Busan is one of the most popular and best places to visit in South Korea! If you’re departing from the lively city of Seoul to Busan, this blog will provide a very detailed guide on how to get from Seoul to Busan, including the best way, transportation options, pricing, travel times, and where to purchase KTX train tickets
Is it better to fly or train from Seoul to Busan?
If you’re departing from Seoul to Busan you will need to either fly from Incheon Airport or take one of the trains from Seoul Station accessible through many bus and subway routes. Lastly, you could take the bus typically from Gyeongbu Bus Terminal.
Best way to get from Seoul to Busan
KTX Seoul to Busan (Distance, Duration & Price)
The best and most efficient way to get from Seoul to Busan is through the KTX (Korean Train Express). Korail’s KTX is South Korea’s bullet train which is the fastest and most direct train from Seoul to Busan.
How long is the train ride from Seoul to Busan?
The distance from Seoul to Busan is 325km and the fastest direct train takes between 2 hours 15 minutes and 3 hours 20 minutes depending on departure time and date.
Seoul to Busan train price:
The KTX train price for a one-way ticket to Busan can range between $38 USD for a longer KTX train (3 hours 20 minutes) or $46.65 USD for the faster trains (2 hours 15 minutes). Please check the KTX website or a third-part provider like trip.com for the most up to date pricing.
Where to get KTX train tickets:
You may be wondering whether you need to purchase KTX train tickets before the departure date. I would highly recommend securing your tickets at least 1 month prior to the departure date to be safe considering this is the most popular transportation method and favorable times and dates may sell out fast. You can pre-book tickets on trip.com or Rail Ninja, which will provide real-time, convenient access to view availability on your desired travel date while showing updated prices and train duration times.
KTX Train Guide:
Arrive at Seoul Station approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to departure and locate the KTX train boarding platform displayed on the screens. There are many food options at Seoul station to choose from before the train departs. We ordered sandwiches from Beans and Berries, and then made our way to the platform. There is no preboarding check-in, you just walk to the train platform and board the train. I recommend keeping your mobile ticket handy in case the train attendant requests to see it.
Overall, the train was a smooth ride with reclining comfy seats and a tray table. There are plugs to charge your electronic devices. We were traveling with two large suitcases, two carry-ons, and two backpacks. We were able to bring everything on board for no additional costs.
Arriving at Busan Station
Once you arrive at Busan Station, there are more food options on the 2nd and 3rd floors. I would recommend this delicious avocado almond shake from American Trailer, this hot dog sandwich, and strawberry pastries from this Korean shop pictured below.
There is an information desk on the 2nd floor open from 09:00 to 18:00 where you can pick up your Visit Busan Pass.
I wrote a comprehensive guide to the Busan pass here. You can pre-book your Visit Busan Pass (24H or 48H) on Klook for convenience and pick up passes at the information desk when you arrive.
Getting to you accommodation from Busan Station
From the second floor of Busan Station, you will want to make your way to Exit 5 on the 1st floor. You can take a metered taxi here to your accommodation. I would recommend having your address in Korean available to show the taxi driver as they don’t typically speak much English.
Other Travel Options to Busan
Flying from Seoul To Busan
The runner-up & second-best way to get from Seoul to Busan is by flying using one of the domestic airlines including Jeju Air or T’Way Air.
Flight Distance & Duration
The flight distance is 314km and the shortest flight takes approximately 50 minutes. However, Incheon International Airport (near Seoul) and Gimhae International Airport (Busan) are outside of the departing and arrival cities which could add at least another 1 hour and 30 minutes to your journey. Additionally, the 2-hour pre-departure airport check-in time should be considered as well.
How much are the flights from Seoul to Busan?
One-way flights can cost as low as $21 USD and $43 USD round-trip. You can check the latest prices for your trip dates on trip.com and Skyscanner.com to compare the best prices.
Slower Trains (ITX & Mugunghwa)
Alternatively, the other options include taking the slower ITX train which can take 4 hours 30 minutes and costs approximately $33 USD. The Mugunghwa train which can take over 5 hours and 30 minutes costs only $22 USD. The downside to these options is less comfortable trains and more stops along the route to Busan.
Seoul to Busan Bus
You can also choose to take the express bus which generally departs from the Gyeongbu Bus Terminal. It takes around 4 hours 30 minutes and is the cheapest of the options costing only $18 USD for the general bus however, you can also choose the premium bus with comfier seats which costs ~$30 USD one way.
