Getting ready to land at Incheon International Airport for a trip to Seoul? The quickest way to get into the city is to hop on the fast and efficient Seoul AREX, an express train that’ll zoom you to the city centre in no time!
When I landed in Seoul for the first time, I was super excited to see this express service. After travelling to over 50 countries, I’ve seen my fair share of international airports where public transportation to the city is, well, a total nightmare. So, of course, I knew I had to take advantage of this to make my first trip into central Seoul a tad easier.
The Seoul Airport Railroad Express (AREX) has shuttled passengers between Incheon International Airport and Seoul Station since 2010. In less than an hour from station to station, you’ll be on your way to checking into one of the top hotels in Seoul and starting to launch your Seoul itinerary.
How to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station with the AREX
Less than a decade and a half ago, getting into central Seoul from the airport meant either being endlessly stuck in traffic on a bus or taking a series of complicated bus and subway connections.
Thanks to the AREX, that’s no longer a problem.
Once the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) opened its extension to Seoul Station in December 2010, getting into Seoul from Incheon Airport became effortless.
Two types of trains currently zip along the AREX line:
- express (non-stop)
- commuter (all-stop)
Which train you choose will depend entirely on how quickly you want to get into Seoul, what amenities you’re looking for, and how much you’re willing to spend.
Express / Non-Stop Train
The AREX express (non-stop) train is the quickest way into Seoul. The train completes the entire journey from Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 to Seoul Station in just 43 minutes. (From Terminal 2, tack on an extra 8 minutes.)
Trains run from ICN Terminal 1 every 30 minutes starting at 5:23 am, with the last train leaving at 10:48 pm. From Seoul Station to ICN, the first train leaves at 6:10 am while the last departs for the airport at 10:50 pm.
A ticket for the AREX express train costs ₩13,000 for adults or ₩9,500 for children (6 to 12) when purchased online. (The regular fare is ₩17,700 to ₩18,300.)
When I first travelled on the train, there was a ₩500 deposit for a single-use travel card and an additional one-way supplement of ₩100. To get your card deposit back, you can use the automated refund machines at your destination.
NOTE: This deposit doesn’t apply to online ticket purchases. Instead, you will be given a QR code to scan at the gate.
PRO TIP: If you’re flying with Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, or Jeju Air, you may be able to get a discounted price on your AREX ticket. Check with the ticketing counter to see if this applies. When I first used the train, there was also a discount for groups of 4 or more, but while updating this article, I’ve been unable to confirm if this discount is still available.
Although it’s more expensive, the express train is far more comfortable than the regular commuter train. Unlike the regular subway, there’s room for your luggage here.
You can place your carry-on luggage in the overhead racks and larger check-in luggage in the compartments near the train cabin doors. On my journey, I was also pleased to see that there was free onboard WiFi for passengers.
Commuter / All-Stop Train
For travellers not hell-bent on getting to Seoul Station in a hurry, the commuter (all-stop) train is another good option. In fact, depending on where you choose to stay in Seoul, it might be the better of the two options.
The commuter train uses a regular subway line with 9 stops between Incheon International Airport and Seoul Station:
- Incheon International Airport
- Incheon Int’l Airport Cargo Terminal
- Unseo Station
- Yeongjong Station
- Cheongna International City Station
- Geomam Station (Line 2)
- Gyeyang Station (Line 1)
- Gimpo International Airport Station (Lines 5 & 9)
- Digital Media City Station (Line 6)
- Hongik University Station (Line 2)
- Gongdeok Station (Lines 5 & 6)
- Seoul Station (Lines 1 & 4)
The commuter trains run more frequently than the express trains. They leave Incheon International every 23 minutes from 5:25 am until about 11:57 pm. From Seoul Station, the first commuter trains to ICN depart at 6:00 am, with the last leaving at 11:20 pm.
Although the journey time of 59 minutes is a tad slower than the AREX express trains, it’s much cheaper.
At just ₩4,450 to ₩5,050 to Seoul Station (cheaper for intermediate stations), the all-stop trains are a great option for budget travellers or anyone needing to transfer to Lines 2, 5, 6, or 9 rather than the KTX or Lines 1 and 4 at Seoul Station.
Where to buy Seoul AREX tickets
Besides booking AREX tickets online at a discount, there are several places to buy AREX tickets in person at both Incheon Airport and Seoul Station:
- Ticket Machines: In my experience, these machines are the quickest and easiest way to buy AREX tickets. Automatic ticket machines are located near the AREX platforms at Seoul Station, Incheon Airport Terminal 1, and Incheon Airport Terminal 2.
- Ticket Counters: Alternatively, you can purchase your AREX tickets at the Information Center at Seoul Station, ICN Terminal 1 Station, ICN Terminal 2 Station, or the Travel Center at Incheon International Airport. (This is a good option if you want to ask about potential airline discounts.)
PRO TIP: There’s a ₩500 deposit on single-use AREX ticket cards. Find the deposit machines located outside the exit ticket scanners at your destination to get your deposit back.
Need more information? Check out the Official AREX Site for up-to-date timetables and prices.
