Tabara Call Bus: Navigate East Busan Without a Car (2026)

When you explore areas like Gijang (기장) or Osiria (오시리아) in Busan, you might often find yourself thinking, "It's surprisingly inconvenient without a car!" You might arrive easily at a subway or Donghae Line (동해선) station, but then getting to attractions like Haedong Yonggungsa (해동용궁사), Lotte Outlets (롯데아울렛), or the National Busan Science Museum (국립부산과학관) requires checking bus schedules, and the distances are subtly too far to walk. I personally felt that navigating East Busan (동부산) without a car posed a bit of a challenge. That's where Tabara (타바라) comes in as a fantastic transportation solution. You can summon it like a taxi, but the fare is as affordable as a regular bus, making it an essential app to prepare for your East Busan adventure.

1. What is Tabara?

When planning a trip to East Busan, one of the first hurdles you might encounter is transportation. You'll find many appealing destinations like Haedong Yonggungsa, the Coastal Train (해변열차), Osiria, Lotte World (롯데월드), Lotte Outlets, and the National Busan Science Museum. However, navigating solely by public transport can often lead to awkward routes and wasted time. This is precisely when Tabara becomes an invaluable resource.

Tabara is a demand-responsive call bus service operated by Busan Metropolitan City (부산광역시). Unlike traditional buses that follow fixed routes, Tabara allows you to summon a bus via an app, pick you up at a nearby designated stop, and take you to your destination.

2. Why is Tabara an Essential for Car-Free Travel in East Busan?

While East Busan boasts a wonderful cluster of tourist attractions, getting around can be surprisingly tricky if you're traveling without a car. What looks like a short distance on a map can often turn into a walk of 20 minutes or more, and waiting for regular bus schedules can eat into precious travel time. Tabara offers significant convenience, especially when moving between Osiria Station (오시리아역) and destinations like Lotte Outlets, the National Busan Science Museum, or Haedong Yonggungsa. The major advantage? You hail it like a taxi, but the fare is comparable to a city bus.

When traveling in the Gijang area of Busan, you simply can't miss the Coastal Train. If you start your journey from Songjeong Station, you can enjoy a comfortable ride while gazing at the ocean views. But here's a crucial tip: if you don't book your Coastal Train tickets in advance, you might be turned away at the ticket office on the day of your visit. I once went without preparation and couldn't get on, and my child cried immensely at the entrance.

Make sure to book your tickets before you go!

I've compared several sites, and Trip.com offers the lowest ticket prices. Be sure to check available dates first!

Haeundae Blueline Park Ticket Discounts, Operating Hours, Reviews [2026] | Trip.com3ha.in

3. How to Use Tabara & My Experience

Using the service is straightforward. Simply install the Tabara app from the App Store or Play Store and log in. Then, select your pick-up and drop-off stops on the map, confirm the number of passengers and payment method, and call for a bus.

Typically, two vehicle options will appear; select your preferred one and wait.

Once a vehicle is dispatched, its number, estimated arrival time, and seat information will be displayed in the app. When you board, you simply tap your transportation card, just like a regular bus. Paying with a transportation card also allows for transfers to city buses or subways, making it convenient to connect from the Donghae Line or urban railway.

4. Good Things to Know When Using Tabara

Tabara doesn't operate as a free-for-all pick-up and drop-off service; you can only use it at designated stops. Also, since it's designed to transport passengers heading in the same general direction, being the first to board doesn't necessarily mean you'll be the first to alight. Nonetheless, navigating between East Busan's tourist spots without Tabara would have been quite challenging. On a hot day, instead of walking from Osiria Station to your destination, calling a Tabara can significantly reduce travel fatigue. If you're planning a car-free trip to Gijang, simply installing the app beforehand will make your itinerary much more relaxed.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Fares for adults are the same as standard city bus fares. Youth and children's fares also follow city bus standards.

Pets are allowed to board if they are in a portable carrier, but large luggage like big suitcases or golf bags that occupy a lot of space may be restricted.

Advance reservations are not possible; only real-time calls can be made. If cancellations or no-shows are repeated after a dispatch, your ability to call a Tabara may be restricted for a certain period, so it's best to check the stop location and time before hailing.

That concludes our guide to Tabara, an essential for car-free travel in East Busan, along with tips on how to use it.