Taichung Layover Guide (RMQ)

What are you looking for in RMQ?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Taichung Airport (RMQ) is an international airport located in Taichung, Taiwan. It’s situated about 20 km (12.4 miles) from downtown Taichung. The airport officially opened in 2004 for civil use. Taichung is the second-largest city in central Taiwan and is known for its vibrant culture and pleasant climate. The city offers a mix of traditional markets, modern attractions, and scenic parks, making it a popular destination for both work and leisure.

Can you leave Taichung Airport (RMQ) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can exit Taichung Airport (RMQ) during a layover by clearing immigration. Citizens of visa-exempt countries may enter Taiwan without a visa for up to 30/90 days, provided they hold a valid passport and onward ticket. All others must obtain a Taiwan entry visa before arrival. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Rainbow Village A vibrant former military dependents’ village transformed by a veteran artist’s colorful murals, offering quirky photo opportunities and local culture immersion. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus 131/161 to Taichung Station (45 min) then taxi 10 min; ~60 min total)
• National Taichung Theater An avant-garde architectural masterpiece by Toyo Ito hosting opera, theater, and dance performances, with guided tours showcasing its curved concrete design and acoustic innovations; official site. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Bus 131/161 to Taichung Station (45 min) then taxi 10 min; ~60 min total)
• Calligraphy Greenway A leafy urban corridor connecting the National Museum of Natural Science to the National Museum of Fine Arts, lined with street art, boutique shops and cafés perfect for a stroll. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus 131/161 to Taichung Station (45 min) then taxi 10 min; ~60 min total)
• Miyahara Ice Cream Housed in a restored 1920s eye hospital, this dessert emporium offers artisanal ice cream, handcrafted pineapple cakes and nostalgic candy displays in an elegant, Instagram-worthy setting. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Bus 131/161 to Taichung Station (45 min) then taxi 10 min; ~60 min total)
• Gaomei Wetlands A coastal nature reserve featuring expansive tidal flats, a wooden boardwalk for sunset views and diverse migratory bird species perfect for photography and serene walks. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Bus 131/161 to Taichung Station then transfer to Bus 750 to Gaomei Wetlands; ~90 min total)
• Taichung Park Established in 1903, this historic city park boasts a picturesque lake with paddleboats, charming pavilions and walking paths shaded by centuries-old trees, offering a tranquil urban oasis. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus 131/161 to Taichung Station (45 min) then taxi 10 min; ~60 min total)
• Fujin Tree 1930s District A revitalized heritage zone showcasing restored Japanese-era buildings converted into artisanal boutiques, craft workshops and chic cafés, blending old-world charm with contemporary creativity. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus 131/161 to Taichung Station (45 min) then taxi 10 min; ~60 min total)
• Fengjia Night Market Taiwan’s largest night market, buzzing with neon-lit stalls selling bubble tea, stinky tofu, grilled skewers and novelty snacks alongside endless shopping booths. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Bus 131/161 to Taichung Station then Bus 35 to Fengjia; ~80 min total)

Things to Do in Taichung Airport (RMQ)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Taichung Airport’s International Terminal hosts two lounges on the third floor near gates 4–5: the Mandarin Airlines Lounge and the GALACTIC Lounge. Both operate in sync with departure flight schedules and offer seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, and quiet spaces for business or leisure travelers seeking a calm pre-flight retreat. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There is no on-site airport hotel, but several accommodations are within a 10-minute drive. Options near Taichung HSR Station and Xitun District—such as Hotel 7, GOGO Hotel, and Miller Inn—provide free shuttles, 24-hour service desks, and comfortable rooms ideal for overnight stays before early flights. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
No dedicated nap pods or sleep-ready chairs are provided; seating in departure lounges and public gates is standard bench style. Passengers often use the quieter corners of Gate 6 or the upper-floor waiting lounge. Earplugs, eye masks, and lightweight travel pillows are recommended for extended layovers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi covers both domestic and international terminals. Simply connect to the “Taichung Airport Free Wi-Fi” network and follow the portal instructions. An online station in the third-floor waiting lounge also provides a computer terminal for quick web access and flight checks.

SIM/eSIM Card: Telecom counters in the International Terminal departure hall sell prepaid SIM cards, eSIM activation, mobile internet, and top-up services. These counters operate roughly from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM and offer international calling cards, data bundles, and assistance with local number setup. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered taxis queue on level B1 of both terminals. Fares are calculated by the meter and vary by destination; expect about NT$600–NT$800 to Taichung city center. Card and cash payments are accepted. Peak-hour surcharges apply after 11 PM.

Train: For high-speed rail connections, take City Bus No. 156 from the airport directly to HSR Taichung Station in about 20 minutes. Buses depart roughly every 30 minutes; standard bus fares apply. More info: more info.

Bus: The southside bus parking zone at the International Terminal serves over 20 routes, including Taichung Bus 500 to Taichung Station, 156 to HSR, 69 to Longtan Village, and 6670E to Sun Moon Lake. Buses run from early morning until around 11 PM. More info: more info.

Shuttle: Several private shuttle operators (e.g., ShuttleDirect, KKday) offer door-to-door shared or private transfers between the airport and major Taichung districts. Fixed rates, advance booking, and free cancellation policies vary by provider; vehicles accommodate luggage and small groups comfortably.

Car rentals: Car rental counters line the arrivals hall of the International Terminal (B1), with major brands like Avis, Hertz, and local agencies. Service desks open from 6 AM to 11 PM. Reservations can be made online or on arrival; driver’s license and deposit required. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: The airport offers 178 car spaces at B1 of the International Terminal and 96 spaces beside the Domestic Terminal. First 30 minutes are free; NT$40/hour thereafter (capped at NT$300/day). EV charging stations (1 fast, 2 slow) charge NT$10/kWh (fast) and NT$8/kWh (slow).

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Automatic lockers in the Arrival Hall provide secure baggage storage from 6 AM to 11 PM. Small lockers cost NT$30 per three hours; large lockers NT$50 per three hours. Coin exchange services are available via nearby car-rental counters. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Taichung Airport (RMQ) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks