How to Get to Hsinchu. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Airport Information

Major Airports Serving Hsinchu

Hsinchu City does not operate its own international airport. The main international gateway for travelers heading to Hsinchu is Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport TPE:

Located 50-60 kilometers north of Hsinchu, in Taoyuan City.
Taiwan's largest and busiest airport, handles vast majority of international flights.
Taipei Songshan Air terminal (TSA) mainly domestic and regional international routes.

Airlines & Routes to TPE

TPE serves as a central point for major global airlines, connecting to destinations worldwide.

Carriers and Connections:

Taiwanese carriers: EVA Air and China Airlines operate extensive networks.
Other major airlines: Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, JAL, ANA, United, Delta, Lufthansa.
Direct flights from main centers in Asia, North America, Europe, plus The oceania.

Duty-Free & Dining

Numerous duty-free shops, diverse restaurants and cafes.

Currency & Connectivity

Currency exchange, ATMs, local SIM card kiosks, free Wi-Fi.

Additional Services

Car rental desks, luggage storage, postal services, tourist info.

Transfer Options from TPE to Hsinchu

High-Speed Rail HSR

Take Taoyuan Airport MRT to HSR Taoyuan Station (15-20 min).
Board HSR to Hsinchu HSR Station (10-15 min).
Total journey: 1-1.5 hours, plus local transfer to Hsinchu City center.
HSR ticket approx. NT$130 from Taoyuan to Hsinchu.

Intercity Bus / Taxi

Direct intercity bus services (Kuo-Kuang Bus, UBus) to Hsinchu City center (1-1.5 hours).
Taxis/private transfers: Most direct (45-60 min), cost approx. NT$1,500-NT$2,000.
Taxis suit groups or those with heavy luggage.
Buses between urban areas are a cost-effective choice.

Traveler's Tip: Seamless Transfers

EasyCard / iPass

For a seamless transfer from TPE, purchase an EasyCard or iPass at the airport. These a smart passs are good for the Taoyuan Airport MRT and local Hsinchu buses.

Flight Deals

Explore flight deals from services like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for potential savings.

Lost/Delayed Flights

In case of delayed or canceled flights, AirHelp may secure compensation up to €600.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Taiwan boasts an excellent land transportation network, making it easy to travel to and from Hsinchu by train.

High-Speed Rail HSR & TRA:

Hsinchu HSR Station (Zhubei City): Rapid connections along western corridor, Taipei (29-35 min), Taichung (25-35 min).
TRA Hsinchu Station (City center): Connects to most west coast cities, more scenic, Taipei (1.5-2 hours, NT$133-NT$208).
Book HSR tickets in advance, especially during peak travel times.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Numerous intercity bus companies operate routes connecting Hsinchu to major cities across Taiwan.

Companies & Comfort:

Operators: Kuo-Kuang Bus, UBus, Aloha Bus.
Direct services to Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and other destinations.
Comfortable, air-conditioned, and cost-effective alternative to trains.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car in Taiwan provides flexibility for discovery Hsinchu County and surrounding areas.

Requirements & Benefits:

International Driving Permit (IDP) and valid home country license needed.
Major international (Avis, Hertz) and local (Carplus, Hotai Leasing) companies operate.
Flexibility for outings to regions not easily accessible by public transport.

Road Conditions & Safety

Taiwan's main roads and highways are of good quality. Caution is always advisable.

Things to Observe:

Scooter traffic: Prevalent in all cities, including Hsinchu.
Mountainous roads: Can be winding and narrow in Hsinchu County.
Landslide risk: Drive carefully during or after heavy rain.

Car Rental Resources

DiscoverCars.com for comparing and booking car rentals.
Check customer service and ratings for rental companies.
Understand insurance options and coverage before renting.

Familiarize yourself with traffic in the town laws before driving.
Parking in downtown areas can be challenging; consider hotel parking.
Always be cautious, especially with scooter traffic.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

There are no exit fees are typically charged separately for departing passengers from Taiwan; airlines usually encompass these charges in your ticket price.

Departure Timing:

International flights (TPE/TSA): Arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
Domestic flights/trains: Arrive at least 60-90 minutes before departure.
HSR/TRA from Hsinchu to TPE/TSA: Factor in 1.5-2 hours total travel time.

Airport & Station Facilities

Departure halls at TPE and TSA offer extensive facilities. HSR and TRA stations provide basic amenities.

Amenities for Departing Travelers:

Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, lounges.
Currency exchange and ATMs for last-minute financial needs.
HSR and TRA stations: Convenience stores and eateries.

Reconfirm Schedule

Reconfirm your flight or train schedule the day before you leave.

Allow Extra Time

The state of the traffic to TPE can be unpredictable; allow extra travel time, specifically during peak hours.

Smooth Departure

Arrive early to complete check-in, security, and immigration without rush.

Note:

Sea or river arrivals are not directly relevant for Hsinchu as a primary international entry point. International cruise ships mainly dock at Keelung or Kaohsiung, requiring land transportation to reach Hsinchu.

How to Get to Hsinchu