✨ 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
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 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
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.
