You've just survived a long-haul flight, cleared immigration, and collected your bags — and now you're standing in the arrivals hall staring at signs pointing in five different directions. Welcome to Korea.

Before You Leave the Arrivals Hall

Don't walk past these three things. Seriously, future-you will be grateful.

• 💡 Get a T-money card at a 7-Eleven or GS25 convenience store in the arrivals area. This rechargeable transit card works on the AREX all-stop train, city buses, the Seoul subway, and even most taxis. It's your single most useful purchase on arrival.

• 💡 Get a SIM card or eSIM — Korea requires a working data connection for practical navigation. Naver Maps (the local standard) and Kakao T (the taxi app) don't work well offline.

• 💡 Exchange some cash or confirm your card works — airport exchange rates are reasonable, and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Seoul. Still, having ₩10,000–20,000 in cash on hand never hurts for smaller purchases.

💡 TIP: The convenience stores and SIM card desks are all inside the arrivals hall before you exit — grab everything in one pass before you hit the transport area.

Your Four Main Options: A Quick Comparison

Option 1: AREX — The Airport Railroad Express

The AREX (공항철도, Airport Railroad Express) is the fastest and most popular choice for getting from Incheon Airport to Seoul. Two services share the same line, and picking the right one matters.

AREX Express Train (직통)

The Express is non-stop from Incheon to Seoul Station — no intermediate stops, no confusion. It departs from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

• 📍 Terminal 1: 43 minutes to Seoul Station, ₩9,500 (~$7)

• 📍 Terminal 2: 51 minutes to Seoul Station, ₩13,000 (~$9.50)

• 📍 Frequency: Every 30–40 minutes

• 📍 Tickets: Sold at AREX counters in the basement of both terminals. Pay by cash, credit card, or contactless Visa/Mastercard.

💡 TIP: The last Express train departs Terminal 1 around 22:30. If you land on a late-night flight, don't count on it — check the schedule before you commit.

AREX All-Stop Train (일반)

The All-Stop train makes 11 intermediate stops, including Hongdae (홍대입구) and Gongdeok (공덕), both of which connect directly to Seoul's subway network. If you're staying in Hongdae, Mapo, or anywhere easily reachable from those stations, this is often a smarter pick than the Express.

• 📍 Travel time: ~60–66 minutes to Seoul Station

• 📍 Price: ₩4,950–5,350 (~$3.60–4) depending on boarding station

• 📍 Frequency: Every 6–12 minutes

• 📍 Payment: Tap directly with your T-money card at the gate — no ticket counter needed

💡 TIP: If your final destination is Hongdae or Gongdeok, the All-Stop gets you there with a direct transfer to Line 2 or Line 5 — no need to go all the way to Seoul Station and backtrack.

Option 2: Limousine Bus — The No-Hassle Neighborhood Drop-Off

Despite the glamorous name, the Limousine Bus (리무진버스) is simply a comfortable, dedicated airport coach — and it's one of the most underrated options for people moving to or living in Korea.

Unlike the AREX, which deposits you at Seoul Station and requires a subway connection, limousine buses run direct routes to popular neighborhoods: Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, Dongdaemun, and more. You load your luggage underneath, sit in a comfortable seat, and get off near your destination — no stairwells, no transfers, no wrestling a suitcase through crowded subway cars.

Key Details

• 📍 Travel time: 70–90 minutes depending on traffic and route

• 📍 Price: ₩17,000 (~$12) — purchased at ticket booths in the arrivals hall or via app

• 📍 Bus stops: Found on Level 1 of both terminals, clearly marked by route number

• 💡 Payment: The payment system has changed — confirm that your foreign card is accepted at the booth, or purchase via the Incheon Airport app in advance

💡 TIP: Buses run routes to specific neighborhoods, not a single central hub. Check which route serves your area before you buy — the booth staff can help, and route maps are posted in English.

One important caveat: traffic. Seoul traffic is real. The 70-minute estimate can stretch to 100+ minutes during peak hours or weekday rush. If you have a fixed commitment on arrival day, factor in buffer time.

Option 3: Taxi — The "Just Get Me There" Option

Sometimes you land exhausted, you have three suitcases, and you need to be at a specific address. That's what taxis are for.

Standard vs. Deluxe Taxis

Korea's taxis come in two main types at Incheon:

• ① Regular taxi (일반택시): ₩65,000–80,000 (~$47–58) to central Seoul

• ② Deluxe/Jumbo taxi (모범택시, 대형택시): ₩80,000–100,000 (~$58–73), larger vehicles, useful for groups with lots of luggage

All licensed airport taxis operate on a metered fare. There are no negotiations needed — just show the driver your destination on Kakao Maps or a written address.

💡 TIP: Download Kakao T before you land. You can book a taxi from the airport through the app, which confirms the estimated fare upfront and removes any language barrier.

One firm rule: avoid late-night arrivals on AREX if the last train has already gone. After midnight, a taxi is your only real option — and it's completely fine. Just know the price going in.

How to Choose: A Quick Decision Guide

Still not sure? Here's how to think about it:

• 💡 Traveling solo with a backpack, heading to central Seoul? → AREX Express. Fast, cheap, done.

• 💡 Staying in Hongdae or Mapo? → AREX All-Stop. Save money, direct transfer.

• 💡 Arriving with heavy luggage or heading to Gangnam/Myeongdong/Dongdaemun? → Limousine Bus. Door-to-door comfort.

• 💡 Landing after 22:30, traveling with family, or just exhausted? → Taxi. Worth every won.

• 💡 Moving to Korea with multiple large bags and a group? → Private transfer or taxi. Don't punish yourself on day one.

One Last Thing Before You Go

The first trip from Incheon to Seoul sets the tone for everything that follows. Getting it right isn't just about saving ₩10,000 — it's about arriving with enough energy to actually start your life here. Whether you're a new expat hunting for your first jeonse (전세, Korea's lump-sum deposit lease system), a student heading to a university dormitory, or a digital nomad checking into a short-term goshiwon (고시원, compact furnished room popular with budget travelers), you've already done the hardest part: you showed up.

The train is waiting downstairs. The signs are in English. You've got this.

Looking for a place to stay in Korea?

Homes in Korea helps foreigners find monthly rentals, furnished rooms, and long-term housing. Browse available rooms →