AREX Express Train Seoul to Incheon 2026: Tickets
Get from Seoul Station to Incheon Airport in just 43 minutes. Learn how to book discounted AREX Express Train tickets and use the City Airport Terminal.

From Seoul Station to Incheon Airport,
let me show you the easiest and fastest way to get there.
I highly recommend the Seoul Station AREX Express Train.
The City Airport Terminal Express Train takes you from Seoul Station
straight to the airport without making a single stop.
For select airlines, you can even check in and drop off your bags
early right at the Seoul Station City Airport Terminal,
which is a massive timesaver!
As someone who travels abroad and goes on business trips often,
I've tried everything from airport buses and private transfers to the regular subway.
But when it comes to convenience and keeping to a tight schedule,
the AREX Express Train is hands down my favorite way to travel.
In this post, I'll share all about Seoul Station AREX,
how to book discount tickets, and my experience using the City Airport Terminal.
Here is my complete review.


AREX Official Website Price: ~$8
🎟️ Discount Airport Railroad Tickets 🎟️
KKday ~$7 [ Book Here ]
Klook ~$7 [ Book Here ]

The best part? You can buy and use them on the very same day!
Simply redeem your 13-digit code online or at the station.
There are plenty of ticket machines on-site, making the process super easy!
Alternatively, you can just activate it on your mobile phone
and use the QR code directly to board.


Once activated, simply scan the QR code to enter.
© Content & Photos by Travel Writer Erin
Table of Contents
1. Who is the Seoul Station City Airport Terminal best for?
2. Why I recommend the Seoul Station AREX Express Train
3. Why KKday discount booking was cheaper
1. Who is the Seoul Station City Airport Terminal best for?
Airport Railroad City Airport Terminal ▶ Seoul Station Airport Railroad, B2 Floor ▶ Check-in, baggage drop, and departure immigration available (Must be using the AREX Express Train) ▶ Same-day departure international flights from Incheon Airport |
When heading to the airport from Seoul Station,
the biggest perk of using the City Airport Terminal
is checking in your luggage early and traveling hands-free.
Not all airlines offer this service,
so make sure to check if your airline is eligible beforehand.
Even if your flight doesn't support early check-in,
taking the airport railroad with your suitcases
is still by far the most convenient and comfortable way to get to the airport.
Location of the Seoul Station City Airport Terminal

The entrance is located deep inside the 2nd floor (train boarding level) of Seoul Station.


Go inside, take the elevator on the deep left side down to B2 floor ~
|
Airlines Eligible for Check-in at Seoul Station City Airport Terminal


Incheon Airport Terminal 1 | Incheon Airport Terminal 2 |
Jeju Air (excluding US routes), T'way Air (excluding US routes), Eastar Jet | Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Air Busan, Jin Air (excluding Americas routes), Air Seoul (excluding Americas routes) |
Even if you don't use the early city terminal check-in,
if you want a quiet, relaxing train ride to the airport,
or if you're traveling as a family with kids and have tons of luggage,
taking the AREX Airport Express is so much more convenient
than the regular subway or airport buses.
While airport limousine buses are also great,
there's just something so comforting and reliable about a train ride, right?
2. Why I Highly Recommend the Seoul Station AREX Express Train




Compared to taking the regular all-stop subway to Incheon Airport,
the biggest advantage of using the AREX Express Train is
that you can reserve and select your preferred seat in advance.
On the regular subway, if you hit rush hour
or if it gets too crowded, you have to stand and hold onto your heavy suitcases.
But on the Express Train, your luggage is safely stored in the designated racks
while you sit back and relax, saving your energy
right from the very start of your journey.
The seats are spacious, the cabin is quiet,
and you can even charge your phone on the go!
There's also a clean restroom on board,
and you can even get an electric cart service at Incheon Airport Terminal 1 Station.
Seriously, why would you not take this?
It takes less than an hour from Seoul Station to Incheon Airport,
and being able to store my suitcases securely without any worries
was my absolute favorite part.
| AREX Express Train | Regular All-Stop Subway |
Travel Time | Terminal 1: Approx. 43 mins Terminal 2: Approx. 51 mins | 60+ mins |
Stops | Non-stop (Seoul Station ↔ Incheon Airport) | Stops at multiple stations (Hongdae, Gongdeok, etc.) |
Seating | Reserved seating (choose your seat) | Open seating |
Luggage | Spacious dedicated luggage racks | Must hold onto bags, often crowded |
Fare | Discount Booking ~$7 | ~$4 (Transit Card) |

Seoul Station AREX Express Timetable
Interval : 25-50 mins | Weekday First Train | Weekday Last Train | Weekend/Holiday First Train | Weekend/Holiday Last Train |
Dep. Seoul Station Basement 2 (B2F) | 06:00 | 23:00 | 06:00 | 23:00 |
Dep. Incheon Airport Terminal 1 Basement 1 (B1F) | 05:24 | 22:48 | 05:24 | 22:48 |
Dep. Incheon Airport Terminal 2 Basement 1 (B1F) | 05:16 | 22:40 | 05:16 | 22:40 |
As of the post date: July 26, 2026
Source: AREX Airport Railroad Website
To check the detailed timetable
Visit the AREX Website ☜
How to Complete Your Boarding Process
Check-in | 05:20 ~ 19:00 (Check-in closes at 18:50) |
Terminal 1 | Must complete check-in at least 3 hours before flight departure |
Terminal 2 | Must complete check-in at least 3 hours 20 minutes before flight departure |
Departure Immigration | 05:30 ~ 19:00 |
Exclusions | · Flight tickets must be purchased in advance · Sports equipment, musical instruments, etc., are not allowed · Oversized baggage exceeding 150 cm in length is not allowed *Oversized Baggage Standard : Over 45 cm (Width) x 90 cm (Length) x 60 cm (Height) / over 50 kg |

Once you finish immigration in advance, you can breeze through using the dedicated departure lane!
3. Where is the cheapest place to book discounted AREX tickets?
AREX Airport Railroad


If you make your first purchase on the KKday app, you can get it at a 10% discount,
which is an absolute steal if you're traveling
with family or a group!
Naturally, it's much cheaper than buying on the official website or on-site.
After booking online, just redeem the
13-digit code at the ticket machine on-site, and you're good to go!
Or, you can use that same 13-digit code
on the AREX mobile website to
Express Train Ticket
On-site Price: ~$8
Online Booking
KKday: ~$7 [ Buy Here ]
Klook: ~$7 [ Buy Here ]

After purchasing your ticket, you can exchange your 13-digit code
for a physical ticket at this machine,
or you can easily exchange it online
for a QR code ticket instead.

If you prefer a physical ticket, feel free to do that! ^^


From my experience traveling abroad for work and leisure,
I've realized that how smoothly you get to the airport
can completely set the tone for your entire trip.
If you're flying out on a full-service carrier
and your airline supports the AREX pre-departure service,
I highly, highly recommend using it.
Checking in your bags and completing immigration beforehand
means you can travel to the airport completely hands-free,
and even skip the long lines via the dedicated departure lane!
Spending your extra time relaxing at the airport
is a massive game-changer.
Get your discounted AREX Express Train tickets
on KKday and start your next adventure
in the most comfortable way possible!
★
📍 Seoul Station Airport Railroad
378 Cheongpa-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
📍 Incheon International Airport Terminal 1
Incheon Int'l Airport Station, 271 Gonghang-ro, Yeongjong-gu, Incheon
📍 Incheon Airport Terminal 1 Station Airport Railroad
Incheon Int'l Airport Station, 271 Gonghang-ro, Yeongjong-gu, Incheon
#AREX #AirportRailroad #SeoulStationAREX #IncheonAirport #HowToGetToIncheonAirport #IncheonAirportTransport #SeoulStationCityAirportTerminal #CityAirportTerminal #AREXExpressTrain #AirportRailroadExpress #SeoulStationAirportRailroad #AirportRailroadDiscount #AREXDiscount #KKday #KKdayDiscount #IncheonAirportAREX #TravelPrep #IncheonAirportExpressTrain #SeoulStationToIncheonAirport #AirportRailroadBooking
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to travel from Seoul Station to Incheon Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 on the AREX Express Train?
It takes about 43 minutes from Seoul Station to Incheon Airport Terminal 1. To Terminal 2, it takes about 51 minutes, offering a fast journey with no intermediate stops.
What are the on-site and online discounted prices for the AREX Express Train ticket at Seoul Station?
The on-site purchase price is ~$8. If you book online at a discount, you can purchase it for ~$7.
How many hours before departure must I complete check-in at the Seoul Station City Airport Terminal?
For flights departing from Terminal 1, check-in must be completed at least 3 hours before departure. For Terminal 2 flights, check-in must be completed at least 3 hours and 20 minutes before departure.
How do I use the 13-digit numeric code for the AREX Airport Express purchased online?
You can enter the 13-digit number at a ticket exchange machine on-site to get a physical ticket. Alternatively, you can activate the number on the mobile website and enter directly using a QR code.
Which airlines operating out of Incheon Airport Terminal 2 allow check-in at the Seoul Station City Airport Terminal?
Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Air Busan, and Jin Air are available. However, Jin Air flights to the Americas are excluded from this check-in service.
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