Arriving in South Korea at Incheon Airport, you may be wondering how to take the Airport Railroad Express Train, also known by the acronym AREX, from the airport to Seoul.
There are several transport options for travelers who wish to make their way from Incheon Airport to Seoul. These include airport buses, taxis and trains.
The Airport Railroad Express Train or AREX is the train service that runs from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station.
There are two types of AREX services available – the Express train that runs non-stop, direct from the airport to Seoul Station and an “all-stop” service that stops at local stations.
Here’s a look at what to expect if you are taking the Airport Railroad Express Train or AREX.
Where to Find the Airport Railroad Express Train at Incheon Airport
Once you have exited the baggage claim and customs clearance, you will find yourself at the public area of the airport.
The AREX service can be found at the Transit Center which is connected to the Terminal building at the Basement. There are many signages that point the way to the Transit Center.
If you have arrived at Terminal 1, the Transit Center is directly in front of the terminal building. It can be reached via an underground tunnel at Basement 1 or via a sheltered link bridge on Level 2.
The Transit Center is an impressive building with a huge column-less roof and modern looking design. There is a fast food restaurant, KFC, and a Korean restaurant at the lowest level of the Transit Center. These are all on the right-hand side of the building as you enter from the terminal building.
A small outdoor garden, the Whisper Garden, is located next to the Korean restaurant.
The entrance to the trains are also located at the lowest level of the Transit Center.
AREX operates two types of trains: the Airport Railroad Express train service and the All Stop train service.
Entering from Terminal 1, you will find the entrance to the Express train service on the right side of the Transit Center (with an orange color code) while the All Stop train service entrance is on the left side of the building (marked with a blue color code).
Purchasing AREX train tickets
If you are buying tickets for the Airport Railroad Express, head over to the entrance where there are ticketing machines available.
This entrance is color-coded orange.
This service runs directly from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station, with no stops along the way.
Tickets can be purchased from the automated machines. The prices for a one-way AREX Express tickets are:
Adult: 9,500 won
Children: 7,500 won
Payment can be made cash or card.
If you have a voucher from KK day or Klook (which offer discounted tickets), you can make payment by scanning the QR code on the voucher at the machine.
Each ticket comes with a seat reservation. The train car and seat number are indicated on the ticket.
You can use the ticket to enter through the gates. Take the escalator down to the tracks and wait for the trains. The trains arrive at fixed schedule that you can find here. You should arrive at least 3 minutes before your train’s scheduled time.
Onboard the AREX Express
Once on the train, you can stow away your bulky luggage at the luggage area close to the doors. Smaller luggage can be placed in the compartment above the seat.
There is free Wi-Fi and toilets on the board the train as well.
The train ride from Incheon Airport Transit Station to Seoul Station takes around 43 minutes.
Along the way, you can enjoy the views out of the train window.
Tips for using the AREX Express Service
Here are four tips if you are planning to take the AREX or trying to decide whether or not to take the AREX.
1. If you take the AREX, you will arrive at Seoul Station. From there, you will have to transfer to a local subway train to reach your destination. This means that you will need a T-Money card.
You can purchase the T-Money card and top it up at the machines at the AREX All Stop Train entrance at the Airport Transit Center (see below). It is easier to purchase it there, where there are fewer people, than at Seoul Station, which is usually bustling.
2. If you are planning to take the AREX Express and transfer to a local subway train to get to your destination, do take note that you will have to navigate stairs. Even though the subway stations may have escalators or elevators, they could be located at the far ends of the stations.
You should therefore be prepared to move your luggage up and down stairs to get to your destination.
3. The AREX Express operates on a fixed schedule. You can check the schedule in advance. On the plus side, even if you are early, there is a seating area at the AREX Express platform where you can wait.
4. Travel booking platform such as Klook offer discounted tickets for the AREX Express. You can use them to save on ticket prices.
AREX All Stop Train
The entrance to the All Stop Train operated by AREX can be found on the left hand side of the Transit Station, opposite from the Express train entrance.
This entrance is color-coded in blue.
To make use of the All Stop Train service, you will need to have a T-Money Card, the transit card used on the South Korean subway system.
There is a vending machine next to the entrance of the All Stop Train service where you can purchase a T-Money Card. Take note that the card alone usually costs 4,000 won. Some with special designs can be priced higher.
You can also purchase T-Money Cards from convenience shops like CU within the airport terminal building.
Once you have purchased the T-Money Card, you will have to top it up with cash.
Beside the vending machine at the Transit Center, there is also a top up machine that you can use.
The journey time from Incheon Airport Transit Center to Seoul Station is 66 minutes on the All Stop Train service. There are a total of 12 stops between Incheon Airport and Seoul Station.
The fare for the All Stop Train from the Transit Center to Seoul Station for an adult is 4,150 won.
