Seven airlines, one page — EVA Air, China Airlines, STARLUX, Thai Airways, Thai VietJet, Scoot and Cathay Pacific compared side-by-side on fares, baggage, nonstop vs connecting, and which suits your travel style best.
The Bangkok (BKK/DMK) → Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) route is one of the most options-rich international connections out of Thailand, with choices ranging from ultra-cheap low-cost carriers to boutique five-star airlines. As of 2026 there are at least five nonstop airlines from Suvarnabhumi (BKK), plus low-cost options from Don Mueang (DMK), and two carriers operating connecting services via third cities.
All nonstop flights land at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) — Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 depending on the carrier — not at Songshan Airport (TSA) in the city. Nonstop flight time is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on winds and routing.
Fares are approximate return estimates as of early 2026, before taxes and fees. Prices vary widely by season and booking lead time.
| Airline | Type | Nonstop? | Departs | Baggage (Economy) | Economy Return (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🟢 EVA Air | 5-star Full-service | ✔ Nonstop | BKK (Suvarnabhumi) | 1 pc × 23 kg included | ~THB 9,000–15,000+ | Quality + IFE + Star Alliance |
| 🔵 China Airlines | Full-service | ✔ Nonstop | BKK (Suvarnabhumi) | 1 pc × 23 kg included | ~THB 8,500–14,000+ | Taiwan's flag carrier (CI) |
| ⭐ STARLUX | Boutique Premium | ✔ Nonstop | BKK (Suvarnabhumi) | 1 pc × 23 kg included | ~THB 9,500–16,000+ | Design-forward premium experience |
| 🔴 Thai Airways | Full-service | ✔ Nonstop | BKK (Suvarnabhumi) | 1 pc × 23 kg included | ~THB 8,000–14,000+ | Thai service + Royal Orchid Miles |
| 🟠 Thai VietJet | Low Cost | ✔ Nonstop | BKK (Suvarnabhumi) | Not included (add ~THB 600–1,800) | ~THB 4,500–9,000+ (promo) | Budget nonstop from BKK |
| 🟡 Thai Lion Air | Low Cost | ✔ Nonstop | DMK (Don Mueang) | Not included (add ~THB 600–1,800) | ~THB 4,000–8,500+ (promo) | Cheapest fares from DMK |
| ⚪ Scoot | Low Cost + connect | ➤ Via Singapore | BKK (Suvarnabhumi) | Not included (add on) | ~THB 5,000–10,000+ | Singapore stopover option |
| 🔴 Cathay Pacific | Full-service + connect | ➤ Via Hong Kong | BKK / DMK | 1 pc × 23 kg included | ~THB 9,000–18,000+ | Asia Miles + Hong Kong stopover |
* Fares are approximate estimates — verify current prices and conditions directly with the airline before booking. Thai Lion Air primarily operates from Don Mueang (DMK). AirAsia X (DMK–TPE) has operated this route intermittently — check current schedules.
A concise take on each carrier, with links to in-depth individual reviews.
Verdict: The strongest in-flight experience on this route — 11 consecutive SKYTRAX 5-star ratings, award-winning Economy catering, spotless aircraft, free Wi-Fi and Star Alliance membership. Economy return fares are higher than low-cost options but include checked baggage and meals. Ideal for travellers who value comfort and reliability.
Read full EVA Air review →Verdict: Taiwan's national carrier operates daily nonstop flights from BKK with solid full-service standards — baggage and meals included. A reliable mid-tier full-service option that works well for travellers focused on value and SkyTeam miles accumulation. Business Class product is competitive for the route length.
Read full China Airlines review →Verdict: The newest and most design-forward carrier on this route, launched in 2020. STARLUX's cabin aesthetic and Business Class product rival EVA Air's Royal Laurel. Economy fares are comparable. Choose STARLUX if you want a fresh, fashion-forward experience; choose EVA Air if you prioritise a longer track record and broader alliance network.
Read full STARLUX review →Verdict: Thailand's national carrier operates nonstop BKK–TPE, with Thai-speaking crew, Thai-inflected meal options and the comfort of a familiar brand for Thai travellers. Baggage and meals are included. Well-suited for Royal Orchid Plus members or those who prefer checking in at Suvarnabhumi with a full-service carrier they know.
Read full Thai Airways review →Verdict: The low-cost option for travellers who want a nonstop flight from Suvarnabhumi without paying full-service prices. Headline fares are low, but checked baggage and meals are add-ons. Best for light packers on a budget who don't need in-flight dining. Factor in extras before assuming it's cheaper than a full-service carrier.
Read full Thai VietJet review →Verdict: Scoot (Singapore Airlines Group's low-cost arm) operates BKK–SIN–TPE via Changi Airport — not a nonstop service. Total journey time is significantly longer. Makes sense if you're looking for a cheap fare and are happy with a Singapore transit, or if you want to combine a short Singapore stopover before continuing to Taipei.
Read full Scoot review →Verdict: Cathay Pacific connects through Hong Kong (HKG), adding travel time compared to nonstop options. Despite the connection, it's a compelling choice for Asia Miles earners, oneworld Business Class upgrades, or travellers planning a Hong Kong stopover. The product quality at both ends — Bangkok and Taipei — is full-service throughout.
Read full Cathay Pacific review →There is no single "best" airline for this route — the right answer depends on your priorities.
Look at Thai Lion Air (DMK) or Thai VietJet (BKK) during promotional sales for the lowest headline prices. Before committing, add the cost of checked baggage and any meals you want — the total may end up closer to a full-service carrier that bundles everything in.
Choose EVA Air or STARLUX — EVA Air holds 11 consecutive SKYTRAX 5-star ratings and broad Star Alliance coverage; STARLUX is a boutique premium carrier with a distinctive cabin design and a competitive Business Class product. In Economy and Business Class both deliver exceptional service for a 4-hour flight.
EVA Air, China Airlines and STARLUX each operate multiple frequencies per week with varied departure times, giving you the most flexibility. Thai Airways and Thai VietJet tend to have fewer daily departures, so check actual schedules for your specific travel dates before deciding.
Star Alliance (EVA Air, Thai Airways) · SkyTeam (China Airlines) · Asia Miles / oneworld (Cathay Pacific). For Business Class value, STARLUX and EVA Air offer the best lie-flat products on this route. Cathay Pacific via HKG suits Asia Miles earners who also want access to the extensive oneworld network.
Plan a Singapore stopover: choose Scoot (budget) or Singapore Airlines (premium). Plan a Hong Kong stopover: choose Cathay Pacific (full-service). Both Changi and Hong Kong International are excellent transit airports and each city offers a worthwhile 1–3 day stopover.
Choose Thai Airways — Thailand's national carrier with Thai-speaking crew, Thai meal options and a check-in experience that feels familiar. Well-suited for family groups, older travellers or anyone who values being understood and assisted in Thai from departure to arrival.
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