Seoul Incheon Airport Train — AREX Guide
Incheon International (ICN) to Seoul City — Updated 2026
The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) is the best way to get from Incheon Airport to central Seoul. Two services operate on the same tracks: the Express(직통, KRW 11,000 — non-stop to Seoul Station in 43 minutes) and the All Stop(일반, KRW 4,150–9,500 — stops at Hongdae, Gongdeok, and 5 other stations in 66 minutes). For most visitors, the All Stop is sufficient and half the price.
AREX Express Stations (43 min)
| Station | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Incheon T1 | 0 min | Main international terminal |
| Incheon T2 | +6 min | Korean Air, Delta, Air France hub |
| Seoul Station | 43 min | City terminus — subway Lines 1, 4, Korail |
All Stop Key Stations (useful for Hongdae / Mapo area)
| Station | Approx Time | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Incheon T1 | 0 min | Departure point |
| Incheon T2 | +6 min | - |
| Digital Media City | ~56 min | Connect to subway Line 6 |
| Hongik University | ~59 min | Connect to Lines 2, 9, Gyeongui–Jungang |
| Gongdeok | ~62 min | Connect to Lines 5, 6 |
| Seoul Station | ~66 min | Final stop — Lines 1, 4, Korail |
Flights to Seoul
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AREX vs Taxi vs Bus
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AREX Express | KRW 11,000 | 43 min | Fastest — Seoul Station only |
| AREX All Stop | KRW 4,150–9,500 | 66 min | Hongdae, Gongdeok stops |
| KAL Limousine Bus | KRW 18,000 | 70–90 min | Hotel drop-offs, Gangnam |
| Taxi (metered) | KRW 70,000–90,000 | 60–80 min | Door to door, central Seoul |
| Kakao T taxi | KRW 60,000–80,000 | 60–80 min | App-based, more transparent |
FAQ
Where is the AREX station inside Incheon Airport?+
At Terminal 1: take the escalator down to the basement (B1) from the Arrivals Hall. Follow "Airport Railroad / AREX" signs in yellow and blue. The station is directly beneath the main terminal building. At Terminal 2: same principle — follow signs down to B1. The Express and All Stop trains both depart from the same platforms.
What is the difference between the AREX Express and All Stop trains?+
The Express (직통) runs non-stop between Incheon Airport T1/T2 and Seoul Station in 43 minutes for KRW 11,000. It does not stop in between. The All Stop (일반) train makes 7 intermediate stops including Hongik University (Hongdae), Digital Media City, and Gimpo Airport, taking about 66 minutes to Seoul Station at a lower fare (KRW 4,150–9,500 depending on destination). If you are staying near Hongdae or Mapo, the All Stop is ideal and cheaper.
Can I use a T-money card on the AREX?+
Yes — T-money (the rechargeable transit card used on Seoul buses and subways) is accepted on the All Stop AREX train. It is NOT accepted on the Express train — you must buy a separate Express ticket. You can buy T-money at the airport convenience stores (CU, GS25) or at any subway station vending machine.
How do I get to Gangnam or Myeongdong from AREX?+
For Myeongdong: take AREX to Seoul Station, then transfer to Subway Line 4 (2 stops to Myeongdong). For Gangnam: AREX to Seoul Station, then Line 1 to Sindorim, then Line 2 to Gangnam (total ~90 min). Alternatively, the KAL Limousine Bus has direct stops near major Gangnam hotels. Taxi from airport directly to Gangnam costs about KRW 80,000–100,000.
Is there city check-in at Seoul Station for the AREX?+
Yes — Seoul Station has a City Air Terminal (CAT) where passengers on Korean Air and Asiana Airlines can check their bags and get boarding passes before boarding the AREX Express. This service runs from approximately 05:20 to 19:00. Confirmed city check-in passengers get priority boarding on the Express train.
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