Taipei Taoyuan Intl. Airport Spotting Guide (TPE/RCTP) is located 30 km west of Taiwan’s capital Taipei. It can be easily reched by car from motorway 2 and the MRT connection (metro) to Taipei as well as a connection to the high speed train HSR. In 2023 35 million passengers were handled. The airport was opened in 1979 to remove the international flights from Taipei Songshan, which is located in the city. The Terminal 2 was opened in year 2000. Terminal 1 contains concourses A and B, Terminal 2 C and D. Currently Terminal 3 is under construction. The airport is the main hub of China Airlines and EVA Air.

You can check the flight schedule here.

Taoyuan was a very difficult airport to get good pictures from before 2019, and certainly very difficult for good ground shots.  The two new observation decks open up a lot more possibilities at the airport.  Spotting is very popular in Taiwan, and both decks were busy at Taoyuan (just as the approach lane off Binjiang Road at Songshan is always busy).  In addition to the spotters there were a lot of families with children, and the facilities on the 5th level (both North and South side) really do encourage it as more of a destination even for those who aren’t travelling but want a weekend activity or the like.

Written by Marcus, John Merer, Li-chung Chang and William Liao. Last change: Augsut 2024 (new Spot 4 added)

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
05L/23R	3,660m Asphalt
05R/23L	3.800m Asphalt
Terminals
Terminal 1A	China Airlines, Air Asia, Korean
Terminal 1B	Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, Air Macau, Scoot, Thai
Terminal 2C	EVA Air, ANA, Hong Kong Airlines, Singapore, Emirates
Terminal 2D	China Airlines, JAL
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not necessary at most spots.
Car/Public Transport	Only spot 8 and 9 are located at the terminal and for the other locations a car is needed and a GPS is more than useful. Taxi drivers are not really helpful as they mostly don’t speak English. At some MRT Stations it is possible to rent a “YouBike”.
Restrooms	Only in the cafe at spot 4.
Drinks/Food	In the cafe at spot 4. There are some 7-eleven shops around the airport.
Hotels	In Taoyuan. Most hotels offer free shuttle service from and to the airport.
Season	All Year. Best season is December until March, June until November is rain-season including typhoons (often rain or thunderstorms in the afternoon), the hottest time is April/May. Take sun protection with you!
Runway Usage
05L/23R	Used for arrivals and departures until 11:30 by airlines located at Terminal 1A and 2D. The runway is closed from 11:30 to 12:00 daily for maintenance. After 12:00 only for arrivals.
05R/23L	Used for arrivals and departures until 11:30 by airlines located at Terminal 1B and 2C. After 11:30 only for departures with a few arrivals.

Fish Pond - 23L Morning

WHERE	As the famous spot at the abandoned taxiway was closed meanwhile, there is an alternative.  This spot is located near the old spot but still provides nice views at the fishery. There are no Parking spots. If you find a good parking lot, please let us know. Best to use a YouBike from MRT Dayuan station. Its around 20 min.
WHAT	It is good for short and middle hole flights departing RWY23L. Long hole flights are still on the runway.
TIME	Good until noon in summer.
MISC.	No restrooms and shops near here.
FOCAL LENGTH	A320 and B737 need 300mm A330 and B777 are 200mm.

TPE-Spot1

TPE-Spot1

The Bridge – Approach 23L

WHERE	On a bridge at Hangxiang Road next to Sanmin Road (Road 4). Just park your car at the side, but there is officially no parking. Police passes by without taking notice. No ladder required.
WHAT	You can get aircraft approching 23L.
TIME	Afternoon until sunset.
MISC.	At the corner a 7-eleven offers cold drinks and some snacks.
FOCAL LENGTH	400 mm for A320

TPE-Spot2

TPE-Spot2

TPE-Spot2

DHL – Approach 23R morning

WHERE	Continue on the bridge from spot 2and  turn left at the traffic lights. The spot is on the opposite site of  DHL. Park your car at the side of the road. There is an abandoned lane where you can stay.
WHAT	You can take shots of aircraft in final to 23R.
TIME	Sunrise until noon
MISC.	Nothing here.
FOCAL LENGTH	320 mm for A320

TPE-Spot3

TPE-Spot3

TPE-Spot3

Zhu-Wei Village - 23 arrivals, apron

WHERE	Located at the entrance of Zhu-Wei village, right next to the fence of 3rd runway construction site, you will not miss it since there are a few trailers parking by the fence. It is strongly recommended to reach this spot by car or public bicycle, since bus services are limited, just park your vehicle by the side of the road. Ladder is essential, or you can climb onto any of the trailers, but remember to ask for permission from the owner.If you have to reach here by bus, the following are nearest bus stop and bus route: 1.Guo-ji Road Section 3(國際路三段): L518 from/to downtown Dayuan 2.Wayao(瓦窯): 238 from/to downtown Dayuan, Nankan or Changgung bus station; 5015 from/to Taoyuan, Nankan, downtown Dayuan and Taoyuan Metro Kengkou station; 5019 from/to Taoyuan, Nankan and Taoyuan Metro Kengkou station.
WHAT	Runway 23R arrival, ground and cargo apron movements.
TIME	From 15:00 until sunset in summer. Distance from the spot to runway is really far, heat haze might affect when sun is strong.
MISC.	Nearest convienence store(7-ELEVEN Shalun branch) is 700 meters away, bring everything you need with you.
FOCAL LENGTH	230mm for A380 arrival, 160mm for A380 touchdown 300mm for B77W arrival, 200mm for B77W touchdown 375mm for B737 arrival, 250mm for A321 touchdown 230mm for B744 ground movement

TPE-Spot4

TPE-Spot4

TPE-Spot4

TPE-Spot4

TPE-Spot4

TPE-Spot4

Field Road - Approach 23R evening

WHERE	Continue on the road from spot3 until you can turn left to pass the Tianliao Bridge. Park your car close to bridge and walk towards the position you prefer. Beware of power cables obstructing your view.
WHAT	You can take shots of aircraft in final approach to 23R.
TIME	From noon until sunset.
MISC.	There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need.
FOCAL LENGTH	300 mm for A320

TPE-Spot5

TPE-Spot5

TPE-Spot5

Dayuan District - Approach 05R evening

WHERE	The spot is next to the EVA Air hangars on a rural road at Dayuan District. Best reachable by car if you from the 110. There is a bus stop called “Hai Feng” but buses run not frequent. Otherwise you can use the MRT and exit at the Dayuan Station, rent a bike at “YouBike” and ride approximate 1km to the spot.
WHAT	For 05R arrivals only
TIME	From 13:00-17:00 during summer.
MISC.	There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. Shops and Hotel next to the MRT Station
FOCAL LENGTH	100mm for 773; 125mm for 744

TPE-Spot6

TPE-Spot6

TPE-Spot6

The Park'(大園國防砲陣地運動公園) - 05L Arrivals

WHERE	There is a former military building which is now a park where you have a great view of the arrivals. It is next to some basketball fields and a school which is close to highway 15. Enter the small road and you will see a one story building in front of you where you can park. Walk around it and you will find a ramp that can take you to the roof. Spotters usually go to the roof since the view is better and not obstructed. Driving there is highly recommended, and there are several parking spaces available on the ground level of the park. No public transport nearby. Renting a U-bike or taking a taxi may be other options.
WHAT	For 05L arrivals only. 05R is too far away.
TIME	From 13:00-17:00 during summer.
MISC.	No facilities nearby. Just google for 大園國防砲陣地運動公園 and you will find photos from the park
FOCAL LENGTH	+80mm

TPE-Spot7

TPE-Spot7

TPE-Spot7

Terminal 2 Observation Deck SOUTH

WHERE	In December 2019, a new Observation Deck opened on the top of Terminal 2 at Taipei Taoyuan airport. The deck is accessed at the South Side of Terminal 2 (where the C gates are) and is accessed by an escalator or elevators. Take the escalator or elevator to the 5th floor (from the 3rd floor South departures checkin hall) and access is on the South side near the Family Mart convenience store. The fence is like Haneda or Itami airport observation decks and so is horizontal wire with about 4 inches between wires. Although the railing prevents you from getting closer than about 18 inches to the fence the gaps between the wires are more than enough to shoot through even with a larger lens.
WHAT	The deck has two levels. The top level is back from the edge of the Terminal but allows for panning views of the traffic on 05R/23L. The lower level is much closer to the edge and allows taxi shots on the South side of Terminal 2.
TIME	You are facing into the sun for the morning and early afternoon but after about 3pm the sun is moving behind you.
MISC.	Although just opened it can get quite crowded, especially on the weekends and finding a spot to get shots from can become a challenge. The deck is restricted to 300 people and is open from 6:30am until 10:30pm. There is no security to go through but there are security guards on the deck at all times enforcing the rules. There are toilets (and even showers it seemed) as well as a variety of places to eat on the 5th floor, plus the rest of the airport near by.
FOCAL LENGTH	For traffic on 05R/23L one would need about a 150 to 400mm lens depending on the type of aircraft. Asiana 767 = 70mm; EVA 777 = 170mm

TPE-Spot8

TPE-Spot8

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upper level seen from the lower level

lower level facing the runway

lower level

Terminal 2 Observation Deck NORTH

WHERE	The second deck opened on December 28th, 2019. The North observation deck is accessed at the opposite side of Terminal 2 from the South deck, again from Level 3, the main departures level. It is accessed by an escalator or elevator in the North check-in hall. There are signs indicating the way to the North Mall and Observation Deck at both the elevators and escalator.
WHAT	The North deck is divided into two parts with an upper and a lower portion. The lower portion is about double the size of the upper deck. From the upper deck you are facing Northwest and have an excellent (save a few lamp standards) view over the Terminal 2 Apron (Apron D), as well as the middle portion of Runway 05L/23R. Shots of aircraft on taxiway NC are quite clear and unobstructed in many places while NP can be blocked by the Terminal at times. There is also an indoor portion to the upper deck, although this is behind glass. There are views to across to the runway, as well as Southwest looking across to the new Terminal 3 (under construction). An aircraft taxiing on the cross-over taxiway of W2 can be photographed (although at a distance), with a 777-300 being a 300mm shot.
TIME	In the winter without the sun, heat haze shouldn’t be too much of a problem, but in summer, especially on the runway, heat haze will be a problem. Light is good on the North deck for most of the day, with the sun moving in front of the camera after about 3pm. As with the South deck, the hours of operation are from 6:30am until 10:30pm. Because of the large gap on the North deck to photograph through in the fence, shooting with a tripod is very easy on the North deck.
MISC.	On the 5th level, as with the South side, there are a variety of places to eat, as well as a convenience store, although the North side is smaller and offers about half the number of outlets. There are large indoor areas to sit or eat, as well as restrooms. As with the South deck, there is no security to pass through to get to the deck, but there are security guards on the deck at all times (this being Taiwan they are usually friendly though, but they have a job to do in ensuring visitors follow the rules). Keep in mind that the observation deck can get crowded, especially on weekends, and that the North deck (upper portion) is quite a bit smaller than the South deck’s combined upper and lower area. The South deck is restricted to 300 people at a time while the North deck is restricted to 100 people (and this is enforced).
FOCAL LENGTH	The North deck is slightly closer to the runway and so depending on the aircraft for Runway 05L/23R you’ll need between a 125 and 350mm for a full frame (aircraft ranging from an ATR 72-600 to a 747-8). On taxiway NP, a 777-300 or 747 would be roughly a 60 or 70mm shot.

TPE-Spot9

TPE-Spot9

Bakery - 23R arrivals

WHERE	There is a bakery shop with a balcony on top where you can easily spot from.  It is located at Sanmin Rd.  Renting a Youbike is ecommended. There is parking space and bus stopping by.
WHAT	For 23R arrivals only.
TIME	Sunrise until noon.
MISC.	They also offer refreshments and drinks. Restroom available inside too.
FOCAL LENGTH	150mm for a 77W

No samples available. If you do so, please contact us.