Transportation in Seoul: How to Get Around South Korea’s Capital

If you're planning a trip to South Korea's capital, you might be wondering what the how to get around, and what the transportation in Seoul looks like. It's a big city, so knowing how to move from place to place can make your experience a lot smoother.

There are several ways to navigate the city, and the best option really depends on your travel style. Before you arrive, it's helpful to get a sense of what to expect so you can plan ahead and avoid any unnecessary confusion.

In this Seoul transportation guide, we’ll walk you through what you need to know so you can spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying your visit.

Transportation in Seoul: a Brief Intro

Seoul, the dynamic capital of South Korea, is a city where ancient tradition meets cutting-edge modernity. From royal palaces and bustling markets to futuristic skyscrapers and neon-lit streets, every corner of this metropolis has something to explore.

Whether you’re wandering around historic neighborhoods like Bukchon Hanok Village, shopping in Myeongdong, or heading to the lively districts of Hongdae and Gangnam, knowing how to get around Seoul will make your visit much smoother. Luckily, transportation in Seoul is top-notch — fast, efficient, and affordable.

There are plenty of ways to explore the city no matter your travel style or budget.

 How Do Tourists Get Around Seoul?

Here are the main options for how to get around Seoul, South Korea:

• Walking

• Taking public transportation (subway, buses)

• Using taxis or rideshare apps

• Renting bikes or e-scooters

• Using a transportation card (T-Money or Cashbee)

• Taking the airport express train (AREX)

• Renting a car (for day trips outside the city)

How to Get from the Airport to the City

Seoul has two main airports - Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Gimpo Airport (GMP), both of which are conveniently connected to the city center. Whether you’re staying in Hongdae, Myeongdong, or Itaewon, you can reach downtown in 30–60 minutes depending on your choice of transportation.

GMP is closer to the city, while Incheon is a bit further out, but is the more popular airport for international travelers visiting Seoul. 

 Take the Airport Express Train (AREX)

The AREX is the fastest and easiest way to reach the city. The Express Train runs directly from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station in just 43 minutes. Tickets cost around ₩9,500 ($7), and trains depart every 20–30 minutes.

If you’d like a cheaper option, you can take the All-Stop Train, which stops at multiple stations like Hongdae and Gimpo before reaching Seoul Station. Tickets cost around ₩4,150 ($3).

 Take the Airport Limousine Bus

If your hotel isn’t near a subway stop, the airport limousine buses are a comfortable option. They operate 24/7 and connect both airports with most major neighborhoods in Seoul.

Tickets to/from Incheon are ₩17,000 (~$12) and can be purchased at the airport counters or right on the bus on the way back.

 Take a Taxi or Ride Share

Taxis are readily available outside both airports. A ride from Incheon to central Seoul typically costs ₩65,000–₩80,000 ($50–$60) and takes around 45 minutes.
You can also use Kakao T, a local app similar to Uber, to book taxis and pay via card or app.

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Transportation in Seoul: the Different Options for Getting Around

Now that you know how to get from the airport, let’s look at the best ways to move around Seoul itself!

Exploring Seoul by Foot

Seoul is surprisingly walkable, especially in districts like Myeongdong, Insadong, and Bukchon Hanok Village. You can easily spend hours exploring vibrant markets, quaint alleys, and riverside paths. The historic center is where you'll find many of the top things to do in Seoul, and this area in particular can easily be explored by foot.

Sidewalks are wide and pedestrian crossings are common, though keep in mind that Seoul is quite large, so walking is best for exploring specific neighborhoods rather than traveling across the city.

If you love learning as you explore, consider joining a free walking tour in Seoul — they’re a great way to discover local stories and hidden gems.

 Getting Around by Public Transportation in Seoul

Public transportation in Seoul is one of the most advanced in the world. The Seoul Metro is clean, efficient, and covers almost every corner of the city. Plus, most signs and announcements are in English, making it easy for visitors to navigate.

Fares start at ₩1,400 ($1) for short trips and increase slightly with distance. You can buy single-journey tickets, but it’s better to get a T-Money or Cashbee card, which can be reloaded and used on subways, buses, and even some taxis and convenience stores.

Buses are another great option. They’re color-coded by route (blue, green, yellow, red), and Naver Map can help you plan trips easily. You can even see the buses in real time en-route and approaching the stop!

Tip: Download the Kakao Metro app for subway navigation and live updates.

Getting Around Seoul by Taxi or Rideshare

Taxis in Seoul are safe, clean, and available 24/7. Most accept credit cards or T-Money, but it’s helpful to have your destination written in Korean if you don’t speak the language since most drivers didn't really speak any English.

Regular taxis start at ₩4,800 ($3.50), and you can expect to pay ₩10,000–₩20,000 ($7–$15) for most rides around central Seoul.

For app-based options, Kakao T and UT are the most popular. Both work similarly to Uber, with real-time fare estimates and card payments. Uber also works, and is the easiest option if it's what you already have downloaded.

Biking and E-Scooters in Seoul

If the weather’s nice, biking or riding an e-scooter can be a fun way to explore Seoul! The city has expanded its bike lanes and offers Seoul Bike “Ddareungi”, a public bike-sharing system. You can rent bikes at any station using the app or a T-Money card.

E-scooters from Lime, Swing, and Gbike are also available in many areas like Gangnam, Itaewon, and along the Han River. If you want to explore with a group you can also join an eBike tour!

Tip: Always stay in designated lanes and wear a helmet — local police sometimes fine riders without one.

Renting a Car in Seoul

While you don’t need a car for getting around the city, it can be useful for day trips to places like Nami Island, Seoraksan National Park, or Suwon Fortress.

You can rent cars at the airport or in the city center with your license, credit card, and international driver’s permit (IDP).

Local apps like Socar and GreenCar also allow short-term car sharing, charging by the hour or kilometer.

 The IDP is necessary by law to rent a car in South Korea, and it must be the physical copy, not a digital one.

Exploring Seoul with City Bus

For travelers who want a simple overview of Seoul’s highlights, the Hop-On Hop-Off Seoul City Tour Bus is a convenient option. It covers major attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, and Dongdaemun Design Plaza, with multilingual audio guides available.

Day Trips and Regional Transport

Want to explore beyond Seoul? Excellent regional connections make it easy. You can take the KTX high-speed train to cities like Busan (2.5 hours), Daegu, or Gyeongju, or use intercity buses from Seoul Express Bus Terminal.

Tickets can be bought online or at stations, and for popular routes like Busan or Jeonju, it’s smart to book in advance, especially on weekends.

There are also plenty of great organized day trips from Seoul, which are fun options for those wanting to be other travelers while exploring outside of Seoul.

Tips for Taking Transportation in Seoul

Now that you know all of the different options for transportation in Seoul, here are a few quick tips to help you navigate the city like a pro:

Transportation in Seoul, South Korea: FAQ

Now you know all about how to get around Seoul, but in case you needed any quick answers, here they are!

Transportation in Seoul, South Korea: Final Thoughts & What's Next

Seoul has one of the most impressive transportation systems in the world — fast, affordable, and incredibly easy to use. Whether you’re hopping on the subway, riding an e-scooter, or taking a scenic train ride to another city, getting around Seoul is part of the adventure itself.

We recommend walking through local neighborhoods like Bukchon and Ikseon-dong, then using public transportation to reach more distant districts. For day trips, consider the KTX train or renting a car for a bit more freedom. Alternatively, there are plenty of great organized day trips from Seoul offered out there.

No matter your style, the various options for transportation in Seoul will make exploring this energetic city a breeze.

What's Next?

Now that you've learned all about transportation in Seoul, South Korea, you probably want to learn more about visiting! Currently we have a guide about the viral Korean scalp treatment along with the other great things to do in Seoul, and a guide about how to get to Seoul.

Coming up we also have these guides:

• First-Time Visitors Guide to Seoul
• South Korea Food Guide
• Fun Things to Do & See in Jeju
• How to Get Around Jeju
• A Guide for Getting to Jeju Island
• Jeju Island Complete Travel Guide
• The Best Things to Do in Busan
• Busan Travel Guide
• How to Get Around South Korea

So are you ready to explore Seoul, South Korea? We hope our guide about transportation in Seoul has helped you figure out how to navigate the city in the best way possible. Have questions? Feel free to drop them in the comments!

Want to learn more about traveling in Seoul and South Korea? We a lot of other South Korea Travel Guides coming up for you every week. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you can stay up to date with our most recent articles, as well as receive special discounts on our shop.

Ready to book your trip to Seoul, but need help?  Scratch Your Mapa offers travel planning services with customized itineraries, unique accommodation options, and personalized activities for all types of traveler out there. Simply email us today to learn more!

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