How to Get From Incheon International Airport to Gimpo Airport?

If you’re planning or have just booked a trip to South Korea and your first stop is not going to be Seoul, you’ll have to connect flights. Make sure to check which airport your connecting flight will depart from. If you’re not aware of it Seoul has two airports: Incheon and Gimpo.

In this post:

1. About Seoul’s Two Airports
2. How Long Will I Need To Transfer?
3. Getting From Incheon to Gimpo Airport by Rail
4. Moving Between Seoul’s Airports by Bus
5. Moving Between Seoul’s Airports by Taxi

About the Two Airports

Gimpo is Seoul’s older airport, it served the city as it’s only international hub until 2001 when Incheon airport opened. Since then most airlines fly in and out of Incheon International airport and it received several awards for its comfort standards.

However Gimpo wasn’t retired entirely. The airport still serves as Seoul’s domestic and low cost airport. Many Korean Air domestic flights leave out of Gimpo Airport including flights to Jeju. For instance when I travel down to Gimhae/Busan I always fly out of Gimpo. The airport isn’t the prettiest airport in the world and certainly doesn’t have all the comforts of Incheon International. So don’t expect too much.

How Long Will I Need To Transfer Between Seoul Incheon and Gimpo?

My advice is to give yourself enough time to disembark your previous flight, get through customs (an average of 30 mins, 45 if you have luggage to collect), buy your ticket and make your way to the other airport (anywhere between 50 and 60 mins). So the amount of time can depend from person to person. I would allow at least 3 hours between the arrival and departure times. Personally though I’d probably give myself some extra time.

In both directions you have 3 options to transfer between Incheon and Gimpo Airports: Rail, Bus and Taxi.

Getting From Incheon to Gimpo Airport by Rail

This is the cheapest option to move from one airport to the other. The route is operated for AREX (Airport Express) trains so keep an eye out for that name. A one way ticket will cost you:

• 4,350 KRW if you’re departing/arriving at Incheon Terminal 2 (which is the northern and newest terminal)
• 3,750 KRW if you’re departing/arriving at Incheon Terminal 1

For those visiting South Korea for the first time 1,000 KRW (South Korean Won) is worth approximately 0.80€ and 0.86$. Make sure to get on the right train. Only the ALL STOP train will stop at Gimpo Airport, while the Express train will only stop in downtown Seoul at the central station.

Moving Between Seoul’s Airports by Bus

The second cheapest option is the bus. The fares go from 5,000 KRW (4 Approx Euro) to 7,500 (5.9 Approx Euro), which is very fair for the quality of the busses. Busses are very comfortable, just beware the bus drivers are very efficient and will rush you if needed.

There are two bus companies that cover the route (Airport Limousine and Korean Air) bus lines that connect the two airports are:

• 6003
• 6008
• 6014
• 6707A (Operated by Korean Air)

The bus connections are very frequent so if you see a bus leave just as you arrive don’t dispare, there’s another one on its way.

Moving Between Seoul’s Airports by Taxi

Another option is the Taxi and of course it is the most expensive of the three. So unless you’re really tight on time I’d go for one of the previous two alternatives. No need to say just head to the terminal’s Taxi rank and hop on the first available one. Prices will vary depending on traffic conditions.

A Little More About Seoul Gimpo Airport

Gimpo airport is nothing to get too excited about. There very few stores and even fewer restaurants, most of which serve only Korean food. Also if you have checked luggage keep in mind that the procedure is not the fastest. Once you drop off your suitcase at the desk you’ll have to wait for it to clear a first screening before you can move on to your own security checks. Gimpo is Seoul’s original international airport. Since Incheon’s opening Gimpo has become a domestic airport and not many resources have been invested to modernise the airport. Only recently have some renovations taken place.

However do don’t head over to Gimpo expecting to do some shopping before your flight because you’ll be disappointed.
I hope I answered your questions if not make sure to comment below and I’ll do my best to get you the answer you’re looking for.