any point in Taiwan. A taxi ride to the city centre will take only about 20–30 minutes.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Taichung International Airport (RMQ). Should you have any questions, you can always contact the airport representatives.

• Official Website: On the official portal www.tca.gov.tw, you will find the current flight schedule, terminal maps, and information on parking and services.
• Information Desk Phone: +886 4 2615 5000. You can call this number to clarify general information about the airport's operations.
• Airport Address: No. 168, Section 1, Zhonghang Road, Shalu District, Taichung City, 433043, Taiwan. This address can be used for navigation systems or taxis.
• Email: For written enquiries, you can use the address dc0101@tca.gov.tw, however, for a prompt response, calling by phone is recommended.
• Social Media: The airport has official pages on social networks (such as Facebook), where news and important announcements for passengers are published.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of luggage loss during a flight, you should first contact your airline's representative at the airport. If you have lost personal items within the terminal, please contact the airport's Lost and Found service.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Assistance to passengers is provided at information desks within the terminal, as well as via the main information desk phone number.

There are several ways to reach Taichung International Airport, located in the Shalu district and serving the entire central Taiwan region. The choice of the best option depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and the time you have available. When planning a route from central Taichung, allow an average of 30 to 60 minutes for the journey.

Public Transport: Buses
The most economical way to get to the airport is to use the extensive network of city buses. Numerous routes connect the terminal with key points in the city, including Taichung Railway Station and the High Speed Rail (HSR) station. This is an excellent option for travellers with light luggage looking to save money. A bus journey usually takes from 45 to 70 minutes, depending on the route and traffic conditions. Payment can be made via a transport card (e.g., EasyCard) or cash.

Taxi and Private Transfer
For those who value comfort and time, a taxi is the most convenient solution. The journey from the city centre to the airport will take approximately 30-40 minutes. The cost will be significantly higher compared to the bus, but this is compensated by the speed and convenience of being dropped off right at the terminal. You can hail a car on the street or order one via an app. Another convenient option is to book a private transfer in advance, which is particularly relevant for large groups or families with children and bulky luggage.

Car Rental and Parking
If you plan to actively travel around the region, renting a car might be the ideal choice. Counters for international and local rental companies can be found both at the airport and in the city. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the tourist season. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, short-term and long-term parking facilities are provided on the premises. This is a convenient, though not the cheapest option, if you are leaving the car for several days.

Taichung International Airport (RMQ) features a thoughtful and passenger-friendly structure consisting of two main terminals located within a single building. This significantly simplifies navigation and movement between different zones. The airport serves both domestic and international flights, clearly separating passenger flows.

Terminal 1 is designed for handling domestic flights. It is smaller in size and usually less busy than the international terminal. Flights depart from here to other cities in Taiwan and nearby islands such as Kinmen and Penghu. Check-in and security procedures here generally proceed faster.

Terminal 2 is a modern and larger terminal that serves all international destinations. Located here are the check-in counters for most airlines, passport control zones, and customs. This terminal houses the main services for travellers: Duty Free shops, cafés, restaurants, and currency exchange points.

Both terminals are under one roof and connected to each other, so transferring from one to the other does not require transport—a walk of a few minutes is sufficient. The airport layout is intuitive: departure zones are traditionally located on the upper floors, while arrival zones with baggage claim are on the lower floors. Signs are provided in multiple languages, including English, which facilitates orientation.

For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5–3 hours before departure to calmly complete check-in, drop off luggage, and pass through passport and customs control. For domestic flights, 1–1.5 hours is usually sufficient. Despite the airport's compactness, queues are possible during peak hours, so it is better to have a time buffer.

Navigation Tip: Always check your terminal number on your ticket or the online board before travelling to the airport. Even if you make a mistake, moving from one terminal to the other is very easy. If you have any questions, feel free to approach the staff at the information desks—they are always ready to help.

The history of Taichung International Airport (RMQ) is closely intertwined with the military history of Taiwan. Its predecessor, Kokang Airfield, was built back in 1936 during the Japanese rule. After World War II, the facility was transferred to the Republic of China Air Force and was named Ching Chuan Kang Air Base. During the Vietnam War, the base was actively used by the US Air Force, for which one of the longest runways in the region was constructed, capable of accommodating heavy B-52 bombers.

The transition to civilian use became a significant milestone in the airport's development. In 2004, a decision was made to move all commercial flights from the old Shuinan Airport, located in central Taichung, to the Ching Chuan Kang Air Base site. A new passenger terminal was built for this purpose, and the airport began its new life as a civilian facility serving the city and its surroundings, including Shalu.

With the growth of passenger traffic, especially on international routes, the airport continued to develop actively. A key stage of modernisation occurred in 2013, when the new International Terminal (Terminal 2) was opened. This allowed for a significant increase in capacity and improved service quality for passengers. The official renaming to Taichung International Airport took place in 2017, highlighting its increased status as an important transport hub in central Taiwan.

One of the most interesting facts about the airport is its dual purpose. It remains an active military airbase to this day, harmoniously combining the servicing of civilian airliners with Air Force operations. This unique feature is a direct legacy of its rich and multifaceted history.

Taichung International Airport (RMQ) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Within the terminal, you will find various dining outlets: from cafés with light snacks and aromatic coffee to restaurants where you can have a full meal, trying dishes of both local Taiwanese and international cuisine. For those wishing to spend time shopping, Duty Free shops, souvenir stalls with local goods, and stores selling useful travel essentials are open.

For passengers preferring to await departure in a calmer environment, the airport provides high-comfort lounges. Access to these may be granted depending on ticket class or membership in airline loyalty programmes. Free Wi-Fi operates throughout the terminal, and numerous gadget charging stations will allow you to stay connected at all times.

At Taichung Airport, it is easy to resolve financial matters before your flight. Travellers have access to bank branches, currency exchange points, and ATMs available in various zones of the terminal. In case of unforeseen situations or feeling unwell, a medical station operates at the airport, ready to provide first aid.

The airport cares for the comfort of all categories of passengers. For travellers with small children, equipped nursing rooms are available where you can feed and change a baby in a quiet environment. Passengers with reduced mobility can rely on a barrier-free environment, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms, as well as staff assistance, which is recommended to be requested in advance through the airline.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, several hotels of varying comfort levels are located in the immediate vicinity, many of which offer transfers for their guests. For business travellers, basic business services may be available to address work matters right before departure.

When planning a flight through Taichung International Airport (RMQ), you can count on a decent selection of establishments where you can have a snack or a full meal. Most cafés and restaurants are concentrated in the main passenger terminal, offering options for every taste and budget, from quick coffee to hearty Asian dishes.

For those wishing to quickly and inexpensively experience the gastronomic hits of Taiwan, food kiosks and 24-hour convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven or Family Mart) are the ideal choice. Here you can buy the famous bubble tea (tea with tapioca pearls), sandwiches, salads, onigiri, and various local snacks. This is an excellent option if you have little time before departure.

If time permits, it is worth visiting one of the restaurants located primarily before security control (landside). They serve both Taiwanese dishes, such as beef noodle soup or braised pork rice, as well as more familiar international meals. In the secure area, in the departure zone (airside), the selection is somewhat more modest, but you will always find a café where you can drink coffee with fresh pastries while waiting to board your flight.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding vegetarian dishes is usually not difficult, as they are popular in local cuisine. However, please note that specialized vegan or Halal-certified restaurants may be limited within the airport, so it is recommended to study the menu carefully. Prices at Taichung Airport, like in most global aviation hubs, are slightly higher than in the city but remain within reasonable limits. Opening hours are generally tied to the flight schedule: most open early in the morning and close after the departure of the last aircraft.

Thus, for a full meal, restaurants in the general public area are best suited. And if you want a quick but authentic snack, feel free to grab a bubble tea and snacks at one of the numerous kiosks or shops—this is a wonderful way to experience the taste of Taiwan before flying out.

To ensure your journey from Taichung International Airport begins without unnecessary stress, we recommend arriving at the airport 2.5–3 hours before international flights and 1.5–2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you sufficient time for check-in, luggage drop-off, and passing through controls. Online check-in, which most airlines offer today, can significantly speed up the process. Keep your passport, tickets, and all necessary visa documents ready.

Passing through security control at the airport in Shalu will go faster if you prepare in advance. Remember the standard rule for liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag. Take laptops, tablets, and other large electronics out of your hand luggage beforehand. Ensure you do not have prohibited items, such as sharp objects, flammable substances, or lithium-ion batteries exceeding the established capacity.

Seat selection on the plane can significantly affect comfort. Window seats offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats allow you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. For passengers with connections, the main advice is to clarify immediately upon arrival whether you need to collect your luggage, and find the gate number for your next flight on the information board. Taichung Airport is quite compact, making transit convenient, but it is better not to waste time.

When entering Taiwan or leaving the country, be prepared for customs control. Familiarise yourself in advance with the rules for importing and exporting goods, currency, and food products to avoid misunderstandings. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled at special fountains after security check, and explore public transport options—this is often cheaper than a taxi.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, remain calm. First, contact your airline representative for current information and instructions. For long delays, you may be entitled to vouchers for food or drinks, and sometimes hotel accommodation. Use this time productively: the airport usually has free Wi-Fi, rest zones, and gadget charging points. Movies or books downloaded to your device in advance will help pass the waiting time.