You’ve landed at Incheon Airport, collected your suitcase, followed the signs for the Airport Railroad…
and suddenly there are two AREX trains. 😵💫
Express? All-Stop?
Both go toward Seoul, but choosing the wrong one can mean an unnecessary transfer.
The AREX Express is usually the easiest choice.
Choose the All-Stop Train.
🚆 AREX Express vs All-Stop:
What’s the Difference?
Both trains are part of the Airport Railroad system connecting Incheon International Airport with Seoul.
The difference is simple: the AREX Express runs non-stop to Seoul Station, while the All-Stop Train stops at stations along the route.
🏙️ Going to Seoul Station?
If your hotel is near Seoul Station and you want a reserved seat, the AREX Express is usually the easiest choice.
It runs directly between Incheon Airport and Seoul Station, so you can settle into an assigned seat instead of standing with your suitcase after a long flight.
✓ Your hotel is near Seoul Station
✓ You’re transferring to KTX
✓ You have heavy luggage
✓ You want a guaranteed seat
✓ You prefer the simplest route
🎧 Staying in Hongdae?
Don’t Take the Express.
This is probably the single most useful thing to know before arriving in Korea:
The All-Stop Train does.
So if your accommodation is in Hongdae, taking the Express all the way to Seoul Station and then traveling back toward Hongdae is usually unnecessary.
✨ Airport → Hongik University Station → done.
🧳 Staying in Gongdeok or Mapo?
Same answer: take the All-Stop Train.
Gongdeok is directly served by the All-Stop service, while the Express passes through without stopping.
I personally checked the luggage lockers inside Gongdeok Station, including the exact location, prices and how to use them.
🛍️ What If You’re Staying in Myeongdong?
Myeongdong itself is not on the AREX line, so you’ll need another connection after leaving the Airport Railroad.
Taking the Express to Seoul Station and transferring is one option, but it isn’t automatically the best option for everyone.
An airport limousine bus may sometimes be more convenient, especially if it stops close to your hotel.
🚇 Is the All-Stop Train Just a Slower Express?
Not really.
Think of it more like part of Seoul’s regular metropolitan rail network. It serves useful stations along the way, including:
↓
Gimpo Airport
↓
Hongik University
↓
Gongdeok
↓
🚉 Seoul Station
The main downside is that seating isn’t reserved. During busy periods, you may have to stand — not ideal with a giant suitcase.
💳 Can You Use T-Money on AREX?
This is where first-time visitors often get confused.
Works like regular public transportation using supported transit payment methods.
AREX Express
Uses a separate ticket and assigned-seat system.
So don’t assume that tapping your transportation card automatically puts you on the Express. Follow the Express Train / All-Stop Train signs carefully at the airport.
💸 What About the Price?
The All-Stop Train is cheaper than the Express.
But fares and promotions can change, so rather than relying on an old screenshot, I recommend checking the current fare when you travel.
It’s whether the train actually stops near your accommodation.
✨ So Which AREX Train Should You Take?
Don’t let the word “Express” make the decision for you. ✈️
Seoul Station + reserved seat → Express.
Hongdae, Gongdeok, Gimpo or cheaper travel → All-Stop.
That’s enough to keep most first-time visitors from getting on the wrong train.
Last updated: August 2026.
Train fares and schedules can change, so check current AREX information before traveling.
