Two kinds of AREX train run from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station on the same line, and they cost very different amounts. An adult express ticket is KRW 13,000 (about US$9.60). The all-stop train to Seoul Station is KRW 4,750 (about US$3.50) from Terminal 1 when you tap a transit card.[1][5] The express saves you about 15 minutes.[1][4]

Below, we explain why the two trains are so different, how to buy each ticket and what children pay. We checked all fares and times on the operator’s website on September 28, 2026 (how we research).

The express is a nonstop airport service; the all-stop train is part of the subway network

The express train stops at only three stations: Seoul Station, Incheon Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Every seat is reserved, and the operator’s terms treat it as a separate train with its own fare system.[1][3] It comes with airport extras, including onboard attendants, free Wi-Fi, a wheelchair-accessible restroom in car 4 and free bottled water on request.[1]

The all-stop train stops at every one of the line’s 14 stations, from Seoul Station to Terminal 2. Eight of them are transfer stations where you can change to other subway lines.[4] Because it works as a commuter line, it’s priced by distance like the rest of the subway and takes the same transit cards.[5] That’s why it costs less than half as much as the express.

What this means for you: the all-stop train can take you close to more neighborhoods. The express only takes you to Seoul Station.

The express saves about 15 minutes, so where you’re going matters more than speed

Official travel times:[1][4]

  • Express: 43 minutes from Terminal 1, 51 minutes from Terminal 2 to Seoul Station
  • All-stop: 59 minutes from Terminal 1, 66 minutes from Terminal 2. Some trains take 2 to 6 minutes longer.

Coming from the airport, the all-stop train reaches Digital Media City, Hongik University (Hongdae) and Gongdeok before it reaches Seoul Station.[4] If your hotel is in Hongdae, the express takes you past your area, and you’d then need to ride the subway back.

The express also runs less often. The timetable lists 26 departures a day from Terminal 2, from 05:16 to 22:40 (05:24 to 22:48 from Terminal 1), and it’s the same on weekdays and holidays. Most trains are 25 to 55 minutes apart, but one morning gap (07:05 to 08:10 from Terminal 2) is more than an hour.[2] Before you pay for the express, check when the next one leaves.

Tip: look up the station nearest your hotel first. If it’s on the AREX line, the all-stop train is usually the simpler choice.

Buying an express ticket: reserve online or buy at the station

Every express seat is reserved, so each ticket is for one specific train. Booking ahead fixes your departure time.[1][6]

  • Online: you can book up to 60 days ahead and up to 20 minutes before departure. You must pay within 20 minutes of booking, and one booking can cover up to 12 people.[6] You can pay by credit card, including Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, American Express and UnionPay cards issued abroad. Online only, you can also use a mobile payment service such as Kakao Pay, Alipay or WeChat Pay. Your ticket comes with a QR code that you scan at the gate.[8]
  • Member price: the online fare table shows KRW 13,000 (about US$9.60) for non-members and KRW 12,500 (about US$9.30) for members (adults only). Child fares are the same either way.[6]
  • At the station: express customer service centers are on B1 of the Transportation Center at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and on B2 at Seoul Station.[1] Ticket machines are also available at all three stations.[8]
  • Boarding: the gate opens 30 minutes before departure. You need to be on the platform 3 minutes before the train leaves.[6]
  • Discounts: partner discounts vary by partner and are online only. Discounts can’t be combined.[1] The senior discount on the express applies to Korean nationals aged 65 and over, so foreign seniors pay the adult fare.[1]

If another guide shows a different express fare, go by the operator’s current fare table: KRW 13,000 (about US$9.60) for adults and KRW 9,500 (about US$7.00) for children aged 6 to 12.[1][6]

Paying for the all-stop train: a transit card or a single-use ticket

The all-stop train is priced like the subway, so how you pay changes what you pay. You can tap a prepaid transit card, which is sold at convenience stores and card machines and topped up at station ticket machines. You can also buy a single-use ticket from the machine at any station.[4]

A single-use ticket costs a little more. Adults pay an extra KRW 100 (about US$0.07), plus a KRW 500 (about US$0.37) deposit that you get back at your arrival station.[5] From Terminal 1 to Seoul Station, that comes to KRW 4,850 (about US$3.60) plus the refundable KRW 500 (about US$0.37). The price is listed at KRW 4,750 (about US$3.50) for a transit card.[5]

Tip: if you’ll use the subway in Seoul anyway, buy a transit card at the airport before you board. See which Seoul transit card to buy and how much to load. That way you won’t need the single-use ticket or the deposit machine. For getting around day to day once you’ve arrived, see Seoul, every day.

What children pay depends on the train and their age

Express:[1][6]

  • Adults (13 and over): KRW 13,000 (about US$9.60)
  • Children (6 to 12): KRW 9,500 (about US$7.00)
  • Children under 6: one child can ride on an adult’s lap without a ticket. You need a child ticket for each additional child under 6, or for any child under 6 who needs their own seat.

All-stop:

  • Children under 6 ride free, up to three per adult.[5]
  • Children aged 6 to 12 pay a reduced fare. It’s based on a KRW 550 (about US$0.41) base fare plus half the adult distance charge. From Seoul Station to Terminal 2, a child’s fare is KRW 2,350 (about US$1.70), compared with KRW 5,350 (about US$4.00) for an adult.[5][7]
  • The extra KRW 100 (about US$0.07) for a single-use ticket applies to adults only.[5]
  • Teens aged 13 to 18 get a discount only with a youth transit card registered in advance.[3][5] We couldn’t confirm whether visitors can get one, so plan on paying the adult fare.

Example: two adults and two children aged 6 to 12, traveling from Terminal 2 to Seoul Station.

  • Express: 2 × KRW 13,000 + 2 × KRW 9,500 = KRW 45,000 (about US$33)
  • All-stop, single-use tickets: 2 × KRW 5,450 + 2 × KRW 2,350 = KRW 15,600 (about US$12), plus KRW 2,000 (about US$1.50) in deposits that you get back when you arrive

This is our own calculation from the operator’s fare rules.[5][7]

Good to know

Express vs all-stop at a glance. Fares and times checked on the operator’s website on September 28, 2026.[1][2][4][5][6][7]

Express All-stop
Stops Seoul Station, Terminal 1, Terminal 2 only 14 stations, including Hongik University, Gongdeok, Digital Media City and Gimpo Airport
Time to Seoul Station 43 min (T1) / 51 min (T2) 59 min (T1) / 66 min (T2), some trains 2 to 6 min longer
Adult fare KRW 13,000 (about US$9.60), or KRW 12,500 (about US$9.30) for online members KRW 4,750 (T1, about US$3.50) / KRW 5,350 (T2, about US$4.00) with a transit card. Single-use: +KRW 100 (about US$0.07) plus a KRW 500 (about US$0.37) refundable deposit
Child fare (6 to 12) KRW 9,500 (about US$7.00) KRW 2,350 (Seoul Station to T2, about US$1.70)
Under 6 One child on an adult’s lap rides free. A ticket is needed for a seat or for any additional child. Free, up to three per adult
Seats Reserved Not reserved
How often 26 departures a day from the airport (same timetable on weekdays and holidays) More often. Check the station timetable.

Before you go:

  • Want mobile data working when you land? Compare a SIM or eSIM for a short trip to Korea.
  • Check which terminal your airline uses (Terminal 1 or 2). The express booking form asks for it.[6]
  • Look up the station nearest your hotel. If it’s on the AREX line, compare the all-stop train first.
  • Taking the express? Book online if you want a set departure time, and be on the platform 3 minutes before it leaves.[6]
  • Taking the all-stop train with a single-use ticket? Keep the ticket and get your KRW 500 (about US$0.37) deposit back at your arrival station.[5]
  • Traveling with children? Have their ages ready. The express counts ages 6 to 12 as children, and the all-stop train lets children under 6 ride free.[1][5]
  • Express riders can use the City Airport Terminal at Seoul Station free of charge.[1] Check on the operator’s site whether your airline takes part before you plan around it.

Fares and timetables change. Check the operator’s site before you travel.

More for your first day is in Arriving in Seoul. This guide has no paid links; see how we’re funded.