Seoul Station AREX & City Airport Terminal Guide: Direct vs. All-Stop Trains & Luggage Drop-off

 

Seoul Station is not only a major transportation hub for KTX and subways, but also the smartest starting point to travel to Incheon International Airport. Here is everything foreign tourists need to know about taking the AREX and using the City Airport Terminal.


Exterior view of Seoul Station showing the main entrance leading to the AREX and transit hub.



1. AREX: Express Train vs. All-Stop Train

  • Express Train (Non-stop to Incheon Airport):

    • Duration: About 43–51 minutes.

    • How to use: Purchase a reserved-seat ticket at the B2 level ticket vending machine or online (QR code) and enter through the dedicated gate.

  • All-Stop Train (Stops at all stations):

    • Duration: About 58–63 minutes.

    • How to use: Tag your standard transit card (like T-money) at the turnstile without buying a separate ticket and head to the B3/B7 platform.




2. ✈️ City Airport Terminal: Drop Off Your Luggage and Travel Light!

You can check in, check your baggage, and clear immigration right at Seoul Station before heading to the airport.

  • Step-by-Step Process:

    1. Purchase an Express Train ticket: A valid Express Train ticket is required to use the City Airport Terminal.

    2. Airline Check-in & Luggage Drop: Visit the airline counters on the right to check in with your passport and drop off your heavy luggage (mobile boarding passes are also accepted).

    3. Immigration Inspection: Complete your departure screening at the Ministry of Justice immigration office on the same floor.

    4. Light Travel: Ride the Express Train hands-free and use the dedicated fast-track entrance at Incheon Airport.

  • Available Airlines: Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, T'way Air, Air Busan, Jin Air, Eastar Jet, Air Seoul, etc.




Information sign showing floor directories for AREX, KTX, subways, and the City Airport Terminal at Seoul Station.


Overhead directional sign above the escalator guiding passengers to AREX Express and All-Stop trains.


Entrance sign of the Incheon Airport Immigration Office Seoul Station Branch for early departure inspection.


Airline check-in counters and baggage drop-off area at the Seoul Station City Airport Terminal.


Informational poster with QR codes for online reservation and ticketing of the AREX Express Train.

Directional signboard pointing toward the City Airport Terminal, check-in, and immigration inspection.


Ticket vending machines and card recharge kiosks for the AREX All-Stop train.



Entrance gates and ticketing area for the AREX All-Stop Train at Seoul Station.






  • πŸ’“ Wishing you a pleasant journey and a fantastic time in Korea! 


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