Travel Tips: How to Get from Incheon Airport to Seoul

As a traveler, you get exhausted from your long flight and you just want a simple method of getting from the airport to your hotel or destination in Seoul. Read on to find how to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul when you land! There are several transfer options you can take.

1. Subway (Shuttle train)

Travelers can easily access from Incheon International Airport to Seoul via subway and train operated by Airport Railroad Express (AREX): Express and All Stop Train (subway).

The Express Train runs non-stop from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station and the All Stop Train passes through 11 subway stations to Seoul Station.

Here is the Airport Railroad Line with 11 subway stations.

The fare for Express train costs 9,000 won and takes only 43 ~ 51 minutes from Incheon Int’l Airport to Seoul Station.

You can purchase an Express Train Pass at 45 Booth on Level 1 of Incheon International Airport, AREX Travel Center, Express Train Passenger Information Center located inside the Transportation Information Center on the B1 level of Incheon International Airport.

For All Stop Trains, the fares and travel times will vary depending on your destination, but from the airport to Seoul Station, it will take approximately 59 ~ 66 minutes.

See the map below that shows how to get to these shuttle trains from the Airport Passenger Terminal.

Here’s a more detailed explanation of how to get there.

1. After collecting your luggage and passing customs, come out to the Arrivals Hall (1st floor of the Passenger Terminal).

2. Take the escalator and head to the 1st basement floor.

3. You will reach a long corridor with a Moving walkway on either side. Walk along the corridor, or the moving walkway to go to “AREX Incheon International Airport Terminal 1” at the Traffic/Transportation Center.

4. If you are taking the Express Train, then head over to the Express Train Area to buy your tickets, highlighted in orange. The All-stop train ticket Area is highlighted in blue, so it’s not difficult to tell the difference.

5. Buy your tickets using the kiosks. How to buy the tickets will also be explained further below.

6. Once you have your ticket, go through either the Express Train, or the All-Stop Train gates. Again, it’s easy to spot the difference; Orange for Express Train, Blue for All-Stop Train

     7. Board the train to your destination!

If you’re unsure how to buy your train tickets, we’ll show you step by step so you won’t forget!

Video credits to AREX (https://www.arex.or.kr/vr/Arex/AREX_20180228data/spots/ex_EN.mp4)

This video shows you how to buy an Express Train ticket, but we will show you step by step once more, just in case you missed it!

1. When you approach the kiosk, you will be prompted with this screen. choose your desired language.

2. Next, click on the “Purchase” button to begin purchasing your express train tickets

3. Choose your destination.

4. Choose a train with the timing you want.

5. Select the number of passengers and pay for the tickets

6. Please wait for your ticket to be issued. Your receipt will be printed and come out from a slot on the left with your ticket, and your change if you have any, will drop on a tray on the right side.

The process of buying an All-Stop Train ticket is practically the same, it’s just the kiosk screens that are different. Just so you don’t get confused and panic, we’ll show how you how to buy an All-Stop Train ticket.

1. Same as the Express Train ticket, select your language

2. Select “single journey ticket” button to purchase the all-stop train ticket

3. Choose your destination

4. Select the number of passengers and pay for the ticket.

5. Please wait for your ticket to be issued.

6. Make sure you collect your ticket and check for any change. Easy right?

2. Bus

The next option is taking the buses leaving from the airport to their respective cities. The ticket booths are located as soon as you go outside.

You can purchase bus tickets and get information at Terminal 1 ticketing offices next to Exit 4 and 9 in Arrival Hall Floor 1 (indoors) or offices next to Exit 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, and 9C (outdoors).

In Terminal 2, you can purchase bus tickets and get information at ticketing offices indoors on The 2nd Transportation Center (B1)

Here’s an explanation of what information your bus ticket gives you:

1. Refer to name of the location you’re traveling to.
2. Price of the ticket.
3. Bus platform number. For example, in the picture above, 04B (circled in blue on the far left) refers to Gate No. 4 and the side of the gate to take the bus (A for the left, B for the right).

Now that you purchased your ticket, it’s time to go to the platform and ride the bus. Look for the platform sign that corresponds to your ticket. You’ll find an explanation of the platform sign below:

1. 1. Departure times.
   2. Identification of the bus platform.
   3. The direction of the bus route. Here, it indicates that the bus will head to City Hall Area.
   4. Indicates which stops the bus makes.

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3. Taxi

As soon as you pass the doors from immigration, you will be swarmed by men promising to drive you to Seoul for 50,000+ won for a taxi to the city or any destination. AVOID them at all costs as it is just another taxi scam just like in every other country.

For future reference, if any taxi does not use a meter and you feel you have been ripped off or overcharged, write or take a picture of their plate number and email happyride@seoul.go.kr or call the Korea Tourism Organization Tourist Complaint Center (☎ 02-735-0101, 02-1330). It is against the law for them to do so.

Instead, take one of the official taxis operated by the government. This is an example of international taxis with fully licensed English-speaking drivers.

These taxis are located on the first floor of the passenger terminal between platforms 4D and 7C. See the map below.

There are no long-distance charge premiums. The only time that any extra charges may incur is when you take a Seoul-based taxi to another city that is not Seoul such as Incheon or Ansan.

Basic taxi fare:

Fare of International Taxi:

4. Private Van

A door-to-door private transport is definitely an option to consider if you want to ensure everything goes smoothly on your first day of arrival. By booking a private van, you won’t have to carry your luggage bags on public transportation. It is more comfortable and convenient than a taxi or airport bus limousine.

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5. More Convenient Service

• No more luggage to carry! If you would like to take public transportation, you can book a Luggage Delivery Service to have your luggage delivered to the hotel/airport directly.

🧳Get a Discount on Luggage Delivery Service🧳

• Are you taking a long flight or red-eye flight back? Get to an airport lounge, take a shower and rest comfortably with food and drinks!

🍴Get Access to Airport Lounge🧖‍♀️

6. Rent a Car and Drive Yourself

Self-drive-tour is one of the fun ways to enjoy your holiday! You can go anywhere you want to go without restrictions of time and transportation. You can even go visit those destinations that are not easily accessible by public transportation, and no need to check the timetables any more. What’s more, you can experience how local people live! If you have a valid International Driver’s Permit (IDP) in book type, don’t hesitate to rent a car.

🚗More Details about Car Rental🚗

Looking for more information about South Korea? Browse through Korea’s #1 Travel Shop, Trazy.com, where you can find the most up-to-date travel experiences and activities in Korea. 🙂

Photo Credits

• Incheon Airport Bus Guide by Incheon Airport
• AREX Airport Express
• International Taxi Official Site