Local's Guide to the Incheon Airport Limousine Bus - Routes, Ticket Prices, Boarding

After a long flight to Korea, getting from the airport to your destination comfortably is one of the first things on any traveler’s mind. The Incheon Airport Limousine Bus is a top choice for those seeking a convenient, comfortable, and cost-effective journey from both Incheon and Gimpo Airports to various locations in Seoul and beyond. These premium buses not only offer spacious seating and dedicated baggage storage but also serve most locations around Seoul, including popular districts like Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Hongdae. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about riding the Incheon Airport Limousine Bus—from routes and ticket options to essential travel tips—ensuring a smooth start (or end) to your time in Korea.

What is the Incheon Airport Limousine Bus?

The Incheon Airport Limousine Bus is a shuttle service that connects Incheon International Airport (ICN) to various parts of Seoul and other regions around Korea. The service operates premium buses that have comfortable seating and dedicated storage space for baggage under the bus. It is one of the top choices for travelers and locals to get from and to the Incheon and Gimpo Airports to various locations in Seoul and its surrounding areas.

Airport Limousine Bus Routes & Schedule

The Airport Limousine Bus covers most major city centers including popular areas such as Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Hongdae. Buses typically operate between 4 AM and 11 PM, with early morning departures starting between 4 AM and 7 AM.

Bus routes usually begin at Incheon Airport Terminal 2, stop at Terminal 1, and then head towards Seoul. Some buses also pass through Gimpo Airport, which handles domestic and shorter international flights.

Most routes pass through multiple stops before arriving at the final destination, so make sure you get off at the correct stop.

Choosing bus routes and boarding locations

I recommend using Google Maps or Naver Maps to look up which route to take.

If you look up your destination in Google Maps, you will see several different Airport Limousine route options.

You can then check out the specific stops and a detailed boarding location for each route on the Incheon Airport Website.

How to purchase Airport Limousine Bus tickets

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths located on the 1st floor of Terminal 1 or the basement level (B1). of Terminal 2 at Incheon Airport. While you can buy tickets from staff, most travelers opt for self-service ticket machines, which support multiple languages such as Korean, English, and Japanese.

If you’re going to the airport from Seoul, you can pay the driver directly in cash or with your T-Money Card(metro card). Bus tickets in Seoul do not have assigned seat numbers, so you can sit in any available seat.

How much do tickets cost?

Prices range depending on your destination, with tickets from Incheon Airport to downtown Seoul costing KRW 17,000 for adults and KRW 12,000 for children under 12.

Can you book tickets beforehand online?

No, you currently cannot purchase tickets for the airport limousine bus online. The intercity bus pre-sale option on the airport website does not work.

Riding the Airport Limousine Bus

Where to Board the Airport Limousine Bus

At Terminal 1, the boarding area is right outside the 1st-floor arrival area.

At Terminal 2, buses depart from the basement level (B1) which is a floor below the arrivals area on the first floor(1F).

The buses leave exactly on time so make sure you get to the boarding stop a little early. You can load your large luggage in the compartment under the bus outside which the driver will help you with. Show the driver your ticket, take a seat and you are good to go.

You can find the detailed map of the boarding locations on the airport website.

How do you know when to get off?

The buses make announcements at every stop in multiple languages. If you’re unsure, you can ask the driver to tell you when your stop is approaching.

Is the Airport Limousine Bus safe?

The Airport Limousine Bus is very safe. The airport limousine bus is a relatively expensive transportation option and is thus mostly used by travelers with luggage. There are security cameras on board, so you don't need to worry about your belongings being stolen.

Are pets allowed on the Airport Limousine Bus?

Generally, pets are allowed if they are in a cage, but the rules may vary by company, so I recommend asking when purchasing your ticket.

Do you need to tip the driver?

No, you do not need to tip the bus driver. This applies to all other forms of transportation in Korea as there is no tipping culture in Korea.

Is there assigned seating on the Airport Limousine Bus?

No. Seats are not assigned, so you can choose where to sit.

How much baggage is allowed on the Airport Limousine Bus?

Each passenger is allowed 2 bags (each under 20kg or 44lb) to store in the luggage compartment under the bus for free. Depending on the operator, oversized bags over 28 inches may count as two bags. Each additional bag over the two-bag limit can be charged 50% of the bus fare(about 8000 KRW).

Airport limousine alternatives to get to Seoul

• Airport Railroad (AREX) - There is a subway line dedicated to the airport. The subway is a cheaper alternative to the limousine bus but can be a little difficult with a lot of luggage. Learn more about taking the Seoul Metro in this guide.
• Taxi - An easier way to go straight to your destination but is a few times more expensive than the limousine bus. Check out my guide to taxis in Korea.

Loclr's Tips and Comments

• Travel Time: While the Airport Limousine is the most comfortable way to get to Seoul, travel time may vary due to traffic. It generally takes 1 to 2 hours to get to downtown Seoul.

• Purchasing ticket on your way back from Seoul: When traveling from Seoul to the airport, you can either buy your ticket directly from the driver with cash or use a transportation card.