Incheon Airport to Seoul by Subway (AREX Airport Railroad)
From Incheon International Airport, the AREX airport railroad is the fastest and most convenient way into central Seoul. There are two options — the fast Express Train and the cheaper All-Stop Train — and the best route depends on your destination (Myeongdong, Hongdae or Gangnam). Plan it all before you fly with this guide.
Express vs All-Stop Train
| Option | Time | Fare (one-way) | Frequency | T-money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express Train (nonstop)Nonstop to Seoul Station, reserved seat, luggage space, Wi-Fi. | 43 min from T1 · 51 min from T2 | ₩13,000 (≈₩11,500 online, ₩9,500 ages 6–12) | Limited — check timetable | Not accepted (QR ticket required) |
| All-Stop Train (commuter)No reservation. Stops at 13 stations incl. Gimpo Airport, Hongik Univ. and Gongdeok. | About 56–60 min | About ₩4,150–4,750 (by distance) | Every 5–10 min | Accepted |
Seoul Station Transfer Hub
Both trains terminate on basement level 2 of Seoul Station. Seoul Station is a transfer hub where subway Lines 1 and 4 meet KTX high-speed rail, connecting you to anywhere in the city.
If you are headed to Hongdae, it is faster to get off the All-Stop Train at Hongik Univ. Station rather than riding all the way to Seoul Station.
Best Routes by Destination
Hongdae (Hongik Univ.)
- Board the All-Stop Train — no transfer needed
- Get off at Hongik Univ. Station (≈50 min from the airport)
- The main district is around Exits 2 & 8, a 1–5 min walk
Total: About 50 min
Myeongdong
- Take AREX to Seoul Station
- Transfer to Line 4 (toward Danggogae), 2 stops (Hoehyeon → Myeongdong)
- Get off at Myeongdong Station, a 1–3 min walk
Total: About 50 min–1 hr
Gangnam
- Take AREX to Seoul Station
- Ride Line 1 one stop to City Hall
- Transfer to Line 2 to Gangnam Station
Total: About 1–1.5 hr
T-money Transit Card
T-money is a rechargeable transit card that works on the All-Stop Train, the subway and city buses with a single tap. Buy and top it up at airport and station machines or any convenience store.
Note that the Express Train does not accept T-money — you must buy a separate QR ticket.
First & Last Train
The first train runs around 5:20 AM and the last train from the airport departs around 10:48 PM (times vary by day and station). Check the official AREX timetable for exact times.
If you land after the last train, take a late-night airport bus (N6000 / N6001) or a taxi.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station?
- The Express Train is nonstop — 43 min from Terminal 1 and 51 min from Terminal 2. The All-Stop Train takes about 56–60 min.
- Should I take the Express or the All-Stop Train?
- Take the Express (₩13,000) if you want speed and a reserved seat; take the All-Stop Train (≈₩4,150–4,750) if you want to save money or go straight to a station like Hongdae.
- Can I use a T-money card on the Express Train?
- No. The Express Train requires a separate QR ticket. T-money works on the All-Stop Train, the subway and buses.
- What if I arrive late at night?
- After the last train (around 10:48 PM from the airport), take a late-night airport bus (N6000 / N6001) or a taxi.
- How do I get to Myeongdong, Hongdae or Gangnam?
- Hongdae needs no transfer on the All-Stop Train; Myeongdong is 2 stops on Line 4 from Seoul Station; Gangnam is a Line 1–to–Line 2 transfer from Seoul Station.
Explore After You Arrive
Last updated: June 2026 · Fares and timetables can change — please reconfirm with official AREX information.