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From Incheon Airport to Seoul print

From Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul
The opening of Airport Railroad Express (AREX) on March 23, 2007 means that travelers have yet another means of public transport between Incheon International Airport and downtown Seoul. Today, railroad, airport bus, and taxi services are available. The greatest advantage of the railroad is that travelers can avoid the traffic congestion in Seoul and arrive at their destinations exactly as scheduled. So far, however, only phase 1 of AREX has been completed. For the time being, in order to travel to downtown Seoul, you need to make several transfers.

The Airport Bus is the most preferred option today for traveling between Incheon International Airport and downtown Seoul. If the traffic is good, you can arrive in the heart of Seoul from Incheon International Airport within one hour. A luxury limousine, with its spacious legroom and comfortable seats, is perhaps the best option to help you recover from a long flight. A taxi may be somewhat costly but may be worthwhile if you have heavy baggage or are traveling in a group. The expressway toll (~ 7,100 won) needs to be paid by the taxi passenger.
For more on transportation information, visit the Incheon Int’l Airport’s official website, click!
1. Airport Railroad Express
Phase 1 of the Airport Railroad Expressed (AREX) opened on March 23, 2007. Currently operating between Incheon International Airport and Gimpo Airport, it takes about 33 minutes by commuter train. Only Phase 1 is in operation, so you will need to transfer to Seoul Subway Line 5 at Gimpo Airport in order to go to downtown Seoul. Phase 2 of the AREX, which will run all the way from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station downtown, will be completed by 2010.
Incheon International Airport Station of AREX is located on the first underground level of the Transportation Center at Incheon International Airport. Free electric cart service is available for passengers with heavy baggage, senior citizens, and the disabled. Service hours: 7:00~21:00 (365 days a year)
AREX Line Map
Travel time
Commuter train: Incheon International Airport -> Gimpo Airport 33 minutes
Express train: Incheon International Airport -> Gimpo Airport 28 minutes
Fare
Station Incheon Int’l Airport Station Incheon Int’l Airport Cargo Terminal Station Unseo Station Geomam Station Gyeyang Station
Incheon Int’l Airport Cargo Terminal Station 900        
Unseo Statio 900 900      
Geomam Station 2,200 2,000 1,600    
Gyeyang Station 2,600 2,200 2,100 900  
Gimpo Airport Station 3,100 2,900 2,600 1,100 900
※ Free for children five years old or younger / 50% discount for children aged 6~12
Station Gimpo Airport Station
Incheon Int’l Airport Station 7,900 won Special discount fare: 3,100 won
※ Free for children five years old or younger / 50% discount for children aged 6~12
AREX Timetable
Incheon Int‘l Airport -> Gimpo Airport timetable
Gimpo Airport -> Incheon Int’l Airport timetable
[ How to get to downtown Seoul from Incheon Int’l Airport via AREX ]
[1. AREX sign][2. Ticket vending machine]
[3. AREX Gate][4. Scanning a ticket when entering]
[5. AREX platform][6. Inside a commuter train]
[7. Transferring to Line 5][8. Inserting a ticket ]
Details on photos
1. AREX sign : When you walk out from the arrival floor, you will see a sign for the Transportation Center, where you can catch the AREX. Follow this sign and go to the Incheon Int’l Airport Transportation Center.
2. Ticket vending machine : You can get a ticket from a vending machine at the Transportation Center or from the Information Center.
[How to use the ticket vending machine]
[1. Select language:
English, Chinese, or Japanese]		 [2. Select your destination] [3. Select adult or child and the number of persons]
[4. Press “ticketing”] [5. Check fare] [6. Insert money]
[7. Left: ticket / Right: change] [8. AREX commuter train ticket]
3. AREX gate: Go to the AREX entrance
4. Scan ticket when entering: Place the ticket lightly on the ticket sensor at the AREX Gate. Does not require direct contact.
5. AREX Platform: On the platform, the arrival time of the next train is displayed on an electronic bulletin board.
6 Inside a commuter train: The interior of a commuter train is similar to those of subways in Korea. Long benches run along each side and face each other. Seats on an express train are arranged in the same way as on the KTX train: all face forward and are more comfortable.
7. Transferring to Line 5: When you get off the train at Gimpo Airport Station, you will see purple signs on the platform showing the way to Seoul Subway Line 5. In order to transfer to Subway Line 5, follow the signs and insert your ticket into the turnstile at the exit. You need to buy a separate ticket for the Seoul Subway. 8. Inserting a ticket: When you enter the station, you need to keep your ticket after having it read by a sensor at the turnstile. When you exit the station, you need to insert the ticket into the turnstile.
2. Airport Bus
Airport buses run from Incheon Int’l Airport to various parts of Seoul. You can buy a ticket for your destination at the ticket desk on the arrival floor (1st floor). You can get information on bus routes and bus stops at the Airport Information Desk.
Types of buses
There are two types of airport buses: deluxe and standard. Deluxe buses are KAL limousines that go straight to major hotels in Seoul. Since they only go to deluxe hotels, these buses are faster than standard limousine buses. They also have fewer seats and are, naturally, more comfortable. Standard limousine buses stop at several bus stops, so you can get closer to your final destination. Airport limousine buses are much more comfortable than standard city buses.
Bus fare
Deluxe limousine bus : Except when heading to Gimpo Airport (6,000 won), the fare for most routes to downtown Seoul is 13,000 won. Only the Nowon and Changdong routes are 12,000 won. Standard limousine bus : Except when heading to Gimpo Airport (4,500 won), the fare for a standard limousine bus to downtown Seoul is 7,500~8,000 won.
Searching for airport bus number and detailed information
Click the banner below and enter your destination and press “search”. The airport bus number and brief information will be shown. If you press “detail”, detailed information on bus stops, a route map, the fare, travel time, and frequency will show.
Search airport bus number and detailed information
Photos of three types of airport bus ticket booths
On the arrival floor (1st floor), airport bus ticket booths are located between Gates 2 and 3, Gates 4 and 5, Gates 8 and 9, and Gates 12 and 13. If you walk out through Gates 7 or 8, you will find a ticket booth right next to the gate. Small ticket stands are along the outside of the arrival floor (1st floor) where the airport bus stops are located.
How to read a ticket
1. Destination: If your destination is Lotte Hotel near Myeong-dong, “Lotte Hotel” will be indicated in Korean.
2. Ticket price.
3. “04B, 11A” indicates that you can take the bus at bus stop 04B or 11A. The number and letter tell you the location of the bus stop. The number indicates the gate number, and “A” means the left side of the gate and “B” means the right side of the gate. For instance, “04B” means that the bus stop is located to the right side of Gate
4. There is no need to worry since the signs at the bus stops are easy to see.
How to read a bus stop sign

1. Departure time: “1500, 20, 40” means that a bus leaves at 15:00, 15:20, and 15:40. A bus stop attendant updates the departure information on the signs every hour.
2. 4B: Indicates bus stop 4B
3. To City Hall: This means that the bus is headed to City Hall. The English name is written below the Korean. 4. Route: This is a route map. Bus stop names are shown in both Korean and English, so you can check where you need to get off.
At the Airport Information Desk between Gates 3 and 4 or Gates 11 and 12 on the arrival floor (1st floor) or the Airport Bus Ticket booths described above, check the bus number (or route) to your destination and buy a ticket at one of the ticket booths -> Check the bus stop indicated on your ticket -> Go to the bus stop and check the bus route and departure time -> When on the bus, pay attention to the English recording indicating the bus stops and make sure to get off at your destination.
3. Taxi
A taxi is recommended if you have heavy baggage or are traveling in a group. In order to take a taxi, exit the arrival floor (1st floor) of the airport through Gates 4 through 8, cross the street, and go to the taxi stands at 4C~8C. In Korea, there are three types of taxis.
Standard and deluxe taxis carry up to four passengers, and the jumbo deluxe taxi takes up to eight passengers. The fare for a deluxe taxi is about 50% higher than for a standard taxi, but the quality of service is much better. In order to drive a deluxe taxi, the driver must have at least ten years of accident-free experience driving a standard taxi and complete special service training.
Deluxe taxis are more spacious. While standard taxies have a late night surcharge, the deluxe taxi does not charge one. If you are planning to take a taxi after midnight, you might as well take a deluxe taxi. Depending on your destination, the fare for a standard taxi from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul should be 60,000 ~
100,000. The 7,100 won toll fee for the Incheon International Airport Expressway needs to be paid by the passenger. Just in case a driver demands an extra charge, report the incident to the Foreigner Support Center (+82-2-731-6800~1, English and Japanese available). In such a case, try to remember the license plate number.
For more information on airport taxi, click here!
Comparison of Transportation Means from Incheon Int’l Airport to Myeong-dong
1. By AREX
If you want to go from Incheon International Airport to Myeong-dong by AREX, you need to transfer from AREX to Subway Line 5 at Incheon International Airport. At Singil Station, you will then need to transfer to Subway Line 1. Finally, you will need to transfer to Subway Line 4 at Seoul Station, which goes directly to Myeong-dong. The total trip including transfers should take about 91 minutes.
Route : Incheon International Airport -> Myeong-dong
Total travel time : 91 minutes
Fare : Incheon International Airport -> Gimpo Airport 3,100 won + Gimpo Airport -> Myeong-dong 1,200 won=4,300won
Where to take : Incheon International Airport Transportation Center
2. By Airport Bus
The airport bus is a very convenient option since you do not need to transfer. Many people use a bus when they travel from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul. This is the most recommended transportation means available at Incheon International Airport. Just be aware of the possibility of serious traffic congestion if you happen to be on the road during the rush hour.
Route : Incheon International Airport -> Myeong-dong
Estimated total travel time : 70 minutes
Fare : 8,000 won (Standard limousine)
Where to take: Bus Stops 5B or 12A outside the arrival floor of Incheon International Airport
3. By Taxi
A taxi is recommended if you arrive late at night and buses are no longer operating or if you have heavy baggage or there are many members in your party. If you go to Myeong-dong by a deluxe taxi late at night, you need to pay about 100,000 won. The fare varies depending on distance (meters). Deluxe taxi drivers are very kind and charge fairly by the meter. No need to worry about illegal demands for extra charges. For safety, however, you should check to make sure that the meter is operating.
Route : Incheon International Airport -> Myeong-dong
Estimated total travel time : 60 minutes
Fare : about 90,000 won + Express toll fee 7,100 won
Where to take : Taxi stand 8C (taxi stand for deluxe taxies) (Exit the arrival floor via gate 7 and cross the street.)
 

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