You've just cleared immigration at Incheon International Airport (인천국제공항). Your bag is on the trolley, your phone is finding a signal, and the first question is: how do I get into Seoul from here?
The good news is that you have plenty of options, and they run from early morning until almost 5 a.m. The catch is that the right one depends on three things: where your hotel is, how much luggage you have, and what time you land. This guide compares all of them with 2026 fares and the official first and last departures, so you can pick one before your plane touches down.
At a Glance
- Cheapest: the AREX all-stop train. It's ₩4,750 from Terminal 1 to Seoul Station with a T-money card and takes about an hour.
- Fastest to Seoul Station: the AREX Express Train. It costs ₩13,000, runs nonstop and takes 43 minutes from Terminal 1.
- Easiest with big suitcases: an airport limousine bus (₩17,000–18,000). You load your bags underneath and get off near many hotels.
- Landing late: the last trains to Seoul Station leave around 23:30. After that, late-night buses run from about 23:20 to 04:50 (₩17,000–18,000), and taxis run all night.
- Get a T-money card: buy one at an airport convenience store and load it with Korean won in cash. You'll use it for the train, the subway and city buses.
 |
| Incheon Airport to Seoul at a glance (tap to enlarge). Fares and times checked Oct 4, 2026. Graphic: Korea Insight Now |
Quick Comparison: Fares, Times and Hours
All fares are for adults, in Korean won. Times are the official first and last departures from the airport. T1 is Terminal 1 and T2 is Terminal 2.
| Option | Adult fare | Time to Seoul Station / main areas | First – last from airport | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AREX Express Train (직통열차) | ₩13,000 | Seoul Station: 43 min (T1), 51 min (T2), nonstop | T1 05:24 – 22:48 T2 05:16 – 22:40 | Hotels near Seoul Station, a guaranteed seat |
| AREX all-stop train (일반열차) | T-money: ₩4,750 (T1), ₩5,350 (T2) to Seoul Station | Seoul Station: 59 min (T1), 66 min (T2). Also stops at Hongik Univ. (Hongdae) and Gongdeok | T1 05:14 – 23:38 T2 05:08 – 23:32 (last trains to Seoul Station) | Tight budgets, Hongdae, transferring to the subway |
| Airport limousine bus (공항리무진) | ₩17,000 or ₩18,000, depending on route | Depends on traffic. Stops near hotels in Myeongdong, Jongno, Hongdae, Gangnam and more | Varies by route. Example, 6701: T1 05:35 – 22:25, T2 05:15 – 22:05 | Heavy luggage, no stairs, hotel-door drop-offs |
| Late-night bus (심야버스: N6000, N6002, N6701, N6703) | ₩17,000 or ₩18,000 | Official estimates from T1: Hongdae 45 min, Seoul Station 60 min, COEX 65 min, Gangnam Express Bus Terminal 70 min | T2 from 23:20, T1 from 23:40. Last about 04:50. No buses about 02:10 – 03:20 | Flights landing after about 23:00 |
| Taxi | Meter from ₩4,800 (standard Seoul taxi), plus expressway tolls | Door to door, depends on traffic | 24 hours. Night surcharge 22:00 – 04:00 | Groups, lots of bags, arrivals in the small hours |
Fares and times change, so check the official sites listed at the end before you fly.
 |
| A late landing, solved in four panels (tap to enlarge). Illustration: Korea Insight Now |
Step 1: Check Which Terminal You're In
Incheon has two passenger terminals, and they're far apart. Your boarding pass or airline app will say T1 or T2.
Why does it matter? Trains start at Terminal 2 and reach Terminal 1 a few minutes later. That's why every T2 time in this guide is a little earlier and a little longer. Bus stops, taxi stands and ticket booths are also in different spots in each terminal.
In both terminals, the trains leave from the Transportation Center (교통센터) on basement level 1 (B1). Follow the "Train" or "Airport Railroad" signs from the arrivals hall.
- Map: Incheon Airport Terminal 1 Station on Google Maps · Incheon Airport Terminal 2 Station on Google Maps
 |
| The arrivals level at Incheon Airport Terminal 1 (2023). Photo: ノボホショコロトソ / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 |
AREX: Express Train vs. All-Stop Train
AREX (공항철도, the Airport Railroad) is the train line between the airport and Seoul Station. It runs two kinds of train on the same tracks, and this is where most first-timers get confused.
The Express Train: ₩13,000, nonstop
The Express Train (직통열차) goes straight to Seoul Station without stopping. It takes 43 minutes from T1 and 51 minutes from T2. Every seat is reserved, so you won't be standing next to your suitcase for an hour.
- Fare: ₩13,000 for adults and ₩9,500 for children aged 6–12. AREX lists the regular fare as ₩18,500 (T1) or ₩19,100 (T2), so ₩13,000 is a discounted price.
- Hours from the airport: T2 05:16 – 22:40, T1 05:24 – 22:48. Weekday and weekend timetables are the same.
- How often: 26 trains a day, usually 30–50 minutes apart. One morning gap is just over an hour, so look at the timetable before you head down.
- Tickets: buy at the Express Train counter or machines in the B1 Transportation Center, on the AREX website, or in the AREX app (up to two months ahead). You get a QR code to scan at the gate. Your T-money card won't open these gates.
- Payment: AREX accepts foreign Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, American Express and UnionPay cards.
One catch: the Express Train stops only at Seoul Station. If your hotel is in Hongdae or Gangnam, you'll still need to change to the subway or a taxi there.
 |
| The Express Train ticket area at Incheon Airport Terminal 1 Station (2024). Photo: MNXANL / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
The all-stop train: about ₩5,000, just tap and go
The all-stop train (일반열차) is a regular commuter train. It stops at every station, and you pay by tapping a T-money card at the gate, the same way you would on the subway.
- Fares with a T-money card: T1 to Seoul Station ₩4,750, T2 to Seoul Station ₩5,350. To Hongik University (홍대입구) it's ₩4,650 from T1 or ₩5,250 from T2.
- Without a card: buy a single-journey ticket (1회용 교통카드) at the station machine. It costs ₩100 more, plus a ₩500 deposit you get back from the refund machine at your destination.
- Ride time: 59 minutes from T1 and 66 minutes from T2 to Seoul Station. Some trains take 2–6 minutes longer.
- Hours from the airport: first train 05:14 (T1) or 05:08 (T2). The last train that goes all the way to Seoul Station leaves at 23:38 from T1 and 23:32 from T2, every day of the week.
The big advantage is the stops. The train calls at Gimpo Airport, Magongnaru, Digital Media City, Hongik University (Hongdae), Gongdeok and Seoul Station, and each one is a transfer point to Seoul's subway. The downside: seats aren't reserved, and at rush hour you may stand with your bags.
Watch the last train's destination. After the last Seoul Station train, there's one more departure: 23:56 from T1 (23:50 from T2). It ends at Digital Media City (디지털미디어시티), which comes before Hongik University. If you're staying in Hongdae or near Seoul Station, it won't get you there.
 |
| An AREX all-stop train heading for Seoul Station, at Gyeyang Station (2024). Photo: Takeshi Aida / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 |
So which train?
If you're staying near Seoul Station, or you just want a guaranteed seat after a long flight, the Express is worth the extra ₩8,000 or so. For everywhere else, the all-stop train is usually the smarter pick. It's cheaper and it drops you closer to Hongdae, Mapo and the subway network.
Airport Limousine Buses: The Easy Option With Luggage
"Limousine" sounds fancy, but in Korea it just means a comfortable airport coach. The driver loads your suitcase underneath, and the bus stops close to many big hotels. No stairs, no transfers and no dragging bags through subway stations.
The trade-off is traffic. Bus companies don't publish a fixed ride time for daytime routes. A rush-hour trip into central Seoul can take noticeably longer than the train.
Which bus goes where
Dozens of routes leave the airport. These are the ones most visitors use:
| Route | Main areas | Adult fare | Operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6001 | Seoul Station, Myeongdong, Dongdaemun (DDP) | ₩17,000 | Airport Limousine (공항리무진) |
| 6002 | Hongdae, Sinchon, Gwanghwamun, Jongno, Dongdaemun, Cheongnyangni | ₩17,000 | Airport Limousine |
| 6015 | Myeongdong, Chungjeongno, Gongdeok, Mapo | ₩17,000 | Airport Limousine |
| 6701 | City Hall, Gwanghwamun, Myeongdong, Euljiro (hotel stops) | ₩18,000 | K Airport Limousine (한국공항리무진) |
| 6703 | Gangnam, COEX | ₩18,000 | K Airport Limousine |
| 6009 | Sinsa, Nonhyeon, Gangnam Station, Yangjae, Daechi | ₩17,000 | Seoul Airport Limousine (서울공항리무진) |
Times differ by route. For example, route 6701 leaves T1 from 05:35 to 22:25 and T2 from 05:15 to 22:05, every 25–35 minutes. Route 6009 runs from 05:20 to 22:52 at T2 and from 05:40 to 23:12 at T1. For other routes, check the operator's timetable (linked in Sources).
Tickets, payment and bag rules
This part trips people up, because each bus company has its own rules:
- Buy a ticket first. Heading into the city, Airport Limousine lets ticket holders board first. At T2, a ticket is required on all its routes. At T1, routes 6001, 6002 and 6015 also accept cash or a T-money card, first come, first served. K Airport Limousine (6701, 6703) asks you to buy a ticket at the airport before boarding.
- Where to buy: Airport Limousine has staffed booths on the 1st floor of T1 (near Gates 4, 6, 9 and 11) and on B1 in T2, plus 24-hour ticket machines. K Airport Limousine sells tickets next to Gate 4 in T1 and at the west ticket offices on B1 in T2.
- Climate Card: not accepted on Airport Limousine buses. Neither is Discover Seoul Pass.
- Luggage (Airport Limousine): two bags per person, each under 28 inches and under 20 kg. Carry-ons count. Each extra bag costs ₩8,000.
Tell the driver which stop you want, and press the bell as you get close. Drivers check that you're on the right route, not where you're getting off.
 |
| An airport limousine bus in Seoul (route 6010, 2015). Routes and colors vary by company. Photo: hyolee2 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 |
Landing Late: What Still Runs After 23:00
Late arrivals worry a lot of travelers, but Incheon is well covered. Here's what's still running, in order:
- 22:40 / 22:48: last Express Train (T2 / T1).
- 23:32 / 23:38: last all-stop train to Seoul Station (T2 / T1). It gets in about an hour later.
- 23:20 to about 04:50: late-night buses. There's a break between about 02:10 and 03:20.
- All night: taxis from the official stands.
One thing to keep in mind: if your flight lands at 23:00, you probably won't be out of immigration and baggage claim in time for the last train. Plan on a late-night bus or a taxi instead.
The four late-night bus routes
These buses only run at night and use the "N" prefix. You need a ticket before boarding. Buy one at a ticket booth or machine. For N6701 and N6703, the Tmoney GO app also works. Airport Limousine says its ticket machines run 24 hours and sell night-bus tickets.
| Route | Main stops (official time from T1) | Adult fare | Departs T2 | Departs T1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N6701 | Mapo Stn (50 min), Seoul Stn (60), Euljiro 1-ga (65), Dongdaemun Design Plaza (70) | ₩18,000 | 23:30, 00:20, 01:20, 03:25, 04:20 | 23:50, 00:40, 01:40, 03:45, 04:40 |
| N6002 | Hongdae (45 min), Four Seasons Hotel / Gwanghwamun (60), Heunginjimun / Dongdaemun (75), Cheongnyangni (90) | ₩17,000 | 23:40, 00:10, 00:40, 01:20, 03:40, 04:20 | 00:00, 00:30, 01:00, 01:40, 04:00, 04:40 |
| N6000 | Songjeong Stn (40 min), Yeomchang Stn (50), Gangnam Express Bus Terminal (70) | ₩17,000 | 23:50, 00:30, 01:10, 01:50, 03:20, 04:00 | 00:10, 00:50, 01:30, 02:10, 03:40, 04:20 |
| N6703 | Seorae Village (50 min), COEX (65), Jamsil Lotte World (70), Gangbyeon Stn (80), Gwangnaru Stn (85) | ₩18,000 | 23:20, 00:00, 00:45, 01:25, 03:30, 04:30 | 23:40, 00:20, 01:05, 01:45, 03:50, 04:50 |
The buses start at T2 and then stop at T1. The ride times are the airport's official estimates from T1, at a time of night when roads are usually quiet.
A simple plan for each arrival time
- Out of the airport before about 22:30: you can still take any option. The Express Train or a limousine bus are both easy.
- Out between about 22:30 and 23:30: take the all-stop train while it's still running (last Seoul Station train 23:32 from T2, 23:38 from T1). If you'll miss it, wait for the first late-night bus.
- Out between 23:30 and 02:00: late-night bus to the nearest stop, then a short taxi ride to your hotel. Or take a taxi the whole way.
- Out between 02:00 and 05:00: check the next bus in the table. If it's an hour or more away, a taxi is the simplest choice. The first all-stop trains leave just after 05:00.
Taxis: Door to Door, Any Hour
A taxi is the most expensive option for one person. Split three or four ways, though, it can be good value, and it's the only option that takes you right to the door.
- Use the official stands only. The airport warns that illegal "call vans" posing as taxis approach travelers and overcharge. Ignore anyone offering a ride inside the terminal.
- Standard taxis to Seoul: T1 stands 5C, 6C and 6D, T2 stand 7C. The meter starts at ₩4,800.
- Deluxe and jumbo (9-seat) taxis: T1 stands 7C and 8C, T2 stand 7D. The meter starts at ₩7,000.
- Night surcharge for standard Seoul taxis: +20% from 22:00 to 23:00, +40% from 23:00 to 02:00, and +20% from 02:00 to 04:00. Deluxe and jumbo taxis add 20% from 22:00 to 04:00.
- Tolls: the airport expressways charge tolls on top of the meter.
- International Taxi (인터내셔널택시): official taxis with drivers who speak foreign languages. They use a zone-based flat fare within Seoul and pick up at stand 4C (T1) or 3C (T2). The booking line is 1644-2255.
We haven't listed an "average" fare to Seoul, because the airport doesn't publish one and the total depends on traffic, tolls and time of night. For a ballpark, check the fare estimate in a taxi app before you go. Our Korea travel apps guide covers which apps work with a foreign phone and card.
T-money and Transit Cards: What You Need on Day One
A T-money card (티머니) is a reloadable transit card. You load money onto it and tap it at the gate or on the bus. For the all-stop train, the subway and city buses, it's the simplest way to pay.
- Where to buy: convenience stores such as GS25, CU and 7-Eleven, including those at the airport. Look for the T-money logo.
- How to top up: at a convenience store counter or a station ticket machine, with Korean won in cash. T-money says you can add ₩1,000 to ₩90,000 at a time, in ₩1,000 steps. Most travelers can't top up a regular T-money card with a foreign credit card, so get some won at the airport.
- How much to load: enough for your train fare (₩4,750–5,350 to Seoul Station) plus a few subway rides. Each basic subway ride is ₩1,550.
What about the Climate Card? The Climate Card (기후동행카드) is Seoul's unlimited-ride pass. Visitors can buy short-term passes. It's handy inside Seoul, but it's the wrong card for the airport trip into town. On AREX it only covers Seoul Station to Gimpo Airport, and at the Incheon Airport stations you can get off with it but not get on. So use T-money for the ride from the airport, and switch to a Climate Card once you're in Seoul if it suits your plans.
Here's what each option accepts:
| Option | How you pay |
|---|---|
| AREX Express Train | Buy a QR ticket (counter, machine, website or app). Foreign credit cards accepted |
| AREX all-stop train | Tap T-money, or buy a single-journey ticket at the machine. No Climate Card from Incheon Airport |
| Limousine bus | Ticket from a booth or machine (required at T2 and on 6701/6703). Cash or T-money also OK on 6001, 6002 and 6015 at T1 |
| Late-night bus | Ticket required (booth or machine, or the Tmoney GO app for N6701/N6703) |
For more on T-money, the Climate Card and riding the subway, see our Seoul subway guide. And if you're grabbing a card at a convenience store, our convenience store guide explains how they work.
Choosing by Luggage, Destination and Arrival Time
By where you're staying
| Staying in… | Good choice | Late at night |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul Station area | AREX Express or all-stop train | N6701 (Seoul Station stop) |
| Hongdae / Sinchon | All-stop train to Hongik University, or bus 6002 | N6002 (Hongdae) |
| Myeongdong | Bus 6001, 6015 or 6701. Or the train to Seoul Station, then subway Line 4 | N6701 (Euljiro 1-ga) |
| Gwanghwamun / City Hall / Jongno | Bus 6701 or 6002 | N6002 or N6701 |
| Dongdaemun | Bus 6001 or 6002 | N6701 (DDP) or N6002 |
| Gangnam / COEX | Bus 6009 or 6703 | N6000 or N6703 |
| Jamsil | Check the operator site (K Airport Limousine runs a Jamsil route) | N6703 (Jamsil Lotte World) |
By luggage
- Backpack or one carry-on: the all-stop train is cheap and easy.
- One big suitcase: the Express Train if you're going to Seoul Station, or a limousine bus if it stops near your hotel. Transferring between subway lines means stairs and long walkways, and that's tiring with a heavy bag.
- Two big suitcases each, or a family: a limousine bus (mind the two-bag rule) or a jumbo taxi.
Want to travel light? Seoul Metro's T-Luggage service can deliver bags between the airport and some subway stations the same day. The airport lists booking at tluggage.co.kr. Check the conditions before you count on it.
Flying Into Gimpo Instead?
Some flights from nearby Asian cities land at Gimpo Airport (김포공항), which is much closer to central Seoul. Gimpo Airport Station is on AREX, subway Lines 5 and 9, the Gimpo Goldline and the Seohae Line.
- AREX from Gimpo to Seoul Station: ₩1,750 with T-money (₩1,650 to Hongik University).
- Hours: first train 05:42. The last train toward Seoul Station leaves at 00:16, and one more at 00:34 runs only as far as Digital Media City.
- Map: Gimpo Airport Station on Google Maps
Heading Back to the Airport
For the trip home, two things help:
- City Airport Terminal at Seoul Station: if you hold an Express Train ticket and fly out of Incheon the same day, you can check in, drop your bags and clear immigration on B2 of Seoul Station's AREX concourse. Check-in runs 05:20 to 19:00 (last entry 18:50). You need to finish 3 hours before departure for T1 flights, or 3 hours 20 minutes for T2. Not every airline or route takes part, so check with your airline first.
- Climate Card going out: if you board AREX inside Seoul with a Climate Card, you can exit at Incheon Airport T1 or T2 at no extra cost.
Shopping before you fly? Our tax refund guide explains how to claim at the airport. A few phrases from our Korean expressions guide help with drivers and ticket counters too.
FAQ
Q. What's the cheapest way from Incheon Airport to Seoul?
The AREX all-stop train. With a T-money card it's ₩4,750 from Terminal 1 or ₩5,350 from Terminal 2 to Seoul Station, and it takes about an hour.
Q. Is the AREX Express Train worth ₩13,000?
It is if you're staying near Seoul Station or want a guaranteed seat. It saves you about 16 minutes over the all-stop train and only stops at Seoul Station. For Hongdae, the all-stop train is cheaper and gets you closer.
Q. What time is the last train from Incheon Airport to Seoul?
The last Express Train leaves at 22:48 from T1 (22:40 from T2). The last all-stop train to Seoul Station leaves at 23:38 from T1 (23:32 from T2). A 23:56 train from T1 only goes as far as Digital Media City.
Q. My flight lands after midnight. How do I get to Seoul?
Take a late-night bus (N6000, N6002, N6701 or N6703, ₩17,000–18,000) or a taxi from an official stand. Buses run from about 23:20 to 04:50, with no departures between about 02:10 and 03:20. Buy your bus ticket before boarding.
Q. Can I pay for the airport train with a credit card?
For the Express Train, yes. AREX accepts major foreign cards for tickets. For the all-stop train, you tap a T-money card or buy a single-journey ticket at the machine. Regular T-money top-ups need Korean won in cash.
Q. Can I use the Climate Card from Incheon Airport?
Not for the ride into Seoul. You can't tap in with it at the Incheon Airport stations. It covers AREX between Gimpo Airport and Seoul Station, and you can use it to exit at Incheon Airport on the way out.
Q. Do I need to book an airport bus in advance?
Not online, but you should buy a ticket at the airport before boarding. At Terminal 2, Airport Limousine requires a ticket on every route. K Airport Limousine (6701, 6703) also asks for a ticket bought at the airport.
Sources
- AREX: Express Train overview (₩13,000, 43/51 min, ticket counters, Korean)
- AREX: Express Train timetable (weekday and holiday, Korean)
- AREX: Express Train ticket guide (accepted foreign cards, booking up to 2 months ahead, Korean)
- AREX: Seoul Station City Airport Terminal (hours and deadlines, Korean)
- AREX: all-stop train overview (59/66 min, stations, Korean)
- AREX: all-stop train fare table (Korean)
- AREX: Incheon Airport Terminal 1 Station timetable (Korean) · Terminal 2 Station timetable · Gimpo Airport Station timetable
- Incheon Airport: Seoul late-night buses from Terminal 1 (fares, stops, times) · from Terminal 2
- Incheon Airport: Taxi guide (stands, base fares, night surcharges, International Taxi)
- Incheon Airport: Train guide (Transportation Center, T-Luggage)
- Airport Limousine: routes 6001, 6002, 6015 and fares (Korean)
- Airport Limousine: ticket booths and hours (Korean)
- Airport Limousine: passenger guidelines, ticket and luggage rules (Apr 7, 2026, Korean with English link)
- K Airport Limousine: route 6701 times and stops · fares and ticket rule · airport boarding points
- Seoul Airport Limousine: route 6009 times, stops and fare (Korean)
- T-money: Foreigner guide (where to buy, top-up rules)
- Seoul Metropolitan Government: Climate Card short-term pass FAQ (scope from Oct 1, 2026, foreign cards, Korean)
- Seoul Metropolitan Government: Climate Card exit at Incheon Airport T1/T2, no boarding there (Korean)
Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited in each caption (CC BY, CC BY-SA). Infographic and illustration: Korea Insight Now. Information checked on October 4, 2026 (KST). Fares, timetables and ticket rules can change, so please confirm on the official sites before you travel.