How to get from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport to Keelung Cruise Terminal

A practical, cruise-friendly guide to get from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to the Keelung Cruise Terminal (Keelung Port W2/W3 area), with 4 reliable routes and booking links.

At A Glance (Taipei Taoyuan International Airport to Keelung Cruise Terminal)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚖 Private transfer / taxi (TPE → Keelung Cruise Terminal)	~50–80 min (traffic-dependent)	Families, big luggage, early/late flights, tight embarkation windows
🏷️ Cost: ~NT$1,500–2,600 total (vehicle/traffic dependent) » compare airport transfers | alt. transfer listings | meet-and-greet option
🚆 Airport MRT + TRA train (TPE → Taipei Main → Keelung)	~1h 30m–2h (connection-dependent)	Most travelers, predictable, no road traffic worries
🏷️ Cost: ~NT$200–280 pp one-way » Airport MRT fares | TRA schedule/booking | compare Taipei→Keelung tickets
🚌 Airport bus + Taipei transfer + Keelung (train or bus)	~1h 45m–2h 30m	Value seekers, late-night arrivals when MRT frequency is lower
🏷️ Cost: ~NT$180–260 pp one-way » airport bus routes | compare bus tickets
🚗 Car rental / self-drive (TPE → Keelung Port)	~50–90 min (traffic-dependent)	Multi-day Taiwan road trip after cruise, groups splitting costs
🏷️ Cost: varies by provider/day » compare car rentals | airport car rental counters

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest / most convenient: choose Option #1 (private transfer / taxi) if you have a same-day cruise check-in, kids, mobility needs, or 2+ large suitcases.
• Best all-around (cost + reliability): choose Option #2 (Airport MRT + TRA) for the simplest public-transport route with predictable timing.
• Cheapest / late-night flexibility: choose Option #3 (airport bus + transfer) if the Airport MRT schedule doesn’t line up or you prefer a one-ticket coach into the city first.
• Road trip after drop-off: choose Option #4 (car rental) if you’ll keep driving in Taiwan (and you’re comfortable with urban driving/parking).

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Know your terminal: TPE has Terminal 1 and Terminal 2; both connect to the Taoyuan Airport MRT stations and bus bays.
• Keelung cruise drop-off point: aim for the Keelung Passenger Service Center / Cruise Terminal area (W2/W3). For orientation and on-foot access from the station, use the Keelung Port transportation guide.
• Give yourself buffer time: on cruise embarkation days (and weekends), add 20–40 minutes for Taipei traffic or transfers.
• EasyCard helps: for MRT/bus/train station transfers, having an EasyCard makes tap-in/out faster (cash is still workable).
• Luggage storage if you arrive early: stash bags in Taipei before heading north using luggage storage in Taipei (handy if you want lunch/sightseeing first).
• Where to sleep if you land the day before: compare Keelung stays on Trip.com hotels in Keelung or look for Taipei options and train up in the morning.

🚖 Option #1 — Private Transfer / Taxi (Fastest, Door-to-Door)

Most convenient Door-to-door Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Walk out of arrivals, hop in a taxi or pre-booked car, and go straight to Keelung Cruise Terminal. Expect ~50–80 minutes depending on traffic and the exact pier/terminal gate.
• How to book (with price): Pre-book a private car on Klook airport transfers or browse alternatives on GetYourGuide. For an airport meet-and-greet style pickup, see Taoyuan Airport taxi service. Ballpark for TPE → Keelung is usually ~NT$1,500–2,600 total (vehicle size, time of day, traffic).
• Ride-hailing alternatives: Uber is available in Taipei/New Taipei (use the Uber Taipei app). Locals also use LINE GO (see LINE GO).
• Pros: Simplest with luggage; best for groups; works well for very early/late arrivals. Cons: Higher cost than rail; can be slowed by Taipei traffic.

Step-by-step: Private transfer / taxi

1. After landing, head to baggage claim and arrivals.
2. If pre-booked, meet your driver at the arrivals meeting point (your booking confirmation will specify terminal/door). If taking a taxi, follow airport signs for the taxi queue.
3. Set destination as “Keelung Cruise Terminal / Keelung Passenger Service Center” (for navigation reference: the cruise center address listed in the Port of Keelung guide).
4. Arrive at the cruise terminal drop-off; follow port signage to your ship’s check-in hall.

Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals taxi/transfer pickup)

• Taxi queue: Follow the “Taxi” signs at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 arrivals level.
• Pre-book pickup: Keep your driver’s meeting instructions handy; if you land early, choose providers with waiting-time policies (commonly included on the transfer listing).
• Group travel tip: For 4+ people or lots of luggage, select a van/MPV class on the transfer platform to avoid splitting into two cars.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚆 Option #2 — Airport MRT + TRA Train (Best Balance for Most Travelers)

Good value Reliable timing 1–2 transfers

• Overview: Take the Taoyuan Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station, then transfer to a Taiwan Railway (TRA) train to Keelung Station. From Keelung Station, it’s a short walk or a quick taxi to the cruise terminal (many travelers walk from the north exit).
• How to book (with price): Airport MRT single journey TPE ↔ Taipei Main is typically NT$160 (see Airport MRT info). TRA tickets can be checked/booked on the official Taiwan Railway booking site (usually inexpensive for Taipei ↔ Keelung). If you like comparing schedules in one place, you can also check Taipei→Keelung train options.
• Pros: Avoids road traffic; frequent departures; easy with an EasyCard. Cons: Requires station walking and a transfer at Taipei Main.

Step-by-step: Airport MRT + TRA to Keelung

1. From TPE arrivals, follow signs to the Taoyuan Airport MRT station (Terminal 1 or Terminal 2).
2. Buy a single journey token or tap with EasyCard; board a train to Taipei Main Station (express trains are faster than commuter/all-stops).
3. At Taipei Main, follow “TRA / Taiwan Railway” signs and transfer to the conventional rail platforms.
4. Take a TRA train to Keelung Station (destination may display as 基隆).
5. From Keelung Station, follow the Keelung Port transportation guide for the easiest on-foot route to the terminal (or use a short taxi ride if you have heavy bags).

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport MRT + Taipei Main transfer)

• Airport MRT stations: “Airport Terminal 1 Station” and “Airport Terminal 2 Station” are connected to the terminals by signed indoor walkways.
• At Taipei Main: Keep to “TRA / Taiwan Railway” signs; Taipei Main is large, so allow 10–20 minutes if you’re unfamiliar or carrying luggage.
• Keelung Station to cruise terminal: Many travelers walk from Keelung Station’s North Exit to W2 (short, flat route); a taxi is quicker with big luggage.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Airport Bus to Taipei + Transfer to Keelung (Budget-Friendly, Late-Night Friendly)

Cheaper than taxis Simple coach ride Transfer required

• Overview: Take an airport coach into Taipei (commonly to Taipei Bus Station / Taipei Main area), then continue to Keelung by TRA train or an intercity bus. This option is great when you prefer a single coach segment from the airport or when MRT timing isn’t ideal.
• How to book (with price): Check official airport bus routes on TPE Buses and compare departures on 12Go (Taoyuan Airport→Taipei). From Taipei, take a TRA train using the official TRA timetable/booking or follow the Keelung-port guidance on Keelung Cruise Port transport.
• Pros: Good value; coach seating is comfortable; easy if your accommodation or pickup point is near Taipei Bus Station. Cons: Most routes still require a Taipei transfer; total time can be longer in traffic.

Step-by-step: Airport bus + Taipei transfer

1. From arrivals, follow signs to the airport bus bays and choose a service to Taipei (the airport’s route list and operators are on the official buses page).
2. Ride to Taipei Bus Station / Taipei Main area (confirm the stop printed on your ticket or displayed on the coach).
3. Continue to Keelung by:
   1. TRA train: transfer inside/near Taipei Main Station and take a train to Keelung (check TRA schedules), or
   2. Intercity bus: take a Taipei→Keelung coach if the timing is better (routes vary by operator; confirm at the station or via local transit info).
4. From Keelung Station/bus stop, walk or taxi to the cruise terminal using the port’s directions.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport bus bays + Taipei transfer hubs)

• At TPE: use the operator desk or signage near the bus platforms; route numbers and stops are listed on TPE’s buses page.
• Taipei Bus Station / Taipei Main: keep an eye on platform/exit signage; allow extra time to move between bus platforms and the TRA concourse.
• Ticketing tip: if you want to plan in advance, check departure options on 12Go route planners.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #4 — Car Rental / Self-Drive (Best if You’ll Continue Traveling)

Flexible schedule Good for groups Parking/logistics

• Overview: Pick up a rental car at TPE and drive to Keelung Port. It’s generally ~50–90 minutes depending on traffic; the biggest “cost” is parking and drop-off logistics near the terminal on busy cruise days.
• How to book (with price): Compare providers and vehicles on Booking.com car rentals at TPE. For where the counters are inside the airport, check TPE Car Rentals.
• Pros: Total control of timing; useful if you’ll road-trip after dropping someone at the port. Cons: City driving and parking; one-way drop-offs may be limited/fee-based; not ideal if you just need a simple port transfer.

Step-by-step: Car rental / self-drive

1. Reserve a car ahead of time and confirm pickup terminal/counter location (use the airport’s rental counter list).
2. After landing, go to the rental counter, complete paperwork, and inspect the vehicle.
3. Set navigation to “Keelung Cruise Terminal / Passenger Service Center” (W2/W3). The port’s transport page is a helpful landmark reference: Keelung Port W2 transportation.
4. Plan drop-off/parking: if you are not returning the car immediately, identify parking options and walking routes before cruise crowds build.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental counters + port drop-off)

• Rental counters: confirm hours and counter location on TPE’s car rentals page before booking late-night pickups.
• Driver requirements: carry your license and any documents required by your rental provider; ask about tolls and parking payment methods.
• Drop-off strategy: if your goal is only to reach the ship, a pre-booked transfer (Option #1) is often less stressful than parking near the port.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Taipei Taoyuan International Airport to Keelung Cruise Terminal)

What’s the easiest way to get from TPE to the Keelung Cruise Terminal?
For most travelers with luggage, Option #1 (private transfer / taxi) is simplest door-to-door. If you prefer public transport and predictable travel time, Option #2 (Airport MRT + TRA) is the best balance.

Is there a direct bus from Taoyuan Airport to Keelung?
Typically, you’ll connect in Taipei. Use Option #3 (airport bus to Taipei, then train/bus to Keelung) if you want a coach segment first.

How early should I leave the airport on embarkation day?
If your cruise check-in is midday, leaving TPE 3–4 hours before your desired terminal arrival is a comfortable buffer (immigration, baggage, transfers, and traffic). If your check-in window is tight, pick Option #1.

Can I walk from Keelung Station to the cruise terminal?
Yes for many sailings: the Port of Keelung notes the terminal area is a short walk from Keelung Station’s North Exit; if you have heavy luggage, take a short taxi instead.

What if I arrive a day early?
Staying in Keelung can reduce morning stress; compare options on Trip.com. If you stay in Taipei, you can store bags (if needed) using Radical Storage in Taipei before heading to the port.