How to Get from Incheon Airport to Seoul – A Complete Guide for Beginners

Hello, everyone! Have you arrived safely at Incheon International Airport, the start of your trip to Korea? As soon as you step off the plane, the first question that comes to mind is, “How do I get from the airport to Seoul?” Getting around in an unfamiliar place can be daunting, especially in Seoul, which is known for its complicated public transportation system. But don’t worry! With this guide, your journey from Incheon Airport to Seoul will be easy and comfortable.

So, follow along with me as I explore the different ways to get to Seoul, including airport rail, buses, taxis, and more. The perfect roadmap from Incheon Airport to Seoul, let’s get started! Oh, and by the way, this article is a companion piece to our Korea travel guide: 55 Tips for Foreigners Getting to Know Korea series.

Fast and convenient public transportation from Incheon Airport to Seoul, South Korea

43 minutes to Seoul Station by airport rail, with easy transfers

• About the Airport Railroad: This train runs from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station. It’s fast and accurate, making it the most popular public transportation option for traveling to Seoul, and it’s easy to use even with heavy luggage.
• Route and time: It takes about 43 minutes to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station. The Airport Railroad runs directly from Incheon Airport Station to Seoul Station, where you can easily transfer to subway lines 1, 4, and Gyeongui-Jungang Line.
• Fare and how to get there: The Airport Railroad fare is KRW 4,450 from Incheon Airport Terminal 1 to Seoul Station (Economy Class) and KRW 5,050 from Incheon Airport Terminal 2 to Seoul Station. Purchase a transportation card at the airport station or buy a ticket from a ticket vending machine. If you board with a transportation card, the fare will be settled when you get off at your destination.

Save on airport buses, limousines, and late-night buses

• Bus types: There are two types of buses to Seoul: limousine buses and late-night buses. Limousine buses run between major points in Seoul, while late-night buses run from 12pm to 4am.
• Routes and travel time: Limousine buses connect major points in Seoul such as Seoul Station, City Hall, and Gangnam in about an hour. Bus numbers vary depending on your destination. Late night buses run to Seoul Station, Dongdaemun, and Jamsil Station.
• Fares and how to get around: Limousine buses cost around 15,000 won, depending on the destination, and can be paid with a transportation card or cash. Late-night buses cost around 17,000 to 18,000 won and can be found in front of Exits 8 and 13 on the first floor of Incheon International Airport.

Take a comfortable taxi ride

How to take a taxi at Incheon Airport: Basic fares and late-night surcharges

• Taxi stand location: The Incheon Airport taxi stand is located on the first floor of the passenger terminal. You can find local taxis in front of Exits 4 and 8, and international taxis in front of Exits 8 and 13.
• Base fare and surcharge: The base fare for a taxi from Incheon Airport to Seoul is around KRW 55,000 to KRW 75,000. During late night hours (midnight to 4 a.m.), there is a 20% surcharge. Check your destination and estimated fare in advance.
• Taxi tip: Tell the driver where you’re going and ask them to take you to a main road if possible. You can pay by credit card, but it’s best to tell the driver in advance. Don’t smoke or eat in the car.

Convenient, large taxis with multilingual drivers

• What is a big taxi: These premium taxis are driven by foreign-speaking drivers. They’re a bit more expensive than regular taxis, but they’re a comfortable and safe way to get around Seoul.
• How to get there and how much it costs: You can get a taxi from Exits 8 and 13 on the first floor of Incheon International Airport. The basic fare starts at 6500 won, and then the fare is calculated by meter. It’s not exact, but for reference, from Incheon Airport, the fare to Gangnam is around 70-80,000 won, near Gangbuk-gu Office is around 80,000 won, and near Dongdaemun is around 80,000 won. You can pay by credit card or cash at your destination.
• Pros of large taxis: They have a large fleet of vehicles, so even if you have a lot of luggage, it’s easy to communicate with the driver and explain your destination. It’s also a safe way to get around if you arrive at night or early in the morning.

Tips for renting a car and getting home

Car rental recommendations for long distances, navigation, and more

• Benefits of renting a car: Renting a car is a great option if you’re planning to travel long distances or out of town. It gives you the freedom to get to places that are hard to reach by public transportation, and it’s more economical if you’re traveling with family or friends.
• How to get there and how much it costs: There are many car rental agencies in the Incheon International Airport Passenger Terminal. If you book in advance, you can pick up your car upon arrival. Prices vary depending on the type of car and rental period. Gas and tolls are not included.
• Recommended car rental service for foreigners: There are many car rental services, but WeBring is recommended because it can pick you up at Incheon Airport. For more information, check out the WeBring website or app.
• Driving tips: Korea drives on the right, so be aware that there may be some differences in driving habits. Using a car navigation system will help you navigate unfamiliar roads. Download Korea’s navigation apps such as Kakao Navi and T-Map.

Tips for a relaxing flight home from Seoul to Incheon Airport

• Getting to the airport: Airport rail, buses, and taxis are all available to get you back to Incheon Airport from Seoul, but make sure to check the public transportation schedules for your return date and time.
• Leave with plenty of time to spare: Incheon Airport has a simple departure process, but it can get crowded at peak times. We recommend arriving at the airport at least three hours before your flight to give yourself time to eat, shop, and relax.
• Get a transportation card refund: You can refund the balance of a transportation card used in Korea at the airport. Just go to a transportation card machine or ticket booth. You can also get a refund on the airport railroad or bus.

Getting from Incheon Airport to Seoul is easy, right? Just keep in mind the characteristics of each mode of transportation and choose accordingly. If you’re traveling with little luggage and have a clear destination in mind, consider the airport rail or bus, or a taxi if you’re looking for a comfortable ride. If you’re planning a long trip, a rental car is also a good option. You’ll be no stranger to traffic in Korea.