How to Get from Incheon Airport to Busan (2025): Best Routes by Train, Bus & More

ByLynette Updated on
View of Gwangan Bridge stretching over the ocean with the iconic buildings at Haeundae Beach in the distance, Busan, South Korea.
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Planning your trip from Incheon Airport to Busan?

You’ve got several great options, and I’m here to break them all down for you.

I’ve made this trip more times than I can count! Once you know your options, getting from Incheon to Busan is surprisingly easy.

Whether you’re after speed, comfort, or saving cash, there’s a route that fits.

Quick heads up: Before you dive into this trip, make sure you’ve got the must-have apps for South Korea. First time visiting? Don’t miss my guides to check out my essential Korean phrases guide and my Korean etiquette guide. They’ll help you feel more confident and avoid culture shock on your journey.

TL;DR Best Ways to Travel From Incheon to Busan (4 Options)

Here’s what you’re working with:

  • AREX + KTX (Most popular) – Fast but requires one transfer
  • Direct bus – Slow but no transfers needed
  • Bus to Gwangmyeong KTX – Avoids Seoul Station crowds
  • Flight via Gimpo – Fastest but most complex

Let’s dive into each one.

Option 1: AREX + KTX (Fast + Easy)

Step 1: AREX Express Train to Seoul Station

  • Duration: About 43 minutes
  • Cost: Around 9,500 KRW ($8 USD)
  • Frequency: Every 30-40 minutes
  • Features: Reserved seating and luggage storage

You can buy tickets at the airport or reserve them online in advance by clicking HERE

Front view of an AREX train at a station in South Korea,

Step 2: KTX Train from Seoul Station to Busan

  • Duration: About 2.5 hours
  • Cost: Around 59,800 KRW ($50 USD)
  • Frequency: Multiple departures daily
  • Features: High-speed travel with reserved seating

I’ve taken the KTX to Busan many times, and I prefer it for the speed and efficiency.

The reserved seating is a plus, especially during peak travel times when trains can fill up quickly.

I recommend booking your ticket online in advance, especially if you’re traveling on weekends or holidays.

Need KTX Train Tickets? 👉 Book your tickets here to reserve your seat in advance.

KTX high speed train from Seoul Station to Busan, the most popular way to get from Seoul to Busan

🎬 Every time I board the KTX to Busan, I think of that zombie movie, The Train to Busan. Don’t worry!  In real life, it’s just smooth rides and great views.

Why choose this:
 You want to get to Busan fast without the stress of navigating traffic.

Total journey time: ~3.5 hours

Option 2: Direct Bus from Incheon to Busan

  • Time: 4-5.5 hours (traffic dependent)
  • Cost: 21,000-31,000 KRW ($16-23)
  • Frequency: Every 4+ hours
  • Perks: One ticket, no transfers, rest stop breaks
  • Features: Comfortable seating and luggage storage

Where to purchase the ticket:

  • Terminal 1: Bus tickets can be purchased at ticket booths located inside the terminal next to exits 4 and 9, and outside near exits 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, and 13. ​airport.
  • Terminal 2: Tickets are available at the bus ticket office located on Basement 1, West Parking Lot Side.

The bus stops at Korean rest stops (called hyugeso), which are honestly an experience in themselves.

Think snacks, bathrooms, and a chance to stretch your legs. There is even shopping to be had!

A busy Korean highway rest stop (hyugeso) with a variety of food stalls offering snacks like hotteok and hodu-gwaja, a convenience store, and clean restroom facilities.

While I haven’t done this exact route, I’ve bused around Korea plenty. It’s surprisingly comfy and budget-friendly.

Why choose this: You’re budget-conscious and don’t mind a longer journey with built-in breaks.

Option 3: Shuttle Bus + Gwangmyeong KTX

Want KTX speed but prefer to skip Seoul Station? This one’s for you.

Step 1: Shuttle Bus to Gwangmyeong KTX Station

  • Duration: 55 minutes to 1 hour and 8 minutes
  • Cost: 16,000 to 17,500 KRW ($11-$13 USD)
  • Bus: No. 6770 from Terminal 1 (stops 6A, 13B) or Terminal 2 (stops 17, 28)
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes
  • Features: Convenient for those connecting directly to KTX

To take a shuttle bus from Incheon Airport to Gwangmyeong KTX Station, you can catch Bus No. 6770 from Terminal 1 at Bus Stop 6A or 13B. Or from Terminal 2 at Bus Stop 17 or 28. The buses offer luggage storage and frequent departures.

Step 2: KTX Train from Gwangmyeong to Busan

  • Duration: 2 hours and 13 minutes to 2 hours and 57 minutes
  • Cost: ₩40,000 and ₩60,000 (approximately $37 to $56)
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes

Why Choose This Option: You want KTX speed but prefer avoiding the crowds at Seoul Station.

Front view of Busan KTX Station in Busan, South Korea, showing the modern glass facade and main entrance with the station name displayed.

Option 4: Flight via Gimpo Airport Airport to Busan

The fastest option – if you don’t mind the complexity.

  1. AREX or bus from Incheon to Gimpo (30-40 minutes)
  2. Domestic flight to Busan (1 hour 5 minutes)
  3. Cost: Starting at $28
  4. Total time: Fastest option

Why choose this: You love flying and don’t mind multiple transfers

A plane parked at the gate of Gimpo Airport in Seoul, South Korea, with a jet bridge connected for passenger boarding, one way to get to Busan from Seoul

💡 Bonus: Private transfers exist, but they’re pricey — usually around $500–$600. Great for VIPs, large groups, or people with a lot of luggage, but not a realistic option for most travelers.

Considerations for Luggage

  • Buses: Spacious luggage compartments under the bus.
  • AREX and KTX: Limited storage, so boarding early is recommended.
  • Flights: Airline baggage policies apply.
  • Private Transfers: Typically more flexible with luggage.

My Bottom Line Recommendations

  • For speed demons: AREX + KTX (~3.5 hours total)
  • For budget travelers: Direct bus (4–5.5 hours, cheapest)
  • For avoiding crowds: Bus to Gwangmyeong KTX
  • For comfort seekers: Private transfer

Quick Links

The mascot of Busan is a seagull named Boogi in front of Busan KTX station.

FAQ

What is the fastest way to get from Incheon Airport to Busan?

The journey from AREX Express to Seoul Station and then to Busan by KTX takes approximately 3.5 hours in total. For AREX tickets click here.
Book KTX tickets here.

How much does the KTX from Incheon to Busan cost?

A regular class KTX ticket from Seoul Station to Busan costs around 59,800 KRW (approximately $50 USD). The AREX Express Train to Seoul Station costs about 9,500 KRW ($8 USD).

Is there a direct bus from Incheon to Busan?

Yes, direct buses take around 4 hours and 40 minutes or more, costing between 21,000 and 31,000 KRW ($21-$31 USD). Tickets can be bought at the airport.
Terminal 1: Bus tickets can be purchased at ticket booths located inside the terminal next to exits 4 and 9, and outside near exits 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, and 13. ​airport.
Terminal 2: Tickets are available at the bus ticket office located on Basement 1, West Parking Lot Side.

Can I fly from Incheon to Busan?

Not directly. You’d transfer to Gimpo Airport first, then fly to Busan (about 1 hour flight, starting at $28).

Should I book KTX tickets in advance?

Definitely for weekends and holidays. Weekdays are usually fine, but booking ahead guarantees your preferred departure time.
You can reserve KTX tickets easily by clicking HERE.

Ready for Busan?

Getting from Incheon Airport to Busan is totally doable once you know your options.

Pick the route that fits your schedule and budget, book your tickets ahead of time, and you’ll be on your way to Korea’s coastal gem in no time.

Safe travels — and enjoy Busan!