Gimpo Airport (GMP) is much closer to central Seoul than Incheon. The easiest way into the city is the AREX all-stop train: with a transport card it costs 1,650 won to Hongdae and 1,750 won to Seoul Station (official AREX fares, as of November 2026). Gimpo Airport station is also on Line 5 and Line 9, so you may reach your hotel without changing trains. A standard taxi to Myeong-dong is about 20,000 won and 50 minutes, by the airport's own estimate. Below: every option, what it costs, and which one fits where you're staying.
Gimpo to Seoul at a glance
| Option | Best for | Cost (adult, as of Nov 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AREX all-stop train | Hongdae, Gongdeok, Seoul Station | 1,650-1,750 won by card | No reserved seats; the Express train doesn't stop at Gimpo |
| Line 5 | Gwanghwamun, Jongno, east Seoul | Seoul subway fare (from 1,550 won by card) | No transfer needed for many central stops |
| Line 9 | Yeouido, Gangnam (south of the river) | Seoul subway fare (from 1,550 won by card) | Has faster express trains; very busy at rush hour |
| Taxi | Late arrivals, heavy luggage, groups | About 15,000-28,000 won to central areas | Standard taxi, airport estimates without traffic |
| Limousine bus to Incheon (6707A) | Connecting to an Incheon flight | 7,500 won cash (as listed by the airport) | Check the latest timetable before you go |
Before you leave the airport: get a transport card
Train and subway fares are cheapest with a T-money card, a rechargeable card you tap at the gate. You can buy one at a convenience store for 3,000-4,000 won and load it with cash. Our T-money guide explains how to buy, top up and get your balance back.
No card? Buy a single-journey ticket at the machine near the gates. On AREX it costs 100 won more than the card fare, plus a 500-won deposit that you get back from the refund machine at your destination.
Option 1: AREX all-stop train (the default choice)
The AREX all-stop train runs between Incheon Airport and Seoul Station and stops at Gimpo Airport on the way. From Gimpo, it heads east into the city. These are AREX's official adult fares with a transport card:
| From Gimpo Airport to | Fare (card) | Change here for |
|---|---|---|
| Magongnaru | 1,550 won | Line 9 |
| Digital Media City | 1,650 won | Line 6, Gyeongui-Jungang Line |
| Hongik Univ. (Hongdae) | 1,650 won | Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang Line |
| Gongdeok | 1,750 won | Line 5, Line 6, Gyeongui-Jungang Line |
| Seoul Station | 1,750 won | KTX, Line 1, Line 4 |
Good to know: - The AREX Express (the non-stop Incheon-Seoul Station train) does not stop at Gimpo. Take the regular all-stop train, which you just tap in for. - Staying near Myeong-dong? Ride to Seoul Station and change to Line 4 (one stop to Hoehyeon, two to Myeong-dong). - Taking the KTX to Busan or elsewhere? Seoul Station is the end of the line.
Option 2: Line 5 or Line 9 (no transfer for some areas)
Gimpo Airport station is a big transfer hub. According to the airport and AREX, these lines meet there: AREX, Line 5, Line 9, the Gimpo Goldline and the Seohae Line.
- Line 5 runs through central Seoul, including Gwanghwamun, and on to the east of the city. If your hotel is near a Line 5 station, it may be the simplest ride with no changes.
- Line 9 runs south of the Han River through Yeouido and Gangnam. It has express trains that skip smaller stations. Line 9 is famous for crowds at rush hour. Its operator is changing the weekday timetable from 16 November 2026 to add more express trains in the morning. Avoid it with big suitcases between about 7 and 9 am.
Both lines charge the normal Seoul subway fare: 1,550 won by card (1,650 won cash) for the base distance, more for longer rides (Tmoney's fare table, subway fares from 28 June 2025). Use Naver Map or KakaoMap to see which line and exit is closest to your hotel. Our Naver Map vs Google Maps guide shows how.
Option 3: Taxi
Taxis wait at the taxi stands outside both terminals. The airport publishes these estimates for a standard taxi with no traffic. Real fares and times are often higher.
| From Gimpo Airport to | Time | Standard taxi | Deluxe taxi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hongik Univ. (Hongdae) | 40 min | 15,000 won | 27,000 won |
| Myeong-dong (Lotte Hotel Seoul) | 50 min | 20,000 won | 36,000 won |
| Seoul City Hall | 60 min | 22,000 won | 40,000 won |
| Samcheong-dong | 60 min | 23,000 won | 42,000 won |
| Gangnam Station | 60 min | 28,000 won | 50,000 won |
| Dongdaemun Station | 70 min | 26,000 won | 47,000 won |
| Jamsil Station | 60 min | 28,000 won | 50,000 won |
| Incheon Airport | 40 min | 45,000 won (incl. toll) | 70,000 won |
- Standard taxis start at 4,800 won (first 1.6 km).
- Late-night surcharge for standard taxis: 20% from 10-11 pm, 40% from 11 pm-2 am, 20% from 2-4 am.
- You pay any road tolls.
- Show the driver your hotel's address in Korean, or its name on a map app.
Worked examples (as of Nov 2026)
- Couple staying in Hongdae, daytime: AREX all-stop with T-money, 1,650 × 2 = 3,300 won. A standard taxi is about 15,000 won before traffic. The train is the clear winner.
- Solo traveler to Myeong-dong: AREX to Seoul Station (1,750 won), then Line 4 two stops. Transfers inside the subway system are charged by total distance, so you pay much less than two full fares.
- Family of four landing at 11:30 pm with big bags: four AREX fares to Seoul Station cost 7,000 won, but you'd carry bags through transfers late at night. A standard taxi to City Hall is about 22,000 won before traffic, plus the 40% late-night surcharge from 11 pm, and it takes you to the door. Check the last train time on a map app before you decide.
Going on to Incheon Airport
Some trips land at Gimpo and leave from Incheon. Two ways:
- AREX all-stop: 4,350 won to Terminal 1 or 4,950 won to Terminal 2 with a transport card.
- Limousine bus 6707A: the airport lists it at 7,500 won cash from domestic terminal stop 14 (and the international terminal), but its timetable notes look out of date. Check the bus company's site before you rely on it.
For your Incheon departure day, see our Incheon Airport tips. Arriving at Incheon instead? Read Incheon Airport to Seoul by train.
Common mistakes
- Waiting for the AREX Express at Gimpo. It doesn't stop there. Take the all-stop train.
- Line 9 at rush hour with luggage. Morning express trains are packed. Take AREX or Line 5 instead.
- No cash for a T-money top-up. Top-ups are cash only for most visitors.
- Forgetting the 500-won deposit. If you used a single-journey ticket, return it at the refund machine at your destination.
FAQ
How long does the train from Gimpo to Seoul Station take?
AREX doesn't list the Gimpo-Seoul Station time on its fare page. Check the live journey time on Naver Map or KakaoMap. It is much shorter than the full Incheon-Seoul trip.
Can I pay the AREX fare with a credit card?
Tap a T-money card, or buy a single-journey ticket at the machine. See the T-money guide for how to load a card.
Is Gimpo for international flights too?
Yes. Gimpo has a domestic and an international terminal. The limousine bus to Incheon stops at both, according to the airport.
Who can I call for help in English?
The 1330 Korea Travel Hotline helps visitors 24 hours a day. See our 1330 guide.
Final word
From Gimpo, start with the AREX all-stop train: 1,650 won to Hongdae, 1,750 won to Seoul Station with a T-money card. If your hotel is on Line 5 or Line 9, take that line straight there, but skip Line 9 at morning rush hour with luggage. Arriving late with bags or in a group? A taxi to central Seoul is about 15,000-28,000 won by the airport's estimates, plus the late-night surcharge after 10 pm.