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How to get from Busan to Seoul
High-speed KTX trains link Busan Station and Seoul Station in about 2 h 15–2 h 45, many times a day. SRT trains run to Suseo in southern Seoul. Flights take about 1 h but airport time makes them barely faster; express buses are cheaper at about 4–4 h 30.
Best option: Train. The KTX is fast, frequent and runs city centre to city centre.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train KTX high-speed trains from Busan Station to Seoul Station (Korail), or SRT trains to Suseo | about 2 h 15–2 h 45 | several an hour at busy times | about ₩50,000–60,000 standard class | Book ahead on weekends and holidays; trains sell out around Chuseok and Lunar New Year. |
| flight Domestic flights from Gimhae (Busan) to Gimpo (Seoul) | about 1 h flight; about 3 h door to door | frequent daily flights | about ₩40,000–100,000 | Gimpo is linked to central Seoul by subway and the airport railroad. |
| bus Express buses from Busan bus terminals to Seoul Express Bus Terminal | about 4 h–4 h 30 | frequent, including late-night buses | about ₩25,000–45,000 | Premium buses have wide reclining seats. |
| car Gyeongbu Expressway | about 4 h 30–5 h | fuel plus expressway tolls of roughly ₩20,000 | Traffic into Seoul can be heavy, especially on Sunday evenings and holidays. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Buy KTX tickets through the Korail app or website; foreigners can book online in English.
- The Korail Pass for foreign visitors can save money if you make several train trips.
- Seoul Station is on subway lines 1 and 4 and the airport railroad; Suseo (SRT) is on line 3.
- Avoid major holidays, when trains and roads are packed.
Common questions
How long is the KTX from Busan to Seoul?
About 2 h 15 to 2 h 45, depending on the number of stops. Trains leave Busan Station many times a day, from early morning to late evening. SRT trains take a similar time to Suseo in southern Seoul, which suits travellers heading to Gangnam. Both are comfortable, with reserved seats and luggage space.
What is the cheapest way from Busan to Seoul?
An express bus, at about ₩25,000–45,000 depending on the class, for a trip of about 4–4 h 30. Advance discounts on trains are limited, so the KTX costs roughly ₩50,000–60,000. Budget flights can sometimes be cheap, but add airport transfers. For most visitors the KTX gives the best value for time.
Is it faster to fly or take the train from Busan to Seoul?
Door to door, the train is usually as fast or faster. The flight is about an hour, but you need to reach Gimhae airport, arrive early and travel in from Gimpo. The KTX goes from central Busan to central Seoul in under three hours, with no security queues or baggage limits.
Do I need to book the KTX ahead?
On weekdays you can often buy shortly before departure, but on Friday evenings, weekends and holidays seats sell out, so book a few days ahead. Around Chuseok and Lunar New Year, book as soon as sales open. Standing tickets are sometimes sold when trains are full.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.