Paying For The Airport Bus In Seoul: A Guide

There are a few options for paying for the airport bus from Seoul. The standard limousine bus is the cheaper option, costing around 9,000–11,000 KRW for a single ride, while the deluxe limousine bus is more expensive, at 14,000–18,000 KRW. Tickets can be purchased from the driver using cash or a T-money card, or at a ticketing office or machine. T-money cards can be purchased and recharged at 7-Eleven convenience stores inside the airport arrivals hall.

Deluxe Limousine Bus: 14,000-16,000 won

The Deluxe Limousine Bus is the most expensive option to travel from Seoul Incheon Airport to the city, costing between 14,000 and 16,000 won for a single ride. This bus is ideal for those who want a comfortable and relaxing journey to their destination, as it offers spacious seating and air conditioning. The Deluxe bus also makes fewer stops, travelling directly to major hotels, and is therefore the fastest option.

You can purchase tickets for the Deluxe Limousine Bus at the Airport Bus Ticket Booth outside the Arrival Area on the first floor of Incheon Airport. The booths are located close to Exit 4 and 9 (Arrivals Hall) and near Exit 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13 and 9C (outdoors). Tickets can also be purchased at the Traffic Center (B1). Remember to keep your ticket with you, as you will need it to claim your luggage once you arrive at your destination.

The Deluxe Limousine Bus is provided by the KAL Limousine company and costs 14,000 South Korean Won. You can pay with cash or use a transport card. The bus will take you straight to your hotel if it is on the list of stops. To find out if your hotel is on the route, check the airport.kr website for bus routes.

Standard Limousine Bus: 9,000-11,000 won

The Standard Limousine Bus is a cheaper option to get from Incheon Airport to downtown Seoul than the Deluxe Limousine Bus, costing between 9,000 and 11,000 won for a single ride. This bus is a good option if you are not travelling to a major hotel, as it makes more stops along the way to Seoul, meaning you can get closer to your final destination.

You can purchase a ticket for the Standard Limousine Bus at a ticketing office, which can be found at Incheon Airport terminals. Indoors, these are located close to Exit 4 and 9 (Arrivals Hall) on the first level, and outdoors, they are located close to Exit 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13 and 9C. You can also find ticketing offices at the Traffic Centre (B1).

If you know which bus you need to take, you can also buy a ticket from the driver using cash or a T-money card. T-money cards can be purchased and recharged at 7-Eleven convenience stores inside the airport arrivals hall.

T-Money card: 16,000 won

The T-Money card is a prepaid transportation card that can be used to pay for public transportation in cities across Korea, including Seoul. It can be purchased for 2,500 KRW at Incheon Airport, or for 3,000 KRW at convenience stores and subway and bus stations. The card can be topped up with cash at convenience stores and subway stations, and there is no limit to the number of times it can be recharged. The T-Money card can also be used to pay for taxi charges, items in convenience stores, entrance fees for attractions, vending machines, and food and beverages in restaurants.

Where to Buy

You can buy a T-Money card at Incheon Airport, convenience stores, and subway and bus stations. The price of the card depends on where you purchase it. It typically costs 3,000 KRW at convenience stores and 4,000 KRW at Incheon Airport. The card can also be included with other cards, such as the WOWPASS.

How to Buy

If you are buying the card from a vending machine at Incheon Airport, follow these steps:

• Insert cash into the machine. Change is available.
• Press the number of the card you want to buy. Do not select a number that is empty.
• Press the green button to confirm your purchase.
• Collect your T-Money card from the vending machine and any change.

How to Top Up

The T-Money card can be topped up at subway stations and convenience stores. Here are the steps to top up your card:

• Go to a ticket machine at a subway station or a convenience store.
• Select your preferred language.
• Click the button with the T-Money logo and select the "Reloading the transit card" option.
• Place your card on the loading pad and select the amount of money you want to add.
• Insert cash and wait for your card to be reloaded.
• Confirm your T-Money card balance.

How to Use

The T-Money card can be used on buses, subways, and taxis. When using the card on a bus or subway, you must tap your card when boarding and getting off to receive transfer discounts. For taxis, look for the "T Money" logo and inform the driver that you want to pay with your T-Money card.

Benefits of T-Money Card

• Saves time by eliminating the need to queue for tickets.
• Reduces the need to carry cash.
• Does not expire and can be used for multiple trips to Korea.
• Offers a variety of interesting card designs.
• Provides a discount on bus and subway fares compared to cash payments.

Cash

If you're looking to pay for the airport bus from Seoul in cash, you'll be pleased to know that this is possible. However, it's worth noting that some buses may not have a scanner for cash payments, so it's always good to have some cash on hand as well.

When taking the airport bus from Seoul, you have two options: the Deluxe Limousine Bus or the Standard Limousine Bus. The Deluxe option is the more expensive choice, costing around 14,000–18,000 KRW for a single ride, but it makes fewer stops and is therefore the fastest option. The Standard Limousine Bus is cheaper, at around 9,000–11,000 KRW, but it can get quite crowded and makes more frequent stops.

Regardless of which bus you choose, you can expect to pay around 15,000–17,000 KRW for a single ride to or from the airport. The specific fare will depend on your exact destination or starting point in Seoul. For example, the fare for the Incheon Airport to City Hall route is 15,000 KRW, while the Dongdaemun to Incheon Airport route costs 17,000 KRW.

You can purchase your ticket for the airport bus with cash at the ticketing offices located near the exit doors of Incheon Airport's terminals. These offices are conveniently placed near Exit 4 and 9 (Arrivals Hall) on the first level (indoor), as well as near Exit 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, and 9C (outdoors). Additionally, you can find ticketing offices at the Traffic Center (B1) of the airport.

Credit card

Using Credit Cards in South Korea

South Korea is rapidly becoming a cashless society, with an increasing number of businesses and services accepting credit and debit cards as valid forms of payment. Credit cards are widely accepted in South Korea, and you can use them to pay for almost anything, including transportation, shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Paying for Airport Bus Tickets with Credit Cards

When it comes to paying for airport bus tickets in Seoul, you have several options. Many airport buses in Seoul accept credit cards as a valid form of payment. You can simply present your credit card to the driver or ticket agent, and they will process the payment.

T-Money Card: A Popular Alternative

In addition to credit cards, a popular alternative for paying for transportation in South Korea, including airport buses, is the T-Money Card. The T-Money Card is a prepaid transportation card that can be used on buses, subways, and taxis in most Korean cities. It offers a convenient, cashless way to pay for your travels and is widely accepted.

Where to Buy and Reload a T-Money Card

You can purchase a T-Money Card at Incheon Airport, convenience stores, and subway and bus stations. The basic card costs around 2,500 to 4,000 KRW, depending on where you buy it. You can reload your T-Money Card with cash at convenience stores, subway stations, and T-money vending machines.

Benefits of Using a T-Money Card

Using a T-Money Card offers several advantages. Firstly, it saves you money, as the rate for using a T-Money Card is often lower than the cash rate for transportation fares. Secondly, it eliminates the hassle of carrying cash and ensures you always have a convenient way to pay for your travels. Finally, T-Money Cards can be used at various shops, cafes, restaurants, and attractions, making them a versatile payment option during your stay in South Korea.

Frequently asked questions