Traveling from Incheon Airport to Seoul can be complicated. With the tips below, you’ll be able to navigate the South Korean public transportation from Incheon to Seoul like a pro.
Read here to see how to spend a Layover in Seoul.
Why take public transportation from Incheon Airport instead of a taxi?
You can choose to avoid public transportation from Incheon International Airport and take a taxi. Whether you take a taxi or an Uber, the Incheon Airport to Seoul taxi fare will cost at least $50-60 USD each way.
Aside from the steep increase in cost, you will not save you much time by taking a taxi over public transportation from the Incheon Airport. A taxi from the airport into the city center will take anywhere from 45 minutes to 90 minutes depending on time of day and traffic.
How long does public transportation from Incheon Airport to Seoul take?
The airport is around an hour by train and by car (depending on traffic) to the city center. There are multiple options for public transportation from the Incheon Airport to Seoul. The most direct and cost effective is taking one of two train lines, the AREX Express train and the All Stop train.
There is an Incheon airport to Seoul bus, also known as the airport limousine bus. However, the airport bus is much slower than the train by anywhere from 30-60 minutes or more if there is traffic.
What is the difference between the AREX Express and All Stop Train?
The AREX (Airport Railroad Express) train
- The Express train which stops at both terminals then takes you directly to the Seoul railway station.
- This train leaves at designated times and takes 50 minutes from Terminal 2 to Seoul Station.
- This Incheon Airport to Seoul train has reserved seats with specific departure times. These trains leave every 20-40 minutes.
- The express train ticket costs 13000 won (approx. $9) for each trip.
- These machines accept both cash and credit cards. However, if you plan to use cash, see my notes below.
- Find train information and departure times here.
The All Stop Train
- The All Stop train has multiple stops and leaves more frequently. This train generally takes around an hour or longer to get from Incheon airport to Seoul Station.
- The All Stop train is more like a subway or a light rail. There are no reserved seats or departure times. These trains run every 5-10 minutes.
- The all stop train costs roughly 4500 won (approx $3.10) from the Terminal 2 to Seoul Station, but less if you exit at an earlier stop.
- This train DOES NOT TAKE CREDIT CARDS. Yes, in a technologically advanced country such as South Korea, you have to pay with cash. In order to pay with cash, see my notes below.
Once you get your ticket for either train you will need to hold on to it. You will have to scan your ticket prior to entering and exiting the train.
How to get cash for the train from Incheon Airport to Seoul
If you choose to ride the All Stop train, you MUST get cash at the ATM on the departure floor. There are NO ATMs available to use on the lower level next to the ticketing machines.
The only ATMs at the ticket booths are inside the secured area AFTER you’ve already bought and scanned your ticket. How does this make sense? It doesn’t. And if you ask the attendant at the ticket counter they may let you into the secured area, however the ATM might not accept your card.
Please save your time and go to the ATM before you take the escalator downstairs OR pay the extra money on your credit card and take the Express train.
How do I return to Incheon from Seoul?
Whether by bus, subway, taxi or walking, make your way back to Seoul Station in downtown Seoul. Follow the signage that directs you to the airport trains and not the regular trains. You’ll have to walk for a while and head to the lower floors of the station to get access to the airport trains.
At the Seoul City Airport Terminal, located in Seoul Station, you may be able to check in and deposit your luggage directly at the station prior to boarding the train. This service is only available with the AREX Express train. Find more information about this service and hours here.
Once you have purchased your ticket for either the Express or All Stop train, scan it at the entrance and find your correct train from Seoul Station to Incheon Airport.
Incheon Airport to Seoul FAQs
How do you get from Incheon Airport to Seoul?
There are many ways to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul. You can take a taxi, Uber, or public transportation. The train from Incheon airport to seoul train station will be the most cost effective and fastest route available.
How much is a taxi from Seoul to Incheon airport?
A taxi or Uber can cost $50-60 USD each way from Incheon to Seoul.
How much does it cost from Incheon airport to Seoul Station?
The cost is dependent on the mode of transportation. The Express train is 13000 won (approx. $9) for each trip vs the all stop train (metro/subway) which is roughly 4500 won (approx $3.10). There is also the limousine bus which costs 17000 won (approx. $11.75) between downtown Seoul and Inceon.
Is Incheon Airport close to Seoul?
No, the Incheon Airport is not close to Seoul. The drive time is anywhere from 60-90 minutes, versus 40-60 minutes by train.
Which Korean airport is closer to Seoul?
The Gimpo International Airport is the closest Seoul Korea airport, but it is smaller, with fewer flight options when compared to Incheon.
