The Busan-to-Seoul journey is the reverse of Korea’s most-travelled intercity route. Everything works in the same direction. Here is the complete guide, including timing, stops, and the Gyeongju option.
Most Korean itineraries travel from Seoul to Busan. The return journey,y or the reverse direction, uses the same infrastructure, prices, and options. This guide covers the Busan-to-Seoul direction specifically for travellers ending their trip in Korea in Seoul, or those following a south-to-north itinerary.
Quick answer: KTX from Busan Station to Seoul Station. 2 hours 30 minutes, around 59,800 won standard class. Book at korail.go.kr or the Korail app. Multiple services per hour throughout the day.
Option 1: KTX (Recommended)
- Departure: Busan Station (subway line 1, Busan Station stop)
- Arrival: Seoul Station (subway lines 1 and 4, direct city centre access)
- Journey time: 2 hours 10 to 2 hours 40 minutes, depending on service and stops
- Cost: Around 59,800 won, standard class, one way
- Frequency: Multiple services per hour throughout the day from approximately 5:30 am to 11 pm
- Booking: korail.go.kr or the Korail app. Walk-up tickets are usually available,ble but book ahead for weekend and holiday travel.
Option 2: Express Bus (Budget)
- Departure: Busan Central Bus Terminal (Nopo, subway line 1 and 2 Nopo Station) or Busan Seobu Terminal
- Arrival: Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gangnam, subway line 3, 7, 9) or Seoul Central City Terminal
- Journey time: Around 3.5 to 4 hours in normal traffic
- Cost: Around 24,000 to 28,000 won one way
Significantly cheaper than KTX but subject to traffic delays, particularly on Friday evenings and before major holidays. The Busan Nopo terminal is in northern Busan, requiring a subway connection from central Busan.
Stopping at Gyeongju on the Way North
The KTX stops at Singyeongju Station between Busan and Seoul. This makes an overnight stay in Gyeongju on the northward journey from Busan to Seoul an efficient addition. The structure:
- Day 1: KTX from Busan to Singyeongju (30 minutes, around 16,000 won). Afternoon in Gyeongju. Evening at Anapji Pond.
- Day 2: Bulguksa and Seokguram morning. KTX from Singyeongju to Seoul (about 2 hours, around 45,000 won).
See the Gyeongju travel guide for the full city picture, and the Seoul to Gyeongju guide for reverse-direction transport.
Busan to Incheon Airport (For International Departures)
For travellers departing Korea from Incheon Airport after visiting Busan, two options:
- KTX to Seoul Station, then AREX to Incheon: About 3 to 3.5 hours total. The most reliable option.
- Airport Limousine Bus directly from Busan: Direct buses run from the Busan Seobu Terminal and Haeundae to Incheon Airport. Journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. Around 31,000 to 36,000 won. One transfer less, but subject to traffic.
Flights directly from Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) also connect to some international destinations without routing through Seoul.
