Taipei Songshan International Airport

Overview

Taipei Songshan Airport (IATA: TSA) is the urban aviation gateway of Taiwan’s capital. Unlike the larger Taoyuan International Airport located west of the city, Songshan sits within the city limits, making it the preferred choice for travelers heading straight to downtown Taipei or northern Taiwan. Originally opened as a military airfield, it evolved into a domestic hub and later expanded to serve international flights, particularly to destinations in China, Japan, South Korea, and select Southeast Asian cities. Its compact size and efficiency appeal to business travelers, as well as tourists seeking a hassle-free arrival experience. The airport also handles a steady flow of domestic flights, linking Taipei to remote islands like Kinmen and Penghu, as well as other cities such as Taitung and Hualien. With a single terminal building, navigation is straightforward, and the airport maintains a reputation for cleanliness and order.

Location & Access

Songshan Airport is located in the Songshan District of Taipei City, just northeast of the city center. Its address is No. 340-9, Section 3, Bade Road, Songshan District, Taipei City 10548, Taiwan. The airport’s proximity to downtown—roughly a 15-minute drive to Taipei Main Station or the bustling Xinyi District—makes it exceptionally convenient for travelers.

By Metro: The Taipei MRT Wenhu Line (Brown Line) stops directly at Songshan Airport Station. The station is connected to the terminal via an underground passage, making it a seamless transfer. Trains run frequently from early morning until around midnight, linking the airport to major transit hubs such as Zhongxiao Fuxing (for the Bannan Line) and Taipei Zoo.

By Bus: Multiple city bus routes serve the airport, including lines 214, 801, 803, and 905, which connect to various districts within Taipei and New Taipei City. Bus stops are located just outside the arrivals and departures areas.

By Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the official taxi stand outside the arrivals hall. The fare to central Taipei typically ranges from NT$150 to NT$300 depending on traffic. Uber also operates widely in the city.

By Car: A paid parking lot is available on-site for both short-term and long-term stays. The airport is accessible via the Dazhi Bridge and nearby expressways, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours (notably around 3–4 PM, which coincides with the airport’s busiest period). The parking lot offers designated spaces for the disabled, and the entire facility is wheelchair-accessible, including the car park entrance and terminal entrances.

Facilities

Songshan Airport is equipped with a range of facilities designed to meet the needs of all passengers. Confirmed amenities include:

• Wheelchair Accessibility: The airport features a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and restrooms. Ramps and elevators are available throughout the terminal, and staff can assist passengers with reduced mobility upon request.
• Baggage Storage: A luggage storage service is available inside the terminal, allowing travelers to explore Taipei hands-free during layovers. Located near the arrivals area, it operates during airport hours and charges a fee based on bag size and duration.
• Paid Parking Lot: An on-site parking facility offers both hourly and daily rates. The lot is covered and monitored for security, with convenient access to the terminal via a covered walkway. Payment can be made at automated pay stations using cash or credit card.
• Toilets and Changing Tables: Restrooms are well-maintained and plentiful throughout the terminal. Family-friendly facilities include baby changing tables in both men’s and women’s restrooms, located near the main waiting areas and gates.
• Other On-site Services: While the exact list is not exhaustive, passengers can typically find currency exchange counters (banks such as Taiwan Cooperative Bank), ATMs, and a small selection of shops selling souvenirs, convenience items, and local snacks. Dining options include a food court in the public area with Taiwanese and Western fast food, as well as a few sit-down restaurants. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations are located near seating areas.

About the Region

Taipei, the political, economic, and cultural heart of Taiwan, sits in a basin surrounded by mountains. Songshan Airport lies near the Keelung River, close to notable landmarks such as the Raohe Street Night Market and the historic Songshan Ciyou Temple. The area is a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial districts, with easy access to the Xinyi District—home to Taipei 101, luxury shopping malls, and corporate headquarters. North of the airport, the Dazhi area offers military history museums and scenic riverside parks.

The region is known for its vibrant street food culture, bustling night markets, and traditional temples. Travelers passing through Songshan often use it as a gateway to explore not only Taipei but also the northeastern coast (Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen) and the hot springs of Beitou. Business travelers frequently fly in for meetings with Taiwan’s tech and manufacturing industries, which are concentrated in the Xinyi and Neihu districts. The airport also serves as a convenient departure point for island-hopping trips to Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu.

Practical Information

• Address: No. 340-9, Section 3, Bade Road, Songshan District, Taipei City 10548, Taiwan
• Website: https://www.tsa.gov.tw/
• Phone: +886 2 8770 3460
• Hours of Operation: Taipei Songshan Airport is not a 24-hour facility. The terminal opens early in the morning (around 5:30 AM) and closes after the last flight, generally by midnight. Passengers should plan their arrival accordingly, as the building may be locked during overnight hours. Peak passenger flow typically occurs between 3 PM and 4 PM, when multiple international flights depart.
• Currency and Language: New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) is the local currency. Mandarin Chinese is the primary language, but English signage is widely available throughout the airport. Many staff members can assist with basic English.
• Travel Tips: For a smooth journey, confirm your flight’s departure gate and boarding time at the information screens. Baggage storage is ideal for layovers of a few hours; the nearby Raohe Night Market is a 10-minute walk from the airport and a popular destination for quick food tours. Remember that the airport’s small size means less shopping and dining variety than Taoyuan, but also shorter walking distances and faster security checks.