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AREX Complete Guide

General vs Express train, fare, travel time, and transfer tips.

Before and after the airport railroad

Whether the hour you ride the railroad will be crowded is on Busy Times. For arriving flights and baggage, check Live Arrivals. (updated for 2026)

AREX (Airport Railroad Express) is the fastest and most reliable way to reach Incheon Airport from Seoul. Two services run on the same tracks: the non-stop Express and the all-stops General train.

Express Train (직통)

Route: Seoul Station → Incheon Airport T1 → T2 (non-stop)

Travel time: ~43 minutes (Seoul Station → T1), ~51 minutes (→ T2)

Fare: ₩13,000 per adult one way

Frequency: Every 30–40 minutes

Reclining seats, ample luggage space, onboard Wi-Fi. Best choice for heavy bags.

General Train (일반)

Route: Seoul Station → Hongdae → Digital Media City → … → T1 → T2 (9 stops total)

Travel time: ~60 minutes (Seoul Station → T1)

Fare: ₩4,750 (Seoul Station) — can use T-money card or Seoul transit card

Frequency: Every 6–12 minutes

Budget-friendly and transfers seamlessly to Seoul Metro at stations like Hongdae and Kimpo Airport.

Key Tips

First/last train: General trains start ~05:20 and run until ~23:40. Express trains start ~05:50 and run until ~22:40. Check the schedule the day you travel as it can change.
T1 vs T2: T2 is the second stop after T1. Korean Air and Delta passengers need T2 — confirm your terminal before boarding.
City Airport Terminal: Korean Air and Asiana passengers can check bags and clear immigration at Seoul Station AREX terminal up to 3 hours before departure — skip the airport check-in queue entirely.

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