How To Get To Seoul From Incheon International Airport: A Guide To All Of The Transfer Options
Are you traveling to Seoul, Korea soon? Most likely you’ll land at Incheon International Airport, Seoul’s airport, which is an amazing airport and the 22nd busiest airport in the world and serves more than 60 million passengers each year. The airport is one of the leading transit airports in the world and honestly, it’s absolutely stunning.
Incheon International Airport is one of the few airports I enjoy getting to early because there is plenty of good food to eat, lovely architecture to see, and it’s a great airport with kids because there are play places to find too. Keep that in mind for your way out.
To the business at hand though, how to get to Seoul from Incheon International Airport. There are quite a few options, so get ready to learn about them all.
If you’re headed to Seoul, make sure you’re prepared for an amazing trip. There is much fun to be had here if you’re ready for it! Here is the packing list that you’ll want to check out to prep for your trip to Seoul. Also, check out this epic list of must see and must do things in Seoul. There is much fun to be had, and this is just the beginning. Land in Incheon and get from there to Seoul for your adventure in the capital of Korea. Oh, but before you go, you might also want to check out 10 Things to Know Upon Arrival In Korea. Now you’ll be set!
Here’s what you can find in this post:
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Incheon Airport Fast Facts
What is the airport code for Incheon International Airport?
- The Seoul airport code OR airport code for Incheon International Airport is ICN.
How far is Incheon Airport from Seoul?
- Seoul is 49 kilometers from Incheon Airport.
How long does it take to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul?
- It usually takes between 50-70 minutes to get into the city of Seoul depending on which area you’re going to.
How To Get To Seoul From Incheon International Airport
By Private Transfer
For the most convenience, book a private transfer before you get there. Drivers will wait at the departure gate with your name on a placard. They’re easy to find and then you they’ll take you right to the door where ever you are staying. We pretty much take this option every time, especially now that we have a child in tow. It’s just the most convenient way to get into Seoul from Incheon International Airport.
Pre-Book: If you aren’t last minute and have a bit more time to book your driver, then use this private transfer option. You can choose whether you want a round trip or one way option, day or night, and you’ll get a professional driver to greet you. Friendly, polite, and super convenient.
- Klook: You can book a private transfer from the airport to popular touristy areas like Myeongdong, Gangnam, Itaewon, Yongsan, and Hongdae.
- Viator: There are a lot of options for private airport transfers available especially if you have large groups.
- kkday: Book at least 24 hours in advance and they can help you get to and from the airport.
By Train
The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) has two trains that go back and forth between Incheon International Airport and Seoul. Know where you’re going though as there are two train options – an Express Train and an All Stop Train.
The Express Train goes directly to Seoul Station in just 40 minutes without stopping. The All Stop Train stops at other stations on the way including Gongdeok, which is an off the beaten but great area to stay, and Hongik University Station, which is popular for nightlife and quirky cafes. This train takes 60 minutes to go the entire way.
This is the best budget way to get into the city but it doesn’t get you right to the door fo where you’re going and during rush hours there may only be standing room available.
How much does the AREX cost? The Express Train costs W9,500 for an adult and W7,500 for children. This is the most budget friendly way to get from Incheon International Airport to Seoul.
What are the major differences between the Express Train and the All Stop Train? The All Stop Train is two times cheaper than the ticket for the Express Train. BUT, the Express Train, is only 15 minutes faster so keep that in mind.
How to buy tickets for the AREX?
- In Person: You can buy tickets for AREX in terminal 1 and terminal 2 of the airport at the AREX Travel Center. You can buy the ticket with card or cash but you can also, and should if you’ll be using public transportation a lot while you’re here, buy a local transportation card that can be used on all public transportation and topped up throughout your trip.
- Pre Book: There are also options to pre-book so you have one less thing to worry about when you arrive.
What time are trains from Incheon Airport to Seoul available?
- Trains are available from 5:20am to 11:40pm.
By Bus
The bus is a great and affordable way to get into Seoul. The buses have comfy seats and are an affordable way to get into Seoul from the airport. This is also great if you’re headed to a less central district as there are a lot more bus lines to choose from. The City Limousine Bus is comfortable and very convenient though does take the longest compared to the other options listed. There are Standard buses and Deluxe buses available. Due to the schedules, you may have to wait up to 25 minutes if you’ve just missed a bus.
How much to buses cost? Buses from Incheon International Airport to Seoul cost anywhere from W9,000 to W16,000 depending on whether they are standard or deluxe and where they’re headed in the city.
How to buy tickets for the bus?
- In Person: For Terminal 1, you can purchase your tickets from the ticket offices next to Exit 4 or Exit 9 after you’ve exited and are inside of Arrival Hall Floor 1. You can also purchase tickets outside next to Exits 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13. If you’re in Terminal 2, there are ticket offices on floor B1 located at the 2nd Transportation Center.
- Pre Book: The first few times I came and used the buses, I found it a little confusing because there are a lot of buses and they all go to different districts. If you want to pre-book, or at least figure out which number you’ll want to use when you arrive, check out the Klook Exclusive Limousine Bus Transfers page or this page which has some other bus route options. It has the districts and bus numbers and you can pre-book if you want, or at least write down which number you’ll want to look for when you arrive.
What time are buses from Incheon Airport to Seoul available?
- Buses are available from 5:05am to 11:20pm.
By Taxi
A taxi can take more or less than an hour and it really depends on what time you arrive and where in Seoul you’re headed. This can also greatly affect the price as well. Taxis are available 24/7 which is very convenient and they’ll take you directly to your guest house, hotel, or Airbnb. The journey will take around an hour, depending on traffic.
How much do taxis cost? There isn’t a set rate for the journey from the airport into Seoul and the cost will vary depending on if you’re headed to Hongdae on the west side of the city or as far as Gangnam on the east side of the city. It should cost around W44,000, but again that depends on the traffic and distance. There is also an additional fee of W7,900 for the freeway (so don’t be surprised when the driver adds this on to the fee at the end) and if you’re riding in a taxi between midnight and 4:00am, there is an additional 20% fare increase. Basically, the ride could cost anywhere between W52,000 – W80,000.
How to get a taxi at the airport? After exiting departures and heading outside, you can easily spot the taxi stand where taxis are usually waiting. They line up by which area of Seoul or further they’re headed so check the signs. There are usually attendants there during regular hours as well to help you if you’re not sure which area you’re going to. It’s important to stand in the proper line. If you are trying to go to central Seoul and you’re standing in a line for outside of Seoul, the drivers will not want to take you.
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