Taipei 101 feels like a fast lift to the top. The Priority Pass experience is built for people who want the skyline hit without getting stuck in crowds, with skip-the-line entry and express elevator queues.

I like two things most. First, the express route saves you real time, especially on busy days. Second, you get 360-degree views plus the 660-tonne tuned mass damper to see up close, which adds real engineering wow. The main drawback is weather, fog or rain can soften the view fast, and some outdoor areas may be closed.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• Express queues both ways help you go up fast and come back down without losing your whole evening
• One of the fastest elevator rides to the 89th floor, at about 37 seconds
• 360-degree panoramas over downtown Taipei, day or night
• The 660-tonne TMD is a must-see photo moment between the 87th and 91st floors
• Telescopes and Taipei 101 design details make the visit more than just sightseeing
• WiFi throughout keeps you connected while you plan your next shot and sunset timing

Taipei 101 Priority Pass Value: What You Pay for, and Why It Matters

At $38 per person, this Priority Pass is not a bargain ticket. What you’re really buying is time, plus a less stressful flow through the most popular attraction in Taipei City.

Taipei 101 is the kind of place where lines can drain your energy. Even when the view is amazing, standing in a long crowd can feel like a waste of your trip time. This pass is designed to cut that problem down, using an express queue for the elevator up and an express queue again for the elevator down from the 88th floor. That second part is the sneaky value, because descending can be when crowds peak and you want to keep momentum.

You’ll also get a smoother “from street to sky” sequence: redeem your voucher, get guided to the express route, then ride up to the observation decks quickly. If you care about sunset photos, or you only have one evening in Taipei, this is exactly the kind of ticket that helps you make the most of a limited window.

Finding the Fast Pass Counter at Taipei 101 (and avoiding the first headache)

You’ll meet at the Taipei 101 Fast Pass Counter, on the right-hand side of the desk, on 5/F of Taipei 101 (Taipei Financial Center). It’s at Exit 4 of the Taipei 101 to World Trade Center Metro station, on the MRT.

Here’s a practical tip. Plan to arrive early enough to claim your voucher without stress. One past visitor noted that the line to claim the skip-the-line pass can be long, even if the elevator part is fast once you’re in the right place. In other words, you can still spend time at the counter, but you should spend far less time overall than without the Priority Pass.

When you arrive, you’ll redeem your physical tickets using the QR code voucher. Staff then guide you to the express queue. After that, you’re set up for the elevator flow that makes this experience feel efficient.

The Express Elevator Up: A 37-Second Ride to the 89th Floor

The biggest “instant wow” happens fast. After you’re sorted into the express route, you take a rapid elevator straight up into the tower.

Taipei 101’s elevator ride to the 89th floor takes about 37 seconds, and it’s described as one of the world’s fastest elevator rides. Whether you’re riding it for the bucket-list thrill or for the time-saving convenience, the motion is part of the fun. You’re not waiting forever. You’re already going up while other visitors are still figuring out tickets, stairs, and queues.

This express setup also matters for your mental energy. It’s the difference between arriving with a plan and arriving trapped in delays. When you’re trying to catch the best light, those minutes add up.

Then you land on the observation levels and you can start your slow walk through views, exhibits, and photo spots, instead of rushing just to beat the line.

From the 87th and 88th Decks to the Rooftop: Views, Telescopes, and the TMD

Once you’re up, the experience becomes the “why Taipei 101 exists” part. The tower dominates the downtown skyline, reaching 509 meters, and you’ll see Taipei from above in 360-degree panoramas. The observation decks are on the 87th and 88th floors, and there’s also a rooftop viewpoint.

There are a few things I’d do in order, so you don’t miss the best moments:

1. Take the wide view first, then pick a direction to explore. Taipei is dense, and it’s easier to understand the city when you establish your bearings from far out.
2. Use the telescopes if you want extra detail. They’re a nice touch because they make the skyline feel less like a blur of buildings and more like something you can read.
3. Then go hunting for the engineering highlight.

That engineering highlight is the 660-tonne tuned mass damper (TMD), located between the 87th and 91st floors. It’s a huge spherical element designed to stabilize the tower against movement from high winds and other forces. If you like learning even a little while sightseeing, this is a great stop. It turns the experience from view-only into view plus context.

Also, you’ll have a chance to learn about Taipei 101’s bamboo architecture and the technology behind the iconic design. That matters because Taipei 101 is not just tall, it’s built with a specific logic for wind and structural movement, and that helps you appreciate the building rather than just admire it.

One more real-world note from past experiences: on foggy mornings, visibility can be limited at first until conditions clear. Cloud and rain can block the view and may affect outdoor areas, so check weather ahead and keep an open mind that the sky isn’t guaranteed.

Sunset Timing at Taipei 101: How to Plan for the Best Light

If you want that classic Taipei skyline moment, your timing matters more than you might think. The deck is open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with the last entrance at 8:15 PM. That gives you a workable window for both afternoon clarity and evening lights.

Here’s the strategy I’d use:

• If skies look promising, aim to start your visit with enough time to linger through sunset and early night.
• If you’re going later in the day, do the wide views earlier, then return to favorite angles for night photos once the city lights come alive.

In practical terms, you do not want to rush your viewing just because you saved time getting up. The best photos happen when you can slow down. Several people highlighted that staying for sunset was excellent, especially when skies cleared.

At the same time, be ready for the weather curveball. One visitor described limited visibility for the first hour due to fog. Another noted rainy conditions where the outdoor viewing areas were closed and the view was blocked. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it does mean you should treat this as a weather-dependent experience, not a guaranteed panorama machine.

Coming Down Without Losing Time: The 88th Floor Fast-Track Rule

The clever part of this Priority Pass is that it doesn’t stop once you’re at the top.

For the return, you’ll use an express queue for the elevators down from the 88th floor. The key detail is that you must show your voucher again to staff at 88/F to get the fast-track on the way down.

This is the moment where the pass often proves its worth. Descending can get crowded, and waiting after you’ve already done the climb can feel unfair. Having the express down route helps you keep your schedule intact, whether you’re heading back to your hotel or catching another evening plan.

Also, keep your ticket or voucher handy. One review specifically stressed making sure you still have it when it’s time to go down. If you lose it, you’re stuck dealing with confusion during a time-sensitive part of the visit.

Price and Value: When This Pass Feels Worth It (and When It Might Not)

This ticket costs $38 per person, and that price needs to be measured against what it saves you.

It feels most worth it when:

• Taipei 101 is crowded, especially on weekends or holidays
• You have limited time and need to see the deck once, not twice
• You care about a specific moment, like sunset, and don’t want delays eating into it
• You want the express experience both up and down, which improves the whole rhythm of the visit

It can feel less essential when:

• You arrive at a quiet time with short lines. One visitor pointed out that on their day there was not much of a line to skip, and standard tickets could have been cheaper.

My take: you’re paying for reliability more than for luxury. Even if you’re lucky with low crowds, the pass can still make your experience feel smoother. But if you’ll be in the area and you’re fine with a bit of waiting, you might decide to go without it. If time is tight, this is the kind of skip that pays back fast.

Practical Rules and Small Details That Save You Hassle

This experience has a few “know before you go” items that matter more than you’d expect once you’re at the building.

What to bring:

• Passport or ID card

Not allowed:

• Pets
• Food and drinks
• Slippers
• Smoking

WiFi:

• WiFi is available throughout the attraction

Children:

• Free admission for children under 115 cm if accompanied by a paying adult

Audio:

• Audio guide hire is not included

Opening hours:

• 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, last entrance at 8:15 PM
• Extended holiday hours can change, so check close to your visit

Wheelchair accessibility:

• The attraction is wheelchair accessible

One last practical thing. Some people mentioned that voucher paperwork and extra shop discounts can be confusing. If you’re using any included vouchers for coffee or snacks at the top, read the small print at the shop counter and ask staff to confirm what you can redeem.

Should You Book This Priority Pass for Taipei 101?

Book it if you want a low-stress, high-efficiency visit to Taipei 101’s observation decks, especially if you care about sunset or you’re on a tight schedule. The express elevator queue up is helpful, but the real win is having express on the way down, so you do not get stuck waiting after you’ve already done the climb.

Skip it, or consider standard tickets instead, if you’re traveling slowly, you arrive during a quiet window, and you don’t mind waiting in lines. This is one of those experiences where your day and your priorities matter as much as the ticket.

If you like mixing views with real design and engineering details, you’ll appreciate the 660-tonne TMD and the explanations around Taipei 101’s bamboo architecture and stability tech. Add the 360-degree deck views, and you get a skyline moment that feels very much like Taipei’s signature photo stop.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Taipei 101 Priority Pass?

You’ll go to the Taipei 101 Fast Pass Counter on the right-hand side of the desk on 5/F, Taipei 101 (Taipei Financial Center). It’s at Exit 4 of the Taipei 101 to World Trade Center MRT station.

What do I need to redeem the ticket on arrival?

Bring your passport or ID card, and redeem your physical tickets with the QR code voucher at the 5/F Fast Pass Counter. Staff will lead you to the express queue.

Do I get express elevators when going back down?

Yes. You’ll need to show your voucher again to staff on 88/F to get fast-track access for the express elevator down.

What are the opening hours and the last entrance time?

The observatory is open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with the last entrance at 8:15 PM.

Is the attraction wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchair accessibility is listed for the attraction.

What items are not allowed at Taipei 101?

Pets, food and drinks, slippers, and smoking are not allowed.