Originally Posted by
Taipei
It's not impossible to get out from Departures area but not easy and not recommended as kinda depends if staff will help you. I would go to Novotel, leave your bags there. The city train stops at the hotel (its one stop past the EVA air terminal (number 2), so you can use the city rail link (Taoyuan Metro) for your transport to the city centre. They sell day passes which would be good for your needs and cheaper.
Thanks Taipei, that is what I was thinking would be the best course of action - I hadn't originally realised that the Novotel was on the MRT line, so I can easily stop off on the way back from the city centre if I do head into Taipei (I am planning a full day in the city on my return layover for sure).
Regards, Shuttle