Comparison · South Korea
Seoul's Two Airports, Incheon (ICN) vs Gimpo (GMP): Getting into the City
Seoul has two airports, Incheon (ICN) and Gimpo (GMP). Compare trains, buses and taxis into the city, times and fares, and which areas each suits.
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Seoul has two airports
Search for flights to Seoul and you will see two airports: Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Gimpo Airport (GMP). A search for just 'Seoul' can mix both in the results, so always check whether the airport on your ticket is ICN or GMP before you book.
Which flight uses which airport can vary by airline and season, so this article does not cover that. It takes the airport printed on your ticket as the starting point and compares how to get into town from each and which areas they suit.
For each airport's exact location and terminal facilities, see its official website. All times and fares below are approximate figures from our Seoul guide.
Incheon (ICN): AREX Express, AREX All-Stop and the limousine bus
The fastest rail option from Incheon is the AREX Express Train, which runs non-stop to Seoul Station. It takes about 40-50 minutes and costs about 10,000 won; check the AREX official site for the exact fare. At Seoul Station you can transfer to Metro Lines 1 and 4.
The AREX All-Stop Train stops at Hongik University, Gongdeok and other hubs. It takes about 60 minutes, costs about 4,000-5,000 won and you pay with a T-money card. If you are staying along the line, it is the easiest choice.
The Airport Limousine Bus drops you at major hotels in Myeongdong, Gangnam, Jamsil and more, which is handy with heavy luggage. It takes about 60-90 minutes, and you should expect traffic at rush hour. Fares vary by route, so check the Incheon Airport official bus search.
Gimpo (GMP): Metro Lines 5 and 9 plus AREX
Gimpo connects to Metro Lines 5 and 9 and AREX, so the city is close. The ride takes about 20-40 minutes and costs about 1,500-2,000 won.
The Line 9 express is quick to Yeouido and Gangnam. If your hotel is near Line 9, Line 5 or AREX, you can also cut down on transfers.
Our guide does not list bus or taxi fares and times from Gimpo. Check the airport's official information if you need them.
Which airport suits which part of town
Start with where you are staying. Here is how airport transport connects with the main areas in our guide.
Jongno, Insadong and Bukchon are within walking distance of Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and the hanok lanes, but our guide does not list an airport connection for them. For areas like this, first find the station and line nearest your hotel, then look up the route.
- Myeongdong / Euljiro (first visit, shopping): central, with airport buses and the subway. From Incheon, the limousine bus goes to major hotels in Myeongdong
- Hongdae / Yeonnam-dong (young vibe, cafes): on the AREX line. From Incheon, the All-Stop Train stops at Hongik University
- Gangnam (business, upscale shopping): on Lines 2 and 9. From Incheon take the limousine bus; from Gimpo the Line 9 express is quick. It is farther from the historic sights north of the river
- Yeouido: quick from Gimpo on the Line 9 express
- Jamsil: from Incheon, the limousine bus goes to major hotels
- Jongno / Insadong / Bukchon (tradition, palaces) and Seongsu-dong: no airport connection listed in our guide. Start from your nearest station
Checking your ticket, late arrivals and switching airports
Your outbound and return flights may use different airports. If you arrive at Incheon and leave from Gimpo, for example, double-check the day before which airport your departure uses.
If your flight lands late at night, timing matters. Seoul's subway service ends around midnight, and our guide does not list AREX first and last train times, so check the official information. Taxis are reasonably priced and useful late at night or with luggage, but they are hard to hail late at night, so install a ride-hailing app in advance.
Both airports connect to AREX, but our guide does not cover travel times or fares between the two airports. If you are connecting in Seoul to a flight from the other airport, check the official information and leave plenty of time. For connections inside Incheon Airport, see our transfer article below.
At a glance
Choose by the airport on your ticket and where you are staying. All times and fares below are approximate.
- AREX Express Train (Incheon): non-stop to Seoul Station, about 40-50 min, about 10,000 won (check the official site), transfer to Metro Lines 1 and 4
- AREX All-Stop Train (Incheon): stops at Hongik University, Gongdeok and other hubs, about 60 min, about 4,000-5,000 won, pay with a T-money card
- Airport Limousine Bus (Incheon): to major hotels in Myeongdong, Gangnam, Jamsil and more, about 60-90 min, fares vary by route (Incheon Airport official bus search), traffic at rush hour
- Subway (Gimpo): Metro Lines 5 and 9 plus AREX, about 20-40 min, about 1,500-2,000 won, Line 9 express is quick to Yeouido and Gangnam
- Late arrivals: the subway ends around midnight; install a ride-hailing app in advance for taxis
- Between the two airports: check official sources
Arrival-day checklist
Sort out a T-money card before you board the airport train. You can buy and top it up at convenience stores, and it works on the subway, buses and many taxis, with transfer discounts applied automatically. If you will ride a lot, the Climate Card short-term pass offers 1/2/3/5/7-day unlimited Seoul subway and bus rides; check Seoul's official site for prices and coverage.
City buses are useful for Bukchon, Namsan and the city wall areas. Tap your card when boarding and exiting to get transfer discounts. Local map apps are handy for transit and walking directions in Korea.
- Recheck the airport on your ticket (ICN or GMP) and the airport for your return flight
- Get a T-money card (buy and top up at convenience stores)
- Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but some market stalls prefer cash
- Arriving late at night? Install a ride-hailing app in advance
- Tourists can get VAT refunds on qualifying purchases, instantly in some stores or at the airport; carry your passport
- Check Korea's entry requirements with official sources
Plan your Seoul trip
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FAQ
Which is easier, Incheon (ICN) or Gimpo (GMP)?
It depends on the airport on your ticket and where you are staying. From Gimpo, Metro Lines 5 and 9 and AREX reach the city in about 20-40 minutes; from Incheon, the AREX Express Train reaches Seoul Station in about 40-50 minutes, the All-Stop Train in about 60 minutes and the limousine bus in about 60-90 minutes.
What is the cheapest way from Incheon into the city?
According to our guide, the AREX All-Stop Train costs about 4,000-5,000 won. It stops at Hongik University, Gongdeok and other hubs, takes about 60 minutes, and you pay with a T-money card.
What is the best option with heavy luggage?
From Incheon, the Airport Limousine Bus goes to major hotels in Myeongdong, Gangnam, Jamsil and more. It takes about 60-90 minutes, with traffic at rush hour. Taxis are also useful late at night or with luggage.
How do I get between Incheon and Gimpo?
Both airports connect to AREX, but our guide does not cover travel times or fares between them. Check the official information and allow plenty of time.
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