How To Go To Busan From Seoul By Flight, Train, Bus And Car

Busan, nestled in the southeast of the Korean Peninsula, is Korea’s third-largest city and its most significant trading port. This bustling metropolis is a major tourist attraction, ranking alongside Seoul and Jeju island in popularity. This article delves into the multiple options available to travel from Seoul to Busan, including flights, trains, express buses, and driving.

Spring, summer, autumn and winter are all charming seasons to soak in the beauty of Busan. However, to fully appreciate the vibrancy of this city, a minimum stay of two to three days is recommended. For planning purposes, you may refer to this well-curated two-day itinerary.

Travelling Options from Seoul to Busan

Here are the ways to reach Busan from Seoul, along with their respective pros and cons:

1. Flight: The quickest but most expensive option. With a flight time of around an hour, this is the best choice if you’re pressed for time. However, it’s essential to factor in the time spent in airport transfers and security checks.

2. Train: An efficient and comfortable option, with high-speed trains getting you from Seoul to Busan in as little as 2.5 hours. You can choose between the KTX, SRT, and ITX-Saemaeul services, with varying costs and travel times.

3. Express Bus: A cost-effective and convenient way to journey to Busan. The bus ride can take between 4.5 to 5 hours, but it’s a good chance to enjoy scenic views.

4. Car: This gives you the most freedom and flexibility. The journey may take approximately 5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. However, road signage is predominantly in Korean, which tourists may find challenging.

Depending on your preference—whether it’s speed, cost, comfort, or sightseeing—there’s a method suited for all travellers to embark on their journey to Busan from Seoul.

Essential Tips for Your Visit to Busan

• Public Transportation: Much like its upper-neighbor Seoul, Busan flaunts an impressively expansive public transportation system perfect for navigating this bustling city. Two excellent mobile apps are Kakao maps and Busan subway. These apps not only provide directions but also real-time updates on the city’s public transport. To pay for rides on the bus and subway, it’s wise to get a T-Money transport card, a convenient touch-and-go form of payment. For effortless sightseeing, consider the hop-on-hop-off bus. This bus tour will seamlessly guide you to all the must-see highlights of the city.

• Travel Adapter: As the plug points in South Korea might be different from those in your home country like the UK and Japan, it’s essential to bring a power adapter that’s compatible with Korean sockets. Here’s where you can find more useful information in this regard.

• WiFi Egg: To keep connected with the world while exploring the charm of Busan, a portable WiFi egg is recommended. This affordable device provides you with a stable internet connection on the go. You can find more information here.

• Tipping Culture: Unlike other countries, tipping is not typically expected in South Korea. However, there are certain occasions where it is acceptable. Here’s a useful guide on when to tip in Korea.

• Busan Itinerary: Making the most of your visit to Busan can be a daunting task due to its numerous attractions. Here’s the ideal 2-day Busan itinerary to help you plan your visit better.

Remember, preparation is the key to enjoying a hassle-free trip to any destination. The points outlined above will provide you with a lucid idea of the essentials you need to factor in when visiting Busan.

Seoul To Busan By Train

Travelling by train continues to provide the most convenient mode of transportation in Korea for tourists and locals alike. This is largely due to the high dependability of the train schedule, allowing travellers to make precise plans. Travellers are quite spoilt for choice in this regard, with 3 types of trains available to get to Busan Station: KTX-Sancheon, ITX-Saemaeul and Mugunghwa. The KTX Korean bullet train is notably the fastest, albeit the most expensive option.

For tourists looking to make the most of their time in Korea, consider purchasing a foreigner discounted train pass online in advance for an experience that combines comfort and cost efficiency. More information about the different packages are available here.

KTX Seoul To Busan

The KTX train Korea remains the quickest mode of transportation to Busan only taking approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes and with service offered once or twice per hour. Trains going to Busan can be boarded from two major stations in Seoul: KTX Seoul Station and KTX Yongsan Station. This Korea train express boasts an impressive speed of up to 305km/h.

The KTX Seoul to Busan Price typically begins at around 53,000 won one way, increasing up to approximately 60,000 won one way, dependent on the departure time. The most current KTX Seoul to Busan timetable can be accessed on the official Korail website now in both Korean and English.

KTX Train tickets can be secured by making a KTX Seoul to Busan booking online, or at the ticket office in any KTX station. While tickets can be purchased up to a month in advance, due to their popularity particularly over weekends or Korean holidays, early advance booking is highly recommended.

| | One Way Ticket (1 day) | Return Ticket (1-2 days) | Extra tickets (2-3 days) | Buy Tickets |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| Single Ticket 1 Person | ± 60,000 won |± 120,000 won |Varies |Here |
| Korail Pass 1 Person | ± 120,000 won | ± 120,000 won |Free |Here |
| Single Ticket 2-5 Persons | ± 60,000 won pp | ± 120,000 won pp |Varies | Here |
| Korail Pass 2-5 Persons | ± 110,000 won pp | ± 110,000 won pp | Free | Here |

Foreign travellers can utilise special discounted passes such as the Korail pass which allows you to reserve seats on 2 trains a day, and afterwards ride as a standee. This option proves to be more cost-effective if planning to commute frequently between Seoul and Busan. More information is available here.

TIP! If planning to travel during one of the Korean bank holidays, ensure to book your tickets in advance as they can quickly sell out!

KTX Busan To Seoul

For the return journey, the KTX Busan to Seoul timetable is also available on the official Korail website with approximately twice hourly services. As with the outgoing, ticket prices range from 53,000 to 60,000 won. Tickets can be secured through the Korail online booking system.

KTX Incheon To Busan

Please note that there are no direct KTX trains available from Incheon Airport to Busan. Although, it’s easy to transfer in Seoul train station and execute the following two steps:

1. Take airport line/subway from Incheon Airport to Seoul.
2. Take the KTX Seoul Busan.

For the airport line from Incheon Airport to Seoul, purchase a ticket for the AREX speed train or a T Money card for use on the subway. The fastest option is the AREX speed train taking just 45 minutes and costing approximately 8000 KRW, compared to the subway which takes roughly 1.1 hours and costs around 4000 KRW.

Upon arrival at Seoul station, exit the subway/train and head to the first floor KTX station.

Korail Pass To Busan

Different types of train passes available specifically for foreign tourists can make the journey more cost-effective and convenient. Once the pass is activated, you can reserve up to 2 train seats a day, while thereafter it permits standing room as an option on any other trains. This tends to be more cost-effective than buying a return ticket from Seoul to Busan. More options and pricing info can be accessed here.

After purchasing, your rail pass is instantly delivered to your email box. Do remember to print it and carry it with you on your trip, alongside your passport.

With your printed rail pass you can reserve your seat at any Korail ticket office or online.

4.1 When Is the Korail Pass Beneficial?

The Korail pass is especially advantageous under the following circumstances:

• Travelling in Korea by train for 2 or more days, or;
• Travelling in a group of 2 – 5 people.

With this pass, travelling with two or more people or taking more than one train across separate days will have significant cost savings.

4.2 How to buy the Korail Pass

The Korail pass can be bought on a couple of websites, all for the same price. Some websites simply offer better customer service experiences. Here are the best online platforms to purchase the pass from:

• Klook – This site provides an efficient and seamless pass purchasing experience. However, it requires a minimum of seven days advance purchase before the proposed usage date. More info can be accessed here.
• Trazy – This platform is an ideal choice for last minute pass purchase, allowing you to buy up to 3 days before the proposed usage date. Further information can be found here.

Other Train Services To Busan From Seoul

In addition to the KTX train service, other slower and cheaper options are available for travellers on a budget or those seeking to enjoy a longer scenic route. Such options are ITX, SRT and Mugunghwa train services.

• ITX: Duration: 4.5 hours, Price: 42,000 KRW one way
• SRT: Duration: 2.5 hours, Price: 51,900 KRW one way
• Mugunghwa train: Duration: 5.5 hours, Price: 28,000 KRW one way

Tickets for these services can also be purchased on the Korail website or at the ticket office in any train station.

5.1 ITX Seoul to Busan

The ITX train service is available from Seoul station or Yeongdeungpo station. While it doesn’t run as frequent compared to the KTX service, it offers cheaper fares within a reasonable travel duration.

5.2 SRT Seoul to Busan

The SRT, similar to the KTX, only departs from SUSEO station situated in the Jamsil area. It is therefore only recommended for those staying closer to Gangnam or Jamsil. Please note: the Korail pass cannot be used on the SRT.

5.3 Mugunghwa Train Seoul To Busan

Being the slowest and most economical option between Seoul and Busan, the Mugunghwa train is best for budget travellers with ample time to spare. Aside from a budget-friendly train ride, passengers can also enjoy a breathtaking view of the Korean countryside. Amenities on the train include a cafe and some trains even have a karaoke and arcade room. Check timetable on the Korail website.

Seoul to Busan By Bus and Busan to Seoul By Bus

Venturing the route from Seoul to Busan or in reverse offers a fantastic opportunity to catch a glimpse of South Korea’s breathtaking landscapes. Opting for the bus service remains the most economical and highly recommended means of transport. The journey, barring minimal traffic, should ideally span around 4 hours.

Frequent Bus Services

Buses embark every 20 minutes, providing passengers with ample options to accommodate their schedules. Leaving from Seoul Gyeongbu bus terminal to Busan, the constant stream of services ensures no traveler is left waiting overly long.

Ticket Booking Options

Tickets can conveniently be purchased online and offer prospective travelers the ability to arrange their travel in advance. Additionaly, tickets can also be purchased on-site at the bus terminal, an alternative that may suit spontaneous travelers or those with flexible schedules.

Please note the restrictions in place when using an international card; purchases can only be made through the PC version of the website. Alternatively, if your card faces compatibility issues, consider making your ticket purchase through Trazy. This alternative platform hosts a smooth booking process.

Timely planning, looking into bus schedules, and understanding your ticket options are all essential to making this journey a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Choose the bus and take in the authentic views of South Korea, from the bustling cityscape of Seoul to the coastal ambiance of Busan, all in a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

Seoul To Busan By Flight

Travelling from Seoul to Busan can be more cost-effective and comfortable via flights than taking the KTX train, necessarily depending on factors such as season and day. A plethora of airlines offer domestic flights between cities such as Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Jeju. There are two prominent Seoul airports—Incheon International Airport or Gimpo Airport, both of which service direct flights to Busan International Airport (Gimhae). These flights span an estimated duration of 55 minutes.

1. Gimpo To Busan Flights

   Opting for a flight from Gimpo airport to Gimhae is usually the most affordable and convenient alternative. Domestic airlines servicing this route include Jeju Air, Busan Air, T’Way, Korean Air, Easy Jet, and Jin Air. Fares can occasionally dip as low as 75,000 won for a return ticket, a saving of 35,000 won when compared to return tickets by KTX.

   Gimpo Airport holds the advantage of being readily accessible as it is located close to Seoul city center. Travellers can choose from airport bus, subway, or taxi services. Analogously, the Busan airport located just outside Busan, offers similar transportation means—subway, bus, or taxi. The quest for cheap flights to Busan? Explore further.

2. Incheon to Busan Flights

   Choosing a flight from Incheon Airport to Busan is generally advisable if you’re just flown into Korea, as flights could likely be pricier than flights from Gimpo Airport.

   A hassle-free subway transfer from Incheon International Airport to Gimpo Airport is made possible and can be easily accessed. If you’re looking for accommodation close to the airport, you can check the best transfer hotels near Incheon Airport here.

3. Busan to Seoul Flights

   From Busan’s Korea airport, flight fares to Seoul (Gimpo Airport) can dip as low as 72,000 won, prices are subject to fluctuate depending on the day and season. If you’re looking for affordable flights from Busan, Click here for more information and prices.

Useful Tips for Booking Affordable Flights to Busan, South Korea

After thorough exploration using different flight search engines, Skyscanner or Momondo yield the most satisfactory results. Flight fares tend to lessen on weekdays, especially on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. For the best bargain, consider flying to Ulsan and thereafter, catch a bus to Busan—a route that takes about 30 minutes.

Seoul to Busan By Car

Another method of journeying from Seoul to Busan is by car. Although this may be the most independent way of traveling, it is often considered the least preferred option due to the potential inconvenience of traffic congestion. Unlike buses, cars do not benefit from having a special lane which often results in longer travel times, particularly during peak periods.

Travel Time and Distance

The estimated time it takes to travel from Seoul to Busan by car is approximately 4 to 5 hours. However, during busy times especially on weekends or bank holidays, the travel time can be extended to a staggering 7 hours. Thus, it is advisable to carefully plan your trip and avoid potential peak times.

The driving distance between Seoul to Busan is approximately 400 km. This, however, varies depending on the specific route taken.

Car Rental

For travelers who do not own a car, renting a car is a viable option. For further information on car rentals and details on how to travel from Seoul to Busan by car, you can consult the official tourism Korea website.

Always drive safely and abide by the traffic rules and regulations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Summary of Points

• Cars do not have a special lane and are prone to traffic delays
• Travel time is approximately 4 to 5 hours, but can extend to 7 hours during peak times
• Driving distance is approximately 400 km, varying based on the route chosen
• It’s advisable to avoid traveling by car during weekends or bank holidays.
• Car rental is an option for those who do not own a car.

In conclusion, traveling by car offers the highest level of independence but can also be significantly affected by traffic conditions. Therefore, it is essential to consider the potential for delays when planning a trip from Seoul to Busan by car.

Additional Recommended Resources

Are you planning a trip to South Korea? The following links may provide additional helpful information:

• Choosing the Right Travel Adapter for your Trip in South Korea
• Experiencing the Beautiful Han River through Seoul Han River Cruises
• Best and Easiest Day Trips from Seoul

Share the Tips on Travelling from Seoul to Busan

Found this article on how to go to Busan from Seoul useful? Don’t forget to Pin It!

Have you made the journey from Seoul to Busan before? Are their other important details you believe new travellers should be aware of when deciding to take the bus or train from Seoul to Busan? Share your thoughts in the comment section below! Let’s cultivate a helpful community of travelers.