Airport Railroad Express (AREX) Guide: All-Stop Train vs. Express Train

 Planning a trip to South Korea via Incheon International Airport? Taking the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between Seoul Station and Incheon Airport.

Depending on your travel style and budget, you can choose between the  All-Stop Train (Local Service) and the Express Train (Non-stop Service). Here is everything you need to know before you ride!

AREX Line Map & Station Transfer Guide

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1. Overview & Route Comparison

• All-Stop Train (Sea-blue Line)

  • Route: Seoul Station ↔ Incheon Int'l Airport T1 & T2 (Stops at all 14 stations along the way, including Hongdae and Gimpo Airport).

  • Travel Time: ~60 min (to T1) / ~66 min (to T2)

  • Seating: Commuter subway-style (free seating/standing).

• Express Train (Orange Line)

• Route: Seoul Station ↔ Incheon Int'l Airport T1 & T2 (Non-stop between Seoul Station and the Airport).

• Travel Time: 43 min (to T1) / 51 min (to T2)

• Seating: Assigned reclining seats (includes free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and onboard restrooms).

**    How to Take the All-Stop Train from Incheon Airport 

        T1 to Seoul Station

• Follow the blue "Airport Railroad" signs upon arriving at Incheon Airport Terminal 1. Both the All-Stop Train and Express Train share this direction and depart from the B1 level. Simply take the escalator down as indicated by the arrow.

1F Arrivals Hall (Terminal 1)

 Follow the blue "Airport Railroad" sign and take the moving walkway to the B1 Transportation Center.

At the B1 level, check the pillar sign: Blue for All-Stop Train (left) and Orange for Express Train (straight).

                        

 Purchase or top up your ticket at the ticket vending machines in front of the gate.

                         

Check the last train schedule displayed on the orange sign near the entrance to avoid missing your ride.

Check the full train timetable board for accurate departure times to Seoul Station and Terminal 1.

 Tap your transportation card at the All-Stop Train ticket gates to enter the platform.

 Wait safely behind the yellow line for the All-Stop Train. Luggage storage racks are available near Cars 2 to 5.

 Tap your card or ticket at the Seoul Station ticket gates to exit after arriving from the airport.

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🚆 Airport Railroad (AREX) First & Last Train Schedule (Weekdays)

Station	Direction / Type	First Train	Last Train
Seoul Station	Bound for Incheon Int'l Airport T2	05:20 (All-stop) / 06:00 (Express)	24:00 (All-stop) / 22:50 (Express)
Hongik Univ.	Bound for Incheon Int'l Airport T2	05:28	24:08
Gimpo Int'l Airport	Bound for Incheon Int'l Airport T2	05:43	24:23
	Bound for Seoul Station	05:32	24:04
Incheon Int'l Airport T1	Bound for Seoul Station	05:23 (All-stop) / 05:25 (Express)	23:56 (All-stop) / 22:48 (Express)
Incheon Int'l Airport T2	Bound for Seoul Station	05:15 (All-stop) / 05:15 (Express)	23:50 (All-stop) / 22:40 (Express)

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💡 Notes

• Weekends & Holidays: Departure times may vary by about 1 to 3 minutes compared to weekday schedules.

• Partial Routes: Some late-night last trains bound for Incheon Airport or Seoul Station may terminate at intermediate stations (such as Geomam Station). Please double-check if you plan to travel the entire route.

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2. Fares & Ticket Pricing

🚆 All-Stop Train

• Fare: ~4,750 KRW to 5,050 KRW (using a standard transportation card like T-money).

• Payment: Simply tap your card at the subway turnstile.

🚆 Express Train (Official Fares)

• Adult Standard: 13,000 KRW

• AREX Website Member Fare: 12,500 KRW (Save 500 KRW when logged into your account)

• Child Fare (Ages 6–12): 9,500 KRW

• Discount Eligibility (Seniors/Disabled): 9,500 KRW

💡 Note on Discounts: The non-member rate on the official booking system is the standard 13,000 KRW. To get the 500 KRW discount directly on the website, make sure to register and log in before booking!

 

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3. Key Benefits of the Express Train

1. City Airport Terminal at Seoul Station: Passengers flying with select airlines (such as Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Jeju Air) can check in their luggage and complete immigration control right at Seoul Station before boarding the Express Train!

2. Guaranteed Seat: Perfect if you have large luggage or are traveling during rush hour.

3. Fastest Connection: Non-stop service straight to the airport terminals.

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4. Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose the All-Stop Train (Local Service)    You want the flexibility to ride anytime without a reservation, are heading to intermediate stations (like Hongdae or Gimpo Airport), or simply prefer a spontaneous and convenient trip.

• choose the Express Train (Non-stop Service)

  When departing the country, choose the Express Train if you have heavy suitcases, want a guaranteed seat, or need the fastest route to your flight. It provides a non-stop service directly connecting Seoul Station and Incheon Int'l Airport (T1 & T2).

  For your departure, passengers can also check in their luggage and complete immigration control right at Seoul Station City Airport Terminal before boarding!.

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🔗 Official Reservation & Info

For train schedules, online ticket booking, and multilingual support (English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean), visit the official website: 👉 AREX Official Website      https://www.airportrailroad.com/

💓 Wishing you a pleasant journey and a fantastic time in Korea!