How to get to Seoul from Incheon Airport (ICN)

ICN to Seoul (to Hongdae, Myeongdong, Gangnam, Seoul Station)

Take Mamakoo Seoul Guide (Busan, Jeju Island also available) with you for must-try food, restaurants, cafes and bars recommended by local insiders!

Seoul is a huge city (almost 6x Paris), and the mode of transportation could very well depend on where you're headed! Here is an overview of 3 most common ways to get to the popular areas with duration and prices (subject to change) from/to the airport.

Tip: Use Naver Map app instead of Google Map to get around the city. English supported.

Summary

While all three options are evenly popular among locals and travelers, it is ideal to see which one will be the best option to the exact destination.

Even as a traveler with a higher budget, if you're headed to either Hongdae or Seoul Station, the express train is the most efficient and the best bang for your buck.

Meanwhile, budget travelers whose destination is not either Hongdae or Seoul Station should consider taking the bus because it will take you very close to your final destination.

1. By train

Express train: 45min / 9,500KRW ($7-8)
Regular train: 55-65min / 4,750KRW ($3-4)
Ideal for: Budget travelers, light travelers, Hongdae, Seoul Station, Gimpo Airport transfer

2. By bus

60-280min / 16,000-18,000KRW ($12-14)
Ideal for: All (hotels or local airbnbs), any destinations throughout Seoul + other cities outside of Seoul

3. By taxi

Regular taxi: 65-85min / approx. 55,000-75,000KRW ($40-55)
Premium / Van taxi: 65-85min / approx. 60,000-90,000KRW ($45-65)
Ideal for: Travelers with luggages, higher budget

Recommended by destination

• Hongdae: express train, bus
• Myeongdong: bus, taxi
• Seoul Station: express train, bus
• Gwanghwamun/City Hall: bus, taxi
• Gangnam: bus, taxi
• Jamsil: bus

1. By subway/train a.k.a. AREX ($)

Express

Regular

If you're a light traveler, the fastest way to get to the city is via express trains. Check official website to see the most updated info on schedule/route/fare.

Express train: 45min / 9,500KRW ($7-8)

Regular train: 55-65min / 4,750KRW ($3-4)

Tickets: Buy at kiosks with credit card or cash (regular train: cash only)

Ideal for: Budget travelers, light travelers, Hongdae, Seoul Station, Gimpo Airport transfer

Pros: Convenient and fast. 

Cons: Might not be suitable for travelers with multiple suitcases because there are limited number of stops - you can transfer to the regular metro subway or take a taxi after getting off (which is not a bad option).

2. By bus ($$)

Limousine bus is a premium express bus with spacious recliner seats, and it has stops throughout the city (especially in front of popular hotels for travelers). You can also go outside of Seoul.

Check the airport website for exact stops and schedules, or simply ask the information desk at the airport if you don't know the exact stop name. They will tell you the best option for your destination/schedule.

Airport Limousine (Express) Bus: 60-80min / 16,000-18,000KRW ($12-14)

Tickets: Buy at kiosks with credit card or cash

Ideal for: All (stops at some hotels or local airbnbs), any destinations throughout Seoul + other cities outside of Seoul

Pros: Takes you right to the hotels / points of interest

Cons: Might take longer depending on the traffic condition

3. By taxi ($$$)

Compared to other major cities around the world, taxi fare in South Korea isn't as hefty. Once you exit the airport, simply follow the sign for taxi stops. Fare is strictly controlled by the operators so you don't need to worry about being overcharged. You can also ask for the approximate fare before committing.

(Take a picture of the taxi driver's info if you feel uncomfortable about the fare. You can claim any mistreatment and get a refund.)

Regular taxis are colored orange, silver or white.

Premium taxis are colored black, and offer better service (cleaner, more lux feel) with slightly higher fare.

Regular taxi: 65-85min / approx. 55,000-75,000KRW ($40-55)

Premium / Van taxi: 65-85min / approx. 60,000-90,000KRW ($45-65

Payment: Credit card or cash

Ideal for: Travelers with luggages, higher budget

Pros: Convenient with point to point transfer regardless of destination, max comfort

Cons: Pricier, duration might vary per traffic condition

+ Don't forget to take Mamakoo Seoul Guide (Busan, Jeju Island also available) with you for must-try food, restaurants, cafes and bars recommended by local insiders!