Public transportation in South Korea is, thankfully, easy to navigate. Especially in cities like Seoul, where everything is within reach through their many reliable transportation options. They have an extensive network of routes that locals and tourists can easily access. With local and international airports, modern subways, ferry services, railways, and highways, going to and from destinations in Seoul is such a breeze.
If you’re coming from the Incheon International Airport, you can travel to Seoul in several ways:
Via Airport Railroad Express Train (AREX)
From the Incheon Airport Terminals 1 and 2, you can take either an Express Train or the All Stop train.
Express Train
The Express Train runs nonstop from the airport to Seoul Station. From Terminal 1, travel time is approximately 43 minutes, and from Terminal 2, it’s 51 minutes. Here, you have an assigned seat, free WiFi, cabin attendant service, electric cart service, an in-train toilet, complimentary use of partner hotel shuttle buses, and free use of the customer lounge. Express trains run every 30 to 45 minutes from 5:15 am to 10:48 pm.
Tickets
Adult fare: 9500 KRW
Child fare: 7500 KRW
You can buy Express train tickets from Incheon Airport Terminal 1 at B1 Transportation Center, Direct Train Customer Information Center.
All Stop Train
On the other hand, the All Stop train makes a stop at all subway stations before Seoul Station. There’s no assigned seat, and travel time is about an hour. You can pay using a one-time transportation card, a regular ticket, or a prepaid transportation card. From Terminal 1, it takes 59 minutes to Seoul Station, and from Terminal 2, it takes about 66 minutes. All Stop train runs every five to 15 minutes, from 5:18 am to 11:32 pm.
Via Airport Buses
You can take an Incheon Airport bus going to Seoul too. Here are some buses you can take:
Deluxe Limousine bus
This type of bus has fewer stops, short travel times, and comfortable seats. It’s your fastest option too. The fare is 14,000 KRW to 16,000 KRW for a ride.
Standard Bus
This one’s cheaper and has more bus stops than a deluxe limousine. The fare costs 9,000 to 10,000 KRW. Bus N6001 and N6002 make a stop at Seoul Station, N6015 at Myeongdong Station, and N6005 at the City Hall.
Late-night Bus
If you’re arriving late at Incheon, there’s a late-night bus that you can take. Travel time from Terminal 1 is from 1:20 am, for about 70 minutes.
Tickets
- Terminal 1: First level, A-F gates. Tickets can be bought near Exits 4 and 9 of the Arrivals Hall, first levels 4,6,7,8, 11, 13, and 9C.
- Terminal 2: First level, 1-6 gates. Buy tickets at Traffic Center B1.
Via Taxi
There are taxi stands at the Incheon Airport, outside Terminals 1 and 2 Arrivals Hall. Choosing to ride a taxi can be a tad expensive, but it’s a better option especially if you have luggage or are traveling in groups. There are also several taxi types that you can choose from. You can take a standard, electric, or deluxe taxi which is a more premium one. There’s also a jumbo taxi that can accommodate 6 to 10 passengers. You can also take an International Taxi for drivers who can speak multiple languages.
Tickets
You can pay your taxi fare using cash, T-Money, or credit cards.
Via Private Transfer
The most convenient option of all would be getting private transportation from Incheon Airport to Seoul. You can pre-book it and choose a type of vehicle depending on the number of passengers and pieces of luggage. Also, it’s available 24/7 and no need to queue in taxi stands! You can also add on features like luggage transfer, airport check-in, and car seat.
Transportation Tips in Korea
To make your travel in Korea more convenient, here are some hacks that you should know on your visit:
Download a Transportation App
Kakao T, Korail Talk, and Naver Map are just some of the apps you can use to easily search for routes, book taxis, and check public transport schedules in Korea. They’re very easy to use and will help you navigate smoothly!
Buy a Transportation Card
You can buy single-journey use tickets, but it can be a hassle to buy tickets every now and then. With a transportation card like T-Money, you can just top up and use it to pay for your fares on buses, trains, and even taxis.
Get a Discover Seoul Pass
This card lets you explore more than 50 major tourist attractions in Seoul. Plus, you can enjoy discounts, use them as a transportation card, and check attraction details via their smartphone app. It’s perfect for foreign tourists who want to make the most out of their trip to Seoul.
Discover the best of Seoul by booking your activities, accommodations, and travel essentials with just one app! Visit KKDay to know more.