Incheon Airport to Seoul (2026) | AREX Express Train Price, Timetable & How to Ride
How to get from Seoul Station to Incheon Internation Airport and vice versa!
- What is the AREX Express Train?
- What is the Incheon Airport Line (all-stop)
- AREX Express Train vs All-stop Train — Which One Should You take?
- AREX Express Train Time Table
- How to Buy a Discounted AREX Ticket Online
- How to Take the AREX from Seoul Station
- What's It Like Inside the AREX Express Train?
- FAQ
After an exhausting trip and finally arriving in Korea at Incheon International Airport, it can be discouraging to learn that getting to Seoul via subway can take around 1 hour and a half! Also, sometimes the subways can get so crowded that you won't be able to get a seat and will have to stand the whole way. However, there is another option to get into Seoul called the AREX, which is a direct train to Seoul that will get you there in under an hour. If you take the AREX to Incheon Airport, you can check in for your flight at Seoul Station so you won't have to worry about it when you get to the airport!
Tickets for the Incheon Airport Railroad AREX can now be purchased at discounted prices! Tickets for the Incheon Airport AREX direct train (with a travel duration of 43 minutes from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station) are now available through Creatrip. Check out our editor's review on the AREX ride.
To purchase AREX tickets at 25% off and find out how to use them, click on the link below!
What is the AREX Express Train?
Stops: Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 & 2, Seoul Station
Duration: 43 - 51 minutes
Ticket fare: 13,000 KRW 11,600 KRW on Creatrip
The AREX Airport Express takes you directly to Seoul Station from either terminal at Incheon International Airport. Unlike the regular all-stop train, it does not stop at popular Seoul subway stations like Hongdae Univ. Station or Myeongdong Station, however, it is still faster to get to these areas by taking the AREX to Seoul Station and going from there.
What is the Incheon Airport Line (all-stop)
Stops: Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 -> Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 -> Airport Cargo Office Station -> Unseo Station -> Yeongjong Station -> Cheongna International City Station -> Geonam Station -> Gyeyang Station -> Gimpo International Airport Station -> Magongnaru Station -> Digital Media City Station -> Hongik Univ. Station -> Gongdeok Station -> Seoul Station
Duration: 59 minutes to 66 minutes
Ticket fare: Up to 5,350 KRW for adults (Depending on destination)
You can also take the all-stop Airport Line to Seoul. This takes you to popular train stations like Hongik Univ. Station. The downside is that this line is often taken by locals getting to and from Seoul so it is most likely going to be crowded. If you're looking for a smooth, comfortable ride, you're better off booking an AREX ticket.
The trains comes every 5-15 minutes.
AREX Express Train vs All-stop Train — Which One Should You take?
These two trains run on the same tracks but provide two different experiences in terms of price, duration, ease of use, and amenities. Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you decide what's better for you:
| AREX Express Train | All-Stop Train | |
| Duration | 43-51 minutes | 59-66 minutes |
| Price | 13,000 KRW (standard) / 11,600 KRW (Creatrip) | Up to 5,350 KRW |
| Guaranteed Seating (reservation) | ✅ Yes | ❌ First come first serve |
| Free WI-FI | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Luggage Storage | ✅ Dedicated compartments | ❌ Limited space |
| Restrooms | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Number of Stops | Direct (no stops) | 14 stations |
| Payment Method | Pre-booked ticket (QR code) | T-money card or single-use ticket |
When the Express Train Actually Makes More Sense
If your stay isn't located at one of the stops before Seoul Station, then I would highly recommend taking the express train! Especially if you're traveling in a big group with a lot of luggage, you wouldn't want to be caught in the all stop train during rush hour.
AREX Express Train Time Table
Updated on April 9, 2026
| ICN Terminal 2 (Departure time) | ICN Terminal 1 (Stop/Depart) | Seoul Station (Arrival time) |
| 05:16 | 05:24 | 06:07 |
| 06:00 | 06:08 | 06:51 |
| 06:30 | 06:38 | 07:21 |
| 07:05 | 07:13 | 07:56 |
| 08:10 | 08:18 | 09:01 |
| 08:58 | 09:06 | 09:49 |
| 09:30 | 09:38 | 10:21 |
| 10:10 | 10:18 | 11:01 |
| 10:50 | 10:58 | 11:41 |
| 11:30 | 11:38 | 12:21 |
| 12:10 | 12:18 | 13:01 |
| 12:45 | 12:53 | 13:36 |
| 13:20 | 13:28 | 14:11 |
| 14:00 | 14:08 | 14:51 |
| 14:40 | 14:48 | 15:31 |
| 15:20 | 15:28 | 16:11 |
| 16:00 | 16:08 | 16:51 |
| 16:40 | 16:48 | 17:31 |
| 17:20 | 17:28 | 18:11 |
| 18:10 | 18:18 | 19:01 |
| 18:35 | 18:43 | 19:26 |
| 19:15 | 19:23 | 20:06 |
| 20:05 | 20:13 | 20:56 |
| 20:55 | 21:03 | 21:46 |
| 21:50 | 21:58 | 22:41 |
| 22:40 | 22:48 | 23:31 |
| Seoul Station -> Incheon International Airport | ||
| Seoul Station (Departure time) | ICN Terminal 1 (Stop/depart) | ICN Terminal 2 (Arrival time) |
| 06:00 | 06:43 | 06:51 |
| 06:45 | 07:28 | 07:36 |
| 07:20 | 08:03 | 08:11 |
| 08:06 | 08:49 | 08:57 |
| 08:55 | 09:38 | 09:46 |
| 09:45 | 10:28 | 10:36 |
| 10:20 | 11:03 | 11:11 |
| 10:56 | 11:39 | 11:47 |
| 11:35 | 12:18 | 12:26 |
| 12:10 | 12:53 | 13:01 |
| 12:50 | 13:33 | 13:41 |
| 13:30 | 14:13 | 14:21 |
| 14:10 | 14:53 | 15:01 |
| 14:50 | 15:33 | 15:41 |
| 15:30 | 16:13 | 16:21 |
| 16:10 | 16:53 | 17:01 |
| 16:50 | 17:33 | 17:41 |
| 17:25 | 18:08 | 18:16 |
| 18:00 | 18:43 | 18:51 |
| 18:55 | 19:38 | 19:46 |
| 19:36 | 20:19 | 20:27 |
| 20:10 | 20:53 | 21:01 |
| 20:45 | 21:28 | 21:36 |
| 21:30 | 22:13 | 22:21 |
| 22:03 | 22:20 | 23:11 |
| 23:00 | 23:43 | 23:51 |
How to Buy a Discounted AREX Ticket Online
AREX Reservation Process
Step 1 | Reserve your AREX ticket on the Creatrip website. |
Step 2 | Please enter the required information in detail and complete the payment. Your reservation will be confirmed immediately after payment is completed and the voucher below will be issued.
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Step 3 | You can confirm your reservation through the "My Reservation" page |
Step 4 | Be sure to use your AREX ticket within the validity period! After going to the AREX site, you can select the desired date. (For detailed AREX site reservation procedure, please refer to the following chart) |
How To Reserve An AREX Ticket
1. Online Reservation
Step 1 | Please search about the train you want to make a reservation for on the AREX site. Depending on the airline you use, you can select either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. Departure date selection can be viewed up to 4 months after today's date. The departure time of the train can be viewed as a time after the current time on the current date. Reservations can be made for up to 12 people including adults and children. Infants under the age of 6 are free of charge when accompanied by a guardian. However, if you want a separate seat, you must purchase an additional ticket.
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Step 2 | After checking the train schedule, click 'Reserve Train'.  |
Step 3 | Select 'Member Purchase / Non Member Purchase' to proceed with the reservation. If you want to keep record of your reservation history, we recommend that you register as a member. |
Step 4 | Seats are assigned automatically when you select a train schedule. From here you can click 'Change Seat' to choose your own seating. |
Step 5 | Click on 'Discount' to get your 25% off.  |
Step 6 | Enter the exchange number (13 digits) received on the voucher and proceed with the verification. After authentication is complete, click the 'Confirm' button.  |
Step 7 | After confirming and paying you'll receive your online ticket! It will look something like this.  |
Step 8 | To save your ticket, click 'Print' and save it as a PDF  |
Step 9 | Use the QR code on the ticket to board your train.  |
2. Offline Reservation (On-site)
Step 1 | You can exchange AREX tickets at the ticket kiosk on-site as well. Head to the 'Express Train Ticket Vending Machines' to get your tickets.  |
Step 2 | Select your destination (Airport or Seoul).  |
Step 3 | Select preferred boarding time.  |
Step 4 | Select the number of people that will be boarding. It should be the same as the number of reservations made. Then, you'll be able to select your seats.  |
Step 5 | After selecting your seats, select the option that says 'Exchange a ticket(Voucher)' at the payment stage.  |
Step 6 | Enter the 13-digit serial number you received on your voucher to receive your ticket and QR code.  |
Step 7 | Scan the QR code at the gate and enter.
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How to Take the AREX from Seoul Station
Seoul Station is one of the largest transportation hubs in Korea, so finding the AREX platform can feel overwhelming at first. Don't worry — the signage is excellent, and we'll walk you through it step by step with photos.
If your hotel or accommodation is not located in Seoul Station, don't fret because all you have to do is make your way to Seoul Station and transfer onto the Airport Express Line!
Once you get off your subway train, look up and around for directions to transfer onto the Airport Express Line.
You will need to tag your transportation card again in order to get onto the Airport Express Line.
Head up the escalators. Look for blue signs pointing toward the Airport Railroad.
Follow the arrows and floor markings through the station.
Seoul Station is very large, and you'll be walking for a few minutes. Don't panic, you're not lost — the signs are consistent, and there are blue lines on the floor in some sections to guide you.
Head deep into the station and you'll see the entrance to the Airport Railroad
Head down the escalators.
And you'll get to the gates!
AREX ticket example
If you book online, you will get a ticket with a QR code, boarding time, arrival location, etc. You will scan this QR code on the scanner at the gates to get access to the AREX Express Train platforms.
*If you get your AREX tickets online, like on Creatrip, you will need to use the reservation code provided by Creatrip to book your tickets on the official AREX website. On the website, head over to the reservations tab, input your reservation code, choose your train boarding time, and then you'll get your AREX ticket(QR code).
What's It Like Inside the AREX Express Train?
The AREX Express Train is superior in various ways. Other than having comfortable seats guaranteed, there is free WIFI for everyone to use, toilets, and even compartments for your luggage.
Start off and end your trip by being overwhelmed by traveling into the city in a crowded train. You can sit back and relax and plan out your trip or just take a break from your tiring travel day.
Book your AREX Express Train tickets for a special price on Creatrip at the link below!
FAQ
Can I use a T-money card to pay for the AREX Express Train?
No, the AREX can only be purchased at the station ticket counter or online on the AREX website or through Creatrip at a discount.
I missed my AREX Express Train, what should I do?
If you missed your train, visit the ticket counter and you should be able to exchange your ticket for a later train (as long as the seats are available). Tickets purchased through discount platforms like Creatrip may have specific exchange policies, so check the terms when you book.
Is there luggage storage on the AREX Express Train?
Yes, each seat has an overhead compartment for small bags (just like a plane). Each cart has a dedicated zone for larger suitcases so you can leave your luggage there.
Do I need to print my AREX ticket?
Nope, all you need is your phone. The QR code is your ticket so I would recommend you to screenshot it just in case of connection issues later on.
Is the AREX Express Train wheelchair accessible?
Yes! There is elevator access at all platforms and designated spaces in each cart.
Can I take the AREX from Gimpo Airport?
No, the AREX only stops at 3 stops: Incheon Airport T1, Incheon Airport T2, Seoul station. The all-stop airport line will stop at Gimpo Airport.
If you have any questions or concerns, Creatrip provides 24/7 real-time support in English, Chinese, and Japanese for international visitors completely free of charge. Reach us anytime on WhatsApp (+82 10-8818-2915) or LINE (@creatrip, @required). You can also follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Youtube to stay updated on all things Korea!
