Step 01
Find your way to B1
After clearing customs, you'll be in the B1 Arrivals Hall. The AREX station is right here — no need to go outside. Just follow the blue railway signs.
3F
4F
4F
Departure floors
Check-in counters
Security
Duty-free shopping
1F
Arrivals level (ground floor)
Exit doors
Limousine Bus stop
Taxi stand
Tourist info
B1
★
★
← You are here after customs
🚆 AREX Station
🎫 Ticket machines & office
📱 SIM card kiosks (24hr)
💱 Currency exchange
🏧 ATM
🛄 Baggage claim
🛃 Customs exit
💡 How to find the station
After exiting customs, walk straight toward the "Transportation Center" sign. The AREX entrance is clearly marked with a blue railway logo. It takes about 3–5 minutes on foot from the customs exit.
Step 02
Express or Local?
AREX runs two types of trains from the same station. Choose carefully — they look similar but go very differently.
🟠 Express (직통)
🔵 Local (일반)
To Seoul Station
43 min (T1) / 51 min (T2)
~66 min
Fare
₩9,500 (T1) / ₩11,000 (T2)
₩4,150 (T1)
Stops
Non-stop to Seoul Station
Hongdae, Gongdeok, DMC, etc.
Seats
Reserved seating
Free seating
Luggage space
Wide overhead racks
Standard
Frequency
Every 30 min
Every 6–12 min
Best for
Tourists going to central Seoul
Hongdae, Gongdeok, flexible stops
Sponsored
Book AREX Express ticket on Klook
Often cheaper than counter price · QR code exchange at B1 · No queuing
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💡 Which should I take?
If you're heading to Myeongdong, Gangnam, or anywhere in central Seoul, take the Express. It's faster and the price difference is small. Take Local if your hotel is near Hongdae or Gongdeok.
⚠️ Common mistake
The Express and Local trains are on different platforms. Many travelers accidentally board the Local thinking it's Express. Check the sign on the train door before boarding!
Step 03
Buying your ticket
There are three ways to get your AREX ticket. All are available at B1.
Ticket Machine
₩9,500~
Self-service kiosks in Korean/English/Chinese/Japanese. Credit card accepted. Fastest option.
T-Money Card
₩4,150
Local train only. Buy at GS25/CU nearby. Works on all Seoul subway, bus, and taxi. Most convenient for your whole trip.
Online / App
₩9,500~
Book Express tickets at airportrailroad.com or Klook before arrival. Print or show QR at gate.
Buy on Klook →
🕐 Ticket office hours
The manned ticket office at B1 is open 24 hours. Ticket machines are also available around the clock. No need to rush.
💡 T-Money tip
Even if you take the Express to Seoul Station, get a T-Money card at B1 (₩3,000 deposit + charge). You'll need it for the rest of your trip in Seoul.
Step 04
Finding the platform & boarding
Follow the signs from the ticket area to the platforms. Express and Local platforms are separate — always double-check.
01
Go through the fare gate
Tap your T-Money card or insert/scan your ticket at the gate. Gates are clearly marked. If you have a paper ticket, use the QR scanner.
02
Find the correct platform
Express trains are on a separate platform with orange signage. Local trains have blue/standard signs. Don't just follow the crowd — look at the train number on the display board.
🟠 Express = orange signs · 🔵 Local = standard signs
03
Check the departure board
The board shows next departures and destinations. Express says "서울역 (Seoul Station) — Direct". Local shows multiple stops.
04
Board and find your seat (Express)
Express seats are reserved — your ticket shows your car and seat number. Overhead luggage racks are wide enough for large suitcases. Free Wi-Fi is available on the train.
Step 05
Arriving at Seoul Station
Seoul Station is a major hub. Here's how to connect to the rest of the city from here.
B2
AREX Arrivals (Express)
🚆 Express train platform
Exit toward subway
B1
Seoul Metro Subway
🚇 Line 1 (Dark blue)
🚇 Line 4 (Light blue)
Transfer to Gyeongui-Jungang line
1F
Ground level
🚕 Taxi stand
🚌 Bus terminal
⚠️ City check-in for some airlines
Convenience stores
💡 Getting to Gangnam from Seoul Station
Take Line 1 to City Hall → transfer to Line 2 → head south to Gangnam or Hongdae. Or take a Kakao T taxi directly (~₩25,000, 25 min without traffic).
⚠️ Don't confuse the two stations
The AREX Seoul Station and the Seoul Metro Seoul Station are connected but separate. Follow the subway transfer signs after exiting the AREX gate.
Bonus Tips
Things most people get wrong
!
Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2
If you land at T2 (Korean Air, Delta, Air France, KLM), take the free shuttle to T1 first, then AREX — OR take AREX directly from T2 (costs more, takes longer). Check your ticket: T1 or T2?
!
Express ≠ KTX
AREX Express (공항철도 직통) is different from KTX trains. Don't line up at the KTX gate by mistake. AREX is the dedicated airport line, clearly marked with the AREX logo.
💡
Best time to travel
Avoid taking AREX during peak hours (8–9am, 6–8pm) when it can get crowded. Early morning and late evening trains are usually comfortable even with luggage.
💡
City Check-in at Seoul Station
If you're departing Korea, Seoul Station offers city check-in and baggage drop for some airlines. Drop your bags before taking AREX — you'll board with just your carry-on!
✈️ Available for select airlines — check at the Seoul Station 1F counter