How to Get from Incheon Airport Terminal 1 to Seoul Station by Train – A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors
🚆 How to Get from Incheon Airport Terminal 1 to Seoul Station by Train – A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors
Welcome to Korea! If you're arriving at Incheon International Airport Terminal 1, one of the first things you'll need to do is figure out how to get to Seoul Station. The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) is the fastest, most affordable, and most reliable way to reach downtown Seoul. This guide walks you through every step—from immigration to train boarding—so you can travel with confidence.
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| incheon International Airport |
🛬 Step 1: After Immigration – Finding the AREX Station
Once you pass through immigration and collect your luggage:
- Exit the customs area and enter the Arrival Hall of Terminal 1.
- Look for signs that say “Airport Railroad” or “AREX”—they’re usually blue and clearly marked in English.
- Follow the signs to the Transportation Center, located on B1 level (basement).
- You can take an escalator or elevator down.
- If you're unsure, ask at the Information Desk:
👉 “Where is the train to Seoul Station?”
🚉 Step 2: Choose Your Train – Express vs. All-Stop
| Train Type | Description | Travel Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Train | Non-stop to Seoul Station | ~43 mins | ₩11,000–13,000 |
| All-Stop Train | Stops at all stations | ~59 mins | ₩4,150–4,750 |
- Express Train: Reserved seating, faster, ideal for travelers with luggage.
- All-Stop Train: Cheaper, connects to more stations, similar to a subway.
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| Airport Express (AREX) |
🎫 Step 3: Buying Tickets or T-money Card
Option 1: Single-Use Ticket
- Available at ticket machines or AREX counters near the train entrance.
- Machines support English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean.
- Pay with cash or credit card (Visa/MasterCard usually accepted).
Option 2: T-money Card (Recommended)
- A rechargeable transit card used for subways, buses, and convenience stores.
- Buy at:
- Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) inside the airport
- AREX ticket counter
- Cost: ₩2,500 (card only) + recharge amount
- Recharge at machines or stores
- Foreign credit cards may not work at recharge machines → use cash
🕒 Step 4: Train Schedule & Travel Time
- Express Train: ~43 minutes to Seoul Station
- All-Stop Train: ~59 minutes
- Trains run every 20–30 minutes
- First train: ~5:30 AM / Last train: ~12:00 AM
📍 Step 5: Arriving at Seoul Station
- Seoul Station is the final stop on the AREX line.
- Follow signs to Exit 1–15 or transfer to Subway Line 1 or Line 4.
- Taxis and buses are available outside the station.
🌐 How Korean Subways Compare to Other Countries
| Feature | Korea | USA | Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Free in most stations | Rare | Limited |
| Cleanliness | Very high | Varies | High |
| Ticketing | T-money card, single-use | MetroCard, contactless | Suica/Pasmo |
| Language Support | English, Chinese, Japanese | English only | Japanese, some English |
| Safety | Very safe | Varies | Safe |
👉 Korea’s subway system is known for its cleanliness, punctuality, and multilingual support, making it ideal for foreign travelers.
💡 Pro Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Keep your ticket or T-money card until you exit the station.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport and Seoul Station.
- Station staff wear blue uniforms and can assist you.
- Use Google Maps or Naver Maps for navigation.
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