Taking the AREX Express Train to Incheon Airport?
There is one useful service many international travelers miss.
If your airline is eligible, you can check in for your flight, drop off your luggage, and complete departure immigration at Seoul Station before going to Incheon Airport.
I used the Seoul Station City Airport Terminal + AREX Express Train for my Jeju Air flight to Weihai, China.
It was the end of July, one of Korea’s busiest summer travel periods.
For me, this combination made the airport journey much easier and felt like it saved almost an hour.
Quick Answer: Is the AREX Express Train Worth It?
Yes, especially if Seoul Station is already convenient for you.
The biggest benefits are:
- Non-stop train to Incheon Airport
- Reserved seating
- No need to carry checked luggage to the airport
- Flight check-in available at Seoul Station for eligible passengers
- Departure immigration available at Seoul Station
- Dedicated departure passage at Incheon Airport
The important point is this:
The AREX Express Train alone does not necessarily save an hour.
The real time saver is combining it with the
Seoul Station City Airport Terminal.
What Is the AREX Express Train?
AREX means Airport Railroad Express.
There are two types of airport trains between
Seoul and Incheon Airport.
AREX Express Train
- Non-stop between Seoul Station and Incheon Airport
- Reserved seats
- About 43 minutes to Terminal 1
- About 51 minutes to Terminal 2
- Adult fare: KRW 13,000
AREX All Stop Train
- Stops at stations along the way
- Includes Hongik University Station, also known as Hongdae
- Regular subway-style seating
- Cheaper than the Express Train
If you have a large suitcase or want a guaranteed seat, the AREX Express Train is the more comfortable option.
Seoul Station City Airport Check-In
After arriving at Seoul Station, I went to the City Airport Terminal on B2.
I scanned the QR code from my pre-booked AREX Express Train ticket and entered the terminal.
It was around 7 AM, so the area was very quiet.
There was almost no wait for the Jeju Air counter.
I completed:
- Jeju Air flight check-in
- Checked baggage drop
- Departure immigration
I even finished Korean departure immigration at Seoul Station before going to Incheon Airport.
This meant I did not have to carry my suitcase all the way to the airport.
If you plan to use this service, make sure your airline and route are eligible for Seoul Station City Airport check-in.
Booking the AREX Express Train
I booked my AREX Express Train ticket through
Klook before the trip.
The regular fare was KRW 13,000,
but I paid KRW 11,500 at the time.
✔ Check AREX Express Train tickets
After purchasing the ticket, I selected my train and reserved seat.
The AREX Express Train runs non-stop from Seoul Station to Incheon Airport Terminal 1 and takes about 43 minutes.
Another advantage is the reserved seating.
During busy travel seasons, regular airport trains can get crowded with commuters and travelers, so having an assigned seat was much more comfortable.
Arriving at Incheon Airport Terminal 1
When I arrived at Incheon Airport Terminal 1,
it was definitely peak travel season.
There were long lines around the Jeju Air counters and many passengers near the security area.
But I had already completed my check-in, baggage drop, and departure immigration at Seoul Station.
So I could use the dedicated departure passage for City Airport Terminal passengers.
When I visited, there were far fewer people there, and I got through quickly.
Did the AREX Express Train Save Time?
The AREX Express Train alone did not save me an hour.
The real advantage was using the train together with the Seoul Station City Airport Terminal.
I had already completed almost everything before arriving at Incheon Airport:
- Flight check-in
- Baggage drop
- Departure immigration
- Reserved AREX seat
- Dedicated departure passage at the airport
During the busy summer season, this made a noticeable difference.
Is the AREX Express Train Worth It?
The AREX Express Train is not automatically
the fastest option for everyone.
If going to Seoul Station requires a big detour, an airport bus or regular AREX train may be easier.
But if Seoul Station is already convenient from your hotel, I definitely recommend considering it.
Being able to drop off my suitcase in central Seoul, sit in a reserved seat, and avoid the busiest airport lines made the trip much easier.
Especially if you are flying Jeju Air from Incheon Airport Terminal 1, check whether your flight is eligible for Seoul Station City Airport check-in.
✔ Book an AREX Express Train ticket
Quick AREX Info
Route: Seoul Station → Incheon Airport Terminal 1
Train: AREX Express Train
Travel time: About 43 minutes
Regular fare: KRW 13,000
Seat: Reserved
City Airport Terminal: Seoul Station B2
Best for: Travelers staying near Seoul Station or eligible for city airport check-in