Seoul Airport Transportation

By Andrew Lewis on 06 Oct 2023

Home to a golf course, an ice-skating rink, a driving range, indoor gardens, and tons of other attractions and amenities, Seoul Incheon International Airport is a destination in and of itself. South Korea’s largest airport, it’s the main point of entry to the capital city and to South Korea overall. Located about 32 miles outside Seoul city center, it’s consistently ranked as a world’s best airport on account of its modern infrastructure and wow-worthy attractions.

Its numbers are still bouncing back post-pandemic, but in 2019, more than 71 million passengers passed through this major East Asian hub, traveling to Seoul and the rest of South Korea or heading across the world. With its wealth of amenities, however, like museums, a spa, and a nearby golf course reached via shuttle, you’re just as likely to want to spend time in the airport as you are to head to your final destination.

Whether you’re looking for an Incheon airport transfer or hanging out in the terminal, this essential guide to Seoul airport will help get your trip started on the right foot.

Seoul Airport Fast Facts

  • Name: Incheon International Airport
  • Code: ICN
  • Terminals: Two (international and domestic flights depart from both terminals)
  • Airlines: 80+
  • Services: Currency exchange, ATMs, lounges, restaurants, shopping, taxi service, museums, and attractions.

How Long Does It Take to Get to Seoul Airport?

Located outside the capital city of Seoul, Incheon International Airport is approximately 30 miles from the city center. Travel time can take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of transit and variables like traffic conditions and time of day. Always allow plenty of time to get to the airport prior to departure.

Getting Between Terminals

Incheon Airport has two main terminals, which both offer domestic and international flights. Unlike many other major airports where domestic and international flights are separated by terminal, you’ll need to make note of which terminal your airline is in before arriving.

A free shuttle bus connects the two terminals, with departures roughly every 10 minutes. The ride between terminals takes between 15 and 18 minutes. The Airport Railroad Express, which connects the airport to central Seoul, also connects the terminals and can be used to go from one to another.

Getting to and From Seoul Airport

The airport offers several convenient ways to get into the city center.

Taxis

For door-to-door service, taxis can be found outside both terminals, with a real-time counter on the airport website showing availability. Base fare to get into Seoul starts at ₩4,800 (Korean won; KRW) and average around ₩45,000 for the hour-long ride into the city. Between midnight and 4:00 am, there is a late-night surcharge of 20% to 40%.

Rideshares

Rideshare apps, like Uber, can do drop-offs and pickups at Incheon Airport, but incur a roughly ₩4,155 surcharge on top of the rate. Fares are typically higher than taxi rates, costing from ₩105,730 to ₩132,160.

Public Transit

South Korean public transportation is renowned for its efficiency, speed, reliability, and comfort, and the public-transit options connecting Seoul to Incheon Airport are no different.

The best way to get from Incheon Airport into the city is via the Airport Railroad Express (AREX), which links the airport with Seoul Station in downtown Seoul. The route also links the smaller Gimpo International Airport to the city as well. Offering a comfortable ride at a reasonable price, the journey from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station takes around 66 minutes and costs ₩9,000 to ride all the way.

Limousine buses, which offer direct or nonstop connections to places throughout Seoul, depart from the arrivals-area transportation center in each terminal. Regular buses are also an option but will take longer, due more stops along the route. The buses operate 24 hours a day, with reduced frequency between midnight and 5:00 am; rates vary between ₩5,000 and ₩9,000.

Hotel Transfers

Seoul airport transportation isn’t limited to public transit, taxis, or rideshares. Some hotels offer complimentary or pre-reserved shuttle transfers from the airport to your hotel. Please confirm this service with your hotel in case you need to reserve a time.

Parking and Car Rentals

Parking is available at both terminals, with both short-term and long-term options. Short-term parking is located right by Terminals One and Two and connects to both via short walkways. For long-term parking at Terminal Two, you’ll need to take a 15-minute shuttle bus from the onsite parking lot to the terminal. Valet parking is also available.

You can use the airport’s parking app to do things like pay for parking and set a reminder about where you parked your car. You can even reserve parking spots in advance. Fees vary by short-term, long-term, or reserved parking, with rates starting at ₩1,200 for half an hour in short-term. Long-term and reserved rates start at ₩1,000, with a daily rate of ₩9,000.

Car-rental agencies are available in both terminals, with options for renting on-site or pre-booking through the rental company’s website.

Preparing for Your South Korea Trip

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a South Korea visa. Start your visa application process.

For more information on other aspects of travel to South Korea,  including travel requirements, health and safety, and culture and traditions, visit our South Korea content hub.