Incheon Airport to central Seoul
Most flights from Japan land at Incheon. It takes about an hour to reach the city. Choose between the AREX train, a limousine bus or a taxi depending on your luggage and where you are staying.
The options compared
| Option | Time (to Seoul Stn / Myeongdong) | Fare (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| AREX all-stop train | ~60 min to Seoul Station | ₩4,750 (transit card) | Saving money; connecting to the subway |
| AREX Express | ~43 min non-stop to Seoul Station | ₩13,000 | A guaranteed seat; staying near Seoul Station |
| Limousine bus | ~60–90 min (traffic) | ₩16,000–18,000 | Lots of luggage; a stop near your hotel |
| Taxi | ~50–70 min | Roughly ₩60,000–80,000 incl. tolls | Groups, late arrivals, families |
AREX airport railroad
AREX runs all-stop trains and the non-stop Express to Seoul Station. All-stop trains take a transit card and connect with the subway at Hongik University, Gongdeok and Seoul Station, making them the easiest option for most travellers.
Express trains have reserved seats and take about 43 minutes from Terminal 1 (about 51 from Terminal 2), running roughly every 30–40 minutes. Buy tickets at the counter or machines near the gates, or online.
Trains run from around 5 am until around 11 pm. If your flight lands late, check the last train time in advance.
Limousine buses
Buses leave from stops just outside arrivals for Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Gangnam, Jamsil and more. Pick a route that stops near your hotel and you can skip hauling luggage up subway stairs.
Buy a ticket from the machine or counter, or pay by transit card. Large bags go in the hold. Journey times depend heavily on traffic, so leave plenty of time on your departure day.
Taxis
The taxi rank is outside arrivals. Besides regular taxis (orange or silver), there are pricier deluxe taxis (black). Fares are metered, and expressway tolls are extra on the way into the city.
A late-night surcharge applies from 22:00 to 04:00. The k.ride app lets you enter your destination and book without speaking Korean.
Arriving at Gimpo
Some flights from Haneda, Kansai and elsewhere land at Gimpo, which is much closer to the city: about 15 minutes to Hongik University and 20 minutes to Seoul Station by AREX. Subway Lines 5 and 9 also stop here, and the Line 9 express is handy for Gangnam.
A smooth arrival
Allow about an hour for immigration and baggage, depending on crowds. Buy and top up a T-money card in the arrivals hall and change a little money before heading into town.
In My Trip Plan, enter your flight's landing time and your first day is adjusted automatically for immigration and travel time.
Fares and times are estimates as of 2026-10 and may change. Check official sources for the latest information.
FAQ
Can I use a transit card on AREX?
Yes on all-stop trains (T-money and similar). The Express requires its own ticket.
What if I land very late?
After the last train, use a late-night limousine bus or a taxi. Staying at an airport hotel is another option.
More guides
- Transit cards: T-money and the Climate Card passYou need a transit card for Seoul's subway and buses. How to buy and top up T-money, and prices for the unlimited Climate Card tourist pass.
- How to ride the Seoul subwayTelling lines apart, transferring, how fares work, first and last trains, and etiquette — a beginner's guide to the Seoul subway.
- Taking taxis in Seoul and booking appsTypes of Seoul taxi, fares, the late-night surcharge, how to pay, and using the visitor-friendly k.ride app.
- Seoul palace guide: closing days, fees and free entry in hanbokClosing days and fees for Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Jongmyo and more, free entry in hanbok, the combination ticket, and Bukchon's visiting hours.