Passing through Matsu Beigan Airport? A layover in Matsu Islands is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 30 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of MFK:
- Can you legally enter Taiwan? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 30-minute journey each way by Taxi or local bus, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the TWD. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some TWD in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
You have two main options for getting from Matsu Beigan Airport into town:
- Taxi or local bus: About 30 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 50 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Matsu Islands might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$8 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$23 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Matsu Islands, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at MFK aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Matsu Islands itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Matsu Islands, we’d suggest Qinbi Village (è¹å£èè½) and War and Peace Memorial Park Exhibition Center (æ°çåå¹³ç´å¿µå¬å). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Worth checking out if your schedule allows. Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside MFK — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- MFK Airport Waiting Lounge & Observation
- Local Souvenir Kiosk & Information Counter
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in Matsu Islands, local travelers recommend Yima’s Shop (ä¾å¬¤çåº). If you have time for a second stop, Bigan Noodle Shop (å竿麵åº) is another popular pick.
Back at MFK, MFK Airport Snack Counter is the go-to. Matsu Flavors Corner rounds out your in-terminal options.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at MFK.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at MFK for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Matsu Islands or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Matsu Islands count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave MFK. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.