Transportation in and from Hsinchu

Hsinchu is a city in Northern Taiwan, with a population of around half a million, and the base of Taiwan’s computer and high-tech industry. It is around 90 km south of the capital, Taipei, and easily accessible to Taipei in one hour by bus, train, and high-speed rail.

Getting around Hsinchu

You can get around Hsinchu by bus, but the fastest and easiest way for several people would be to get a taxi.

If you enjoy riding a bicycle, you're in luck! Hsinchu now has a public bicycle service called YouBike, with bike stations situated in strategic locations around the city, including in front of the NTHU main gate. You will need to use your student ID to register first, which you can do at any station.

Getting to other cities

You will undoubtedly want to see Taipei, Taiwan's largest metropolis, just a little over an hour's drive away from Hsinchu. There are several ways to get there:

• Intercity bus. The simplest and cheapest way, as there is a bus terminal right in front of NTHU, with buses operated by many different companies offering rides to Taipei. A one-way student ticket will cost you 105NT.
• Train. Trains run to Taipei from Hsinchu main station. They will generally cost slightly more than the intercity bus, with the exact price depending on the type of train. A train is your best option if you want to explore Taoyuan.
• HSR. The High-Speed Rail station is located outside Hsinchu, in Zhubei, and you can get there by taking a train, bus, or taxi. The HSR is significantly more expensive than either the intercity bus or the ordinary train service, but it will provide you with the unforgettable experience of breezing past rural and urban sceneries at speeds of up to 300km/h (185mph)! Perfect for a lightning trip to Tainan or Kaohsiung.