How early should I show up for a flight out of Taiwan?

[Modest Mouse]

I am wondering how long it takes to get through customs on an outing flight from Taiwan. How early should I show up to the airport?

Also, do you know how long the shuttle bus takes from the Taoyuan HSR to the TPE airport?

Thanks!

[kaikai34]

I've done 45 minutes, but that was cutting it close. 90 minutes should be safe and you'll have a little time to check out the duty free shop.

[Deuce Dropper]

check in closes 40 minutes before flight, almost no exceptions.

[rosarot]

It also depends on the time of your flight. Check-in and security control take much more time during the day as they do for early morning or late at night flights.
A few weeks ago I had a flight to KL in the afternoon and I had to wait 30 mins at the check in counter plus another 20 to get me through security control (why they only had have of the available scanners manned I still don't understand).
Customs and passport control is usually a matter of a few minutes, nothing to worry about. I'd say get there at least 90 minutes before departure, maybe even 120 during daytime.

[tommy525]

I am wondering how long it takes to get through customs on an outing flight from Taiwan. How early should I show up to the airport?

Also, do you know how long the shuttle bus takes from the Taoyuan HSR to the TPE airport?

Thanks!

I recently had a EVA 9am departure heading towards JKT. Lucky the HSR has check in counters for EVA / UNi and China Air. So if you are taking one of those do your check in there, its faster and easier. They open counters at 7am I believe. So I was there at 7am, checked one bag in and headed for the bus. Which comes every 10 to 15 mins I think. There was one just waiting to leave and I jumped on it and it took less then 25 mins to get to the terminal from the HSR station in Taoyuan. They will take you to Terminal 1 or 2 (so know which you will be using as that saves time).

I made my 9am flight with plenty of time to spare. I think I got to the gate at like 800 am and had to wait an hour for take off.

[Charlie Phillips]

I always aim for 2 hours before departure time. You have to take into account contingencies such as bus/taxi not showing up on time. Traffic jams/accidents/roadworks on freeway and that kind of thing.

I missed a flight to Okinawa once and had to do it all again the next day. If you have a really cheap ticket you may not have that option.

[Pingdong]

i go 3 so i can argue with them for more leg room....unless its a short flight, then usually 1.5-2.

Taiwan airports are lacking in anything entertaining to do. bring something to do, unless you like shopping in shops that have all the same overpriced crap you managed to not buy while visiting. I have only ever seen 2 duty free shops in airports where it was any cheaper than normal outside on the street.

[tommy525]

Yeah the Duty Free shops are NOT profit free. I guess these days they cater to the Japanese and the Mainlanders more then anyone else with those prices !

[headhonchoII]

Be there 1.5 hours before flight, 2 hours before in busy Summer season.

[Pingdong]

I think in general Asians throw away the most money. considering how much they barter, its weird how few of them are willing to go to a "low class" store to buy the same thing 1/2 price. No wonder Taiwan doesnt promote its mountains as tourist meccas for the nature loving crowds.