Buzz
Kaohsiung is one of Taiwan's largest tourist destinations, ranking just after the capital, Taipei. This makes the city a major draw for Vietnamese visitors. Let's explore some useful information about Kaohsiung International Airport to help you get ready for your upcoming trip.
Overview of Kaohsiung Airport
Kaohsiung International Airport, also known as Kaohsiung Airport, is Taiwan's second busiest airport, following only Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei. Located on Zhongshan Road in the Xiaogang District, it is just 8.4 kilometers from the city center.
The airport serves as a hub for airlines such as China Airlines, Eva Air, Uni Air, Mandarin Airlines, Tigerair Taiwan, and Far Eastern Air.
Kaohsiung International Airport is located just over 8 km from the city center
Explore the terminals of Kaohsiung Airport
Kaohsiung International Airport has two terminals: the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal, which are connected by a corridor.
Domestic Terminal at the airport (Domestic Terminal)
The Domestic Terminal at Kaohsiung Airport primarily serves smaller aircraft that do not require jet bridges. Previously, it handled both domestic and international flights until the International Terminal opened in 1997.
The Domestic Terminal consists of just one floor, which is divided into the Departure Hall and the Arrival Hall.
- Departure Hall: Passengers departing will enter the terminal, proceed to the check-in counters for TransAsia, UniAir, or Mandarin Airlines, and have their luggage checked. On the way to the security checkpoint, passengers will pass by an ATM, information desk, travel agency, restaurant, and post office.
- Arrival Hall: Incoming passengers will head towards the baggage claim area and pass through welcome areas, an information desk, post office, restaurant, and ATM on their way out of the terminal.
International Terminal at the airport (International Terminal)
The International Terminal spans over 70,000 square meters and is made up of four distinct floors. It primarily handles flights to destinations such as Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Japan.
The international terminal consists of three floors:
- The first floor features the Arrival Hall with Immigration Agency services, airline counters, currency exchange, ATMs, shops, and a corridor leading to the domestic terminal.
- The second floor serves as the area where passengers can complete their transit or connecting flight procedures.
- The third floor is the Departure Hall, equipped with necessary aviation facilities such as check-in counters, airline service desks, information counters, and more. It also includes essential non-aviation services like medical services and shops.
Kaohsiung Airport consists of two terminals: the domestic terminal and the international terminal.
What is the best way to travel between the airport and downtown Kaohsiung?
Located over 8 kilometers away, the travel time from the airport to downtown Kaohsiung is only about 15 to 20 minutes by car. Passengers can choose from several popular transportation options listed below:
Subway (Red Line)
The subway is a fast and reliable way to travel. Passengers can purchase tickets from self-service vending machines. The journey takes about 10 minutes from Gangshan South Station to Kaohsiung Airport and then to Xiaogang Station. The fare ranges from 20 to 35 TWD per trip (approximately 15,000 to 25,000 VND).
Bus Service
The 9117 bus route offers a direct connection from the airport to Zili station in the heart of the city. You can catch the bus at either of the airport terminal lounges. The journey takes around 19 minutes. Ticket prices range between 70 - 100 TWD per ride (approximately 53,500 - 76,000 VND).
Taxi
There are two types of taxis available at the airport:
- Roving taxis: These are readily available at the airport and can be found outside the international terminal. Additional charges may apply for this type of taxi.
- Standing taxis: Fares are calculated based on distance. Passengers can catch these taxis from the west side of both the domestic and international terminals (near the bus stop area).
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Tuyến bus 9117 chạy thẳng từ sân bay đến ga Zili ở trung tâm thành phố
Operating Hours of Kaohsiung International Airport
Kaohsiung International Airport is open every day from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
If passengers wish to stay overnight at the airport, they must go through airport security. Additionally, overnight stays are only permitted in the central area of the arrival hall on the ground floor.
After the final flight departs, the airport's lights and air conditioning are turned off. The airport environment becomes quite noisy, making it unsuitable for overnight stays.
Hotels near the airport
- Riverside International Hotel Kaohsiung: Located about 5 minutes by car from the airport. It offers free airport shuttle service, but reservations are required in advance.
- Kaohsiung International Plaza Hotel: Located 8 minutes by car from the airport. It provides a free airport shuttle service from 8 AM to 10 PM. However, passengers must make a reservation with the hotel in advance.
- Orange House Hotel: Situated 10 minutes by car from the airport. It offers a free airport shuttle service.
The guest room at Riverside International Hotel Kaohsiung
Amenities at Kaohsiung International Airport
WiFi/ Internet
At Kaohsiung Airport, WiFi is available free of charge. Simply connect to any network listed from 'airport 1' to 'airport 17'. Additionally, the '@ Internet Area' kiosks offer free internet access. These kiosks can be found at both the east and west sides of the 3rd-floor waiting area in the international terminal, or in the 1st-floor waiting area of the domestic terminal.
ATM Machines
Location: 1st floor of the domestic terminal, 1st and 3rd floors of the international terminal.
Currency Exchange
The Bank of Taiwan and Mega International Commercial Bank offer currency exchange services (at 4 locations) located on the 1st and 3rd floors of the international terminal.
Opening hours: The hours vary by location, but the earliest opening is at 5 AM and the latest at 12 PM.
Mega Bank at Kaohsiung Airport
Childcare Facilities
The childcare rooms are located at the following locations:
- 1st floor of the domestic terminal (7 AM - 10 PM)
- 3rd floor of the international terminal, airside area (6 AM - 9 PM)
Strollers are available free of charge. No prior registration is required.
Services for Disabled Passengers
The airport offers designated parking spaces and restrooms for disabled passengers.
Duty-Free Shopping
All shopping outlets are located within the international terminal.
- The duty-free shops are located in the 3rd-floor airside area.
- There is also a souvenir shop in the landside area of the departure hall.
Food and Beverages
There are various food and beverage outlets throughout the airport, each with different operating hours, with the earliest opening at 5:30 AM. As of the latest update, none of the shops are open 24/7.
Food outlet options include:
- International Terminal: Chef Teng Restaurant, Family Mart convenience store, Homee Kitchen, Starbucks.
- Domestic Terminal: Yue Siang Restaurant.
There are numerous shopping and dining options at Kaohsiung Airport
Kaohsiung Airport Information Desk
Our service desk at the airport provides assistance with information and services related to the rental of stroller carts, along with a variety of other helpful details.
Location:
- International Terminal, 3F (5:30 AM - 9:00 PM).
- Domestic Terminal, 3F (8:00 AM - 9:00 PM).
Airport Luggage Storage and Lockers Service
At the airport, lockers are available for luggage storage at a rate of 50 to 100 Chinese Yuan for 12 hours of use. The price varies depending on whether the locker is small or large. The maximum storage time is 6 days.
Location:
• Domestic terminal, located near the Baggage Delivery area.
• International terminal, landside section, 3rd floor (eastern side near the general store).
Opening hours: 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM.
Luggage wrapping service
The luggage wrapping service, available at Pinoy Express, is subject to a fee.
Location: International terminal, landside area, 3rd floor (west side near the food shops).
Operating hours: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM.
Postal Services
The airport’s mailboxes can be found on the 3rd floor of the international terminal.
Massage Services
Massage services are available at the departure lounges located in both the western and eastern sections of the international terminal.
Healthcare Services
Emergency and medical care services are provided at the airport's medical station, situated in section 3F of the international terminal's departure hall.
Hours of operation: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Airport Post Office
The airport's post office is located on the 3rd floor of the International Terminal. It is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Prayer Room
Location: West side of the international terminal, in the 3F (airside) hall.
Skype Station
Passengers on inbound international flights (flights returning from Kaohsiung Airport to their home country) can access the free international calling service available at the Skype Station, located on the ground floor of the international terminal.
Flights from Vietnam to Kaohsiung
Currently, there are direct flights from Vietnam to Kaohsiung (Taiwan) operated by airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Pacific Airlines, covering popular routes like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang to Kaohsiung. In addition, Kaohsiung Airport is a starting point for domestic flights within Taiwan, such as Kaohsiung to Penghu, Kaohsiung to Cimei, and Kaohsiung to Kinmen, with carriers like Mandarin Airlines, Uni Air, and Transair providing service on these routes.
The detailed updates provided here will undoubtedly be extremely helpful for your upcoming flight to Kaohsiung.
Don't forget, Vietnam Airlines is currently offering discounted round-trip tickets from Hanoi to Kaohsiung starting at just 150 USD. For more details about this promotional offer, please refer to the link here.
Be quick so you don't miss the chance to experience one of the most beautiful cities in Taiwan on your upcoming trip.
T.Ba, January 7, 2025, 3:30 PM
