Airport to Seoul: cost & time comparison
Incheon T1/T2 and Gimpo → your neighbourhood. Updated Oct 2026.
The four options
🚄 AREX Express — ₩13,000, 43–51 min, non-stop to Seoul Station
Reserved seats, luggage racks, every 25–40 min. Best if your hotel is near Seoul Station or you connect to KTX. Buy at the orange machines; foreign cards accepted. Kids ₩9,500.
🚆 AREX All-stop — ₩4,750 (T1) / ₩5,350 (T2), ~60 min
A normal subway line. Stops at Gimpo Airport, Digital Media City, Hongik Univ. (Hongdae), Gongdeok and Seoul Station. Pay with T-money. Cheapest by far and the best choice for Hongdae.
🚌 Limousine bus — ₩17,000–18,000, 60–90 min
Dozens of routes to hotels in Myeongdong, Gangnam, Hongdae, Dongdaemun and Jamsil. No transfers, luggage goes underneath. Buy tickets at the kiosk outside arrivals (T-money also works). Routes 6001, 6015 (Myeongdong) and 6009 (Gangnam) are the tourist favourites.
🚕 Taxi — ₩65,000–85,000 daytime, 50–80 min
Door to door. Standard taxis take 3 people with luggage; jumbo taxis (₩95,000+) fit 6. Add ₩6,600 toll. Between 23:00 and 02:00 expect ₩100,000+. Official taxi stands are at Gate 4–8 (T1) and Gate 1–3 (T2) — ignore touts inside.
From Gimpo Airport (domestic & some Japan/China/Taiwan flights): subway Line 5/9 or AREX for ₩1,550–1,750 in 25–40 min; taxi ₩20,000–35,000.
FAQ
What is the fastest way from Incheon Airport to Seoul?
The AREX express train: 43 minutes from Terminal 1 (51 from Terminal 2) non-stop to Seoul Station for ₩13,000. A taxi is faster only if your hotel is far from Seoul Station and traffic is light.
How much is the airport bus from Incheon to Myeongdong?
₩17,000 for the standard limousine (route 6015 or 6001), about 70–80 minutes. Night buses after 23:00 cost the same.
Can I use T-money on the AREX?
Yes on the all-stop train, which is part of the subway network. The express train needs a separate ticket (₩13,000) from the machines or counter.
Which is better for Hongdae, train or bus?
The AREX all-stop train: it stops right at Hongik University station for ₩4,750 in about 50 minutes. The bus is 3–4 times the price and no faster.