[2022 Update] How To Get from Incheon Airport to Seoul Cheap & Fast

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Are you looking for how to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul Cheap and Fast? I have traveled to the Incheon airport so many times in different ways, I can tell you. 

 

First, these are the 4 ways you can take to get to Seoul from Incheon Airport

Click the hyperlink on each category’s detail

  • Taxi: The most comfortable but costly 
  • AREX Express Train: The fastest way (only 45 minutes) but only goes to Hong Dae or Seoul Station (Myeongdong / Insadong)
  • Airport Bus: Cheaper than Taxi, and perfect for travellers staying at major hotels (It stops at most of the hotels)
  • Pick-Up Service: Perfect for groups more than 5 or looking for cheaper alternative than taxi

 

 

 

Incheon Airport Taxi

Easiest way to get out of Incheon airport to Seoul is by taxi (obviously). 

All you need to do is follow the sign and hop on an Incheon airport taxi. However, there are few different type of cabs, and please read this before taking a taxi. 

Taxi sign at Incheon International airport
when you get out from the immigration, you will see a sign near the exit with TAXI. Let’s follow the sign
If you don’t speak any Korean, I would recommend you to go to 4C – 4D. It is where the international taxis are at
They will make sure you do not miss the sign
When you go out, you will see a big board with a sign TAXI taking you to C and D
Another small sign showing you the direction to take a taxi at the incheon airport to Seoul

 

 

 

 

Which Incheon Airport Taxi Should I Take? 

There are several different types of taxis. 

  • Orange Taxi: Orange taxi is a normal taxi
  • Gentle Taxi (모범택시): It is a premium taxi and costs 40-50% more than the normal taxi. It will always be a black car. 
  • Gentle Van Taxi (모범 밴): It is suitable for group tavellers as it will have a bigger trunk to fit all the luggage. 

This is the normal taxi which is an orange color
This is the normal taxi which is an orange color
Gentle cars are usually (or mostly black) I don’t know why though

 

 

How Much Does It Cost to Take Taxi? and How Long Does It Take from Incheon Airport to the Seoul City Center by Taxi? 

  • The Cost: 50,000 won – 80,000 won depending on what type of car and how far you go. 
  • The Time: 1 hour – 2 hours depending on traffic and rush hour
  • Comfort Level: Super Comfortable

 

Related: Best Way to Get Your Pre-Paid SIM Card is at the Airport, and How to Get 30% Discount

 

 

 

Taking a Taxi to the City Center Is the Easiest and Effortless, but Avoid the Rush Hour Which Can Be Stressful

Of course, by car it will be the easiest. You just go out and grab a cab and show the driver the address.

Please try to write it in Korean unless you are staying at the famous hotels like Hilton or Hyatt. The drivers don’t speak much English and it’s just going to be frustrating for you and the driver.

The traffic can be bad when you enter the city. During rush hour is going to be the worst especially.

 

 

Train (AREX Express Train or Local Train)

The train will be the best choice, if you are staying near Seoul Station (Myeongdong) or Hong Dae.

Also, it is best choice during the rush hour as well. I normally go home by train. 

 

You Can Watch My Experience Taking AREX Express Train on My Vlog 

 

 

 

It is pretty straight forward to get the local train or the express train. Again, there are two types of train – express train and local train. 

  • Express Train: It will take you the Seoul Station in 43 minutes. If you are staying at Myeongdong / Insadong area, this is the best choice. 
  • Local Train: The map below shows you where it stops. Travellers staying in Hongdae will take this train. And this is the easiest way to get to Hongdae. 
Taking Local Train will take you to Digital Media CIty and Hong Dae

 

If you are staying near these areas, taking the train is the best option. If you read my which area the stay in Seoul, you will have a better understanding. 

Related Post : 

If you are going to book the AREX Express train, please book it online as you can buy it 34% cheaper.

Click Here to Book It Online

 

You can get more information below on my related blog post. 

 

Related Blog Post: Why It’s the Best Idea to Buy the AREX Express Train and How to Buy it 30% Cheaper

 

Where to Go to Take AREX Express Train

When you pass immigration at Incheon Airport and get to the main arrival, you will see a sign KTX and Airport Railroad. Follow the sign. You will have to go downstairs from Arrival and walk about 5 minutes.
The orange sign is for the express that goes to Seoul Station, and the Blue one (KTX) is a speedy train that goes to country side of Korea (i.e. Busan)
You will see the signs everywhere saying Express Train and All Stop Trains on the floor
This is the map of where you can go after taking the express train to Seoul Station

 

 

So, How Much Does It Cost? and How Long Does It Take? 

  • The Cost: 5,000 won 
  • The Time: 43 minutes to Seoul Station
  • Comfort Level: Comfortable

So, this is a long post, but hopefully I can help you transition smoothly arriving in Korea.

 

 

If you have any questions on how to get these transportation or any help getting settled in Korea, please leave us a comment. I am more than happy to help people visiting Korea!

Related Blog Post: You can also Go to Pyeongchang on KTX from Incheon Airport, and Here is How

 

Airport Bus (Limousine)

Like any other airports, the bus system is well organised and it’s relatively easy to hop on. Compared to taking a taxi, it is cheaper if you are traveling solo or as a couple.

Both Buses are like this

Also, most of the buses have big seats and drop you off at many hotels.

 

So let’s see how to take a bus from Incheon Airport to Seoul. This is also my favorite way of going back home unless my parents come and pick me up. 

RELATED: BEST KOREAN CUISINES AND RESTAURANTS THAT YOU CAN ONLY TRY IN KOREA

 

 

What Type of Bus Should I Take from Incheon Airport to Seoul City Center?

It is easier to just buy the ticket at the counter in Incheon Airport, Korea or buy it online if you don’t like lining up for tickets.

There are two types of bus you can take : Korean Air Express Bus and Local Bus. Both buses are comfortable and spacious.

 

Korean Air Express Bus

This bus is a premium bus and will be faster than the local bus. It will stop at almost major hotels, so if you are staying at a hotel like Four Seasons hotel taking a Korean Air Express Bus is the easiest.

It is about 18,000 won. You can check if it stops at your hotel here and the time of the bus schedule. 

Korean Air Express bus is also cheaper if you buy it online. You can buy it 12% Cheaper than buying it at the airport. 

 

Click Here to Book KAL Limusine Online

 

If you buy it at the counter, you will get a ticket like this. If you buy it through Klook, you will just need to show the mobile pass on Klook

 

 

Local Bus

It goes almost everywhere, but it can take more time because of many stops. It will be more beneficial for people staying at Airbnb and smaller hotels (as Korean Air Express bus only goes to big hotel chains).

You can check if the local buses go to your area here. If you need help with find the right bus, you can leave a comment below. 

Local bus is also cheaper if you buy it online. You can buy it 10% Cheaper than buying it at the airport. 

You can buy the ticket after exiting baggage claim. I will explain exactly where it is soon. 

 
 

Where to Buy the Airport Ticket

You can see below showing where you can buy the tickets. 

  • Inside Incheon Airport : Exit 4 / 9
  • Outside Incheon Airport : Exit 4 / 6/ 7/ 8/ 11/ 13

 

This is the board showing where you can find the telcom companies
This is the board showing where you can find the telcom companies
You can find the sign that looks like this. Booth 22 at Incheon Airport Arrival is the Express Korean Air Bus. Booth 23 is the Taxi Service you can book if you are worried about dealing with the drivers
At Incheon Airport Arrival booth 20 and 21 is for Local buses . Make sure you ask about which bus you need to take from the hotel or Airbnb
Outdoor Bus Ticket Booth in Arrival Incheon Airport located on exit 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13

 

Depending on which town you go, you have to the section of the bus stop at the Arrival Incheon Airport
But Don’t worry too much. When you go out, you will see another sign with the number and the town it goes on a board

 

So, How Much Does It Cost? and How Long Does It Take? 

  • The Cost: 15,000 won  (local) | 18,000 won (KAL)
  • The Time: 1 hour – 2 hours depending on traffic and rush hour
  • Comfort Level: Comfortable

The buses are probably better than taxi in terms of cost. 

 

Pick Up / Drop Off Service

Pick Up/ Drop Off services are best for groups or arrive late at night. You can book it before you arrive at Incheon Airport. 

Book a Pick Up Service 

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