AREX

AREX, the Airport Railroad Express, is a fast public transport link between Seoul Station and Incheon International Airport. It is widely used for airport transfers because the Express Train offers reserved seating, luggage space, free Wi-Fi, toilet facilities, and a direct route to the airport terminals. Travel time is about 43 to 53 minutes depending on the service and terminal, while the all-stop train serves more stations and local transport connections across the line.

AREX Line Map

Map of AREX howing its stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the AREX map in PDF format.

Airport Railroad Express Stations

AREX connects Seoul Station with Gimpo International Airport and Incheon International Airport. As part of the city transport network, the line works both as an airport rail link and as local transport for intermediate stations on the all-stop service.

The first section, between Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 and Gimpo International Airport, opened on March 23, 2007. The line was later extended to Seoul Station on December 29, 2010. Phase 3 opened in September 2018 with Magongnaru station. Cheongna International City opened on June 21, 2014, and Yeongjong opened on March 26, 2016.

The Express Train does not stop at every station. Its route plan is simple: Seoul Station, Incheon International Airport Terminal 1, and Incheon International Airport Terminal 2. If you need Gimpo International Airport or other stops, use the all-stop train.

If you are checking the stations map or building a stations list for your trip, remember that the path train pattern depends on the service type. Express trains stop only at Seoul Station and the two airport terminals, while the all-stop train covers the full stations list.

AREX Schedule

AREX runs every day, and the timetable is built around airport travel and commuter demand. Operating hours are about 05:20 AM to 11:50 PM, with more frequent departures during busier periods. During rush hour, frequency is around every 15 minutes.

Opening hours, opening times, and working hours vary slightly by service. If you are checking timings today, schedule today, or the last train, it is best to confirm on station displays, the official AREX website, KORAIL Talk, Naver Map, or at airport information desks.

The route timetable depends on which service you choose. The Express Train is nonstop between Incheon Airport and Seoul Station, while the all-stop train serves all stations on the line, including Gimpo International Airport and Hongik Univ. If you need the closing time for a specific departure or train schedule updates, check live information before heading to the platform.

AREX Fares, Tickets and Cards

AREX fare depends on the train type and route. The Express Train between Incheon International Airport and Seoul Station costs 13,000 won, about $9.70. The all-stop train is cheaper and priced by boarding and destination. For example, the fare between Gimpo International Airport and Seoul Station is 1,450 won, about $1.08.

For the Express Train, the ticket is issued as a single-use ticket and no deposit is required. For the all-stop train, a 500-won deposit, about $0.37, is added when you buy the card and refunded when you return it at your destination.

Express Train tickets can be bought at station counters, self-service machines, the official AREX website, or third-party booking platforms. Cash and credit or debit cards are accepted, though ticket machines may not accept some non-Korean cards. In that case, the counter is the safer option.

The Express Train has its own ticket system. T-money and the Climate Card are not valid on this service, so tapping a transport card at the orange gates will not work. If you want the lower cost option, the all-stop train is the more budget-friendly choice.

Some third-party sellers offer a lower ticket price for the Express Train. KKday tickets are mentioned as being 12% below the standard fare. Ticket changes also depend on where you book: direct bookings through the official AREX website or app may allow one free change before departure, while third-party bookings are usually more restrictive.

There is no fare calculator in the draft information, but the basic price structure is clear enough for most trips. In short, the Express Train gives you reserved seating, luggage space, and the fastest route, while the all-stop train keeps the cost down.

Tips and Rules

Using AREX is pretty straightforward. At Seoul Station, look for signs that say Airport Railroad and follow the orange AREX signs to the correct platform area.

If you book online through a third-party platform, you usually just show the barcode at the counter to receive your ticket. For single-use all-stop cards, keep the card until the end of the trip so you can get the 500-won deposit, about $0.37, refunded after you exit.

AREX Express runs only between Incheon Airport and Seoul Station. Before entering the gate, check your schedule, direction, and departure timings carefully. The Express platform is on the lowest basement level, so follow the signs all the way down.

When boarding, place luggage near the entry door or in the designated storage area. After arriving at Incheon, remember to redeem your deposit if one applies.

• Follow the orange AREX signs and Airport Railroad directions.
• Use Seoul Station for the Express Train service.
• Book ahead if you want a better price.
• Show your barcode at the counter if you bought the ticket online.
• Return the deposit card after the trip to get your money back.

The draft does not include details on station parking, parking charges, parking charges per day, bus links, trams, tramway connections, safety rules beyond normal station use, or any day pass and pass options besides the card and single-use ticket information above.

History

The history provided in the draft does not match the AREX airport railroad system described in the rest of the article. Instead, it refers to a different company named AREX, founded in 1989, with work in measurement systems, railway power solutions, electromobility, and defense projects.

According to that draft text, the company expanded its activities over time, joined WB GROUP in September 2011, and developed products for railway infrastructure and military applications. Because this information is not about the Seoul airport railroad itself, it should be treated carefully if you are looking for the history of the AREX train line or its expansion.