Contents
Busan to Seoul takes you from South Korea's southern port city to the capital. The main choices are the KTX high-speed train, the SRT, the express bus and a domestic flight. For most trips the train is the simplest option because it runs from city centre to city centre; a flight is shorter in the air but adds airport time at both ends.
Busan to Seoul by Train
KTX trains run between Busan Station and Seoul Station and take about 3 hours; the fastest services are quicker.[1] Korail published a standard-class KTX fare of about $43 for the route in August 2025.[2]
The SRT, a second high-speed operator, serves Busan from Suseo Station in southern Seoul.[3] The SRT sells tickets on its own website, and the KORAIL Pass is not valid on SRT trains.[4] Tickets go on sale at 07:00, up to two months before departure.[5]
Busan to Seoul by Express Bus
The express bus takes about 4 hours between Busan Central Bus Terminal and Seoul Express Bus Terminal.[1] The Seoul terminal is at Express Bus Terminal Station on subway Lines 3, 7 and 9.[6] Express bus tickets are sold on kobus.co.kr, which is available in English, and at ticket offices and kiosks in the terminals.[6]
Busan to Seoul by Flight
Flights depart from Gimhae International Airport (PUS) in Busan and land at Gimpo International Airport (GMP) in Seoul, which is much closer to the city centre than Incheon.[7] The scheduled flight time is about 1 hour 5 minutes: Air Busan flight BX8802, for example, leaves Gimhae at 07:20 and arrives at Gimpo at 08:25 on the airport's timetable valid until 24 October 2026.[8] Korean Air, Air Busan, Jin Air and other airlines serve Gimhae.[7]
Fares vary by airline, date and baggage option, and the cheapest tickets go first, so compare the airlines' own prices for your date. You can also check availability through GoAsia.cc.
What to Expect at the Airport
Gimhae Airport connects to downtown Busan by city bus and light rail.[7] At Gimpo you can continue into Seoul by AREX, the Seoul subway, an airport limousine bus, a city bus or a taxi.[7] Gimpo International Airport Station is a transfer station with subway Lines 5 and 9.[9]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Approximate travel time | Departs from / arrives at |
|---|---|---|
| Train (KTX) | About 3 hours[1] | Busan Station to Seoul Station |
| Express bus | About 4 hours[1] | Busan Central Bus Terminal to Seoul Express Bus Terminal |
| Flight | About 1 hour 5 minutes in the air[8] | Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Gimpo Airport (GMP) |
Tips for Traveling from Busan to Seoul
- Choose Gimpo over Incheon: When booking your flight, check that the arrival is at Gimpo Airport (GMP). It is closer to central Seoul than Incheon (ICN), which makes the onward trip shorter.
- Allow time at the airport: Plan for check-in, security and luggage drop before a domestic flight, and check your airline's check-in deadline.
- Use a T-money card in Seoul: This rechargeable card works on the subway, buses and many taxis and can be bought and topped up at convenience stores.[10]
- Book early for weekends and holidays: Trains, buses and flights between the two cities fill up on busy travel days, so reserve as soon as your dates are fixed.
- Check luggage allowances: Low-cost airlines may limit checked bags. Always verify your allowance during booking to avoid extra fees at the counter.
Timetable
| Flight Busan - Seoul $ 29.04–166.30 1h 5m – 1h 10m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Busan to Seoul, including current prices and schedules.
Prices depend on the date and the operator. Compare KTX standard class (Korail published a fare of about $43 in an August 2025 example), the express bus and low-cost flights for your date, and add the cost of getting to and from the airport if you fly.
A flight is the shortest in the air, at about 1 hour 5 minutes. Add check-in and transfer time at both ends when you compare it with the KTX, which takes about 3 hours from Busan Station to Seoul Station.
The KTX takes about 3 hours and the express bus about 4 hours. A flight takes about 1 hour 5 minutes in the air, plus time for airport procedures and transfers.
Flights from Gimhae land at Gimpo International Airport (GMP), which is closer to central Seoul than Incheon (ICN). Gimpo is connected to the city by AREX, the subway, limousine buses, city buses and taxis.
Gimhae International Airport is reached from downtown Busan by city bus and light rail. Allow extra time during rush hour.
The KORAIL Pass is valid on Korail's trains, including the KTX, but not on SRT trains. Check the pass conditions on the Korail website before you buy.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Korea Tourism Organization: Feel the Sea, Enjoy the City: Come and Discover Busan. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Korail: Notice: unauthorized train ticket websites (Seoul to Busan fare example). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] SR (Supreme Railways): SR (SRT) English ticket booking. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] Korail: Korail Official Website for Foreigners. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [5] Korail: Ticketing Guide. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [6] Korea Tourism Organization: Express Bus & Intercity Bus. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [7] Korea Tourism Organization: Domestic Flights. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [8] Korea Airports Corporation, Gimhae International Airport: Flight schedule (domestic). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [9] Seoul Tourism Organization (Visit Seoul): Getting to Seoul. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [10] Seoul Tourism Organization (Visit Seoul): Transportation. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.