AREX to Seoul Guide: AREX Express vs All-Stop, Tickets & Timetable

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AREX

Check how to Ride AREX between Incheon Airport and Seoul Station. Compare AREX Express vs All-Stop trains, AREX ticket prices & discounts, AREX route map, and timetables.

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What is AREX, Seoul?

What is AREX, Seoul?

AREX (Airport Railroad Express) is Seoul’s airport train that gets you from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul in about 51 minutes. It has 2 types of trains: AREX Express Train (no stops, faster) and AREX All-Stop Train (cheaper, stops at every station).

At Seoul Station, there’s a City Airport Terminal where you can check your bags, print boarding passes, and even do immigration early if you’re flying with Korean Air, Asiana, or Jeju Air. Pay with cash, T-money cards, or credit cards. Then just hop on AREX and relax.

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AREX Route Map - Express Train Route & All-Stop Train Route

AREX Route Map - Express Train Route & All-Stop Train Route

Express Train Route (Orange Line)

Stops: Seoul Station → Geomam → Incheon Airport T1 → T2.

  • Why take it? No stops, just speed. Perfect if you’re hauling luggage or hate crowds.
  • Key spot: Geomam Station (transfer to AREX Line 2 if needed).

All-Stop Train Route (Blue Line)

Stops: Seoul Station → Gongdeok → Hongik Univ. → Digital Media City → Magongnaru → Gimpo Airport → Geomam → Cheongna → Yeongjong → Unseo → Cargo Terminal → T1 → T2.

  • Why take it? Cheaper, and stops at hot spots like:
    • Hongik Univ. Station (Hongdae): Cafes, street art, nightlife.
    • Gimpo Airport: Switch to domestic flights.
    • Digital Media City: K-pop fans, this connects to KBS and MBC studios!
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AREX - How to Check Schedule & Timetable

Check the AREX official website or download apps like Naver Map or KakaoMap for real-time updates. At stations like Seoul Station or Incheon Airport, look for electronic boards near platforms—they clearly list departure times. Schedules vary slightly by day (weekdays vs. weekends), but trains usually run every 10-15 mins (All-Stop) and 20-40 mins (Express).
AREX Airport Express Timetable
Incheon Airport → Seoul Station
Incheon Airport T2Incheon Airport T1Seoul Station
05:1505:2306:07
05:5005:5806:41
06:3006:3807:21
07:0507:1307:57
08:1008:1809:03
08:4008:4809:31
09:2009:2810:11
10:0010:0810:51
10:4010:4811:31
11:2011:2812:11
12:0012:0812:51
12:4012:4813:34
13:2013:2814:11
14:0014:0814:51
14:4014:4815:31
15:2015:2816:11
16:0016:0816:51
16:4016:4817:31
17:2517:3318:17
18:0018:0818:52
18:4518:5319:38
19:2919:3720:20
20:0020:0820:51
20:5020:5821:41
21:3621:4422:27
22:4022:4823:31
Scroll to see all 26 departures
Seoul Station → Incheon Airport
Seoul StationIncheon Airport T1Incheon Airport T2
06:0006:4306:51
06:4707:3007:38
07:3008:1408:22
08:1008:5409:02
08:5009:3309:41
09:3210:1510:23
10:1010:5311:01
10:5011:3311:41
11:3012:1312:21
12:1012:5313:01
12:5013:3313:41
13:3014:1314:21
14:1014:5315:01
14:5015:3315:41
15:3016:1316:21
16:1016:5317:01
16:5017:3417:42
17:2018:0318:11
17:5718:4018:48
18:5019:3319:41
19:3220:1520:23
20:1520:5821:06
20:5021:3321:41
21:3022:1322:21
22:1022:5323:01
22:5023:3323:41
Scroll to see all 26 departures
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AREX - Ticket Price & Discounts

Trip.com often sells AREX tickets at 15-20% off official prices. No need to mess with AREX’s website—just buy AREX ticket on Trip.com, get a QR code, and scan it at the airport/station.

Service

Express Train (One-Way)

All-Stop Train

AREX Official

₩13,000 (~$10 USD)

₩4,750 ($3.65 USD)

Trip.com

$8.38 USD

-

AREX Express - User Reviews

See what AREX users say about it, and before you buy, do not forget to get 5% Off coupon!

4.8/5
146 reviews
4/5
this was easy to access and faster time from airport to city, flawless email q-code both ways, highly recommended
review picture
5/5
My experience taking the AREX Incheon Airport Express was excellent. The journey was quick and stable, making traveling between Incheon Airport and downtown Seoul easy and time-saving. One major advantage is the ability to pre-check in and drop off luggage at some city terminals, then directly board the AREX to the airport, reducing the time and stress of queuing. For travelers with tight schedules, those who prefer to complete procedures early, or those traveling alone, this combination of pre-check-in in the city and the airport express greatly enhances overall travel convenience and peace of mind.
review picture
5/5
Great! It gets you from the airport to the city center very quickly, and there's always a seat available. It's fast and very convenient – ​​highly recommended! I'll definitely choose this again next time I'm in Seoul.
review picture
5/5
This is a very convenient way to get from Seoul Station to the airport! Reservations were easy, and transportation was simple. I recommend it if you want a quick getaway.
review picture
5/5
After purchasing, you'll need to redeem your train/bus at the ticket machine! It's recommended to redeem early to avoid long queues and not being able to get your desired train/bus! You'll receive a QR code after purchase; just go and redeem it then.
review picture

AREX - Express Train vs. All-Stop Train

  • Express Train: Zips nonstop to Seoul Station in 43-51 minutes (Terminal 1 or 2). Pricey but comfy.
AREX - Express Train vs. All-Stop Train
  • All-Stop Train: Cheaper, slower (59-66 minutes), but connects to subways (like Hongdae or Gimpo Airport).
AREX - Express Train vs. All-Stop Train

Feature

Express Train

All-Stop Train

Time

43 mins (T1) / 51 mins (T2)

59 mins (T1) / 66 mins (T2)

Cost

₩13,000 (adult) / ₩9,500 (kids)

~₩4,750–₩5,800 (depends on stop)

Speed

Up to 110 km/h (nonstop)

Similar speed, but stops every 2-5 mins 🐢

Frequency

Every 20-40 mins

Every 10-15 mins

Stops

Nonstop to Seoul Station (3 stops (Seoul, Geomam, T1/T2)

11 stops, including Hongdae & Gimpo Airport

Perks

Free Wi-Fi, reclining seats, toilets, kids’ zone, pre-assigned seat, Free Bottled Water

Basic subway-style seats, no extras

Luggage

Dedicated racks

Limited space—pack light!

Seats

Assigned, comfy 2x2 layout

First-come, subway-style

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AREX - Express Train

AREX - Express Train

Why pick it? This is the VIP option. No stops, no crowds—just you zooming from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station in 43 minutes (Terminal 1) or 51 minutes (Terminal 2). Perfect if you’re tired, in a rush, or just want to relax.

What’s included?

  • Price: ₩13,000 for adults | ₩9,500 for kids (cheaper than a taxi!).
  • Seats: Reclining leather seats (nap-friendly!). Spacious 2x2 seating (think airplane-style rows). No squeezing.
  • Free Wi-Fi + charging ports (Choose AREX Free Wi-Fi > Connected).
  • Onboard toilets and a kids’ play area (lifesaver for families).
  • Early check-in: Drop luggage, get boarding passes at Seoul Station’s City Airport Terminal.
  • Extras: Free shuttle buses to hotels near the airport.

How to buy tickets:

  • Grab them at the Express Train counters (look for signs in the airport basement or Seoul Station).
  • Pro tip: Book ahead online if you’re traveling during peak hours—it fills up fast!
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AREX - All-Stop Train

AREX - All-Stop Train

Who’s it for? Backpackers, budget travelers, or anyone who wants to save cash. It takes longer (59 minutes from Terminal 1, 66 from T2), but you’ll pay way less (exact fare depends on your stop).

Why it’s worth it:

  • Connects to Seoul’s subway system: Hop off at Hongdae (trendy cafes), Gimpo Airport (for domestic flights), or other stops.
  • Pay with cash or prepaid cards (like T-money)—no fancy ticket needed.
  • Runs frequently: Every 10–15 minutes, so no long waits.

Downsides to know:

  • Crowded during rush hour (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM).
  • No reserved seats or luggage racks—pack light!
  • Basic amenities (no Wi-Fi, o). Basic subway-style benches (some face each other). First-come, first-served.
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How to Book AREX Express Train Tickets Online​

How to Book AREX Express Train Tickets Online​

Buy Tickets on Trip.com​

  1. ​Go to Trip.com​​ → Search “AREX Express Train” → Pick your date and buy a ​​one-way ticket​​.
  2. ​Get your e-ticket​​: You’ll receive an email with a ​​QR code​​ and a ​​13-digit voucher number​​.
  3. ​Exchange for a physical ticket​​:
    • At Incheon Airport or Seoul Station, find the ​​yellow AREX kiosks​​.
    • Enter your 13-digit voucher → Print your ticket.
    • No kiosk? Show the QR code to staff at the Express Train counter.

​Good to know:​

  • Trip.com tickets are ​​fixed-date​​—you can’t change the train time after booking.
  • Use the QR code directly at the gate if you don’t want a paper ticket.
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How to Book AREX Express Train Tickets Online​

​Reserve Seats on AREX Official Website​

Follow these steps to book specific seats for free (if you have a promo code):

  1. ​Visit AREX’s official website​​ → Click “Express Train Reservation.”
  2. ​Search trains​​: Pick your date, departure (e.g., Incheon Airport T1 → Seoul Station).
  3. ​Choose your train​​: Select a time slot (e.g., 9:00 AM Express Train).
  4. ​Click “Non-member Booking”​​: No need to create an account!
  5. ​Enter details​​:Email addressPassenger name (match your passport)
  6. ​Pick your seat​​: Choose from available seats (window/aisle).
  7. ​Apply discounts​​: Got a ​​13-digit coupon code​​? Paste it here → Total drops to ​​₩0 KRW​​.
  8. ​Confirm booking​​: Double-check the $0 total → Complete booking.
  9. ​Get your e-ticket​​: The QR code arrives instantly by email.

How to Ride AREX from Incheon Airport to Seoul​

How to Ride AREX from Incheon Airport to Seoul​

Step 1: Head to the Airport’s B1 Floor​
After landing, follow signs for ​​“Transportation Center”​​ or ​​“AREX”​​ (usually near baggage claim). Take elevators or escalators down to ​​B1​​.

​Step 2: Buy Your Ticket​

  • ​Express Train:​​ Buy tickets at the ​​Express Train counters​​ (look for staff in uniforms) or automated machines. Tip: Credit cards work here.
  • ​All-Stop Train:​​ Use the ​​gray ticket machines​​ (cash or cards) or just tap your ​​T-money transport card​​ (cheaper and faster).
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How to Ride AREX from Incheon Airport to Seoul​

​Step 3: Scan Your Ticket​
Find the ticket gates labeled ​​“AREX.”​​ For paper tickets, scan the QR code. For transport cards, tap on the reader.

​Step 4: Go to the Platform (B3 Floor)​
Follow signs down to ​​B3​​. Trains to Seoul Station leave from ​​Platforms 1-2​​.
Don’t stress: Screens above the platform show train times and types (​​Express​​ = orange, ​​All-Stop​​ = gray).

How to Ride AREX from Incheon Airport to Seoul​

​Step 5: Board the Train​

  • ​Express Train:​​ Check your seat number (printed on the ticket). Stow luggage in racks near the doors.
  • ​All-Stop Train:​​ Grab any seat or stand—no reservations needed.

How to Ride AREX from Seoul to Incheon Airport​

Step 1: Go to Seoul Station’s B2 Floor​
Head to ​​Seoul Station​​ (subway Lines 1/4 or KTX trains). Follow signs for ​​“AREX Airport Railroad”​​ down to ​​B2​​.

​Step 2: Buy Your Ticket​

  • ​Express Train:​​ Hit the ​​Express Train counter​​ (look for the blue signs) or use the kiosks. Pro tip: Book round-trip tickets if you’re returning—it’s slightly cheaper.
  • ​All-Stop Train:​​ Skip the counter—just tap your ​​T-money card​​ at the gates (way faster).

​Step 3: Scan and Enter​
Find the gates marked ​​“To Incheon Airport.”​​ For paper tickets, scan the QR code. For transport cards, tap and go.

How to Ride AREX from Seoul to Incheon Airport​

​Step 4: Go Down to B7 Platform​
Yep, it’s deep—take the elevators (or escalators) down to ​​B7​​. Check the screens: trains to ​​Incheon Airport​​ leave from ​​Platforms 3-4​​.

​Step 5: Hop On the Right Train​

  • ​Express Train:​​ Check your seat number (on the ticket). Luggage racks are near doors.
  • ​All-Stop Train:​​ No seat numbers—sit wherever. Avoid the doors during rush hour (it gets packed).

​Don’t Miss This:​

  • ​Airport check-in at Seoul Station:​​ If you’re flying Korean Air/Asiana/JEJU Air, drop bags and get your boarding pass here before riding. Saves you time at the airport!
  • ​Timing:​​ Express Trains run every 20-40 mins; All-Stop Trains every 6-15 mins. Give yourself at least ​​1.5 hours​​ before your flight.

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FAQs about AREX

  • Where can I find the AREX schedule?

    Check the AREX official website or download apps like Naver Map or KakaoMap for real-time updates. At stations like Seoul Station or Incheon Airport, look for electronic boards near platforms—they clearly list departure times. Schedules vary slightly by day (weekdays vs. weekends), but trains usually run every 10-15 mins (All-Stop) and 20-40 mins (Express).
  • What’s the difference between AREX Express and All-Stop trains?

    Express: Nonstop to the airport (43-51 mins), comfy seats, luggage racks, and Wi-Fi. Costs ₩13,000 (~$10). All-Stop: Cheaper (~$3.65), stops at 14 stations (like Hongdae/Gimpo Airport), takes 59-66 mins. Use T-money cards.
  • How do I transfer from AREX to subway lines?

    Key transfer stations (marked on the map): Hongik Univ. Station (Hongdae): Swap to Subway Line 2 for nightlife. Gimpo Airport: Transfer to Line 5/9 for domestic flights. Digital Media City: Link to Line 6 for K-pop studio tours. Look for color-coded signs (e.g., blue for AREX, green for Line 2) at stations.
  • How much does AREX cost?

    Express Train (Non-stop): 9,000 KRW (adult one-way) with an optional 500 KRW refundable deposit for physical tickets. All-stop Train: 4,150 KRW (adult one-way) from Terminal 1; 4,750 KRW from Terminal 2.
  • How much is AREX from Seoul to Incheon Airport?

    The fare is identical to the airport-to-Seoul route: 9,000 KRW (Express) or 4,150–4,750 KRW (All-stop).
  • What is AREX used for?

    AREX (Airport Railroad Express) is a dedicated commuter rail line connecting Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station in 43–60 minutes. It offers two services: Express Train: Non-stop, assigned seats, free Wi-Fi, and faster travel (43 minutes). All-stop Train: Slower (up to 60 minutes) with stops at 11 stations, including Gimpo Airport and Hongik University.
  • How to pay for AREX Incheon?

    Express Train: Pay via credit card (Visa, Mastercard) at airport ticket counters or self-service machines. Online bookings via the KORAIL app or websites like Trip.com also accept credit cards and offer discounts. All-stop Train: Cash only at airport convenience stores or tourist information centers. T-money Cards: Not accepted for All-stop trains, but Express tickets can be purchased with T-money if loaded with sufficient balance (check compatibility at machines).
  • How much is a taxi from Incheon to Seoul?

    Standard Taxi: 65,000–95,000 KRW (40–50 minutes), with a 20–40% surcharge between 22:00 and 04:00. Deluxe Taxi: 90,000–120,000 KRW (40–50 minutes), including night surcharges. International Taxi: Premium service with English-speaking drivers (164,400–225,500 KRW).
  • Can you walk from Seoul Station to Myeongdong?

    Yes! The distance is 1.6 km (1 mile), taking 20–25 minutes on foot. Follow signs from Seoul Station’s Exit 10 or 12, or use the underground passageway for a direct route. For faster travel, take subway Line 4 (3 minutes, 1,250–1,350 KRW).
  • Do I need to buy AREX tickets in advance?

    Express Train: Strongly recommended, especially during peak travel periods (e.g., holidays). Advance bookings via the KORAIL app or Trazy.com guarantee seats and may offer discounts (e.g., 8,700 KRW instead of 9,000 KRW). All-stop Train: Tickets can be bought on the day at airport counters or convenience stores (cash only).
  • Is AREX a subway?

    AREX is a commuter rail line, not a subway. While it shares stations with Seoul’s subway network (e.g., Gongdeok, Hongik University), it operates independently with dedicated tracks and services. The Express Train is faster and more premium than typical subway lines.
  • Is Airport Express free?

    No. AREX requires a paid ticket. However, children under 3 travel free (no seat assigned), and some promotions (e.g., Trip.com 10% Off coupon) may apply. Always check official channels for current offers.
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Bethy

Bethy

Trip.com Travel Expert

Hey there! I’m Bethy (Huang Lan, 黄澜) – a travel enthusiast and content creator for Trip.com. I live as a digital nomad, mostly based in China, and I’ve also lived in awesome places across Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. I love traveling all over the world, sharing useful travel tips and guides for fellow wanderlusters. When I’m not on the road, I’m a huge cat lover and play guitar for fun~

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