All About AREX: Incheon Airport to Seoul Train, Seat Reservation, & Promo Code

Travel between the airport and Seoul Station in just 43 minutes from Terminal 1 and 51 minutes from Terminal 2. This is the main benefit of taking the Airport Railroad Express or AREX. I’ve taken the train more than ten times now, and I always find it efficient and comfortable. If you are thinking about getting AREX tickets as well, I suggest booking here. Aside from the discounted price, this platform will allow you to make a dated and timed seat reservation after purchasing a ticket — a convenient service that is currently not available on other websites. Plus, you can get an extra 5% discount when you book with our promo code TRAVLISTS.

In a nutshell

• What is AREX? The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) in South Korea offers a fast and non-stop train ride between Incheon Airport (Terminals 1 and 2) and Seoul Station. With only 43 minutes of travel time, it’s the fastest way to get to Seoul or back to the airport.
• Ticket price. A one-way AREX train ticket costs around $8.2, but you can book for less than $8 here with our promo code TRAVLISTS.
• Seat reservation. After purchasing an AREX train ticket here, you will be able to make a dated and timed seat reservation on the same website in advance. This is a unique service that’s currently available on Klook, one that our team at Travlists finds very convenient. After completing the seat reservation, you will receive a QR code that you can use to ride the train. Learn more here.
• AREX vs. All-Stop Train. Aside from the AREX, tourists also have the option to take the All-Stop Train, which runs from Incheon Airport to Seoul. As the name suggests, the All-Stop train makes multiple stops on the airport line (around 13 stations) before reaching Seoul or the airport. It has a slightly longer travel time of 53 minutes and comes with no reserved seating or dedicated luggage compartments.

Further reading: 10 Best Salons in Seoul for Foreigners: Haircut, Color Analysis, & Head Spa

Quick Book

AREX Train Ticket Promo Code

What is the Airport Railroad Express or AREX?

This is South Korea’s express train that runs on the Airport Railroad Line, serving travelers who need to get to downtown Seoul from Incheon International Airport. This is ideal for tourists who want to get to the capital in the fastest way possible — just 43 minutes from Terminal 1 and 51 minutes from Terminal 2. It is also perfect for those who want to save money on transit fares (tickets are less than $10).

There is another train that you can take from Incheon International Airport, and it’s called the All-Stop Train. Before we look into the difference between the two, let’s see the perks of taking the AREX below:

Benefits of Taking the AREX

Aside from the efficient travel time and cost, the Incheon Airport Express Train also provides a very comfortable journey. Here’s what you’ll get when you choose to book an AREX train ticket (amenities and services subject to availability):

1. Access to the Airport Terminal at Seoul Station

When you purchase an AREX Incheon Airport express train ticket, you will be given access to the City Airport Terminal at Seoul Station. This means that if you’re flying to an international destination via Jeju Air, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, T’way Air, or Eastar Jet, you can select your seats ahead of your departure (depending on the availability of airline counters) and check in your bags at Seoul Station directly. No more carrying or lugging your bags all the way to the airport.

My friends who visited me in South Korea were able to check in their bags a few hours before their Jeju Air flight, and they told me that the process went smoothly at Seoul Station. This not only saved them time but also energy as they did not have to lug their bags on their way to the airport.

2. Reserved seating

With an Incheon Airport Express Train ticket, you are guaranteed to have a seat when traveling from Incheon to Seoul and vice-versa. The seats also recline and have pullable desks for passengers to use. Compared to the All-Stop Train with no guaranteed seating, the Express Train offers a more comfortable transfer.

3. Luggage storage and overhead compartments

For tourists and locals, the AREX train remains the preferred way of traveling because of its luggage storage and overhead compartments. You’ll have plenty of space to store your luggage (by the doors), so you can sit back and relax in your seat.

4. Cabin crew service at Airport Express Train for Incheon Airport to Seoul

Need assistance or special care for your travel? You can rely on AREX Incheon Airport express train crew to help you. During the journey, they will even serve bottled water at no extra cost.

5. Toilets

Sure, having a toilet inside the train may be the least of your concern as you prepare for your Korea trip, but having this space to get changed, put some powder on, cleanse your face, and you know, answer nature’s call, can be very helpful.

6. Use of customer lounge

When you buy an AREX ticket, you’ll get automatic access to the customer lounge located at Incheon Airport Terminal 1.

Aside from these amenities, other services offered at and by the Incheon Airport Express Train include a Kids’ Zone inside the train, electronic cart rides at the airport, and complimentary use of shuttle buses for affiliated hotels (for a list of AREX’ partner hotels, you may inquire at the AREX booth found at the airport’s Transportation Center).

AREX & All-Stop Train

Now, let’s compare the two types of train that you can take: the AREX and the All-Stop.

As you can see on the first line in the map, the AREX Express Train travels between 3 stops only: Incheon Airport Terminal 1, Incheon Airport Terminal 2, and Seoul Station. From Seoul Station, transfers to Subway Line 1, Line 4, Gyeongui Line, and KTX Line are available, which is suitable for travelers who will be staying in the following:

• Line 4 (Light Blue Line): Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (DDP), Hyehwa, & more
• Line 1 (Dark Blue Line): Dongdaemun, City Hall, Jongno, Yongsan (Itaewon), Yeongdeungpo, & more
• KTX: For transfers to Daejeon, Daegu, Gangneung, Busan, & other places outside Seoul

The second line on the map is the All-Stop Train line. While its last stop is also Seoul Station, the train stops at all 11 stations in between, including Gimpo International Airport, Digital Media City, Hongik Univ., Gongdeok, and others. If you will be staying in Hongdae, Sinchon, or Ehwa University, taking this train may make more sense since you can get off at Hongik Univ. Station (Line 2/Green Line) directly. The only downside is that the All-Stop Train does not have reserved seats and luggage compartments like the AREX does, so expect the train to be packed during peak hours.

TIP! Whether you’re taking the All-Stop Train or AREX, you will need a transportation card to transfer to another subway line or ride the bus. Our team suggests purchasing your T-Money transportation card here, which has cheaper preloaded options. The card is available for pick-up at Incheon International Airport, and you can use it to take the train or bus right away. (T-Money cards are also being sold inside the AREX Train. The train attendant will be offering T-Money cards for purchase in the middle part of the journey.)

AREX Timetable

As for the operating hours of AREX trains, here’s a quick summary:

• Incheon Airport Terminal 1 to Seoul Station: 5:24am-10:48pm (departs every 40 minutes)
• Incheon Airport Terminal 2 to Seoul Station: 5:16am-10:40pm (departs every 40 minutes)
• Seoul Station to Incheon Airport: 6am-11pm (departs every 40 minutes)

You can also refer to the following departure timetables to see a more detailed schedule:

1. Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station AREX Departures

Departure (From T2)	Departure (From T1)	Arrival (Seoul)
5:16 AM	5:24 AM	6:07 AM
6:00 AM	6:08 AM	6:51 AM
6:30 AM	6:38 AM	7:21 AM
7:05 AM	7:13 AM	7:56 AM
8:10 AM	8:18 AM	9:01 AM
8:58 AM	9:06 AM	9:49 AM
9:30 AM	9:38 AM	10:21 AM
10:10 AM	10:18 AM	11:01 AM
10:50 AM	10:58 AM	11:41 AM
11:30 AM	11:38 AM	12:21 PM
12:10 PM	12:18 PM	1:01 PM
12:45 PM	12:53 PM	1:36 PM
1:20 PM	1:28 PM	2:11 PM
2:00 PM	2:08 PM	2:51 PM
2:40 PM	2:48 PM	3:31 PM
3:20 PM	3:28 PM	4:11 PM
4:00 PM	4:08 PM	4:51 PM
4:40 PM	4:48 PM	5:31 PM
5:20 PM	5:28 PM	6:11 PM
6:10 PM	6:18 PM	7:01 PM
6:35 PM	6:43 PM	7:26 PM
7:15 PM	7:23 PM	8:06 PM
8:05 PM	8:13 PM	8:56 PM
8:55 PM	9:03 PM	9:46 PM
9:50 PM	9:58 PM	10:41 PM
10:40 PM	10:48 PM	11:31 PM

2. Seoul Station to Incheon International Airport AREX Departures

Departure (Seoul)	Arrival (T1)	Arrival (T2)
6:00 AM	6:43 AM	6:51 AM
6:45 AM	7:28 AM	7:36 AM
7:20 AM	8:03 AM	8:11 AM
8:06 AM	8:49 AM	8:57 AM
8:55 AM	9:38 AM	9:46 AM
9:45 AM	10:28 AM	10:36 AM
10:20 AM	11:03 AM	11:11 AM
10:56 AM	11:39 AM	11:47 AM
11:35 AM	12:18 PM	12:26 PM
12:10 PM	12:53 PM	1:01 PM
12:50 PM	1:33 PM	1:41 PM
1:30 PM	2:13 PM	2:21 PM
2:10 PM	2:53 PM	3:01 PM
2:50 PM	3:33 PM	3:41 PM
3:30 PM	4:13 PM	4:21 PM
4:10 PM	4:53 PM	5:01 PM
4:50 PM	5:33 PM	5:41 PM
5:25 PM	6:08 PM	6:16 PM
6:00 PM	6:43 PM	6:51 PM
6:55 PM	7:38 PM	7:46 PM
7:36 PM	8:19 PM	8:27 PM
8:10 PM	8:53 PM	9:01 PM
8:45 PM	9:28 PM	9:36 PM
9:30 PM	10:13 PM	10:21 PM
10:20 PM	11:03 PM	11:11 PM
11:00 PM	11:43 PM	11:51 PM

Note that it takes 43 minutes to get to Seoul Station from Terminal 1 and 53 minutes from Terminal 2. (The timetables above are subject to change without prior notice. Visit the official website here to check for updates.)

How to Make a Seat Reservation & Use the AREX Ticket

After booking your AREX ticket here, you will instantly get a mobile voucher that you can use to reserve a seat and receive your actual train ticket. Here’s the process:

1. Check your AREX voucher on the Klook app or your inbox.
2. Find the 13-digit code on your voucher.
3. Reserve your seat and get your ticket in any of the three ways:
   • Option 1: Reserve on the Klook app (fastest)
   • Option 2: Reserve on the official AREX Website using your Klook voucher (preferred)
   • Option 3: Upon arrival at the airport or Seoul Station, select the time of your departure and print your ticket using the AREX Ticketing Machine. (Klook voucher code is required.)
4. At the AREX gate or turnstile, scan your mobile or printed ticket’s QR code to enter.
5. After your train ride, you will need to scan your ticket again to exit.
6. To transfer to another subway line or bus route in Seoul Station, use your T-Money card.

Option 1: Reserve a dated and timed ticket on the Klook App

1. Click ‘Activate Ticket’
2. Select departure date and time (book up to 2 months in advance)
3. Get the QR code showing your train number, car number, and seat number

The beauty in buying a ticket and reserving a seat on Klook is that you can do it on the same website or app. It’s really fast and convenient. However, since Klook does not allow seat selections, I typically reserve a seat on the official website.

Option 2: Using your Klook voucher, reserve a seat on the official website

On the official website, you will be able to select the date and time of your departure, as well as choose between a forward-facing seat and a reverse seat. Make your selections and input your Klook voucher code as payment. You will then receive a mobile ticket with QR code.

AREX Train Ticket Options

AREX train tickets are available for booking online at a cheaper price. Below are the most popular options:

1. AREX Incheon Airport Express Train Ticket (One-Way)

• PRICE: Book here from $8.15
• WHAT YOU’LL GET: Single-journey ticket for AREX (Incheon Airport to Seoul Station or Seoul Station to Incheon Airport), in-app seat reservation, free Wi-Fi connection, & bottled water (upon request)
• REVIEWS: “Easy to buy AREX tickets from Incheon Terminal 1 to Seoul Station… You can activate the tickets directly on AREX website using the code you receive via Klook so that you can select your seats. I also bought child ticket from AREX website. As my flight arrived early, I managed to go to the AREX ticket office at the airport and change to an earlier train time…”

2. AREX Incheon Airport Express Train Ticket (One-Way) + KLIA Ekspres Airport Express Train

Our next option combines tickets for AREX and KLIA Ekspres in Malaysia. If you will fly to South Korea from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, you can save money by getting this bundle.

• PRICE: Book here from $18.6
• WHAT YOU’LL GET: Single-journey ticket for AREX (Incheon Airport to Seoul Station or Seoul Station to Incheon Airport) & one-way train ticket from KLIA T1 or KLIA T2 to KL Sentral (or vice versa)
• BEST REVIEW: “This was quick and convenient to use. It was also great value for money. I would recommend [to] anyone travelling between KL and Seoul,” reads a review on Klook.

Other Ways to Travel Between Incheon Airport and Seoul

Aside from AREX, you can get to the capital in a variety of ways, including this comfy airport bus, cab, private transfer, or even the all-stop train. Here’s a quick comparison:

OPTION	TRAVEL TIME	PRICE
1. AREX Express Train	43 minutes (from Terminal 1) or 53 minutes (from Terminal 2)	Book from $8.2 ➜
2. All-Stop Train	Up to 58 minutes (from Terminal 1) or 66 minutes (from Terminal 2)	From $3.3 (Book transit card from $3.5 ➜)
3. K Limousine Airport Bus (Premium)	1-2 hours (depending on traffic)	Book from $11.8 ➜
4. Incheon Airport Limousine Bus (Standard)	1-2 hours (depending on traffic)	Book from $11.5 ➜
5. Private Airport Transfer	1-1.5 hours (depending on traffic)	Book from $52 ➜

Fine Print: Incheon Airport Express Train Ticket

Before booking your AREX ticket, make sure to read our fine print below:

• Train frequencies may change, especially during low seasons. Check the timetable before booking.
• Kids 3 and below ride the airport express train for free.
• Klook sells the same AREX ticket for adults and children. To buy the discounted train ticket for kids, you may proceed to the Transportation Center at Incheon Airport or Seoul Station.
• Eating and drinking inside the AREX train is not allowed.