The AREX Express Train runs directly from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station in 43 minutes, and costs 9,500 won. The AREX All-stop service takes 66 minutes and costs 4,950 won. Both trains operate from the airport station below the passenger terminals. The express is the fastest option and is widely recommended for first-time visitors.
Quick Answer: AREX Express Train from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station: 43 minutes, 9,500 won. Direct, no stops. Departs every 30 minutes. The most reliable and comfortable airport to city-center connection.
Best Route
AREX Express (recommended): The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) express service departs Incheon Airport (Terminal 1 or Terminal 2) and arrives at Seoul Station in 43 minutes—no intermediate stops. 9,500 won for an adult. Departs every 30 minutes. Book at the AREX ticket counter or vending machines in the arrivals hall.
AREX All-stop (budget option): The AREX all-stop service takes 66 minutes and costs 4,950 won. It stops at multiple intermediate stations, including Geomam, Unseo, Incheon Terminal 1, Digital Media City, and others, before Seoul Station. Useful if your destination is one of the intermediate stations.
Airport Limousine Bus: Direct limousine buses run from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station and nearby areas. About 60 to 90 minutes, es depending on traffic, approximately 10,000 to 17,000 won. Good for those with heavy luggage going to specific hotel areas. See the
Taxi: About 60 to 90 minutes, 60,000 to 80,000 won. Not recommended due to cost. See the
Step-by-Step Directions
AREX Express route:
Step 1: At Incheon Airport, follow signs for the Airport Railroad (공항철도 / AREX). The AREX station is underground, accessible from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 (check which terminal you arrive at, see the
Step 2: Board the AREX Express Train. The express trains are purple and white and clearly labelled. The express makes no intermediate stops. 43 minutes to Seoul Station.
Step 3: Exit at Seoul Station. The AREX platforms are underground within Seoul Station. The KTX platforms, regular subway connections, and street exits are all accessible from the same building. Seoul Station connects to Subway Lines 1 and 4.
Cost
AREX Express: 9,500 won adult, 4,750 won child.
AREX All-stop: 4,950 won for adults.
Airport Limousine Bus: 10,000 to 17,000 won, depending on the route.
Taxi: 60,000 to 80,000 won. Significantly more expensive.
Travel Time
AREX Express: 43 minutes. Highly predictable.
AREX All-stop: 66 minutes.
Bus: 60 to 90 minutes, traffic-dependent.
Taxi: 60 to 90 minutes.
Taxi Option
A taxi from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station costs approximately 60,000 to 80,000 won and takes 60 to 90 minutes. Not recommended for most visitors. The AREX Express at 9,500 won and 43 minutes is a far better value. See the
Best Option with Luggage
The AREX Express is excellent for luggage. The trains have luggage racks and dedicated space between seats. Seoul Station has extensive coin locker facilities. The Airport Limousine Bus is also good for luggage if your destination is near a bus stop. See the
Best Option Late at Night
The last AREX Express from Incheon Airport departs around 10:10 pm (Terminal 1) or 9:50 pm (Terminal 2). After that, the AREX All-stop runs until approximately midnight. For very late arrivals after midnight, the airport limousine bus or a taxi is the option. The
Nearby Guides
- Incheon Airport to Seoul Guide
- AREX vs Airport Bus Guide
- Incheon Airport Limousine Bus Guide
- Incheon Airport Taxi Guide
- Incheon Airport Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2
- Gimpo Airport to Seoul Guide
- Seoul Travel Guide
- Seoul in 3 Days
FAQ
Is the AREX Express the same as the Seoul Metro subway?
No. The AREX (Airport Railroad Express) is a dedicated airport rail line separate from the Seoul Metro subway system. It has its own ticketing and trains. The AREX all-stop service (not the express) does connect to some Seoul Metro stations along the route and uses a different ticket. The express service runs only between Incheon Airport and Seoul Station.
Which Incheon Airport terminal does the AREX depart from?
The AREX departs from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. If you arrive at Terminal 2, the AREX station is directly below T2. If at Terminal 1, the AREX station is accessible from the arrivals hall.
From Seoul Station, where can I connect?
Seoul Station connects to Subway Line 1 (blue) and Line 4 (blue/sky blue). From here you can reach: Myeongdong (Line 4, 2 stops), Gyeongbokgung Palace (Line 4 to Jongno then Line 3.
