Travel guides › Getting Between Cities by KTX and Express Bus: From Booking to Boarding
Getting Between Cities by KTX and Express Bus: From Booking to Boarding
Korea is not a big country and its transport network is good, so it is easy to stay in Seoul and make day trips or overnight trips to other cities. This article covers the types of trains and buses used for intercity travel, how to book them and how to use them. Timetables, fares and booking methods can change at any time, so check the official sites before you use them.
KTX and SRT
KTX is a high-speed train run by Korail (the Korea Railroad Corporation). It runs from several stations including Seoul Station to major cities nationwide such as Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Gangneung. Seoul Station to Busan generally takes around 2 hours 30 minutes. SRT is a separate high-speed train that mainly departs from Suseo Station in Seoul, so the departure station differs, and you must check the station name when booking. If you mistake the station and go to Seoul Station, you cannot board an SRT.
Express buses and intercity buses
Express buses leave nationwide from Seoul's Express Bus Terminal, Dong Seoul Terminal and others. In areas the trains do not reach, buses are convenient, and there are also premium buses with wider seats. There are several terminals, so the departure terminal differs by destination; check before you book. Travel time varying with road conditions is a difference from trains.
How to book
- Trains: book on the Korail official site and app, and check foreign-language support and foreign payment options on the site. SRT also has its own site and app.
- Buses: express and intercity buses can be booked on integrated booking sites or apps, and also purchased at the terminal.
- Passes for foreigners: there are sometimes rail passes for foreign tourists. Check the available routes, conditions and prices in Korail's guidance.
Tickets sell out quickly on holidays, weekends and long holidays, so it is safest to book early once your schedule is set.
Boarding steps at the station
When taking a train, first check the train number, departure time and seat number on your ticket. Find the train number on the board in the station and it shows the platform number. It is safest to be at the platform 10 to 15 minutes before departure. Large bags can go in the luggage space at the car entrance or on the shelf above the seat. Large stations such as Seoul and Busan have lockers, which spares you worry about your bags after you arrive.
Cities good for day trips
Among the cities reachable from Seoul by KTX, Gangneung is popular for its east coast scenery and coffee street, and Gyeongju is a historic city with many Silla-era sites. Jeonju is famous for its hanok village and bibimbap. The longer the journey, the less time you have after arriving, so for a day trip check the first and last train times first. If you can, I recommend an overnight trip with room to spare.
Usage tips
- After booking, check the ticket's refund rules. Fees grow as departure approaches.
- Stations and terminals have many signs in Hangul, so save your destination name in Hangul.
- Check the last train time in advance and decide how you will get back to your accommodation.
Official sources
Rules, fares and opening hours change often. Check the latest details on the official sites below.