Your Taipei 101 day starts with speed. The Priority Pass gives you an express route so you can ride up quickly in 37 seconds and actually spend your time enjoying the 360-degree views from the 89th-floor observatory.

One thing to watch: fog or rain can cut visibility fast, and some outdoor areas may be closed—so it helps to be flexible with your timing.

This is the kind of landmark visit that feels like it has two parts: a super-fast lift into the sky, then a slow, satisfying look around. If you’re visiting during busy hours, the express lanes up and back down are the whole point.

Key highlights to look forward to

• Express queue on the way up: you’re funneled toward the elevators instead of waiting in the main lines
• 37-second ride to the 89th floor: one of the world’s fastest elevator rides to the observatory
• Sky views across 87th, 88th, and the rooftop: 360-degree panoramas with telescopes
• Tuned Mass Damper photo moment: see the giant 660-tonne tuned mass damper between the 87th and 91st floors
• Express queue on the way down: a second fast lane helps when the descent line builds up

Priority Pass at Taipei 101: what changes for you

Taipei 101 is famous for a reason: it dominates the downtown skyline and turns a normal city-view into an actual viewpoint experience. This Priority Pass ticket is built around one idea—saving time at the places where time disappears.

I like how this pass doesn’t just help once. You get an express queue for the elevator up to the observatory, and you also get an express queue for the elevator down from the 88th floor. That matters because descending queues can get long, especially when lots of people finish their photos around the same time.

Another win is the pace. You’re not spending your “best” daylight hours trapped in an elevator line. Instead, you’re on the 87th/88th decks and the rooftop with a clear block of time to look around at your own speed.

The included WiFi throughout the attraction is a small comfort too. When you’re scanning the skyline through haze, being able to check map directions or translate signs quickly is genuinely useful.

Getting to the Fast Pass Counter at Taipei 101

Start at the Taipei 101 Fast Pass Counter on the 5/F, on the right-hand side of the desk. This is specifically where you redeem your Priority Pass setup before you go anywhere near the elevator line.

The practical part: use the Taipei 101–World Trade Center MRT station. Exit 4 is your landmark for finding your way to the building.

When you arrive, you’ll redeem your physical tickets using the QR code voucher. Staff will guide you into the express queue. Do not toss that voucher after you redeem it—because you’ll need it again on the way down.

Bring a passport or ID card. If you forget it, you can lose time you didn’t plan to lose.

The express elevator ride: 37 seconds to the 89th floor

Taipei 101’s elevator ride is a big part of the wow-factor. The ascent to the 89th floor takes about 37 seconds, and it’s one of the world’s fastest elevator rides.

The express queue makes this smoother. You’re not stuck in the main crowd waiting for elevators to open. Instead, staff direct you to the line reserved for Priority Pass holders, so you move faster right from the start.

Once you’re up top, you’re positioned to explore efficiently. You don’t have to “hunt” for the best spots right away. The layout is set up so you can work through the decks—87th and 88th floors first, then take your time with the rooftop viewing area.

If you’re the kind of person who gets restless in crowds, this is where the ticket earns its keep. The ride is fast, but the real payoff is that you arrive before the deck gets even more packed.

87th and 88th decks plus rooftop: how to actually see the city

From the observation decks on the 87th and 88th floors, you get 360-degree views over Taipei. You’ll also have access to the rooftop viewpoint, which is designed for people who want that higher “edges of the city” feel.

There are telescopes available, and I recommend using them early if you want clean views. You’re aiming for the best visibility you can get that day, and telescopes help you pick out details beyond the immediate skyline.

Daytime is great for structure. You can spot how Taipei’s downtown grid spreads out, and you’ll likely see mountains in the distance if the weather behaves. At night, the city transforms into layers of light, and Taipei 101’s height gives you a unique angle on everything below.

One heads-up from experience-style reality: indoor lighting and glare can make photos tricky, especially when you’re trying to shoot from inside the deck areas. If you care about photos, look for angles that reduce reflections before you commit your camera settings.

Also, keep in mind that visibility is not guaranteed. On days with fog or low clouds, you might get a limited view for a while until conditions improve.

Bamboo architecture and the tuned mass damper: what you’re looking at

Taipei 101 isn’t just tall. It’s also engineered like a sculpture. Expect to learn about the bamboo architecture and technology behind this iconic building as you move through the observatory areas.

Then there’s the star photo: the 660-tonne tuned mass damper (TMD). It’s located between the 87th and 91st floors, and it’s there to stabilize the tower against movements caused by high winds.

If you like “seeing how things work,” this is the part that turns the visit from pretty views into real understanding. You’ll be able to get a photo with the TMD, and it’s the kind of object that makes the building feel less abstract. Instead of just a skyscraper, Taipei 101 becomes a machine with smart motion control.

I also like how the TMD moment breaks up the pure sightseeing. You can pause, look closer, and then go back to scanning the horizon with a clearer sense of what you’re experiencing.

Sunset strategy: enjoy the sky deck without losing your return slot

Taipei 101 offers a classic sunset setup. If you can, time your visit so you’re up there before the light shifts and stay through the transition into evening city lights.

Opening hours are 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, with the last entrance at 8:15 PM. That means sunset planning is workable, but you shouldn’t gamble if you’re tight on time. If you want a sunset view, aim to be inside comfortably before late afternoon.

One reason this Priority Pass is worth it for sunsets: the express queue for the descent begins from the 88th floor. If you hang around until the last moment, the deck can get packed with people all finishing photos around the same time. Having the downward express option reduces the risk of losing your final hour to stairs-and-doors logistics.

Keep your voucher accessible until you reach the 88th floor. Show it to staff there to get your fast-track on the way down.

Costs and rules: what to plan for once you’re inside

This Priority Pass ticket is designed for the experience itself. Included items are skip-the-line entry, express elevator queues both directions, and WiFi throughout.

What’s not included: the cost of souvenirs or photographs. Also, audio guide hire is not included. If you care about narration, budget extra for that option.

Food and drinks are also not allowed inside. You’ll want to eat before you go, or plan on purchasing something once you’re up there. The top areas can be pricey, so I treat that as part of the cost of a height-and-view ticket.

Smaller cost-saving details can help. In practice, you may get discounts for coffee and sweets shops at the top (small perk type stuff). Don’t count on it as your main savings plan, but it’s worth checking when you’re there.

Rules to know:

• Pets are not allowed
• Food and drinks are not allowed
• Slippers are not allowed
• Smoking is not allowed

If you’re traveling light, it’s simple. Just don’t show up with snacks in your bag thinking you’ll bring them up.

Price and value: when this $38 pass makes sense

At $38 per person, the Priority Pass isn’t the cheapest way to reach Taipei 101. It’s the smart way when time matters.

This ticket’s value comes from two places:

1. Saving time waiting for elevators on the way up
2. Saving time waiting for elevators on the way down from the 88th floor

If you’re visiting during peak crowds, that second part often feels like the real win. Climbing is one thing. Getting back down without losing your evening is what keeps the visit from turning stressful.

If your timing is excellent and Taipei 101 is calm, the pass may feel like an expensive convenience. A few people might wonder why they paid if lines were short. That’s fair. But the whole point of the express setup is predictability. You buy peace of mind when crowds are hard to predict.

Also, your time is valuable because Taipei 101 is usually “one of your big stops.” If you only get a few hours in Taipei, cutting two queue phases can be the difference between a great day and a rushed one.

Who should book this Priority Pass ticket

This Priority Pass fits best if you:

• Hate standing in lines and want a smoother flow
• Want a true landmark visit without burning your whole day waiting
• Plan to stay for sunset, then head down quickly
• Travel with limited time (a layover, a tight schedule, or just a packed itinerary)

It may not be your best value if:

• You’re going at an unusually quiet time and you’re okay waiting
• You’re extremely price-sensitive and only want the cheapest possible ticket
• You plan to spend most of your time wandering slowly indoors and aren’t sensitive to elevator wait times

Either way, Taipei 101’s top decks are worth visiting. This pass mainly changes how painless it feels.

Should you book the Taipei 101 Priority Pass?

My take: book it if you want control. The express queue up to the observatory deck and the express queue down from the 88th floor is a strong combo for people who want the views without the stress.

If the weather is uncertain, don’t let that scare you off. Just remember that fog or rain can reduce visibility, and outdoor viewing may close. On a clear day, this ticket helps you spend more time seeing and less time waiting.

If you want the practical best-case visit—sunset potential, quick elevator access, and 360-degree scanning—this Priority Pass is a good purchase.

FAQ

Where is the Priority Pass counter for Taipei 101?

Go to the Taipei 101 Fast Pass Counter on the 5/F, on the right-hand side of the desk. It’s located at Exit 4 of the Taipei 101–World Trade Center Metro station.

What do I need to redeem the ticket on arrival?

You’ll redeem your physical tickets using the QR code voucher at the Fast Pass Counter. Staff will then lead you to the express queue.

Which floors are involved in the fast-track experience?

You’ll use the express elevator on the way up to the observatory deck (with a 37-second ride to the 89th floor). For the way down, you show your voucher again to staff at 88/F for the express queue.

What time does Taipei 101 open and when is the last entrance?

Taipei 101 observatory access runs 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, with the last entrance at 8:15 PM. Opening hours can adjust on extended holidays.

Is WiFi included with this ticket?

Yes. WiFi is included throughout the attraction.

Can I bring food, drinks, pets, or slippers?

No. Pets, food and drinks, and slippers are not allowed. Smoking is also not allowed.

Can I cancel or pay later?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.

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If you tell me your travel month and whether you’re aiming for daytime or sunset, I can help you pick the best entry time window.

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