TRA and HSR in Hsinchu

Here are some helpful links and apps that make using the TRA(train) and HSR(high speed rail) in Hsinchu easier:

TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration aka the train)

• Website:  http://tra.gov.tw/twrail/English/e_index.aspx
• Mobile Version:  http://163.29.3.97/mobile_en/
• Iphone Version:  http://163.29.3.97/mobile_en/query.jsp
• About:  For me the train is the most convenient and cheapest way to travel from Hsinchu to Taipei and vice versa.  By taking the local train from Hsinchu Train Station to Taipei Main Station it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs 103NT with your EasyCard (aka Yoyo card).  If you take the Tze-Chiang train it is around the same price if you use your EasyCard and it gets there in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.  The catch is that the local train comes more frequently than the Tze-Chiang train, and sometimes there is a certain Tze-Chiang train that requires a purchase of a ticket and not the use of the EasyCard.
                If you use your EasyCard to board the train, then there are times where you won't have a seat.  You can purchase a ticket with a seat, but it is more expensive.  I usually just use my Yoyo card, and I go to the last train compartment because they usually have available seats there.
               Which platform you need to go to to board the train can be a bit confusing.  What I do is I use my smartphone and the mobile version of the TRA website.  I input my From location and To location.  Both Hsinchu and Taipei are in the North Region category.  For train types I put all types.  I select the date and I click Submit.  I find the train that I want from the list, and I look at the train code/number.  I then match that number with the TV screens at the Train Station and it tells me which platform I need to go to.
                Before I started using the mobile version of the TRA website, I found taking the train to be very confusing.  However, after using the mobile website I now find taking the train to be quite easy.  It is even convenient to take the train while you are in Taipei compared to using the MRT, depending on the location.  For example if you are trying to get to Raohe Night Market from Taipei Main Station, it is much easier and faster to take the train than it is to take the MRT.  Also it's less walking time since the train station is right next to the night market, and with the MRT you would have to walk another 15 minutes or so to get to the night market.

HSR (High Speed Rail)

• Website:  http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/
• Iphone app:  https://itunes.apple.com/tw/app/tai-wan-gao-tie-t-express/id468963664?mt=8
• About:  Once you download the app you can switch the language to English.  From Hsinchu to Taipei by High Speed Rail it takes about 30 minutes and costs about 280NT.  If you have never ridden the High Speed Rail I urge you to try it at least once.  It's an interesting and enjoyable experience.  I wouldn't recommend it cost wise if you plan on going to Taipei often, but every once in awhile if you are in a hurry it's okay.  Although, it's not as convienient if you don't live next to the High Speed Rail Station in Hsinchu.  For example, if you lived near Hsinchu Train Station you would have to take the local train to Liujia Train Station, and then switch to the Hsinchu High Speed Rail to travel to Taipei.  In cases like that it may just be cheaper and faster to take the Tze-Chiang train instead.

For the buses to Taipei, I have taken them before, but I am not as familiar with all the information about the bus schedules and everything else.  Once I find more information I will post it to this blog.  If anyone has the schedule information or anything else for the buses to Taipei, please feel free to share in the comments below or send me an email by using the contact form on the side.