The closest international airport to Hsinchu is also the country's busiest gateway. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (formerly known as Chiang Kai-shek International Airport) is located in Taipei and can be reached via a 30-minute drive from Hsinchu. This is one of three international airports in Taiwan, along with Taichung and Kaosiung international airports.

Airlines operating flights through Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport include: Angkor Airways, EVA Air, Mandarin Airlines, Korean Air, Thai Airways International and Vietnam Airlines, along with other airlines. China Airlines, Taiwan's leading carrier, operates a major hub at the facility's recently-opened Terminal 2.

Flights from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport connect Taiwan with a number of destinations across the world. China Airlines deals heavily in trans-oceanic flights to Australia, Canada and the United States.

This two-terminal facility enjoys modern facilities, and plans are underway to add a third terminal. It is easy to arrange onward travel to Hsinchu from the airport, with Taoyuan Motor Company operating regular buses to Hsinchu city.

Public transportation links on the island of Taiwan are thorough, and it is easy to reach Hsinchu via any number of transportation options. Buses and trains are the primary mode of getting around, and Hsinchu is a regular stop on both networks. Transport from the airport requires a changeover at Jhongli Station.

Most buses to Hsinchu originate in Taipei. Red How-Tai buses depart Taipei Bus Terminal several times an hour and make a stop at Hsinchu Bus Terminal. It takes approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes to reach Hsinchu from Taipei by bus. There are several other bus companies that shuttle passengers to and from Hsinchu, some of which are spacious and comfortable.

Hsinchu Train Station is located in the city centre and is a regularly stop for trains travelling between Taipei and Taichung. Regular trains reach Hsinchu from Taipei in less than two hours. THSR (Taiwan High Speed Rail) lines from Taiwan stop in Hsinchu's neighbouring city of Chubei (30 minutes away), where passengers can board taxis bound for Hsinchu (a 30-minute journey).

A fleet of public buses ply regular routes throughout the city and surrounding suburbs, offering the most efficient means of getting around Hsinchu. Taxis are also on hand, though they can be hard to flag down. The best way to hire a taxi is to visit one of several ranks situated throughout the city. Typically slow and expensive, taxis are only practical when travelling out of town on daytrips and arenot especially convenient for inner-city travel.

Scooters are a popular mode of transport in Hsinchu, practical along heavily congested avenues. Several travel companies throughout Hsinchu can arrange scooter hire for visitors. It is also possible to arrange a hire car, though most visitors shy away from this option in light of the heavy traffic and limited parking facilities.