Gimpo Airport to Seoul: AREX, Line 5, Line 9, Bus or Taxi?
Updated October 14, 2026
Short answer: From Gimpo International Airport (GMP), the train is usually the easiest way into Seoul. Take the AREX all-stop train for Hongdae and Seoul Station (about 23 minutes to Seoul Station), Line 5 for Gwanghwamun and the old city, or Line 9 for Yeouido and Gangnam. All three leave from the same Gimpo Airport Station, which is underground between the international and domestic terminals. Use an airport limousine bus or a taxi when you have heavy luggage, travel as a group, or your hotel is far from a station.
Basis date: checked against the Korea Airports Corporation Gimpo site and VISITKOREA’s Airport Transportation Guide on 15 October 2026. Routes, timetables and fares change, so confirm your exact trip on the official pages before you travel.
Pick by where you are staying
| Your Seoul base | Best first try from Gimpo | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hongdae, Sinchon, Mapo, Gongdeok | AREX all-stop train | Hongik Univ. and Gongdeok are direct AREX stops on the way to Seoul Station. |
| Seoul Station, Namdaemun, Myeongdong | AREX to Seoul Station, then Line 4 or a short taxi | VISITKOREA lists about 23 minutes from Gimpo to Seoul Station by AREX. |
| Gwanghwamun, Jongno, Dongdaemun | Line 5 | Line 5 runs through the old city without a transfer. |
| Yeouido, Express Bus Terminal, Gangnam (Sinnonhyeon) | Line 9 express | Line 9 express trains start at Gimpo Airport and skip many stops. |
| Hotel far from a station, heavy bags, family group | Taxi or airport limousine bus | Fewer stairs and transfers; the fare may make sense when shared. |
| Connecting to Incheon Airport | AREX, or limousine bus 6707A | Both are listed official links between the two airports. Allow plenty of time. |
1. Know which terminal you are in
Gimpo has two passenger buildings: an international terminal for short-haul international flights and a domestic terminal for flights such as Jeju and Busan. The subway and AREX station sits between them, so rail riders can reach it from either side. Bus platforms and taxi stands are different at each terminal, and some limousine buses use only the domestic terminal. For example, the Korea Airports Corporation page notes that limousine 6101 to Suraksan and Nowon has not served the international terminal since March 2020.
Flying in from abroad? You still go through immigration at Gimpo, so check whether you need a K-ETA or an e-Arrival Card before you board.
2. Train and subway: AREX, Line 5 and Line 9
VISITKOREA lists AREX, Seoul subway Lines 5 and 9, the Gimpo Goldline and the Seohae Line at Gimpo Airport Station. Most visitors only need the first three:
- AREX (Airport Railroad): from Gimpo, only the all-stop train runs into Seoul. Board on the platform marked for Seoul Station, not the one for Incheon Airport. The express train that runs nonstop to Seoul Station starts at Incheon and does not stop at Gimpo.
- Line 5: useful for Gwanghwamun, Jongno and Dongdaemun. The eastern end of Line 5 splits into two branches, so check the destination shown on the train before boarding.
- Line 9: useful for Yeouido, the Express Bus Terminal and Gangnam. Express and local trains share the line. An express may pass your stop, so check which trains stop at your station.
Pay with a rechargeable transport card such as Tmoney, or buy a single-journey ticket at the machines. If you are deciding between a stored-value card and a Seoul pass, read Climate Card vs Tmoney, and check the pass coverage for the airport line before you rely on it. For transfers and exits, see the Seoul Subway Complete Guide.
3. Airport limousine buses and city buses
Limousine buses go from Gimpo to many parts of Seoul and to Incheon Airport. VISITKOREA gives the boarding points as:
- International terminal: exit through Gate 1 on the 1st floor and board at Platform 6 or 7.
- Domestic terminal: walk out of Gate 6 on the 1st floor for Platforms 3, 4 or 5, or use Gates 4, 5 or 6 for Platforms 13, 14 or 15. The ticket office is near Gate 1 on the 1st floor.
- Payment: cash, credit card or a transport card are accepted on limousine buses.
Regular Seoul city buses stop more often and can drop you closer to your door, but VISITKOREA notes that international credit cards are not accepted on them. Use a loaded transport card. City buses leave from Platform 4 near Gate 3 at the international terminal, and Platform 2 or 6 near Gate 6 at the domestic terminal.
4. Taxis
Taxi stands are by Exit 3 on the 1st floor of the international terminal and in front of Exit 6 of the domestic terminal. Standard, deluxe, jumbo and international taxis operate; international taxis with foreign-language service need an advance reservation. Have your hotel address ready in Korean, and read the Seoul Taxi Guide for late-night surcharges and how to keep a receipt.
5. Checklist before you leave the arrivals hall
- Check whether your hotel is near an AREX, Line 5 or Line 9 station. If not, plan the last leg now.
- Load a transport card or keep cash and a card for the ticket machine.
- Check the last train or bus for your arrival time on the official operator page.
- Save your hotel address in English and Korean offline.
- Need help? The Gimpo tourist information centre is at Gate 1 on the 1st floor of the international terminal (listed hours 10:00–19:00, with help in Korean, Japanese and Chinese depending on staff).
Arriving at Incheon instead? Compare Incheon Airport to Seoul and AREX vs Airport Bus. Still choosing a base? See Where to stay in Seoul.
FAQ
What is the fastest way from Gimpo Airport to Seoul Station?
The AREX all-stop train, which VISITKOREA lists at about 23 minutes. Board on the Seoul Station side of the platform.
Does the AREX express train stop at Gimpo?
No. The nonstop express runs between Incheon Airport and Seoul Station. From Gimpo, use the all-stop train.
How do I get from Gimpo to Gangnam?
Line 9 is usually the most direct rail option. Take an express train if it stops at your station, or a local train if it does not.
Can I pay a Seoul city bus with my foreign credit card?
Not according to VISITKOREA’s Gimpo guide. Use a loaded transport card. Limousine buses accept cash, credit cards and transport cards.
Can I get from Gimpo to Incheon Airport?
Yes. AREX links the two airports, and the Korea Airports Corporation lists limousine bus 6707A from both Gimpo terminals to Incheon. Check the current timetable and allow extra time for check-in.
Book it ahead (optional)
- Gimpo Airport private transfers on KKday – a door-to-door car option when luggage or a late arrival makes the train or bus less practical.
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Sources
- VISITKOREA, Airport Transportation Guide (Gimpo section), checked 15 October 2026.
- Korea Airports Corporation, Gimpo International Airport: Bus and Subway, checked 15 October 2026.
- Gimpo International Airport official English site, checked 15 October 2026.
- Wikimedia Commons image pages: Gimpo International Terminal, AREX Gimpo Airport Station platform, GMP domestic.
Update triggers
- AREX, Line 5 or Line 9 changes service patterns, travel times or fares.
- Limousine bus routes, platforms or terminal stops change.
- Seoul city bus payment rules change for foreign cards.
- Gimpo terminal layout, taxi stands or tourist information hours change.
- A new rail line opens or closes at Gimpo Airport Station.
