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Taipei Songshan Airport

About the Airport

Taipei Songshan Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Songshan Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true "city gateway" to Taipei, located in the very heart of the metropolis. Unlike the distant international giant Taoyuan, this cosy aviation hub allows travellers to be in the centre of the action just 15 minutes after landing, saving precious time on transfers. A special atmosphere reigns here: planes approach for landing against a backdrop of skyscrapers, and the terminal roof offers a mesmerising view of the famous Taipei 101 tower. Songshan combines home-like comfort with incredible efficiency and convenience, making every arrival or departure as comfortable as possible.
IATA Code TSA
ICAO Code RCSS
City Taipei
Distance to City Centre About 3-5 km (within city limits)
Status International (regional) and Domestic
Annual Passengers ~5.1 million (2023 data)

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Ideal Location — this is Songshan's main advantage. The airport is located inside the city, in the Songshan District. The metro station (MRT Songshan Airport, Brown Line) is situated right at the terminal exit. This allows you to reach the business centre or main tourist districts in just 10–20 minutes, making it a favourite among business travellers and tourists who value their time.

Observation Deck on the terminal roof — a true gem of the airport, accessible free of charge to everyone. It is a spacious open terrace designed as a small park ("Sky Garden"), where you can enjoy a coffee and admire the take-offs and landings of liners against the panorama of the city, mountains, and the Miramar Ferris wheel. The deck is popular not only with passengers but also with local residents visiting with children.

Compactness and Speed. Thanks to the small size of the terminals (Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 2 for domestic ones), navigation here is intuitive, and queues at passport control and security checks usually move very quickly. There is no need to traverse kilometre-long corridors to reach your gate.

Unique Themed Zones. The airport is known for its collaboration with EVA Air and their famous Hello Kitty-styled aircraft. In the check-in hall, you can find themed self-service kiosks decorated with popular characters, which invariably delights young travellers.

Contact Information

To ensure your trip goes smoothly, save the contact information for Songshan Airport. Here you will find all the necessary details to communicate with airport representatives.

  • Official Website: For the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations, visit the official Songshan Airport website.
  • Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can call: +886-2-8770-3460 (international flights) or +886-2-8770-3430 (domestic flights).
  • Airport Address: No. 340-9, Dunhua North Road, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10548.
  • Email: For written enquiries, you can use the email address: dc0101@tsa.gov.tw.
  • Social Media: The airport maintains official pages on YouTube and other platforms where you can follow the latest news.
  • Lost & Found Information: If you have lost your belongings within the airport premises, contact the Lost & Found service at: +886-2-8770-3420.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For passenger assistance, use the main information desk numbers listed above.

How to Get to the Airport

Songshan Airport (TSA) has one key advantage — it is located right within the city limits of Taipei, making the journey to it fast and convenient. Travellers can choose from several transport options, each with its own features. A trip from the city centre rarely takes much time, usually from 15 to 40 minutes depending on the chosen method and traffic conditions.

Public Transport

The most popular and efficient way to reach the airport is the Metro (MRT). The "Songshan Airport" station is on the Brown Line (Wenhu Line) and has a direct exit into the terminal. This is not only the fastest but also the most budget-friendly option, allowing you to avoid city traffic jams. Additionally, many city buses serve the airport, connecting it with various parts of the capital of Taiwan. The bus can be convenient if you are travelling from an area without direct access to the Brown Line of the metro, but the journey will take longer.

Taxi and Transfers

Taking a taxi is a comfortable and convenient option, especially if you are travelling with bulky luggage or in a group. Taxi ranks are easily found throughout the city. The cost of the trip will depend on the distance and time of day, but generally remains affordable compared to other major metropolises. Furthermore, you can use car-hailing apps (such as Uber) or book a private transfer in advance, which guarantees a fixed price and a car available at the right time.

Car Rental and Parking

If you are moving around the city in a rental car, driving to Songshan Airport will be effortless. The airport provides multi-level parking for both short-term and long-term stays. However, for most tourists whose goal is simply to reach the airport for departure, using public transport or a taxi is a more practical and economically beneficial solution.

Terminals and Map

Songshan Airport (TSA) is distinguished by its compactness and convenient layout, making it one of the easiest to navigate in the region. It consists of two terminals — Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 2 for domestic flights. The most important feature is that both terminals are located in the same building, completely eliminating the need to use shuttles or walk long distances for transfers.

Terminal 1 (International) serves flights to cities in Mainland China, as well as Tokyo (Haneda) and Seoul (Gimpo). Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated by floors for passenger convenience. The departure floor houses check-in counters, passport control and security checkpoints, as well as duty-free shops, cafes, and boarding gates. The arrival zone is located on another level and includes baggage claim halls and customs control. Despite its modest size, the terminal offers all necessary services.

Terminal 2 (Domestic) is designed to serve flights within Taiwan, mainly to the islands of Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu. It is even more compact than the international one and is focused on maximum speed of passenger service. Procedures here are very quick, and the atmosphere is much calmer. Moving between terminals takes just a few minutes — simply walk down the corridor inside the building.

Navigating Songshan Airport is very easy thanks to clear signage in Chinese and English. The airport layout is logical: all key zones are within walking distance of each other. Passing through check-in and security for international flights usually takes 20-40 minutes, but it is recommended to arrive 2 hours before departure. For domestic flights, arriving an hour to an hour and a half prior is sufficient. Thanks to its efficiency and simplicity, Songshan Airport is an excellent example of how a small transport hub can be incredibly convenient for travellers.

History of the Airport

The history of Songshan Airport is a fascinating chronicle of aviation development in Taiwan. Its journey began in 1936, when it was built as the Japanese military airbase "Taihoku". After World War II, the facility was handed over to the Republic of China Air Force, and in 1950, it officially opened for both military and civil flights, becoming the first civil airport of Taipei.

For several decades, from the 1950s to the late 1970s, Songshan was the island's main international airport. This was its golden age, when it received the first jet liners and served as the main gateway for everyone arriving in the country by air. It was here that planes carrying diplomats, businessmen, and celebrities landed, making Songshan an important symbol of Taiwan's connection to the world. To meet the demands of the jet age, the airport was modernized repeatedly, with new terminals built and the runway extended.

A key moment in the airport's history was 1979, when the Taoyuan International Airport (then named Chiang Kai-shek International Airport) opened. Most international flights were transferred there, and Songshan changed its status, transforming primarily into a hub for domestic flights. This change allowed it to focus on connections between the capital and other cities on the island, such as Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Hualien.

A new phase of development began in the 21st century. With the launch of the high-speed railway, demand for domestic flights decreased, but the airport found a new niche. Since 2008, direct flights to cities in Mainland China were launched, and later popular international routes opened to city-centre airports — Tokyo's Haneda and Seoul's Gimpo. This turned Songshan into a convenient airport for business trips and short travels across East Asia. Today, thanks to its location right in the city centre and direct integration with the metro, it remains one of Taipei's most convenient and sought-after transport hubs.

Services and Amenities

Songshan Airport (TSA) in Taipei offers passengers a full range of services for a comfortable and pleasant journey. Whether you are setting off on a business trip or a holiday, you will find everything you need here while waiting for your flight.

The airport terminals host numerous restaurants and cafes, where you can enjoy both authentic cuisine of Taiwan and international dishes. For shopping enthusiasts, there are shops, including Duty Free, offering a wide assortment of goods — from souvenirs and cosmetics to electronics and local delicacies. This is a wonderful opportunity to buy gifts or keepsakes from your trip.

For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. You can always stay connected, check emails, or share impressions on social networks. Additionally, the waiting halls are equipped with numerous charging stations for gadgets. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can utilise the services of VIP lounges, where snacks, beverages, and work zones are offered in a quiet and cosy atmosphere.

Songshan Airport provides all basic services: there are bank branches, currency exchange points, and ATMs. In case of feeling unwell, there is a medical post where first aid can be provided. Families with children will appreciate the availability of comfortable nursery rooms, equipped with everything necessary. The airport is also fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility: ramps, elevators, and special restrooms are available.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport grounds, many accommodation options to suit every taste are located within walking distance or a short drive away. For business travellers, business centres and conference rooms may be available for holding meetings and working in a calm environment.

Where to Eat

Songshan Airport (TSA) offers passengers diverse dining possibilities, from a quick snack to a full meal. The main focus is on Taiwanese cuisine, but familiar international dishes can also be found here. Most establishments are concentrated in the public area (before security control) and in the departure zone after it.

In the public area (landside), located on the ground floors of both terminals, you will find several cafes and restaurants that are perfect if you have arrived early or are meeting someone. Here you can have a coffee at chain coffee shops such as Starbucks, or grab a bite at bakeries with fresh pastries. Prices here are generally slightly lower than in the departure zone.

After passing security control (airside), the choice becomes even wider. In the International Terminal (T1) and Domestic Terminal (T2), food courts and restaurants operate, offering authentic dishes. We highly recommend trying Taiwanese classics — beef noodle soup or braised pork rice (Lu Rou Fan). And, of course, do not miss the chance to order the famous bubble tea — it is the ideal drink before a flight.

For those following special diets, most establishments have vegetarian dishes, which are easy to find by their corresponding labels. Finding gluten-free or Halal options might be more challenging, so it is best to clarify the ingredients directly with the restaurant staff. If you are short on time, pop into convenience stores (like 7-Eleven), where you can quickly buy sandwiches, salads, and beverages.

regarding prices, Songshan Airport offers options for various budgets. A quick snack will cost approximately 150-250 New Taiwan Dollars (TWD), while a full meal in a restaurant will cost around 300-500 TWD. Most cafes and restaurants open early in the morning (around 6:00-7:00) and operate until the last flight departs, approximately until 22:00.

Travel Tips

Songshan Airport (TSA), located directly in the city of Taipei, makes the start or end of your journey through Taiwan maximally convenient. To ensure everything goes smoothly, make use of these tips.

Arrival Time at the Airport: Songshan is a compact airport, so large crowds are rare here. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1-1.5 hours before departure. If you have an international flight (usually to neighbouring Asian countries), it is better to arrive 2–2.5 hours in advance. This time will be sufficient for a calm passage through all formalities.

Check-in and Security Control: The fastest way to check in for a flight is to do it online on the airline's website. The airport also has self-service check-in kiosks. The security screening procedure usually goes quickly. Prepare liquids in advance (in containers no larger than 100 ml), packed in a transparent bag, and remove laptops and other large electronics from your bag for scanning.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection: Standard rules apply here too: sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited. All power banks and spare lithium-ion batteries can be carried only in hand luggage. When departing from Taipei, try to choose a window seat on the right side of the aircraft — there is a chance to see the city panorama and the famous Taipei 101 skyscraper.

Transfers and Customs Control: The airport is mainly focused on direct flights, so long layovers are rare here. If you have a transfer planned, be sure to check with the carrier whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. When entering or leaving, be prepared for standard customs procedures and, if necessary, declare goods and currency exceeding established limits.

Saving Time and Money: The most convenient and cost-effective way to get to the airport is to use the Taipei Metro (MRT). The "Songshan Airport" station is located on the Brown Line (Wenhu Line) and has a direct exit into the terminal. This will help avoid traffic jams and save on taxi fares.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and possible compensation. To pass the time, you can have a snack in one of the cafes or go up to the free observation deck on the third floor. It offers an excellent view of the runways and aircraft, which is especially popular with children and aviation enthusiasts.

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