After a long fight to Seoul, the last thing you need is getting stranded at the airport with no idea on how to get to the city. Incheon International Airport ICN is a major airport in South Korea and ranks as 22nd busiest airport in the world.
The distance to cover from Incheon International Airport to the city is 48.8km. As Seoul is a major transport hub, you can access various modes of transport to reach any corner of the country. In this article, we shall focus on how to get you from Incheon Airport to Seoul.
Airport Railroad express and all-stop train
Using the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) is the most reliable way to get from Incheon Airport to central Seoul. The AREX has two types of trains. All-stop train will the the cheapest at about half of the express.
All stop train
No of stops: makes 10 stops before it reaches Seoul city (Gyeyang, Gimpo International Airport, Hongik University, Digital Media City and GongDeok)
Travel time: 58 minutes
Cost: 4,150 won
Service hours: 05:23 to 23:42
Service schedule: 5 to 15 minutes intervals
Note: The above cost is for those using T-Money cards. If not you have to pay 100 won additional.
Express train
No of stops: Makes no stops along the way.
Travel time: 43 minutes
Cost: 8,000 won
Service hours: 05: 20 to 21:45
Service schedule: 30 to 45 minutes intervals
Incheon Airport Buses
Taking an Incheon Airport bus is another affordable and comfy way to move from the airport to Seoul city. This method is more expensive compared to using a train, but you are guaranteed a seat unlike in the train where chances you will stand especially if traveling during rush hours.
Purchase the bust ticket at in a bus ticket booth outside the 1st floor of Arrival Area.
There are two airport buses to choose:
Standard buses
Review: More stops along the way, crowded.
Travel time: 65 to 80 minutes when there is no traffic
Fare: 9,000-10,000 won
Service hours: 24 hours
Service schedule: every 10 to 15 minutes
Deluxe buses
Review: Spacious, make less stop with shortened route, can take you to your hotel
Travel time: 65 to 80 minutes when there is no traffic
Fare: 14,000- 16,000 won
Service hours: 24 hours
Service schedule: every 10 to 15minutes
To read the ticket number: Number represent gate number, letter represent the side. A is left, and B is right. For example, 02A means bus on the left side, gate number 2.
Incheon Airport Taxis (most epensive)
Taking a taxi is more expensive than using a train or bus. However, you will be taken a right to your hotel, so you will not wander around the Seoul Street trying to find your hotel. Due to the cost, Taxis are not ideal for solo travelers but economical if traveling in a group of 3 or 4. For this method of transport from Incheon Internal Airport to central Seoul, you can choose between two taxis:
International Taxi service
Advantages: lower cost, no additional fees, no hiked charges, drivers speak English, no tollgate fees
Travel time: 60 to 70 minutes when there is no traffic
Cost: between 55,000 and 75,000 won
Service hours: 24 hours
Regular taxi
Charges extra 20% surcharge of the base fare for night service between midnight and 03:59.
Travel time: 60 to 70 minutes when there is no traffic.
Cost: $52.86 to $88.09 (60,000and 100,000 won)
Note: All taxis are equipped with GPs to reach your destination easily.
Korea Train eXpress (KTX)
The Korea Train eXpress is a high-speed rail system connecting the S. Korea major cities, including Busan, Seoul, and Mokpo. If you are lucky to arrive at certain times, you can catch a KTX train to Seoul station. This makes it a less smart way to travel to Seoul but appropriate when traveling to other S. Korea cities. Regardless, KTX is a quick and affordable way to reach Seoul city.
Travel time: 45 to 50 minutes
Cost: standing 10,600 won, standard seats 12,500 won and first class 17,500
Service hours: 06:55 to 20:35 daily.
Note: KTX departs 10 times a day. If you miss it, you might have to wait up to 3 hours for the next KTX.
