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Seoul to Busan is South Korea's busiest north-to-south route, linking the capital with the country's biggest port city. The main choices are the KTX high-speed train, the SRT from Suseo Station, the express bus and a domestic flight. For most trips the train is the simplest option because it runs from station to station in the city centres.
Seoul to Busan by train
KTX trains run from Seoul Station to Busan Station in about 3 hours, and the fastest services are quicker.[1] In August 2025, a standard-class KTX ticket from Seoul to Busan cost about $43.[2]
The SRT is a second high-speed operator that leaves from Suseo Station in southern Seoul and also serves Busan.[3] The KORAIL Pass is not valid on SRT trains.[4] Tickets go on sale at 07:00, up to two months before departure.[5] Book early for weekends, public holidays and Chuseok, when trains sell out.
Seoul to Busan by express bus
The express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Busan Central Bus Terminal takes about 4 hours.[1] Seoul Express Bus Terminal is the terminal for Busan, Daegu, Gyeongju and Pohang and is at Express Bus Terminal Station on subway Lines 3, 7 and 9.[6] Tickets are sold on kobus.co.kr and at the terminal.[6]
Seoul to Busan by flight
Flights leave from Gimpo International Airport in Seoul and land at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, about 1 hour in the air.[1] Korean Air, Air Busan, Jin Air, Jeju Air and other airlines serve the route.[7] From Gimhae Airport you reach downtown Busan by city bus or light rail.[7]
The full journey also includes the trip to Gimpo, check-in, security and boarding, and the transfer from Gimhae into Busan, so compare door-to-door time rather than the flight time alone. Fares vary by airline, date and baggage option.
Comparing your options
| Mode | Approximate travel time | Departs from / arrives at |
|---|---|---|
| Train (KTX) | About 3 hours[1] | Seoul Station to Busan Station |
| Express bus | About 4 hours[1] | Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Busan Central Bus Terminal |
| Flight | About 1 hour in the air[1] | Gimpo Airport to Gimhae Airport |
How to choose the best option
Choose the train if you want the simplest route and fewer moving parts. Choose a flight if the timing fits your schedule, you start near Gimpo or you are connecting from another flight. Choose the bus if you want to depart from the Express Bus Terminal. For weekend, holiday or peak-season travel, book earlier than you normally would, because Seoul to Busan is a major domestic corridor.
Busan is spread out, so your arrival district matters too. If you are heading to Seomyeon, Haeundae, Nampo or the port area, check the onward metro or taxi time before choosing. A slightly slower option can be better if it puts you closer to where you need to be.
Timetable
| Flight Seoul - Busan $ 51.80–69.06 1h 5m – 1h 20m | |
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| Train Seoul - Busan $ 24.65–63.58 2h 40m – 5h 55m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Seoul to Busan, including current prices and schedules.
For most travelers the KTX is the simplest option: it runs from Seoul Station to Busan Station in about 3 hours. Flights are shorter in the air but need airport transfers at both ends.
The KTX takes about 3 hours from Seoul Station to Busan Station. The fastest KTX services are quicker.
The flight takes about 1 hour in the air, before adding the trip to Gimpo Airport, check-in, boarding and the transfer from Gimhae Airport into Busan.
In August 2025, a standard-class KTX ticket from Seoul to Busan cost about $43. Flight and bus fares vary by operator, date and class.
Yes. The SRT runs from Suseo Station in southern Seoul to Busan. The KORAIL Pass is not valid on SRT trains.
Yes, especially for weekends, public holidays and Chuseok. Tickets go on sale at 07:00, up to two months before departure.
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.
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.