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)

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.

This guide was researched and written by Jacob, and it was last updated on March 27, 2026. 0 people found this post useful.

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