Most travelers fly into Taipei through Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) — the big international hub about 40 km outside the city. But there’s a second, smaller airport that’s far easier to fly in or out of if your flight allows: Songshan Airport (TSA), Taipei’s downtown airport. Located in the Songshan District just 10 minutes from central Taipei by MRT, Songshan handles flights to Tokyo Haneda, Seoul Gimpo, several Chinese cities, and all of Taiwan’s domestic destinations. The “land, take MRT to downtown in 10 minutes” experience here is one of the underrated convenience wins for the right kind of traveler.
For travelers, knowing about Songshan Airport can quietly upgrade a trip. Tokyo-Haneda or Seoul-Gimpo flights via Songshan are often cheaper than the equivalent Tokyo-Narita or Seoul-Incheon routes via Taoyuan. Domestic Taiwan flights to Kaohsiung, Hualien, or Penghu all leave from Songshan, with quick 30-60 minute hops that beat the train alternatives. And for travelers based in central Taipei, the convenience of arriving downtown is genuinely transformative.
This guide covers Songshan Airport for 2026: which airlines fly there, what destinations are served, how to get to and from the airport, terminal layout, comparisons with Taoyuan, and when Songshan is the right choice for your trip.
Songshan Airport at a Glance
- Airport code: TSA (Taipei Songshan, ICAO: RCSS)
- Location: Songshan District, Taipei (10 minutes from central Taipei)
- Type: Civilian + military air base
- Terminals: Terminal 1 (International) and Terminal 2 (Domestic), in the same building
- International destinations: Tokyo (Haneda), Seoul (Gimpo), select mainland China cities
- Domestic destinations: All major Taiwan domestic routes — Kaohsiung, Hualien, Taichung, Penghu, etc.
- Get there from Taipei: MRT Wenhu (Brown) Line to Songshan Airport Station (5–15 minutes from most central neighborhoods)
- Compared to Taoyuan (TPE): Smaller, closer, only flies regional/domestic routes
What Is Songshan Airport?
Taipei Songshan Airport (台北松山機場, Táiběi Sōngshān Jīchǎng) opened in 1936 under Japanese colonial rule and was Taipei’s main airport until Taoyuan International Airport opened in 1979 and took over long-haul international routes. Today, Songshan operates as Taipei’s secondary “city airport” — handling regional international routes within East Asia and all of Taiwan’s domestic flights.
The airport is dual-use: a civilian commercial airport plus a Republic of China Air Force air base. The civilian portion handles roughly 5 million passengers per year, dwarfed by Taoyuan’s 40+ million but still significant for the regional Taipei-Tokyo, Taipei-Seoul, and Taipei-Shanghai/Hangzhou markets.
Songshan’s biggest advantage is location. The airport is in the Songshan District, just 5 km from Taipei 101 and 10 km from Taipei Main Station. By MRT, it’s 5–15 minutes from most central Taipei neighborhoods.
Songshan Airport vs. Taoyuan Airport
Most travelers to Taipei use Taoyuan, but Songshan offers different advantages:
Songshan Airport (TSA)
- Location: Central Taipei (10 min from downtown by MRT)
- Routes: Tokyo Haneda, Seoul Gimpo, select Chinese cities, all Taiwan domestic
- Size: ~5 million passengers/year, small
- Hours: Roughly 6 AM – 11 PM
- Connectivity: Limited (no direct long-haul, no broad international hub)
- MRT: Wenhu Brown Line, direct from city center
- Best for: Regional Japan/Korea/China trips, domestic Taiwan flights, downtown convenience
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
- Location: 40 km outside Taipei (35–60 min by MRT)
- Routes: Global, including all long-haul flights
- Size: ~40+ million passengers/year
- Hours: 24-hour operation
- Connectivity: Global hub
- MRT: Airport MRT line (separate from Taipei MRT)
- Best for: Most international flights, especially long-haul
When to Choose Songshan
- Flying to Tokyo Haneda: Significantly more convenient than Tokyo Narita via Taoyuan. Both ends of the trip are downtown-to-downtown.
- Flying to Seoul Gimpo: Same downtown-to-downtown advantage vs. Seoul Incheon via Taoyuan.
- Domestic Taiwan flights: Songshan is the only Taipei airport with regular domestic service.
- Short trips: If you’re spending 2–3 days in Taipei and want to minimize airport time, Songshan saves 60+ minutes per direction.
When to Stick with Taoyuan
- Long-haul flights: All flights to Europe, North America, Australia, etc. operate from Taoyuan only.
- Most Asian flights: Direct routes to Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc. typically go through Taoyuan.
- Budget airlines: Most low-cost carriers operate from Taoyuan.
- Most international travelers: Unless you’re specifically going to Tokyo Haneda, Seoul Gimpo, or a few Chinese cities, Taoyuan is your airport.
How to Get to Songshan Airport
By MRT (Recommended)
The MRT Wenhu (Brown) Line stops directly at Songshan Airport Station. The walk from the MRT to the terminal is 5 minutes, fully indoor and accessible.
- From Taipei Main Station: Bannan Blue Line to Zhongxiao Fuxing, transfer to Wenhu Brown Line, ride to Songshan Airport (15 min total)
- From Da’an: Wenhu Brown Line direct (10 min)
- From Taipei 101: Wenhu Brown Line direct (12 min)
- From Ximending: Bannan Blue Line to Zhongxiao Fuxing, transfer to Brown Line (20 min total)
By Bus
Several city buses serve Songshan Airport. Bus 33, 247, 262, 287, 521, and 622 all stop at the airport. Useful from neighborhoods not directly on the Brown Line.
By Taxi
NT$150–300 from most central Taipei neighborhoods. Avoid taxi during rush hour traffic (5–7 PM weekdays); MRT is faster.
By Car
Parking is available at the airport (Songshan Airport has multi-story parking garages). NT$30/hour, NT$300/day max. Useful only if you have a car already.
Songshan Airport Terminal Layout
Songshan is much smaller than Taoyuan, with both terminals in the same building.
Terminal 1 (International)
Handles flights to:
- Tokyo Haneda (multiple daily flights — China Airlines, EVA Air, ANA, JAL)
- Seoul Gimpo (multiple daily flights — Korean Air, Asiana, EVA Air, China Airlines)
- Mainland China cities: Shanghai Hongqiao, Hangzhou, Beijing, Fuzhou, and several others (Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan, Mandarin Airlines)
Terminal 1 has international immigration, customs, duty-free shopping (Ever Rich Duty Free), and several restaurants and cafés.
Terminal 2 (Domestic)
Handles all Taiwan domestic flights:
- Kaohsiung (south)
- Hualien (east coast — for Taroko Gorge)
- Taichung (central)
- Tainan
- Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu (outlying islands)
- Magong, Nangang, Wang’an, etc. (smaller routes)
Terminal 2 has simpler facilities — domestic-style departure with no immigration, just security.
Combined Building Layout
Both terminals are in the same building, with separate entrances and security lanes. The MRT exit drops you in a central concourse that connects both terminals. Total walking distance terminal-to-terminal is under 5 minutes.
Airlines That Fly From Songshan
International Carriers
- Japan routes (Tokyo Haneda): China Airlines, EVA Air, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines (JAL)
- Korea routes (Seoul Gimpo): Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, EVA Air, China Airlines
- China routes: China Airlines, EVA Air, Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, Mandarin Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines
Domestic Carriers
- UNI Air (the EVA Air subsidiary that operates most domestic flights)
- Mandarin Airlines (China Airlines subsidiary)
- FAT (Far Eastern Air Transport)
- DAILY Air
Facilities at Songshan Airport
Dining and Shopping
- Restaurants: Several Taiwanese, Japanese, and international chain restaurants in Terminal 1 departure area.
- Cafés: Starbucks, several local coffee shops.
- Duty-free: Ever Rich Duty Free in Terminal 1, with cosmetics, alcohol, fashion, and Taiwanese specialty products.
- Convenience stores: 7-Eleven inside the airport.
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport. No password needed.
Lounges
Several airline lounges in Terminal 1, including the EVA Air Star Lounge and Plaza Premium Lounge (accessible with Priority Pass or specific premium ticket classes).
Currency Exchange and ATMs
Bank counters and multiple ATMs accept international cards in both terminals.
Children’s Facilities
Family bathrooms, nursing rooms, and a small children’s play area in Terminal 1.
When to Use Songshan for Domestic Taiwan Travel
Songshan is uniquely positioned for domestic Taiwan trips. A few scenarios:
Taipei → Hualien (Taroko Gorge)
The fastest way. UNI Air flights are 40 minutes vs. the 2-hour train ride. Cost: NT$1,500–2,500 each way. Useful if your trip includes a Taroko Gorge overnight and you want to maximize ground time.
Taipei → Kaohsiung
The High-Speed Rail is competitive at 100 minutes for ~NT$1,500. The flight is 50 minutes for ~NT$1,800. HSR is usually the better choice.
Taipei → Penghu Islands
The only practical option. Flights are 50 minutes; the alternative ferry is 4–6 hours. Cost: NT$1,500–2,500.
Taipei → Kinmen / Matsu
Flights are the only realistic option. Cost: NT$2,000–3,500.
Songshan Airport for International Travel
Tokyo Haneda Route
The most popular international route. About 20 flights daily across all carriers. The downtown-to-downtown advantage (Songshan to Haneda) is significant: arriving at Haneda in Tokyo puts you 30 minutes from downtown Tokyo vs. 60+ minutes from Narita. Total trip time savings can be 90+ minutes per direction. Worth the premium over Narita/Taoyuan routes if your Tokyo schedule is tight.
Seoul Gimpo Route
Similar downtown-to-downtown advantage. Gimpo Airport in Seoul is much more central than Incheon. About 10–15 flights daily.
China Routes
Shanghai Hongqiao, Hangzhou, Beijing, Fuzhou, and several other Chinese cities. Routes vary year to year based on cross-strait political conditions.
Songshan vs. Taoyuan: Cost Comparison
For Tokyo routes specifically:
- Taipei Songshan → Tokyo Haneda: Often NT$8,000–14,000 round trip on premium carriers
- Taipei Taoyuan → Tokyo Narita: Often NT$7,000–12,000 round trip; budget airlines NT$4,000–7,000
Songshan-Haneda is typically 10–20% more expensive but saves 60–90 minutes of transit time on each end. Worth it for short business trips; less compelling for longer leisure trips.
Tips for Using Songshan Airport
Arrive 90 minutes early for international flights. The compact size means security lines are usually fast — but check-in counters can have queues for popular flights.
Arrive 60 minutes early for domestic flights. Domestic security is even faster.
Use the MRT. Direct, cheap (NT$15–30 from most central Taipei), and reliable.
Eat in the city before departure. Songshan’s food options are limited compared to Taipei’s restaurants nearby.
Don’t expect long-haul amenities. No major airline lounges, limited shopping, fewer dining options than Taoyuan.
Watch flight times for cross-strait routes. China routes have occasionally been disrupted by cross-strait political conditions.
Domestic flights have weight limits. Often 10 kg per checked bag, much less than international flights. Pack light or pay overweight fees.
Songshan flights can be delayed in typhoon season. Same as Taoyuan, but the smaller airport bounces back faster.
Common Mistakes
Going to Songshan when you needed Taoyuan. Most international flights are at Taoyuan. Confirm your airport on the ticket.
Taking a taxi instead of MRT. The MRT is dramatically faster than a taxi during Taipei rush hour.
Arriving 2 hours early for a domestic flight. Songshan domestic is faster than typical airports. 60 minutes is plenty.
Skipping the EVA Star Lounge if eligible. Songshan’s lounge is small but pleasant and uncrowded.
Trying to fly cheap budget airlines to Tokyo Haneda from Songshan. Songshan-Haneda is a premium-carrier route only. Budget airlines fly Taoyuan-Narita instead.
Related Taipei guides
- Taipei Transportation Guide: Getting Around Taipei
- EasyCard Taipei: How to Buy, Use & Refund
- Taipei Taxi Guide: Fares, Apps & Safety
- Does Uber Work in Taipei?
- YouBike in Taipei: How to Rent as a Tourist
- Car Rental in Taipei: Do You Actually Need One?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Songshan Airport?
Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) is Taipei’s secondary “city airport” in the Songshan District. It handles flights to Tokyo Haneda, Seoul Gimpo, select mainland Chinese cities, and all Taiwan domestic destinations. Most international flights to/from Taipei use the larger Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) outside the city.
How do I get to Songshan Airport from Taipei?
Take the MRT Wenhu (Brown) Line to Songshan Airport Station. Direct from Da’an in 10 minutes, from Taipei 101 in 12 minutes, from Taipei Main Station in 15 minutes via transfer.
What’s the difference between Songshan and Taoyuan airports?
Taoyuan (TPE) is the major international airport 40 km outside Taipei. Songshan (TSA) is the smaller city airport in central Taipei, handling regional international flights (Tokyo Haneda, Seoul Gimpo, some China) plus all Taiwan domestic flights.
Does Songshan Airport have international flights?
Yes — to Tokyo Haneda, Seoul Gimpo, and several mainland Chinese cities (Shanghai, Hangzhou, Beijing, Fuzhou, etc.). All other international routes operate from Taoyuan.
How long does it take to get from central Taipei to Songshan Airport?
10–15 minutes by MRT from most central neighborhoods (Da’an, Xinyi, Zhongshan, Ximending via transfer). Compare with 35–60 minutes to Taoyuan Airport.
Is Songshan Airport worth using over Taoyuan?
For Tokyo Haneda or Seoul Gimpo flights, yes — the downtown-to-downtown advantage saves 60–90 minutes per direction. For long-haul or general international flights, you’ll use Taoyuan.
Are there hotels near Songshan Airport?
Yes — multiple business hotels in the Songshan area, including Songshan Cultural Hotel and Taipei Marriott Hotel. Useful for early-morning or late-night flight transit.
Does Songshan Airport have lounges?
Yes — including the EVA Air Star Lounge and Plaza Premium Lounge. Smaller than Taoyuan’s options but typically less crowded.
How early should I arrive at Songshan Airport?
90 minutes for international flights, 60 minutes for domestic. The compact size means security and check-in are typically faster than at Taoyuan.
Final Take
Songshan Airport is Taipei’s quietly convenient alternative to Taoyuan — perfect for Tokyo Haneda or Seoul Gimpo flights, all Taiwan domestic trips, and any traveler who wants to arrive downtown rather than 40 km out. The MRT puts the airport 10 minutes from central Taipei, and the compact terminal makes for a 60-minute total airport experience that’s hard to beat. Use Songshan when your routing allows it — your trip will feel noticeably easier.
