London to Taoyuan (LHR–TPE) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

British passport holders enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days. No fee, no advance application. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry. The 90-day stay cannot be extended; you must leave and re-enter for a new 90-day period.

You need a return or onward ticket. Immigration at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) processes arrivals quickly, with automated e-gates available for repeat visitors who register at the airport. No proof of funds or accommodation is required. Working on a visa-free entry is prohibited; a separate work permit and visa from the Taipei Representative Office in London is needed.

No direct flights from the UK to Taiwan exist. Connections via Hong Kong (HKG, 1 hour 45 minutes to TPE), Bangkok (BKK), or Tokyo (NRT) are fastest, with total journey times of 15 to 18 hours. EVA Air and China Airlines serve Taipei from European hubs via codeshare. The New Taiwan dollar (TWD) trades at roughly 32.5 TWD per $1. No vaccination requirements for UK arrivals. Taiwan's MRT system connects Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station in 35 minutes for TWD 160 (about $5).

Heathrow Express runs from London Paddington to T5 and T2/T3 in 15–21 minutes (£37 single, cheaper booked online or via the Heathrow app). Elizabeth line (Crossrail) is a lower-cost alternative; Paddington to T5 in 34 minutes from £13.50 with an Oyster/contactless cap of £14.90. The Elizabeth line also serves central London stations including Bond Street, Farringdon, and Liverpool Street.London Underground Piccadilly line serves all terminals (T2/T3/T4/T5) from central London in 40–60 minutes (£6 with Oyster). Taxis (black cabs) from central London cost £55–90 depending on traffic. Coach services from Victoria Coach Station (National Express) cost from £10 booked in advance.

The Airport MRT express to Taipei Main Station departs every 15 minutes and takes 35 minutes (TWD $160). Taoyuan HSR station is also served, connecting onward to other Taiwanese cities. Licensed taxis queue at designated stands outside arrivals; metered fares to Taipei city centre run TWD $1,200–1,600. Uber operates with advance booking.

All major international rental car brands have desks in both terminals. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected by a free shuttle bus; allow 15 minutes for inter-terminal transfers.

Subtropical climate. Summers (May–September) are hot and very humid at 30–35°C. This is also typhoon season, with storms capable of closing the airport entirely. Winters (December–February) are mild and rainy at 14–18°C. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions.

Typhoon risk peaks July through September. Storms can arrive within 24–48 hours and operations halt rapidly. Fog and low ceilings are common in winter and spring mornings.