Go from Seoul to Busan or vice-versa via the KTX train! Book a one-way ticket here π
In a nutshell
- How to get to Busan from Seoul. The KTX train, or the Korea Train Express, is the most preferred way to travel between Seoul and Busan. On average, the train runs between the two cities in just 2.5 hours. Multiple departures are available from early morning to late night, and seats are comfortable and guaranteed. If you want to take the KTX train, click here to see if it is available on your travel dates.
- Can I take the Seoul to Busan KTX train using a Korail Pass? Yes, you can. The Korail Pass, which provides unlimited train rides for 3-5 consecutive days or any 2-4 days within a 10-day period, can be used to take the KTX train from Seoul to Busan, Busan to Seoul, and other destinations like Daegu, Daejeon, etc. This is perfect if you want to discover more cities in South Korea. Check the price of the Korail Pass here. (If you want to book only a one-way train ticket for Seoul to Busan, click here.)
- Is there a bus that runs between Seoul to Busan? Yes, you can ride the intercity bus that goes straight to the coastal city. Tickets are quite cheap, but the journey typically takes at least 4 hours. Book Seoul to Busan bus tickets here starting at just $22.
- Are Seoul to Busan flights available? If you want to get to Busan in just a little over an hour, you can book any of these flights starting at $18. You may also want to check the cheapest Seoul to Busan or Busan to Seoul airfare on SkyScanner here.
- What are other ways to get to Busan from Seoul? Other transportation options include this private vehicle charter (one-way or roundtrip) or local car rentals.
- Complete your trip! Once you’re in the coastal city of Busan, do visit the popular landmarks like the Busan x The Sky Observation Deck or this must-visit spa to make the most of your trip.
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How to Travel from Seoul to Busan & Back
As South Korea’s two most popular destinations, many travelers visit both the capital city of Seoul and the charming coastal city of Busan. There are various ways to get from one city to the other, including the express train (KTX), bus, private car charter, plane, and rental car (self-drive).
If you want to travel between Seoul and Busan in the shortest time possible, we recommend taking the KTX train, which only takes 2.5 hours. Taking a flight is also a good option, but most locals take the KTX as it is more reasonable in terms of price.
Speaking of costs, you can actually save the most money when traveling from Seoul to Busan or Busan to Seoul via bus. While it takes at least 4 hours to complete a one-way trip, you will only need to shell out around $25. Of course, if you have the money to spend and want to take in the beauty of other cities in Korea, driving from Seoul to Busan or chartering a private vehicle with a chauffeur are also good options.
| Option | Travel time (ave.) | Deals |
|---|---|---|
| 1. KTX Train | ||
| – One-way ticket | 2 hours 30 minutes | Book ticket |
| – Korail Pass | 2 hours 30 minutes | Book pass |
| 2. Intercity Bus | 4 hours | Book ticket |
| 3. Seoul to Busan Flight | 1 hour 5 minutes | Visit Agoda |
| Visit Skyscanner | ||
| 4. Private Car Charter | 4-6 hours | Book car charter |
| 5. Car Rental | 4-6 hours | Rent a car |
Below let’s take a closer look at how you can travel between the Korean capital and the country’s second-largest city:
1. Seoul to Busan via KTX Train
Let’s start with the most popular option: the Korea Train Express or the KTX. This high-speed train, popularized by the film Train to Busan, will let you travel between the capital and the coastal city in just 2.5 hours. We’ve taken the KTX a couple of times, and it really is convenient to take. Seats are guaranteed and comfortable, and you can even choose to take the window seats to get panoramic views of South Korea through the large windows. In terms of amenities, there is an airplane-style bathroom, charging stations in each seat row, and luggage racks by the train doors.
- PRICE: Book a KTX ticket here starting at $50.4!
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: One-way or roundtrip KTX ticket & your choice of add-on (select between an AREX Train Ticket, N Seoul Tower Ticket, Visit Busan Pass, Busan x The Sky Ticket, and Busan SpaLand Ticket)
- OPERATING HOURS: Seoul to Busan KTX trains are available from 5:13am to 10:28pm, while Busan to Seoul KTX trains are available from 5:10am to 10:10pm. The schedule may change, but you can check the updated timetable here.
- HOW TO BOOK: Select your route, travel date, and timeslot here. After booking, your ticket will be confirmed within 48 hours. Once confirmed, you will receive an e-ticket, which you can use to board the train.
- BEST REVIEW: “[This] is my first time taking [the KTX] train from [Busan to Seoul. Very] seamless process… we just [had to show the QR] code in the voucher (with seats allocation),” reads a review for a traveler who booked a KTX train ticket for Busan to Seoul.
2. Seoul to Busan via Korail Pass
If you are planning to visit other cities aside from Seoul and Busan, it would be more economical to get a Korail Pass instead of buying separate one-way or return tickets. With the Korail Pass, you can enjoy unlimited train rides for 3-5 consecutive days or any 2 or 4 days of traveling within a 10-day period (very similar to the Eurail Consecutive and Flexible Pass). The pass covers more than 600+ train stations nationwide, and you have over 80 routes to choose from as shown below:
This is how we made use of the Korail Pass: we traveled from Seoul to Daejeon, Daejeon to Daegu, Daegu to Busan, and, finally, Busan to Seoul. There are plenty of other cities that you can visit, and you can check the destinations here. Below we have more information about the Korail Pass:
- PRICE: Book here starting at $91.55
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Unlimited train rides for 3-5 consecutive days or any 2-4 days within a 10-day period
- HOW TO USE: After booking, you will receive your Korail Pass voucher online. Use the information on the voucher to book tickets on the Korail website. Find the redemption guide here or here.
- NOTE: The Korail Pass is NOT available to citizens of South Korea.
- BEST REVIEW: “Very convenient. Booking is very convenient and thereβs no need to print the tickets from the [Korail] website. Weβre able to use it for a quick trip to Busan. Seats are comfortable and [the train] leaves on time,” reads a review from a traveler who used the Korail Pass to get to Busan.
3. Seoul to Busan Bus
Coming in third is another popular option: the intercity bus that travels between Seoul and Busan directly. This is the cheapest way to get to either of the cities with one-way tickets starting at less than $23 if booked here (roundtrip tickets cost less than $50, which is cheaper than a one-way KTX ticket on Klook). The only downside is that the journey will take more than 4 hours on average on a direct bus. If you have plenty of time during your trip, this would be a great option to consider especially if you want to see some panoramic sights along the way.
- PRICE: Book a bus ticket here starting at $22.7!
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: One-way bus ticket from Seoul to Busan or Busan to Seoul
- OPERATING HOURS: Departures are available from 1am-11:59pm
- BEST REVIEW: “Comfortable journey that left on time and stopped for a comfort break [halfway]. Bus seats are spacious and the seat reclines and has a leg rest. Would book again,” reads a review from a traveler who booked a Seoul to Busan bus on Klook.
4. Seoul to Busan Flights
Many travelers who plan to visit Busan directly after landing at Incheon Airport typically book a flight from Seoul to Busan (or Gimpo Airport to Gimhae International Airport). Those who are also traveling on a tight schedule hop on this flight as it is the fastest option available. If you are one of these travelers or simply prefer air travel, you can find cheap options starting at $18 on Agoda here.
- PRICE: Book a flight on Agoda here starting at $18 (Compare rates on Klook here or on Skyscanner here)
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: One-way or return flight ticket from Seoul to Busan or Busan to Seoul via Incheon Airport, Gimpo Airport, & Gimhae Airport
- TIP: Airplanes rides from Seoul via Gimpo Airport is cheaper compared to flights from Incheon International Airport.
- BEST REVIEW: “The plane is definitely the fastest, especially because the check-in process is much quicker than international flights, and planes almost always leave on time. Plane fares also aren’t much more expensive than the bullet trains,” reads a tip from Reddit regarding Seoul to Busan flights.
5. Seoul to Busan via Private Car Charter
Want to go on an epic road trip? Hire a service vehicle that will take you from Seoul to Busan and back! While definitely more expensive than taking the express or bullet train and the bus, the car transfer with driver offers privacy and exclusivity. If your group consists of up to 6 members, consider booking this option!
- PRICE: Book a vehicle for up to 6 people here starting at $615
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: One-way or roundtrip ride between Seoul and Busan, gas, toll fees, insurance, and hotel pick-up or drop-off
6. Seoul to Busan via Car Rental
Experience driving from Seoul to Busan or vice-versa with your own rental car. Perfect if you want to make some stops in various cities along the way, the rental car will let you go anywhere according to your pace. If you are considering this option, just make sure that you have an international license and valid credit card to book! (Seoul to Busan distance is approx. 325 km.)
- PRICE: Rent a car here starting at $20 per day (If you are an iWay user, click here.)
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Rental car (choose from compact, SUV, van, or luxury vehicle) & snow tires (optional)
- NOTE: You can choose different drop-off points (for example, you can start your journey in Busan and drop off the vehicle in Seoul)
Share your Seoul to Busan travels!
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