AREX Express vs All-Stop: Seoul Airport Train Guide

Discover how to ride the AREX between Incheon Airport and Seoul Station. We'll help you compare the AREX Express and All-Stop trains, break down ticket prices and discounts, and provide you with the latest route maps and timetables.

What is AREX, Seoul?

The AREX (Airport Railroad Express) is Seoul’s dedicated airport train, whisking you from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul in about 51 minutes. There are two types of trains available: the AREX Express Train (a faster, non-stop service) and the AREX All-Stop Train (a more budget-friendly option that stops at every station).

At Seoul Station, you'll find a City Airport Terminal where you can check your bags, print boarding passes, and even breeze through immigration early if you're flying with Korean Air, Asiana, or Jeju Air. Simply pay with cash, a T-money card, or a credit card, then hop on the AREX and relax.

AREX Route Map - Express Train Route & All-Stop Train Route

Express Train Route (Orange Line)

Stops: Seoul Station → Geomam → Incheon Airport T1 → T2.

• Why take it? No stops, just pure speed. It’s the perfect choice if you’re hauling luggage or just want to avoid the crowds.
• Must-visit spot: Geomam Station (hop on the AREX Line 2 if you need a transfer).

All-Stop Train Route (Blue Line)

Stops: Seoul Station → Gongdeok → Hongik Univ. → Digital Media City → Magongnaru → Gimpo Airport → Geomam → Cheongna → Yeongjong → Unseo → Cargo Terminal → T1 → T2.

• Why take it? It’s cheaper, and it stops at hot spots like:
• • Hongik Univ. Station (Hongdae): Dive into a vibrant world of cozy cafes, stunning street art, and an electric nightlife scene.
  • Gimpo Airport: Time to hop on your domestic flight!
  • Digital Media City: Calling all K-pop fans—this is your gateway to the iconic KBS and MBC studios!

AREX - How to Check the Schedule & Timetable

AREX - Ticket Prices & Discounts

Trip.com often offers AREX tickets at 15-20% off the official price. Skip the hassle of navigating the AREX website—simply grab your ticket on Trip.com, receive your QR code, and scan it at the airport or station to be on your way!

AREX Express - Traveler Reviews

See what travelers are saying about the AREX Express, and don't forget to grab your 5% off coupon before you book!

AREX - Express Train vs. All-Stop Train

• Express Train: Zips nonstop to Seoul Station in just 43-51 minutes (from Terminal 1 or 2). It’s a bit of a splurge, but oh-so-comfortable!

• All-Stop Train: It’s easier on the wallet and a bit slower (59-66 minutes), but it’s super convenient for connecting to subways (like Hongdae or Gimpo Airport).

Some useful Korea transport cards/tickets you might need in Seoul😆

AREX - Express Train

Why choose this? It’s the VIP option. No stops, no crowds—just you zooming from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station in just 43 minutes (from Terminal 1) or 51 minutes (from Terminal 2). It’s perfect if you’re tired, in a rush, or just want to relax.

What’s included?

• Price: ₩13,000 for adults | ₩9,500 for kids (cheaper than a taxi!).
• Seats: Reclining leather seats (perfect for a nap!). Spacious 2x2 seating (think airplane-style rows). Plenty of room to stretch out.
• Enjoy free Wi-Fi and charging ports on board (just select AREX Free Wi-Fi > Connected to get started).
• Onboard restrooms and a kids’ play area (a total lifesaver for families).
• Early check-in: Drop off your luggage and pick up your boarding passes at the City Airport Terminal in Seoul Station.
• Perks: Complimentary shuttle buses to hotels near the airport.

How to book tickets:

• Pick them up at the Express Train counters (just look for the signs in the airport basement or at Seoul Station).
• Pro tip: Book online in advance if you’re traveling during peak hours—spots fill up fast!

AREX - All-Stop Train

Who’s it for? Backpackers, budget travelers, or anyone looking to keep a little extra cash in their pocket. It’s a bit of a longer ride (59 minutes from Terminal 1, 66 from T2), but you’ll save a bundle (exact fare depends on your stop).

Why it’s worth it:

• It connects right to Seoul’s subway system: Just hop off at Hongdae for trendy cafes, Gimpo Airport for domestic flights, or any of the other stops along the way.
• Pay with cash or prepaid cards (like T-money)—no fancy ticket needed.
• Runs frequently: Every 10–15 minutes, so there’s no long wait.

Things to keep in mind:

• Expect crowds during rush hour (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM).
• There are no reserved seats or luggage racks here, so be sure to pack light!
• Basic amenities (no Wi-Fi, sorry!). Simple subway-style benches (some face each other). First-come, first-served.

How to Book Your AREX Express Train Tickets Online​​

Buy Tickets on Trip.com​​

1. ​​Head to Trip.com​​ → Search for “AREX Express Train” → Select your date and purchase a ​​one-way ticket​​.
2. ​​Get your e-ticket​​: You’ll receive an email with a ​​QR code​​ and a ​​13-digit voucher number​​.
3. ​​Exchange for a physical ticket​​:
4. • At Incheon Airport or Seoul Station, look for the ​​yellow AREX kiosks​​.
   • Enter your 13-digit voucher → Print your ticket.
   • No kiosk in sight? Just show your QR code to the staff at the Express Train counter.

​​Good to know:​​

• Trip.com tickets are ​​fixed-date​​—so be sure to plan ahead, as you won't be able to change your train time once you've booked!
• Skip the paper ticket and just use your QR code directly at the gate.

​​Reserve Your Seats on the Official AREX Website​​

Follow these simple steps to snag your perfect seat for free (if you've got a promo code handy):

1. ​​Visit the official AREX website​​ → Click “Express Train Reservation.”
2. ​​Search trains​​: Pick your date and departure point (e.g., Incheon Airport T1 → Seoul Station).
3. ​​Pick your train​​: Choose a time that works for you (like the 9:00 AM Express Train).
4. ​​Click “Non-member Booking”​​: No account creation required!
5. ​​Enter your details​​:Email addressPassenger name (as it appears on your passport)
6. ​​Pick your seat​​: Choose from available seats (window/aisle).
7. ​​Apply discounts​​: Have a ​​13-digit coupon code​​? Pop it in here → Watch your total drop to ​​₩0 KRW​​.
8. ​​Confirm booking​​: Double-check the $0 total → Complete your booking.
9. ​​Get your e-ticket​​: Your QR code will arrive in your inbox instantly.

How to Ride the AREX from Incheon Airport to Seoul

Step 1: Make your way to the B1 Floor of the airport​​
Once you've landed, just follow the signs for the “Transportation Center” or “AREX” (you'll usually spot these near baggage claim). Hop on the elevators or escalators and head down to B1.

​​Step 2: Book Your Ticket​​

• ​​Express Train:​​ Head to the ​​Express Train counters​​ (look for staff in uniforms) or use the automated machines. Tip: Credit cards work here.
• ​​All-Stop Train:​​ Use the ​​gray ticket machines​​ (cash or cards) or simply tap your ​​T-money transport card​​—it’s both cheaper and faster!

​​Step 3: Scan Your Ticket​​
Look for the ticket gates labeled “AREX.” If you have a paper ticket, just scan the QR code. If you're using a transport card, simply tap on the reader.

​​Step 4: Head to the Platform (B3 Floor)​​
Follow the signs down to ​​B3​​. Trains to Seoul Station depart from ​​Platforms 1-2​​.
No need to stress: The screens above the platform display train times and types (​​Express​​ = orange, ​​All-Stop​​ = gray).

​​Step 5: Hop On the Train​​

• ​​Express Train:​​ Check your seat number (it’s printed on your ticket). Stow your luggage in the racks near the doors.
• ​​All-Stop Train:​​ Grab any seat or stand—no reservations needed.

How to Take the AREX from Seoul to Incheon Airport

Step 1: Head to the B2 Floor of Seoul Station​​
Head to ​​Seoul Station​​ (via subway Lines 1/4 or KTX trains). Simply follow the signs for the ​​“AREX Airport Railroad”​​ and head down to level ​​B2​​.

​​Step 2: Book Your Ticket​​

• ​​Express Train:​​ Head to the ​​Express Train counter​​ (look for the blue signs) or use the kiosks. Pro tip: Book round-trip tickets if you’re returning—it’s slightly cheaper.
• ​​All-Stop Train:​​ Skip the counter—simply tap your ​​T-money card​​ at the gates (it’s way faster).

​​Step 3: Scan and enter​​
Look for the gates marked “To Incheon Airport.” If you have a paper ticket, just scan the QR code. If you're using a transport card, simply tap and go.

​​Step 4: Head Down to the B7 Platform​​
Yep, it’s deep—take the elevators (or escalators) down to ​​B7​​. Check the screens: trains to ​​Incheon Airport​​ depart from ​​Platforms 3-4​​.

​​Step 5: Hop On the Right Train​​

• ​​Express Train:​​ Check your seat number (it’s printed on your ticket). You’ll find luggage racks near the doors.
• ​​All-Stop Train:​​ No seat numbers—grab any spot you like. Just try to steer clear of the doors during rush hour (it gets pretty crowded!).

​​Don’t Miss This:​​

• ​​Airport check-in at Seoul Station:​​ If you’re flying with Korean Air, Asiana, or Jeju Air, you can drop off your bags and pick up your boarding pass here before you head out. It’s a great way to save time at the airport!
• ​​Timing:​​ Express trains depart every 20-40 minutes, while all-stop trains run every 6-15 minutes. Be sure to allow yourself at least ​​1.5 hours​​ before your flight!

[10% Off] Find Your Perfect Hotel in Seoul