Incheon Airport (ICN) is the main international airport serving the capital city of Seoul in South Korea. Located around 50 kilometers from the city center, upon landing you have several transport options to choose from to help you reach your destination.

Taking a Seoul Airport taxi is the most convenient option as they are available 24/7 and only take 60 minutes to reach the curb of your hotel. Private Seoul Airport transfers also offer a door-to-door service with the added benefit of a local English-speaking driver and various vehicle sizes.

However, since taxis and private transfers are the most expensive choices, a bus or train may be more suitable. Another highly convenient option is to catch a Limousine Bus which departs approximately every 25 minutes, dropping off passengers to different hotels across the city in around 70 minutes.

Your final and cheapest option is to take an Airport Railroad Express (AREX) train. The AREX runs two trains from Incheon Airport, the Express train which takes 40 minutes, and the All Stop train which takes around 60 minutes, not including wait or transfer times.

5 options to go from Seoul Airport to city center

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABLE
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€98 60min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Taxi
€32 60min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Express Train
€12.60 40min 05:15–23:39
Convenience
Read more
All-Stop Train
€5.60 66min 05:18–23:32
Convenience
Read more
Limousine Bus
€22.60 70min 05:05–23:20
Convenience
Read more
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How to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul by taxi

Taking a Seoul Airport taxi from Incheon International Airport to Seoul is one of the most convenient transfer options available to visitors. Not only are taxis available 24/7, but they are the only means of transportation from Seoul Airport to the city that will drop you right at the door of your hotel. You’ll have the option of a regular sedan taxi with seats for up to 4 passengers, or a large/premium taxi with room for up to 9 passengers. The total journey time will be around 60 minutes, depending on traffic, and the cost will be determined using a taximeter. 

Incheon Airport to Seoul taxi fare

Seoul taxis don’t offer a set rate fee for the journey to Seoul. Instead, they use a taximeter to calculate their fare which factors in the total distance traveled. This means for a taxi to Seoul from Incheon Airport the price will be around €32 (KRW 48,000), based on a 50 km ride. If you need to take a jumbo or deluxe taxi, the price will be around 20% more. 

Where can I catch a taxi from?

Standard Seoul taxis can be found at the taxi rank located on the first floor of the passenger Terminal between platforms 5C, 6C, and 6D at Terminal 1 and at 7C for Terminal 2.

Convenience

Traveling on a long-distance flight to Seoul and then having to navigate public transport in a foreign language can be extremely tiring and confusing. This is what makes taking a taxi from Incheon Airport to Seoul so appealing; you can forget about carrying your heavy luggage on trains or buses, or worrying if your personal belongings are safe, and jump straight to enjoying your holiday.

Useful Tips

Ensure that your driver resets their taximeter before you begin your journey.
There is a 20-40% surcharge at night between the hours of 22:00 and 04:00 depending on the exact time and which terminal you are departing from.
If you want a taxi with a guaranteed English speaking driver, you can book an International taxi, but this will add at least 20% to your standard taxi fare.
If you choose to take the Incheon International Airport Expressway on your route, there will be an additional toll charge of €5.30 (KRW 7,900), plus any late-night surcharges.
The price of a taxi from Incheon International Airport to the main downtown area of Seoul is around €32 (KRW 48,000), but the cost to areas such as Myeondong, Honda or Itaewon will be different.

How to get to Seoul from Incheon Airport by train (Express Train)

The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) provides two different trains from Incheon International Airport to Seoul; the Express train and the local All-Stop train. First up, we’ll cover the Express train which runs directly from Incheon Airport to Seoul in just 40 minutes, departing from both terminals every 20 to 40 minutes. This is the fastest transfer option, and also one of the most affordable. 

How much is the train from Incheon Airport to Seoul?

The Express train from Seoul to Incheon Airport and visa versa costs €6.30 (KRW 9,500) for an adult and €5 (KRW 7,500) for children. You can purchase your tickets from the AREX Travel Center in both Terminal 1 and 2. You may receive a small discount if you present a plane ticket from certain airlines.

Cost
€6.30
Trip Duration
40 Min.
There's a wait time of 20 to 40 minutes for the express train.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Trains are available daily between 05:15 and 23:39.

Where do I get the Express train from?

After collecting your luggage, take the escalator down to the B1 basement level, following the signs that say “Airport Railroad.” This will lead you to the entrance to the Transportation Center where you must look for the AREX ticket counters and platforms. 

Convenience

Taking the Express train to Seoul Station is a convenient and fast transfer option. Since trains run frequently throughout the day, there should be one departing soon after you land, just be sure to allow enough time to clear immigration (1-2 hours). Keep in mind that you may need to transfer to another train or bus to reach your final destination, otherwise, the fast train is ideal, especially during peak traffic.

Timetables

AREX Express train information

Incheon Airport to Seoul Station

Useful Tips

You can purchase your Express train tickets in cash or on card or online in advance.
The Airport Transportation Center is connected to both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 on the Basement level.
The orange gate is for the Express train.

How to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul by train (All-Stop Train)

The local train, called the All-Stop Train, is more affordable than the express train, however, it takes 66 minutes to travel from Terminal 2 to Seoul Station. The local train is also run by AREX, and stops at each of the stations that it passes along the way which is ideal if you’re not staying near Myeondong, Hongdae, or Geomam.

How much is the local Incheon Airport train to Seoul?

The All Stop train is a bit cheaper than the Express train, costing €2.80 (KRW 4,150) from Terminal 1 and €3.20 (KRW 4,750) from Terminal 2. You can either purchase a local transportation card like T-Money or WowPass with money loaded onto it, or you can buy a single-journey ticket from one of the vending machines.

Cost
€2.80-3.20
Trip Duration
66 Min.
The AREX local train departes every 5 to 10 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The train is available daily between 05:18 and 23:32.

Where does the local train depart from?

The boarding area for the local train is also in the Transportation Center, although the platform is separate from the Express train. Instead, look for the signs specifically mentioning the “All-Stop Train” or “Local Train.”

Convenience

The local train from Incheon Airport to the city center is the cheapest transfer option, although it isn’t the most convenient due to the numerous stops it makes along the way. On the other hand, this can mean you are more likely to stop close to your accommodation. Also, while there are luggage storage areas on board, the train can still become very crowded during peak hours, much more so than the Express.

Useful Tips

You can only pay for your train tickets using cash.
Be aware that there is a slight increase in ticket price for using the local train from Terminal 2.
Walk through the blue gate to board the local train.

How to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul by bus

Another affordable option from Incheon Airport to the city center is a comfortable airport limousine bus. Several companies offer these bus services which take various routes through Seoul, stopping off at major hotels. While the route and bus you choose will depend on where you are staying, you can expect an average journey time of 70 minutes.

How much is the bus from Incheon Airport to Seoul?

The cost of a one-way ticket from Seoul Airport to the city is usually around €11.30 (KRW 17,000) for an adult. You can purchase your tickets from the ticket offices located both inside and outside the Arrivals Hall on Level 1 of T1. If you land at Terminal 2, you will find the ticket offices located at the 2nd Transportation Center on Floor B1. Tickets can also be bought from the driver using cash or a T-money transportation card.

Cost
€11.30
Trip Duration
70 Min.
There's a wait time of 10 to 45 minutes in between buses.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Airport buses run from 05:05 to 23:20.

Where do I get the limousine bus from?

All bus stops at Terminal 1 are located on the Arrivals level (Level 1) outside Gates 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 13; look for signs marked for “Airport Limousine Bus.” Each stop corresponds to a specific route, so make sure you line up at the correct one.

At Terminal 2, make your way to the Ground Transportation Center on the B1 basement level. An information display board will show all the routes, departure times, and bus lanes for each service.

Convenience

Although the airport bus is the slowest transportation option, it’s an extremely comfortable and reliable service. The bus leaves every 10 to 45 minutes and serves both Terminals 1 and 2, meaning you won’t need to maneuver your luggage between terminals. There’s also ample luggage space for larger items under the bus. However, unless your hotel is included on the route, once you reach Seoul, you may need to switch to a different mode of transport to reach your hotel.

Timetables

CALT tickets and schedule

Airport Limousine tickets and schedule

K-Limousine tickets and schedule

Useful Tips

Buses stop at T2 first, followed by T1, 20 minutes later.
The price for children aged 6 to 12 years of age is €8 (KRW 12,000).
Check your boarding number on your ticket to be sure you catch the correct bus.
There's luggage storage available below the bus, but there are weight restrictions.
Buses usually makes announcements in English for each upcoming stop.
Two bus services also run hourly throughout the night. The N6001 bus operates between the airport and Seoul station and the N6002 serves the Gangnam area.

How to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul by private transfer

Private Incheon Airport transfers, like those offered by Welcome Pickups, are the only fully customizable transport option, which means your ride can be tailored to suit you and your group’s needs specifically. Moreover, you’ll receive:

  • 24/7 customer support
  • Competitive fixed-fare pricing
  • An airport meet-and-greet
  • Flight monitoring
  • Guaranteed on-time pickup
  • Flexible cancelation

 

On top of that, your driver will give you a mini tour of Seoul along the way to your destination while sharing some of their insider knowledge on things to see and do.

How much is an airport transfer from Incheon to Seoul?

When you book a private transfer you have the benefit of receiving a fixed quote ahead of time, detailing the overall cost. Knowing the final cost of your fare before traveling allows you to budget and travel with confidence, with peace of mind that the price won’t increase due to additional surcharges or the meter going up in heavy traffic.

From Incheon Airport, the transfer to the city will cost €98 (KRW 147,550) for a ride in a comfortable sedan that can seat three passengers. Alternatively, you can choose to travel in a 6-seater wagon for €105 (KRW 158,000), or a minivan for €178 (KRW 267,990) with room for up to 12 passengers, ideal for larger groups and families.

To book your ride either online or via the Welcome Pickups app, simply enter your flight details along with your preferred pick-up time, as well as a few personal details. The whole process can be completed in less than a minute.

Cost
€98
Trip Duration
60 Min.
*When booked in advance a vehicle of your choice will be waiting on arrival.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Incheon Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

After collecting your luggage, you will enter the Arrivals Hall to find your personal driver waiting to greet you. After a warm hello, your driver will lend a hand with your luggage and lead you to your pre-selected vehicle. All Welcome Pickups drivers speak fluent English, so there will be no issues with miscommunications or misunderstandings throughout your journey.

Convenience

Unlike the other transport options on offer at Incheon Airport, private transfers offer a fully personalized and customizable journey with complete flexibility over the schedule and vehicle type. Being able to organize everything in advance means there are no surprises on the day, ensuring a seamless and relaxing ride to your hotel, making this a very convenient choice.

Useful Tips

At Welcome Pickups, we provide all our drivers with live updates on any changes to your flight time. This means that if your flight is delayed or arrives early, your driver will always be there to greet you when you land.
Payment will be taken at the time of booking so that on the day of travel you can simply turn up and go with nothing to worry about.
Each standard vehicle can seat three passengers and a suitcase each.
Tipping isn't customary in Seoul and it may cause embarrassment for your driver.
It can take quite some time pass through Immigration at Incheon Airport so we recommend selecting a pickup time at least 1 hour after your flight’s scheduled arrival time.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Incheon Airport to Seoul City?

From Incheon Airport to Seoul the distance is 50 km which takes around 60 minutes to cover when traveling by taxi or private transfer. These are the two most convenient options since they offer a door-to-door drop-off, however, a private transfer offers a more personalized service with an English-speaking driver.

If budget is your concern, then your cheapest option is the local train which takes around the same time as a taxi but will likely require a transfer to another bus or train line. The Express train costs slightly more but runs directly with no stops to Seoul Station in 40 minutes. Lastly, a limousine bus is a great option if your hotel is included as a stop on the bus route since you won’t need to walk too far.

How much does it cost from Incheon Airport to Seoul?

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Transfer Options in Seoul