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Seoul AREX Airport Railroad Guide: Incheon Airport to Seoul Station
AREX (Airport Railroad Express) connects Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station in 43 minutes (express) or 58 minutes (all-stop). Fares, transfers, and tips.
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AREX (Airport Railroad Express) is the dedicated airport line connecting Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station in central Seoul. Two service types run on the same tracks: a non-stop express train (43 minutes) and an all-stop train (58 minutes, also called the commuter line). AREX is the single most important subway line for tourists arriving in Korea.
Route Overview
- Color: Blue/Orange (AREX)
- Length: 63.8 km, 14 stations
- Terminals: Incheon Airport Terminal 2 ↔ Seoul Station
- Runs underground through Seoul, surface rail outside the city
Key stations (all-stop line): Incheon Airport T2 → T1 → Cheongna → Yeongjong → Gimpo International Airport → Digital Media City → Hongik University → Gongdeok → Seoul Station
Express vs All-Stop
| Service | Stops | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express | Direct Incheon ↔ Seoul Station | 43 min | ₩11,000 (adult) |
| All-stop | 14 stations | 58 min | ₩4,450 (T-money) |
Express train has reserved seats, luggage compartments, and free Wi-Fi — a premium experience like the Hong Kong AEL. All-stop train is a regular commuter ride using your T-money card.
For most tourists, the all-stop is the best value — saving ₩6,500 for just 15 extra minutes.
Must-Know Stations
Incheon Airport Terminal 1 & 2 (인천공항 T1/T2)
Both terminals have AREX stations. Terminal 2 is further (5 extra minutes by AREX), so make sure you know which terminal your flight uses before boarding.
Gimpo International Airport (김포공항)
Transfer to Line 5, Line 9, Gimpo Goldline. For domestic flights or transfers to Gangnam via Line 9 express.
Digital Media City (디지털미디어시티)
Transfer to Line 6 and Gyeongui-Jungang Line. Used by guests heading to west Seoul.
Hongik University (홍익대학교입구, 홍대입구)
Transfer to Line 2 and Gyeongui-Jungang Line. The first 'tourist stop' on AREX — drop luggage at your Hongdae hotel, then continue exploring.
Seoul Station (서울역)
Transfer to Line 1, Line 4, KTX high-speed rail. The best terminal for connecting to the rest of Seoul's subway network.
Practical Tips
- Tickets: Buy express tickets at the ticket machines or counter at Incheon T1/T2 Gate B7 (Transportation Center, B1). All-stop: just tap your T-money at the gate.
- Operating hours: First train ~5:20 AM, last train from Seoul ~11:00 PM, last train from Incheon ~11:40 PM.
- Luggage: Every express car has luggage racks. All-stop trains have regular subway seating — fine for 1–2 carry-ons, but crowded during rush hour.
- Airport check-in: At Seoul Station, you can check in luggage for some airlines (Asiana, Korean Air, etc.) before boarding AREX. Ask at the City Airport check-in counter, B2 Seoul Station.
- Going to Gangnam? AREX All-stop → transfer to Line 9 Express at Gimpo Airport Station is often faster than going via Seoul Station.