Traveling to South Korea anytime soon? Most likely, you’ll be touching down at the prestigious Incheon International Airport (ICN,) the country’s largest airport, and also the 22nd busiest airport in the world! Serving over 70 million passengers during the pre-pandemic era, Incheon Airport has a truckload of attractions to see inside—from modern architecture and eye-catching artworks to luxe shops.
But traveling from Incheon International Airport to Seoul can be pretty challenging, especially for first-time travelers, especially when there's so many options to choose from. That's why we've come up with this guide on how to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul — keep on scrolling to find out more!
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Incheon International Airport to Seoul via Train
1. Airport Railroad Express (AREX) Express Train
The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) has two types of trains that go back and forth between Seoul and the airport: the Express Train, which runs from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to Seoul Station, and the All Stop Train, which stops at all the subway stations going to Seoul and around Seoul.
The AREX (Airport Railroad Express) Express Train is a premium and efficient transportation service designed to connect Incheon International Airport with central Seoul. This express service is highly favored for its speed and convenience, offering a direct and non-stop journey between Incheon International Airport and Seoul Station, located in the heart of the city.
The AREX Express Train directly transports you from the airport to Seoul Station in just 45 minutes, the fastest among all transportation options traveling this route! Trains are equipped with comfortable seating, ample luggage space, and free WiFI to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Once you reach Seoul Station, you can easily transfer to the subway line if needed. Tickets for the AREX Express Train can be purchased directly on Klook:
Klook Tip: Tickets for the AREX Express Train purchased on Klook come with seat reservations — to reserve your seat, follow the steps below:
How to Reserve Seats for the AREX Express Train
2. Airport Railroad Express (AREX) All Stop Train
For a cheaper option, All Stop Train is your best mate with fares only half the price of Express Train. For only 4,000 won, you can travel to South Korea’s capital city swiftly. The only catch? Compared to Express Trains, the ride is a teeny bit longer, although not by much. Coming from the Airport Station, you’ll arrive in Seoul within an hour or so.
As this train has 11 subway station stops, including Gongdeok and Hongik University Station, it’s the perfect mode of transportation for travellers who are exploring other areas of Seoul! The All Stop Train also connects to Gimpo Airport, so you can take it to travel between the two airports if you have another flight.
Like the AREX Express Train, there are also luggage storage sections at the end of each carriage. However, do note that there are no luggage storage sections above the seats. Unlike the Express Train, there is no free Wi-FI and no seat reservations as well, and it may be tough to find seats during the rush hours.
You can use subway cards such as the WOWPASS or the NAMANE CARD to pay for the AREX All Stop Train. Both cards can be picked up directly at Incheon International Airport — once you pick it up, make sure to top it up at the kiosks at the airport before you board the train. You can also use the NAMANE app to add money to your NAMANE CARD.
To use your WOWPASS or NAMANE CARD for boarding the AREX All Stop Train, just tap it at the gate before boarding.
The WOWPASS and the NAMANE cards can be also be used for retail purchases, so you can use it when you go shopping as well!
AREX Express Train vs. All Stop Train: Which one should you take?
The AREX Express Train, is ideal for those on a tight schedule and whose accommodation is near Seoul Station. A point-to-point transfer between Seoul Station and Incheon International Airport, it is faster than the All Stop Train but also more expensive. On the other hand, the All Stop Train is a bit slower since it stops at multiple stations. It's a more budget-friendly option and is preferred by travelers who aren't in a hurry or those who need to access stations along the route, including Gimpo Airport.
You can refer below for a summary of the differences between the Express and the All Stop Trains:
Train Type | Number of Stops | Travel Time (ICN - Seoul) | Fare | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Express | None (direct) | 45 minutes | Adults: 9,500 KRW Children: 7,500 KRW | 5:15 - 22:48 |
All Stop | 11 | 60 minutes | Terminal 1: 4,150 KRW Terminal 2: 4,750 KRW | 5:18 - 23:32 |
Incheon International Airport to Seoul via Bus
3. K Airport Limousine Bus
Another great and affordable way to get to Seoul is with the K Airport Limousine Bus, an airport bus that offers comfy seats and great views while travelling along the road. There's also ample luggage space in the bus, so all you have to do is store your luggage, hop on the bus, get comfy, and wait until you reach your destination. The journey time from Incheon International Airport to Seoul via the KAL Limousine Bus typically ranges between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific destination.
There are multiple routes available for the K Airport Limousine Bus, which is ideal if your accommodation isn't situated near Seoul Station. The K Airport Limousine Bus also has stops at specific hotels along each route, which makes it pretty accessible if you're staying at those hotels. The routes for the K Airport Limousine Bus are as follows:
Bus Number | Coverage Area | Operating Hours (First Bus - Last Bus)* |
|---|---|---|
6701 | City Hall/Gwanghwamun area | To ICN: 04:15 - 18:05 From ICN: 05:55 - 22:05 |
6702 | Dongdaemun/Namsan area | To ICN: 04:00 - 19:15 From ICN: 05:45 - 22:45 |
6703 | Gangnam/COEX area | To ICN: 04:01 - 18:10 From ICN: 06:40 - 22:35 |
6705A | Jamsil/Dongseoul area | To ICN: 04:05 - 19:25 From ICN: 05:00 - 22:55 |
6705B | Jamsil/Songpa area | To ICN: 04:05 - 19:25 From ICN: 05:10 - 22:25 |
N6701 | Gangbuk area | To ICN: 01:05 - 03:15 From ICN: 23:30 - 03:35 |
N6703 | Gangnam area | To ICN: 23:20 - 03:20 From ICN: 23:40 - 03:40 |
*Operating hours may vary depending on season. Please refer to the official website for the operating hours prior to your arrival
Incheon International Airport to Seoul via Car
4. Private Airport Transfers
The swiftest ride on your South Korea travel, care of Klook! Image credits: @topclass_taxi on Instagram
For a luxurious, door-to-door service between your accommodation and Incheon Airport, why not consider chartering a private airport transfer with Klook? No queuing and no waiting required — all you have to do is book your pickup on Klook, then wait for your ride to pick you up. With the comfort and privacy of a private airport transfer, you can feel free to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views while you're on the road (you can even take a quick nap if needed!) Private airport transfers are especially ideal for larger groups or for travelers carrying a lot of luggage.
Choose among various car options depending on what suits your needs best — the Hyundai Genesis or the Hyundai Custin are great for smaller parties, while bigger groups can opt to take a van or even a bus that can seat up to 44! Travel time aboard private airport transfers is subject to traffic congestion, but you can expect to be at your destination within 60-90 minutes on a good traffic day.
5. Taxis
Take a cab! Image credits: @wrk_kr on Instagram
A taxi ride from Incheon Airport and straight to your hotel in Seoul will only take you about an hour or even less. Not to mention, they’re available 24/7 for added convenience! It's an ideal option if you're arriving late at night when the AREX and the K Airport Limousine Bus operating hours have ended and you forgot to book a private transfer in advance.
The standard Seoul fare starts at 3,800 KRW and it goes up depending on the distance and the traffic. Besides that, taxis will also charge you additional fees for the freeway and even nighttime fees, so you can expect taxis to cost more than all the other transportation options.
You can ride a standard taxi, which has a cheaper standard base fare, or a deluxe taxi that’s bigger, but has a pricier fare. You can find the taxi stand at the Arrivals Hall (F1) on both terminals.
6. Car Rental
If you're planning on taking some day trips outside of Seoul, why not consider booking a car rental on Klook? With a car rental, you'll be in full control of your schedule and your route — just schedule your pick up and drop off dates accordingly, and you're good to go! But be sure to check if your accommodation includes parking or if there's a nearby parking area available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the fastest way to get from Incheon International Airport to Seoul?
The fastest way to travel from ICN to Seoul is with the AREX (Airport Railroad Express) Express Train, which takes only 45 minutes between the two stations.
Q: What options are available if I'm arriving at Incheon International Airport late at night?
The AREX Express Train and All Stop Train stop operations before midnight, so you can opt for the K Airport Limousine Bus if you prefer public transportation, which has night routes that operate between 23:30-03:40. You can also book book a private airport transfer, get a taxi, or rent a car.
Q: What is the most convenient method to get from Incheon International Airport to my Seoul hotel?
For door-to-door service, the best way to get from Incheon International Airport to your hotel in Seoul is with a private airport transfer. This way, you’ll avoid having to carry your luggage up and down stairs while you navigate the train stations. The K Airport Limousine Bus also has stops at certain hotels in Seoul.
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Top things to do in Seoul
- Visiting multiple attractions in Seoul? Get the Klook Pass Seoul and enjoy up to 52% savings!
Getting around
- Airport transfer: AREX Incheon Airport Express | AREX Incheon Airport Express with T-money Card Car Transfer
- Train: KORAIL Pass
- Bus: Intercity Bus
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