Daegu is South Korea’s third-largest city, about 300 kilometres southeast of Seoul. Getting there directly from Incheon Airport takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Here is every option.
Most international travellers route through Seoul when travelling from Incheon to Daegu. The most practical approach is to take s the AREX to Seoul Station, and then the KTX to Dongdaegu. A direct airport bus also operates for those who want to skip the city entirely.
Quick answer: AREX Express from Incheon to Seoul Station (43 min, 9,500 won), then KTX from Seoul Stationto Dongdaegu (about 1 hour 40 min, 38,000 won). Total approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, around 48,000 won.
Option 1: AREX to Seoul Station then KTX (Recommended)
- AREX Express, Incheon to Seoul Station: 43 minutes, 9,500 won
- KTX, Seoul Station to Dongdaegu: 1 hour 35 to 50 minutes, around 38,000 won
- Total: About 2 hours 40 minutes plus connection time at Seoul Station
- Connection at Seoul Station: AREX trains arrive at the same building as KTX trains. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the connection, or pre-book a specific KTX departure.
Book the KTX in advance at korail.go.kr, especially for weekend and holiday travel. The AREX Express runs every 30 to 40 minutes from Incheon.
Option 2: Direct Airport Limousine Bus
KD Limousine operates a direct bus from Incheon Airport Terminal 1 to Daegu. This is the only surface transport option that avoids transferring at Seoul Station.
- Journey time: About 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on traffic
- Cost: Around 25,000 to 28,000 won
- Departure: From the bus stop at arrivals level, Terminal 1. Check current schedules at the airport information desk on arrival.
The bus is slower than the KTX route but avoids the Seoul Station transfer. Best for travellers with significant luggage or who are not comfortable with the Seoul transit connection.
Option 3: Domestic Flight
No domestic flights operate between Incheon and Daegu. The domestic terminal at Incheon handles selected routes, but Daegu is not among them for regular service. The KTX is the standard fast option.
Option 4: Taxi or Private Transfer
Taking a taxi from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Daegu is the most direct door-to-door option, covering over 300 km and taking about 3.5 hours, depending on traffic. Because this is a long-distance trip, a regular metered airport taxi can be very expensive. For this route, it is better to book a pre-arranged flat-rate private transfer or an International Taxi in advance. This option is best for travellers with lots of luggage, families, late-night arrivals, or anyone who wants the simplest and most comfortable transfer without changing trains or buses.
From Dongdaegu Station
Dongdaegu Station is Daegu’s main KTX terminal and is connected to the city’s subway system (lines 1 and 2). The downtown Dongseongno area is about 20 minutes by subway from Dongdaegu. Haeinsa Temple, the UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist complex housing the Tripitaka Koreana, is about 1 hour by bus from Daegu and makes an excellent day trip.
