How to Get from Incheon Airport to Seoul 2025 | AREX, Bus & Taxi Guide✈️ How to Get from Incheon Airport to Seoul 2025: Subway, Airport Bus, Taxi & More

✨ Introduction

Welcome to Incheon International Airport, Korea’s largest and busiest airport.

After landing, the first question for any traveler is:

✅ How do I get to Seoul city center?
✅ Which is cheaper—subway, airport bus, or taxi?
✅ Where do I buy tickets and how do I find the boarding area?

This ultimate 2025 guide explains all transportation options from Incheon Airport to Seoul, including AREX subway,

Airport Limousine Bus, regular buses, and taxis—with prices, travel times, and how to buy tickets step by step.

🗺 Quick Overview

AREX Express Train	40 min	9,500 KRW	Fast & direct to Seoul Station
AREX All-stop Train	60 min	4,750 KRW	Cheapest option
Airport Limousine Bus	60–80 min	17,000–18,000 KRW	Comfortable, many stops
Regular Bus	80+ min	10,000 KRW	Budget option to specific areas
Taxi	60–90 min	65,000–90,000 KRW	Door-to-door convenience

🛤 1. AREX (Airport Railroad Express) Subway

AREX express train from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station

The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) is the most popular way to get to Seoul. It connects Incheon Airport → Seoul Station directly.

🚆 1.1 Two Types of AREX Trains

✅ Express Train (직통열차)

Non-stop from Incheon Airport → Seoul Station
Time: 43 min
Cost: 9,500 KRW
Comfort: Reserved seats, luggage space

✅ All-stop Train (일반열차)

Stops at 13 stations between the airport & Seoul (e.g. Hongdae, Gimpo Airport)
Time: 60 min to Seoul Station
Cost: 4,750 KRW
Comfort: Similar to regular subway, no reserved seating

🚉 1.2 Where to Board AREX

Terminal 1: B1F (Basement) → Follow signs “Airport Railroad”
Terminal 2: B1F (Basement) → Directly connected

🎫 1.3 How to Buy AREX Tickets

✅ Express Train Tickets

Ticket machines at AREX Express counter (near escalator to B1F)
Online booking: www.arex.or.kr
You get a reserved seat number

✅ All-stop Train Tickets

Use T-money card (transportation card)
Or buy a single-use ticket from vending machines

🚆 1.4 When to Choose AREX

Express Train → If you want the fastest & most comfortable way
All-stop Train → If you want to stop at Hongdae (Hongik Univ. Station) or Gimpo Airport

🚌 2. Airport Limousine Bus

Airport limousine bus from Incheon Airport to Seoul city center

Airport buses are a comfortable option with large reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and direct routes to major hotels.

🛑 2.1 Where Does the Bus Go?

Major routes:
✅ Gangnam
✅ Myeongdong
✅ Hongdae
✅ Jamsil (Lotte World)
✅ COEX/Gangnam Station

⏱ 2.2 Travel Time & Cost

Travel time: 60–80 min (depends on traffic)
Fare: 17,000–18,000 KRW (premium buses)

🚌 2.3 Where to Board

Terminal 1: 1st floor, Bus Stop 4A–10B
Terminal 2: Transportation Center, B1F Bus platform

Look for “Airport Limousine Bus” counters with route maps.

🎫 2.4 How to Buy Bus Tickets

At Airport Bus Ticket Counter near arrivals
Or pay with T-money card when boarding
Staff will load your luggage under the bus

🏨 2.5 When to Choose Airport Bus

✅ If your hotel is near a bus stop (e.g. Myeongdong, Gangnam, Jamsil)
✅ If you want a direct, no-transfer ride with comfy seats
✅ If you’re carrying heavy luggage

🚌 3. Regular Airport Buses

Cheaper than limousine buses, these standard buses also go to specific neighborhoods.

Travel time: 80–100 min
Fare: 10,000 KRW (cash or T-money)
Stops: Usually more frequent stops than limousine buses

🚖 4. Taxi

Taxi stand at Incheon Airport with standard and deluxe taxis

Taxis are door-to-door, but also the most expensive option.

⏱ 4.1 Travel Time & Cost

Time: 60–90 min (traffic-dependent)
Cost:
✅ Standard Taxi → ~65,000–80,000 KRW
✅ Deluxe Taxi (모범택시) → ~95,000–100,000 KRW
✅ Jumbo Taxi (large van) → ~100,000 KRW

🚖 4.2 Where to Take a Taxi

Terminal 1: 1st floor → Exit 4C–8C
Terminal 2: Transportation Center → B1F Taxi area

There are clear “International Taxi” counters with English-speaking drivers.

💳 4.3 How to Pay

Cash (KRW)
Credit card
T-money card

🚨 When NOT to Take a Taxi

❌ Rush hour (7–9 AM, 5–8 PM) → heavy traffic
❌ If you’re on a budget → taxis are the most expensive

🚍 5. Shuttle Buses Between Terminals

If you arrive at Terminal 2 but want to use services at Terminal 1, there’s a free shuttle bus every 5–10 minutes.

Stops: T1 ↔ T2 ↔ Long-term Parking
Travel time: ~15 min

💳 6. Transportation Cards & Payments

✅ T-money Card → One card for subway, bus, taxi
✅ Where to buy: Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) inside airport
✅ How to use: Tap in & out on subway/bus; tap once in taxi

📅 7. Which Option Should You Choose?

Fastest travel	AREX Express Train
Cheapest way	AREX All-stop Train
Most comfortable	Airport Limousine Bus
Door-to-door	Taxi
Want to go to Hongdae directly	AREX All-stop Train
Hotel in Myeongdong/Gangnam	Airport Bus

🛎 8. Example Scenarios

✅ Solo traveler with light luggage → AREX Express Train
✅ Family with kids & suitcases → Airport Limousine Bus
✅ Business traveler heading straight to hotel → Taxi
✅ Backpacker going to Hongdae guesthouse → AREX All-stop Train

🗂 Quick FAQ

Q: Is there Uber in Korea?
A: Uber is limited. Use Kakao T app for taxis.

Q: Can I use foreign credit cards on AREX?
A: Yes, for Express Train. For All-stop, better use T-money card.

Q: Are buses & trains 24 hours?
A: No. Last AREX train leaves ~11:30 PM; buses run until midnight.

Q: What if I arrive late at night?
A: Take a taxi or book an airport hotel.

✅ Final Recommendation

Budget traveler: AREX All-stop Train → Seoul Station (4,750 KRW)
First-time visitor with luggage: Airport Limousine Bus → Direct to hotel
Fastest route to city center: AREX Express Train → Seoul Station in 43 min
Luxury convenience: Taxi → Door-to-door

No matter which option you choose, Incheon Airport is well-organized with English signs, so you’ll find it easy to navigate.