Taichung Airport

Taichung Airport (officially known as Ching Chuan Kang Airport) is the main air gateway to Central Taiwan, offering travellers a cosy and peaceful alternative to the bustling hubs of the capital. Located closer to the picturesque mountains and the famous Sun Moon Lake, this airport is ideal for those who wish to start their exploration of the island from its very heart, bypassing long transfers from the capital. Although the airport shares a runway with a military base, it boasts a modern terminal and all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable start to your journey.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Taichung Airport has a unique history: it was originally built as a major airbase and still maintains its status as a joint civil and military aviation facility. This imposes certain rules—for instance, photography and video recording are strictly prohibited on the tarmac and from aircraft windows during takeoff and landing, a rule closely monitored by security services.

For tourists, the main advantage is its compactness and convenient location. The airport is just a 40-50 minute bus ride from the city centre and the High-Speed Rail (HSR) station, making it a strategically convenient point for trips not only around Taichung but also to neighbouring regions. The terminal was recently modernised, and while it is smaller than Taoyuan Airport, it has everything you need: currency exchange counters, duty-free shops, a tourist information centre, and free Wi-Fi.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Taichung International Airport. If you have any questions, we recommend contacting the channels listed below.

• Official Website: You can find the most complete and up-to-date information on the airport's official website: www.tca.gov.tw. The site is available in several languages, including English.
• Information Desk Phone: For general inquiries, you can call: +886 4 2615 5000.
• Airport Address: No. 168, Section 1, Zhongqing Road, Shalu District, Taichung City, 433014, Taiwan.
• Email: For written inquiries, you can use the address: dc0201@tca.gov.tw.
• Social Media: You can follow news and updates on the official Facebook page of the airport.
• Lost & Found Information: For questions regarding lost items and luggage, please contact the Lost & Found service at extension 1199 (when calling the main number +886 4 2615 5000).
• Passenger Support Service: The main support channel is the telephone information service, as well as information desks located directly in the airport terminals.

Getting to Taichung International Airport (TXG) from the centre of Taichung city and back is quite simple thanks to a well-organised transport system. The choice of method depends on your priorities: budget, time, and level of comfort. On average, the journey from the central part of the city to the airport takes 40 to 60 minutes, however, we recommend allowing extra time, especially during peak hours, to avoid missing your flight.

Public Transport: Buses
The most economical option is to use city buses. Several routes connect the airport with key points in the city, including Taichung Railway Station (TRA) and the High-Speed Rail (HSR) station. This is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers or those travelling light. Current schedules and route numbers can be found on the airport's official website or on information boards at bus stops. To pay for the fare, it is most convenient to use an EasyCard transport card, although cash payment is also possible (exact change is preferred).

Taxi and Private Transfer
If you value comfort, are travelling with family and large luggage, or are arriving at night, a taxi is the optimal solution. Official taxi stands are easily found at the exits of the arrival terminals. The trip will cost more than the bus but ensures fast and comfortable delivery directly to your hotel. Additionally, you can pre-book a private transfer via online services. This allows you to fix the cost and guarantees that a driver will be waiting for you at the airport.

Car Rental and Parking
For those planning to actively explore the central part of Taiwan, car rental offers maximum freedom of movement. Taichung Airport hosts offices of both international and local rental agencies where you can arrange a car immediately upon arrival. For travellers arriving at the airport in their own vehicles, convenient short-term and long-term parking options with various rates are provided.

Taichung Airport (TXG), also known as Taichung International Airport, has a simple structure that is easy for passengers to understand. In fact, it consists of one main terminal building, which is functionally divided into two main zones: the International Terminal (Terminal 1) and the Domestic Terminal (Terminal 2). This layout makes navigation intuitive and quick.

Both parts, international and domestic, are under one roof and connected by a common space, so no transport is required to move between them—you simply walk down the corridor. The airport layout is logical: departure zones are located on the upper floors, and arrival zones are on the ground floor. Signs in Chinese and English are present everywhere, significantly facilitating orientation.

The International Terminal is larger and more modern. Most services are concentrated here: international airline check-in counters, duty-free shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Domestic Terminal serves flights within Taiwan; it is smaller in size and offers a basic set of services sufficient for a short wait.

Check-in and security procedures at Taichung Airport usually proceed quite quickly due to its moderate size. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2–2.5 hours before departure, and for domestic flights, 1–1.5 hours is sufficient. Although long queues are rare here, it is better to allow extra time, especially during peak hours or holidays. Thanks to its compactness and clear layout, navigating the airport is easy, and travellers rarely face difficulties finding the right gate or service.

The history of Taichung Airport is unique in that its civilian past spans only a couple of decades, while its military history began long before that. Initially, in 1936, a Japanese Air Force base was founded on this site. After World War II, the facility came under the control of the Taiwan Air Force and was named Ching Chuan Kang (CCK) Air Base, becoming one of the key military airfields in the region for many years.

The transition to civilian use was a significant stage in the city's development. In the early 2000s, a decision was made to transfer passenger traffic from the old Shuinan Airport, located within the city limits. In March 2004, the first civilian terminal opened on the territory of the Ching Chuan Kang airbase, and the airport began serving domestic flights. This event marked the birth of a new transport hub for the central part of the island.

With growing popularity and the commencement of international charter flights, the need for expansion arose. A major modernisation took place in 2013, when a new spacious international terminal was put into operation. This significantly increased capacity and improved the quality of passenger service. The official renaming to Taichung International Airport occurred in 2017, cementing its status on the world stage. The old terminal was repurposed to serve domestic lines after reconstruction.

The main feature of the airport, which is also an interesting historical fact, is its status as a dual-use facility. To this day, it shares its runway and infrastructure with an active military airbase. Passengers waiting for their flight can observe the flights of both civilian liners and military aircraft, making this airport a truly unusual witness to the multifaceted history of aviation.

Taichung International Airport offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find various dining spots: from cafes with light snacks and aromatic coffee to restaurants where you can experience local Taiwanese cuisine. For those who wish to spend time shopping, Duty Free shops are open with a wide selection of perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol and tobacco products, as well as souvenir stalls where you can purchase memorable items.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or handle work matters online. Numerous power outlets and USB ports are located in the waiting areas for charging gadgets. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can use the paid VIP lounges. Here, in a quiet atmosphere, beverages, snacks, fresh newspapers, and a more private space for rest or work are offered.

For financial matters, the airport has bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points where you can exchange money upon arrival or before departure. In case of need, passengers can seek assistance at the medical station, which is ready to provide first aid.

The airport is well-equipped for travellers with special needs. For passengers with children, there are nursing rooms equipped with changing tables and everything necessary for infant care. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with special assistance upon prior request, and the terminal infrastructure, including ramps and adapted restrooms, ensures a barrier-free environment.

Although there are no hotels directly within the terminal building, many accommodation options for every taste and budget are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, which can be quickly reached by taxi. Business centres may be available for business travellers, but for large events or conferences, it is better to utilise the facilities of city hotels and congress halls.

Taichung Airport (TXG) offers passengers various dining options, allowing for both a quick snack before departure and a leisurely lunch while waiting for a flight. Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the International Terminal, both in the public area (before passport control) and in the departure zone.

For those wishing to discover local cuisine, the airport provides an excellent opportunity. Be sure to try the famous Taiwanese bubble tea (pearl milk tea) or order a hearty bowl of beef noodle soup. Traditional pastries and light snacks can also be found in many cafes. This is a wonderful way to taste the flavour of Taiwan without leaving the airport building.

If you are short on time, convenience stores like 7-Eleven or FamilyMart, located primarily in the public area, are the ideal solution. Here you will find a wide selection of ready-made meals, sandwiches, salads, and drinks at affordable prices. For a more substantial meal, restaurants in the landside zone (before security control) are more suitable, where you can find establishments with set meals and à la carte service. After passing security (airside), the choice is usually limited to a few cafes serving coffee, pastries, and light snacks.

Travellers with special dietary needs should pay attention to product labelling. Vegetarian dishes (素食) are quite common in Taiwanese cuisine and can often be found on restaurant menus or among ready-made meals in shops. Regarding vegan, gluten-free, or Halal options, choices may be limited. It is recommended to clarify ingredients in advance with the staff or look for Halal certification logos where available.

The price range at Taichung Airport varies: from budget options in shops to mid-range prices in full-service restaurants. The opening hours of most establishments are tied to the flight schedule, however, some cafes may close earlier in the evening. For the most up-to-date information on opening hours and the location of specific restaurants, it is best to refer to terminal maps or the airport's official website.

To ensure your journey through Taichung Airport goes as smoothly as possible, there are several points to consider. Plan your arrival at the airport in advance: for international flights, it is recommended to be on-site 2.5–3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights—1.5–2 hours. This time will be enough to go through all procedures without rushing, especially during peak seasons.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to avoid queues at the counters. When going through security control, be prepared to present liquids (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) and remove large electronic devices, such as laptops and tablets, from your carry-on luggage.

The choice of seat on the plane depends on your preferences. Window seats offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, especially if you are flying during daylight hours. Aisle seats are convenient for those who plan to get up during the flight. If comfort is important to you, study your airline's seat map in advance on specialised websites.

Pay close attention to carry-on luggage regulations. Besides standard restrictions on liquids and sharp objects, note the rules for power banks: they can only be carried in hand luggage, and their capacity must not exceed the established limit (usually 100-160 Wh). Always check the weight and size allowances for carry-on luggage with your airline to avoid extra charges at the airport.

If you have a layover in Taichung, clarify whether you need to collect your luggage. When flying with a single airline, luggage is usually checked through to the final destination. However, if you have a self-transfer with different carriers, you will likely need to pass passport control, collect your luggage, and check in again for the next flight.

Upon arriving in Taiwan, be prepared to pass through customs control. You will need to fill out an immigration card (Arrival Card), which can often be done online before arrival. The import of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and meat products is strictly prohibited. If you are unsure whether an item needs to be declared, it is better to choose the "Red Channel" and consult with a customs officer.

To save money, research airport transfer options in advance. Public transport or shuttle buses often turn out to be significantly cheaper than taxis. Also, bring an empty reusable water bottle with you—after passing security control, there are usually drinking water fountains available in the terminal.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. First, contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and possible compensation (for example, meal vouchers). Taichung Airport has free Wi-Fi, cafes, and shops to help pass the waiting time. Don't forget to keep your electronic devices charged.