How to take public transportation from the Incheon Airport to Seoul
Why take public transportation from the Incheon Airport instead of a taxi?
You can choose to avoid public transportation from the Incheon Airport and take a taxi. Whether you take a taxi or an Uber, it will cost at least $50-60 USD each way.
Aside from the steep increase in cost, you will not save you much time by taking a taxi over public transportation from the Incheon Airport. A taxi from the airport into the city center will take anywhere from 45 minutes to 90 minutes depending on time of day and traffic.
How long does public transportation from the Incheon Airport to Seoul take?
The airport is around an hour by train and by car (depending on traffic) to the city center. There are multiple options for public transportation from the Incheon Airport to Seoul. The most direct and cost effective is taking one of two trains, the AREX Express train and the All Stop train
What is the difference between the AREX Express and All Stop Train?
The AREX Express train
The Express train which stops at both terminals then takes you directly to the Seoul railway station.
This train leaves at designated times and takes 50 minutes from Terminal 2 to Seoul Station.
Express train is a train with reserved seats set for a specific departure time. These trains leave every 20-40 minutes.
The express train costs 11000 won (approx. $8.40) for each trip.
These machines do accept credit cards or cash. If you plan to use cash, see my notes below.
The All Stop Train
The All Stop train has multiple stops and leaves more frequently. This train generally takes around an hour or longer to get to Seoul Station.
The All Stop train is more like a subway or a light rail. There are no reserved seats or departure times. These trains run every 5-10 minutes.
The all stop train costs 5000 won (approx $3.80) from the Terminal 2 to Seoul Station, but less if you exit at an earlier stop.
This train DOES NOT TAKE CREDIT CARDS. Yes, in the year 2024 in a technologically advanced country such as Korea, you have to pay with cash.
Once you get your ticket for either train you will need to hold on to it as you will have to scan it when entering and exiting the train.
How to get cash for the train
If you choose to ride the All Stop train, you MUST get cash at the ATM on the departure floor. There are NO ATMs available to use on the lower level next to the ticketing machines.
The only ATMs at the ticket booths are inside the secured area AFTER you’ve already bought and scanned your ticket. How does this make sense? It doesn’t. And if you ask the man at the ticket counter he may let you into the secured area, but the ATM may not accept your card.
Please save your time and go to the ATM before you take the escalator downstairs OR pay the extra money on your credit card and take the Express train.
How do I return to Incheon from Seoul?
Make your way back to Seoul Station. Follow the signage that directs you to the airport trains and not the regular trains. You’ll have to walk for a while and head to the lower floors of the station to get access to the airport trains. From there you will have to buy your return ticket on either the Express or All Stop train. Once you have purchased your ticket, scan it at the entrance and find your correct train.
Good luck!
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