There are many ways to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul station — by bus, train, or taxi—but the fastest and most efficient option is definitely the AREX Express train.
The AREX Express is quite similar to Japan’s Narita Express, but it only takes about an hour to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station and costs just around 9 USD. Plus, if you book your ticket online, you can get an extra discount, making it an incredibly cost-effective option. (In comparison, Japan’s Narita Express costs over 20 USD for a similar distance and level of service!) That’s why this time, Tsubaki is here to share the full process of how I bought my AREX ticket for my trip from Incheon Airport to Seoul, along with tips on how to get the best deal!
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What is AREX Express?
The AREX Express (Airport Railroad Express) is a dedicated railway line connecting Incheon International Airport (인천국제공항) and Seoul Station (서울역). No matter which terminal you arrive at, the AREX Express direct train can quickly take you straight to Seoul Station in under an hour.
AREX offers different ticket types such as one-way and round-trip options, so you can choose according to your travel plans. It’s a time-saver and perfect for a smooth transit into the city.
Ticket Prices
Adult: ₩11,000 (approx. 7.75 USD)
Child: ₩8,000 (approx. 5.65 USD)
Pros and Cons of AREX
In general, travelers going from Incheon Airport to central Seoul often choose between the bus and AREX. The biggest advantage of AREX is that you don’t have to worry about traffic jams, and the train is also cheaper, faster and more comfortable than the bus.
However, since AREX is a direct express to Seoul Station, if your final destination is elsewhere—like Myeongdong or Hongdae—you’ll have to transfer to the subway after getting off at Seoul Station. On the other hand, airport buses do offer direct routes to popular areas like Myeongdong.
So overall, if you’re not in a rush, a bus might be more convenient in some cases. But if you’re worried about traffic—especially when heading back to the airport—AREX is the more reliable choice with fixed schedules and no delays due to road conditions.
Incheon Airport ⇄ Seoul BUS
✔️Incheon Airport Limousine Bus Ticket
✔️ICN to Seoul City K-LIMOUSINE Airport Bus（QR Code）
How to Buy AREX Tickets
There are three main ways to buy AREX tickets:
1. Purchase at the station using the ticket vending machines near the gate
2. Buy from the official AREX website
3. Buy through travel booking platforms like Trip.com, KKday or Klook
Tsubaki highly recommends purchasing from travel platforms, where the price is about 8.1 USD, cheaper than the on-site or official site rates.
Where to Book Online
✔️Trip.com AREX One-way Ticket
✔️KKday AREX One-way Ticket
✔️Klook AREX Voucher
First time using Klook? Use promo code “SP9YHJ” for a discount! [Click here to book on Klook]
Boarding AREX at Terminal 1
After arriving at Terminal 1, just follow the signs for “Railroad”, and you’ll be guided to both the all-stop subway and AREX Express line.
Take note: The AREX Express and regular subway have different gates. The regular subway uses blue signage, while the AREX Express is marked with orange signs—super easy to distinguish!
Buying or Redeeming Your Ticket
If you’re buying on-site or need to redeem a code, head to the ticket machines beside the turnstiles. Even if you book through KKday, you’ll still need to redeem your ticket at these machines.
But if you book via Klook, you can activate your ticket directly in the app, choose your travel time, and instantly receive a QR code. Just scan it at the gate and board—no need to line up for ticket exchange!
Where to Book Online
✔️Trip.com AREX One-way Ticket
✔️KKday AREX One-way Ticket
✔️Klook AREX Voucher
First time using Klook? Use promo code “SP9YHJ” for a discount! [Click here to book on Klook]
Scanning the QR Code to Enter the Gate
Once you’ve received your AREX QR code, simply scan it at the gate before the train departure time to enter the station and head toward the platform.
❗️Pro tip: If you plan to redeem a WOWPASS card inside the AREX station, it’s best to enter about 30 minutes early. There are only two WOWPASS vending machines, and they tend to have long lines!
Related article
✔️ Must-Have for Korea Travel! WOWPASS Transportation Card
Waiting for the AREX Train on the Platform
After passing through the gates, take the escalator down and you’ll arrive at the platform. The train usually arrives shortly before the scheduled departure time.
There aren’t any digital boards displaying the departure times on the platform, but since only about two trains depart per hour, there’s no need to overthink it—just board when the time matches your ticket.
Finding Your Assigned Seat Onboard
All seats on the AREX Express are reserved, just like on the Narita Express in Japan. Your ticket comes with an assigned seat number, so once you board, be sure to find your designated seat.
Where to Book Online
✔️Trip.com AREX One-way Ticket
✔️KKday AREX One-way Ticket
✔️Klook AREX Voucher
First time using Klook? Use promo code “SP9YHJ” for a discount! [Click here to book on Klook]
That’s it! Tsubaki wishes you a smooth and stress-free journey from Incheon Airport to central Seoul 🥰
Let me know if you’d like a short version for social media or need help formatting it into a blog post!
📌Korea Travel Planning
[Airport Transportation] Getting from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station: AREX Express Guide
[Essential Transportation] Must-Have WOWPASS Transit Card for Korea
[Korea eSIM] Unlimited data eSIM on KKday｜Various flexible eSIM options on Klook
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【Traditional Abalone Porridge】Myeongdong Classic: Seowon Abalone Porridge
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