Airport Railroad (AREX) Express Train

The Airport Railroad (AREX) Express Train is a quick and convenient way to travel between Seoul Station and Incheon International Airport. From Seoul Station, you can continue on to other locations in Seoul by metro or bus, where you can visit sights, restaurants, shop, and join local tours.

Although buses, taxis, and the All Stop Train are available, the Express Train offers the best balance of comfort and value. It guarantees you a reserved seat and luggage space without the risk of getting stuck in Seoul’s heavy traffic.

Fares & Travel Time

The nonstop travel time between Seoul Station and Terminal 1 is about 43 minutes, and about 51 minutes for Terminal 2.

• Adult: 13,000 won
• Child (6 to 12): 9,500 won
• Children under 6: free when not occupying a seat (one child per paying guardian)

Pro Tip: You can often pay less than the standard fare by booking through third-party websites such as Klook.

Express Train vs. All Stop Train

With two train options available, travelers often aren’t sure which one to pick. The table below breaks down the key differences between the Express Train and the All Stop Train to help you decide which is best for your trip.

Where to Buy Tickets

Tickets for the Express Train can be purchased in person at the express train counter or self-service tickets machines. Both the counter and machines accept both Korean won and credit/debit cards, but the ticket machines often declines non-Korean cards. If so, you can head over to the counter to purchase your tickets using your card. Tickets can also be purchased in advanced through the official AREX website or through third-party websites such as Klook.

The express line train runs nonstop between the 2nd floor basement of Seoul Station and Incheon International Airport (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2). The regular All Stop Train takes about 60 minutes and stops at ten major subway stations along the way.

The seats on the express line train are much more comfortable than the seats on the All Stop Train, especially arriving tired after a long international flight.

There is overhead storage for smaller, carry on sized luggage. There is also room for larger sized luggage at the ends of each train car.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens if I miss my scheduled train?

Because your ticket is reserved for a specific seat, it becomes invalid the moment the train leaves. There are no refunds for missed trains. If you think you might be late, be sure to change your ticket time via the official AREX website or app before the train departs. You can usually change it one time for free. (Additional changes cost 1,000 won, up to 3 times max). Once the train departs, your ticket is void.

Insider Tip: The smartest move is to buy a “voucher” on Klook beforehand to get the discount, but do not scan it to reserve your seat until you arrive at the station kiosks. This way, you pay the lower price, but you aren’t locked into a specific time if your flight or baggage claim is delayed.

Can I use my T-money or Climate Card for the Express Train?

No. The T-money card and the Climate Card are not valid for the Express Train. The Express Train is a separate service that requires its own specific ticket (QR Code).

The gates for the Express Train are orange, while the regular subway gates are blue. If you try to swipe your T-money or Climate card at the orange gate, it will give you an error.

Insider Tip: Do not load money onto your T-money card expecting to pay for your Express Ticket with it. The Express ticket machines only accept Cash (Korean Won) or Credit Cards.

Is eating or drinking allowed on the train?

The official rule is no food or drinks to keep the train clean. In practice though, water is allowed. You can even ask the crew for a complimentary bottle of water, just avoid opening any loud or strong-smelling food packages.

Insider Tip: There is free, high-speed Wi-Fi on board. Look for the network named “AREX Free Wi-Fi”. It is usually fast enough to stream video or catch up on emails.

Are there restrooms on board?

Yes. There is a toilet located in Car No. 4. It is wheelchair accessible and usually well-maintained.

Insider Tip: Since the restroom is in Car 4, that car tends to have more foot traffic. If you want a quieter ride where people aren’t walking past you, try to book a seat in Car 1 or Car 6.

Does the train run 24 hours?

No. The train stops running before midnight. The first train leaves Terminal 2 around 5:15 AM, and the last train departs Incheon Airport around 10:48 PM. If you land after this time, there will be no trains running.

Insider Tip: If you arrive after 11:00 PM, look for the “Night Bus” (Numbers N6000 or N6001). They run to Seoul Station and the Gangnam Bus Terminal when the trains are closed. Taxis are also available but can be expensive at night.

Can I change my seat assignment?

It depends on how you booked. If you booked directly on the official AREX website or app, you can use the “Change Ticket” feature on their site to change your seat or time (one time for free).

However, if you booked via a third-party like Klook, your seat is usually locked immediately. You cannot change it through the app or kiosk. You must visit the Express Train service counter at the station and ask a staff member for assistance.

Insider Tip: For most travelers, booking via Klook is the best option because of the discount. However, if choosing a specific seat number is essential for you, the official AREX site offers that specific control for a slightly higher fare.

AREX Timetable

Note: Timetables are subject to slight adjustments. We recommend checking the official AREX website or apps like Naver Map for real-time departure info on your day of travel.

Last Updated on Feb 11, 2026