Best Ways to Travel from Incheon Airport T1 to Gwanghwamun & Gyeongbokgung (Cost & Time Comparison)

 

Here is a comprehensive guide on 4 ways to travel from Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 (T1) to Gwanghwamun & Gyeongbokgung :    AREX, Airport Limousine Bus, Taxi, and Call Van.

Beautiful night view of Gwanghwamun Square and the Admiral Yi Sun-sin Statue in Seoul.

Entrance view of the Gyeongbokgung Palace gate and traditional stone walls.

 Walking guide from Gwanghwamun Gate to Geunjeongjeon Hall inside 

1. AREX (Airport Railroad - All-stop Train)

• Note: Make sure to board the Blue All-stop Train (Do not board the Orange Express Train).

• Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour 30 mins – 1 hour 40 mins

• Fare: ₩5,700 – ₩7,500

• Directions:

1. From the Arrival Hall (1F), 

follow the Airport Railroad signs and take the escalator down to Underground Level 1 (B1).

2. Follow the blue signs for the "All-stop Train" (Do not take the orange Express Train). 

3. Tap your card or ticket at the gate to enter the AREX station.

4. Head down to the platform and board the Blue All-stop Train toward Seoul Station (For quick transfer at Gongdeok, board near Car 6-1).

5. Ride 11 stops and get off at Gongdeok Station (approx. 55 mins; exit on the left).

6. Transfer to Subway Line 5 toward Aeogae/Gwanghwamun 

(walk approx. 550m; quick exit near Car 8-4). 

7. Ride 4 stops and get off at Gwanghwamun Station 

(Sejong Center for the Performing Arts) (approx. 6 mins).

If you are heading towards Gyeongbokgung Palace, 

please exit through Exit 2.

2. Airport Limousine Bus

• You can purchase bus tickets at the designated ticket booths on the 1st floor (Arrivals) of Incheon Airport T1.
  

Indoor Bus Ticket Booth located on the 1st floor (Arrivals) near Gates 4, 9, etc.

Outdoor Bus Ticket Booth located right outside the exit doors on the 1st floor.

• Note for return trips: When taking the bus from Seoul, you can buy tickets at local bus stops. Since buses may fill up, it is recommended to arrive early.

• Daytime Bus: Route 6701

• Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour 20 mins – 1 hour 40 mins

• Fare: ₩18,000 (Adult)

• Interval: Every 33 mins

• First / Last Bus: First bus 05:15 / Last bus 22:05

• Main Route: Incheon Airport T1 (1F) → Mapo Station → Gongdeok Station → Koreana Hotel (Gwanghwamun) → The Plaza Hotel (City Hall) → Westin Chosun Hotel → Lotte Hotel Seoul → Seoul City Hall → Koreana Hotel → Seosemun KAL Building → Incheon Airport T1 (3F)

Bus Stop 3B located outside Exit 3 on the 1st floor of Incheon Airport T1.

• Night Bus: Route N6002

• Fare: ₩17,000 (Adult)

• Interval: Every 90 mins

• First / Last Bus: First bus 22:20 / Last bus 03:20

• Main Route: Incheon Airport T1 (1F) → Hongdae Univ. Station → Seoul Museum of History (Gwanghwamun) → Dongdaemun Station → Cheongnyangni Station

Bus Stop 6A located outside Exit 6 on the 1st floor for Late-Night Buses.

3. Taxi / Jumbo Taxi

• Standard Taxi

  • Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour

  • Estimated Fare: ₩55,000 – ₩70,000 (Base fare: ₩4,800)

  • Pick-up Location: Incheon Airport T1 1F, Stops 5C, 6C, 6D

• Jumbo Taxi

  • Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour

  • Estimated Fare: ₩60,000 – ₩100,000 (Base fare: ₩7,000)

• Additional Info:

• Total Taxi Cost = Meter Fare + Toll Fee (₩3,200)

• Nighttime Surcharge:

• 22:00 – 23:00 / 02:00 – 04:00: +20% surcharge

• 23:00 – 02:00: +40% late-night surcharge

Information sign for Standard Taxi, Jumbo Taxi, and Call Van located outside Exit 6 on the 1st floor.

Taxi fare table and zone information sign located outside Exit 6 on the 1st floor.

4. Call Van (Jumbo Van Taxi) 

 

Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour 10 mins

Features: Ideal for groups with heavy luggage.

Reservation: No advance booking required; available directly on-site at Terminal 2.

Fare: Fixed-rate system (Approx. ₩80,000 – ₩100,000 for 4 passengers to central Seoul / Toll fee excluded). Please confirm the final fare at the information center or with the driver before boarding.

The Call Van information center is located inside Incheon Airport.
 Please confirm the fare before boarding.

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