Last updated: January 2026
My first time landing at Incheon Airport was in 1989.
Wait, no — Incheon Airport didn’t exist then. I landed at Gimpo, the old international airport. It was chaos. No English signs. No clear transportation options. I ended up in a taxi that charged me triple the normal fare.
When Incheon Airport opened in 2001, everything changed. I remember my first time walking through the new terminal, thinking: “This is the future.”
Now I’ve made this journey hundreds of times. I’ve tried every transportation option. I’ve made every mistake. I’ve helped dozens of visitors navigate their first Korean arrival.
Here’s what 35 years of airport runs taught me.
Just landed at Incheon Airport?
Getting to Seoul is easier than you think.
You have several options — from budget-friendly trains
to comfortable airport limousine buses.
As a local who’s made this trip hundreds of times,
I’ll break down every option so you can choose the best one.
Let’s get you to Seoul.
Quick Comparison: All Your Options
In a hurry? Here’s the summary:
| Option | Time to Seoul | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AREX Express | 43 min | 11,000 won | Speed + comfort |
| AREX All-Stop | 66 min | 4,850 won | Budget travelers |
| Airport Limousine Bus | 60-90 min | 15,000-18,000 won | Door-to-door convenience |
| Taxi | 60-90 min | 65,000-100,000+ won | Groups, late night |
| KTX | 15 min | 28,000 won | Going to other cities |
My recommendation: AREX All-Stop Train.
Cheap, fast enough, and drops you right at Seoul Station.
Before anything else, grab a T-money card at the airport. It’s essential for all transportation. See our T-money Card Guide for everything you need to know.
Option 1: AREX Train (Airport Railroad)
The AREX is the most popular way to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul.
It’s fast, affordable, and runs frequently.
Two Types of AREX
1. AREX Express (Direct)
- Time: 43 minutes (non-stop)
- Cost: 11,000 won
- Stops: Incheon Airport → Seoul Station (direct)
- Frequency: Every 30-40 minutes
2. AREX All-Stop
- Time: 66 minutes
- Cost: 4,850 won
- Stops: Multiple stops including Hongdae
- Frequency: Every 6-12 minutes
Which One Should You Choose?
| Choose Express If… | Choose All-Stop If… |
|---|---|
| You’re in a hurry | You’re on a budget |
| Going to Seoul Station | Going to Hongdae |
| Want guaranteed seat | Don’t mind standing |
| Traveling with luggage | Want to save money |
How to Take the AREX
- Follow signs to “Airport Railroad” or “AREX” (blue signs)
- Go down to basement level 1
- Buy ticket at machine (English available) or tap T-money
- Board the train
Pro tip: If you have a T-money card,
just tap and board the All-Stop train.
No need to buy a separate ticket.
AREX Stations
The All-Stop train stops at:
- Incheon Airport Terminal 1
- Incheon Airport Terminal 2
- Unseo
- Cheongna International City
- Geomam
- Gyeyang
- Hongdae (Hongik University) ← Popular tourist area
- Digital Media City
- Seoul Station
Most tourists get off at Hongdae or Seoul Station,
then transfer to the subway.
Why I always take the AREX:
I’ve tried everything — taxi, bus, KTX shuttle, AREX.
The AREX wins every time.
| Option | Time | Cost | My Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| AREX Express | 43 min | 9,500원 | Predictable, comfortable |
| AREX All-Stop | 66 min | 4,750원 | Cheaper, still good |
| Taxi | 60-90 min | 65,000원+ | Expensive, traffic nightmare |
| Airport Bus | 70-90 min | 15,000원 | Depends on traffic |
My worst taxi experience:
- Took a taxi during rush hour. Sat in traffic for 2 hours. Cost 85,000원. The driver apologized the whole time.
Never again.
AREX pro tip:
The Express train has assigned seats. The All-Stop train is first-come, first-served. If you have heavy luggage, the Express is worth the extra 5,000원 for guaranteed space.
Option 2: Airport Limousine Bus
Buses are great if your hotel is far from a subway station
or you have lots of luggage.
How It Works
Airport limousine buses go directly to major hotels and neighborhoods.
No transfers needed — they drop you right at your destination.
Popular Routes (2026)
| Route | Destination | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6001 | Myeongdong, Namdaemun | 80 min | 17,000 won |
| 6002 | Hongdae, Sinchon | 70 min | 17,000 won |
| 6005 | Itaewon, Gangnam | 90 min | 18,000 won |
| 6015 | Myeongdong, Seoul Station | 80 min | 17,000 won |
| 6701 | COEX, Gangnam | 90 min | 18,000 won |
How to Take the Bus
- Exit through arrivals (1st floor)
- Find bus stops outside (numbered 4A, 5B, etc.)
- Check the route number for your destination
- Buy ticket at the booth or pay with T-money when boarding
- Store luggage underneath, board the bus
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Direct to many hotels
- Comfortable seats
- Space for luggage
- Wi-Fi on most buses
❌ Cons:
- Traffic can delay you (especially rush hour)
- Less frequent than trains
- More expensive than AREX
My tip: Check if your hotel is on a limousine bus route.
If yes, it’s worth the extra cost for convenience.
When I recommend the bus:
The AREX goes to Seoul Station. Great if you’re staying near there.
But if your hotel is in Gangnam, Myeongdong, or Hongdae? The airport bus drops you closer.
My bus experience:
I’ve taken the 6015 bus to Myeongdong probably 50 times. It’s comfortable, has luggage space, and stops right in front of Lotte Hotel.
The catch? Traffic. At 3 PM on a Friday, that “70 minute” ride becomes 2 hours.
My rule:
| Time | Take |
|---|---|
| 6-9 AM | Bus (no traffic yet) |
| 9 AM-7 PM | AREX (avoid traffic) |
| 7 PM-midnight | Bus (traffic cleared) |
| Late night | Taxi (no choice) |
Option 3: Taxi
Taxis are the most expensive option,
but sometimes they make sense.
When to Take a Taxi
- Traveling with 3-4 people (split the cost)
- Arriving late at night (after midnight)
- Lots of heavy luggage
- Going somewhere far from subway/bus routes
Taxi Types
| Type | Color | Cost to Seoul |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Taxi | Orange/Silver | 65,000-80,000 won |
| Deluxe Taxi | Black | 80,000-100,000 won |
| International Taxi | Orange (marked) | 75,000-100,000 won |
How to Get a Taxi
- Follow signs to “Taxi” on the arrivals floor
- Go to the taxi stand outside
- Wait in line
- Tell driver your destination (show address in Korean)
Important Tips
⚠️ Only use official taxis from the taxi stand!
Never accept rides from random people inside the terminal.
⚠️ Toll fees are extra
Expressway tolls (about 8,000-10,000 won)
are added to your fare.
⚠️ Traffic warning
During rush hour (7-9 AM, 6-8 PM),
taxis can take 90+ minutes and cost more.
International Taxi: These have English-speaking drivers
and fixed rates. Book in advance at the airport’s info desk
or online at intltaxi.co.kr
Option 4: KTX (High-Speed Train)
KTX doesn’t go directly to central Seoul,
but it’s useful if you’re heading to other cities.
When to Use KTX
- Going to Busan, Daejeon, Daegu, etc.
- Connecting to other KTX routes
How It Works
- Take AREX to Seoul Station
- Transfer to KTX at Seoul Station
- Or take direct KTX from Incheon Airport Terminal 2
Direct KTX from Airport:
- Incheon Airport T2 → Seoul Station: 15 min, 28,000 won
- Incheon Airport T2 → Busan: 2 hr 30 min
Not recommended for just getting to Seoul —
AREX is much cheaper for that.
Need mobile data for navigation? Pick up a SIM card at the airport too. Check our Korea SIM Card Guide for the best options.
Comparison by Situation
Best for Budget Travelers
AREX All-Stop (4,850 won, 66 min)
Best for Speed
AREX Express (11,000 won, 43 min)
Best for Convenience
Airport Limousine Bus (17,000 won, 60-90 min)
Direct to your hotel area, no transfers.
Best for Groups (3-4 people)
Taxi (split cost = ~20,000 won each)
Best for Late Night Arrivals
Taxi or Night Bus (runs after midnight)
AREX stops running around 11:50 PM.
What If You Arrive Late at Night?
This catches many tourists off guard.
The problem:
- Last AREX: around 11:50 PM
- Last airport bus: around 11 PM (varies by route)
- Miss these? Only taxi.
My late-night disaster:
- Flight delayed. Landed at 12:30 AM. No trains. No buses. Taxi wanted 100,000원 (late night surge).
I had no choice. Paid it. Learned my lesson.
What I do now:
If my flight lands after 10 PM, I book airport pickup in advance through Klook or KKday. Fixed price around 70,000원. No surprises.
Or I stay at an airport hotel (there’s a Transit Hotel inside Terminal 2) and take the first AREX in the morning. Sometimes this is actually cheaper than a late-night taxi.
Pro tip for late arrivals:
The convenience stores in the airport basement are open 24 hours. Grab snacks, get a T-money card, and wait for the first train at 5:20 AM. I’ve done this more times than I’d like to admit.
Step-by-Step: My Recommended Route
Here’s exactly what I tell friends visiting Korea:
Step 1: Get a T-money Card
Buy one at the convenience store in the arrivals hall.
Load 30,000 won.
Step 2: Follow Signs to AREX
Go down to basement level 1.
Look for blue “Airport Railroad” signs.
Step 3: Take AREX All-Stop
Tap your T-money and board.
Costs 4,850 won.
Step 4: Get Off at Hongdae or Seoul Station
- Hongdae: Great for young travelers, nightlife, shopping
- Seoul Station: Central hub, transfer to any subway line
Step 5: Transfer to Subway
Use the same T-money card to continue on the subway
to your hotel area.
Total time: About 75-90 minutes
Total cost: Under 6,000 won
Operating Hours (2026)
| Transport | First Train/Bus | Last Train/Bus |
|---|---|---|
| AREX Express | 6:00 AM | 10:50 PM |
| AREX All-Stop | 5:23 AM | 11:50 PM |
| Limousine Bus | 5:30 AM | 10:30 PM |
| Taxi | 24 hours | 24 hours |
Late night arrival?
If you land after 11 PM, your options are:
- Taxi
- Night bus (limited routes)
- Wait at airport until first train
Arriving at Terminal 2?
Incheon has two terminals.
Most international flights arrive at Terminal 1,
but some airlines use Terminal 2.
Terminal 2 Airlines (2026):
Korean Air, Delta, Air France, KLM, Aeromexico
If you’re at Terminal 2:
- AREX starts here (same train, same price)
- Add 7 minutes to travel time
- Limousine buses also stop at T2
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Taking Express when All-Stop is fine
Save 6,000 won — 23 extra minutes isn’t bad.
❌ Not having T-money ready
Get it at the airport before heading to the train.
❌ Taking a taxi during rush hour
You’ll sit in traffic and pay more. Take AREX instead.
❌ Not knowing your hotel’s nearest subway station
Check this before you land!
❌ Waiting for limousine bus without checking schedule
Buses run every 15-30 min. Check the timetable first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest way to get to Seoul?
AREX All-Stop train at 4,850 won.
Takes about 66 minutes to Seoul Station.
How long does it take to get to Seoul?
- AREX Express: 43 minutes
- AREX All-Stop: 66 minutes
- Limousine Bus: 60-90 minutes (depends on traffic)
- Taxi: 60-90 minutes (depends on traffic)
Can I use T-money on the AREX?
Yes! You can use T-money on the All-Stop train.
For Express, you need to buy a separate ticket.
Is there a train that goes directly to Myeongdong?
No direct train. Take AREX to Seoul Station,
then transfer to subway Line 4 (one stop to Myeongdong).
What if I arrive after midnight?
Take a taxi or night bus.
You can also wait at the airport —
it’s safe and has 24-hour restaurants and rest areas.
What’s the best way to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul?
AREX train. Every time.
I’ve lived here 35 years and tried everything. AREX is the most reliable. No traffic. Fixed time. Reasonable price.
The only exception: if your hotel is far from Seoul Station AND you’re arriving during off-peak hours, the airport bus might drop you closer.
How long does it take to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul?
By AREX Express: exactly 43 minutes. I’ve timed it dozens of times. It’s remarkably consistent.
By bus or taxi: anywhere from 60 minutes to 2+ hours. Seoul traffic is unpredictable. I once spent 2.5 hours in a taxi during Chuseok holiday. Never again.
Should I buy a T-money card at the airport?
Yes, but don’t stress about it.
I always tell visitors: grab one at the convenience store in the arrivals hall. Takes 2 minutes. You’ll need it for the AREX All-Stop train anyway.
If you forget, you can buy one at Seoul Station or any convenience store in the city. Not the end of the world.
Final Thoughts
I’ve made this journey from Incheon Airport to Seoul hundreds of times.
First time in 1989 (at old Gimpo Airport): confused, overcharged, exhausted.
Now: I walk off the plane, tap my T-money card, sit on the AREX, and I’m in Seoul Station in 43 minutes. Every time.
Korea’s transportation infrastructure is incredible. Incheon Airport is consistently ranked #1 in the world. The AREX is clean, fast, and cheap.
Your first impression of Korea will be: “Wow, this is organized.”
Enjoy that feeling. You’ve arrived somewhere special.
— Ted K
Once you arrive in Seoul, the subway is your best friend. Our Korean Subway Guide explains how to navigate like a local.
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