Easy Guide: How to Get to Busan From Seoul By KTX, Bus or Flight

There came a pivotal point in my South Korea trip where I had to figure out how to get to Busan from Seoul.

However, I struggled to find an easy, straight-to-the-point guide.

That’s why I have dedicated this blog post to explaining the three main ways of getting from Seoul to Busan: high-speed KTX (Korea Train eXpress), direct bus or direct flight.

I’m going to discuss the pros and cons of each method, including the cost, time required, comfort and other key considerations.

I hope you find this easy guide on how to get to Busan from Seoul useful! If you’re still planning the logistics of your trip, you should find my South Korea itinerary handy too.

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What is the Distance Between Seoul and Busan?

The distance from Seoul to Busan is 202 miles (325 kilometres).

That might seem like a lot. However, in reality, the journey takes under three hours by KTX and no more than 4-5 hours by bus or car.

Transport Methods: Quick Comparison

There are three main ways to reach Busan if you don’t have your own vehicle:

1. The KTX takes 2.5-3 hours and costs ₩75,700 (£41).
2. An Express bus takes 4 hours and costs ₩40,000+ (£22+).
3. Flying only takes 1 hour and costs ₩22,000+ (£12+).

Which is the Best Way to Reach Busan?

For most people, the KTX (Korea Train eXpress) is the best way to get from Seoul to Busan.

It’s a bucket-list experience for many, as it’s South Korea’s first high-speed train and reaches speeds of up to 300 km/h.

You also get to see the scenery on the way.

I don’t recommend flying. Firstly, it isn’t eco-friendly. Secondly, although the flight only lasts one hour, getting to and from the airports and waiting for your flight is expensive and time-consuming.

If you are on a shoestring budget, the cheapest way to reach Busan from Seoul is the Express bus.

It’s almost half the price of the KTX – money that could be spent on a delicious Korean barbecue.

How to Get to Busan From Seoul by KTX

Best for: Most people; it’s quick, easy, affordable and scenic.

Cost and duration: 2.5-3 hours – ₩75,700 (£41).

Taking the KTX couldn’t be easier.

You can reserve your KTX tickets from Seoul to Busan directly on the Korean Rail website, where Economy Class tickets range from ₩75,700 (£41) to 107,000 (£58).

However, your other option is to reserve a KTX package on Klook, which includes the budget-friendly Visit Busan pass, for a total price of ₩114,800 (£62).

This is a good idea if you want to visit the big attractions in Busan.

The Visit Busan pass provides free access to locations like Busan Tower, the Songdo Marine Cable Car, Haeundae Beach Train and Busan X the Sky for 24 hours.

How to Take the Bus From Seoul to Busan

Best for: Budget travel, at half the price of the KTX.

Cost and duration: 4 hours – ₩40,000+ (£22+)

There is a direct Express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Busan Central Bus Terminal.

It’s easy to book online: the Seoul to Busan Express Bus can be booked on Klook.

You can also buy your tickets at the station, although if the bus is full, you’ll need to wait for the next one. This is a riskier strategy during high season and on public holidays.

I have transited through the Busan Central Bus Terminal, and it’s a little outside of the main city.

However, it’s next to Nopo subway station, where I used my T-Money card to tap on and off the subway.

How to Fly to Busan From Seoul

Cost and duration: 1 hour – ₩22,000+ (£12+)

The problem with flying is that while the flight only lasts one hour, getting to and from the airport is time consuming.

Flights depart from Gimpo International Airport (GMP) in Gangseo-gu.

There is a direct 20-minute train to the airport from Seoul Station costing ₩1,600 – ₩3,100 (£0.80 – £1.70).

However, if you’re not staying near the station, you also need to account for the time and cost of taking another bus or subway.

If you end up taking a taxi, which many people do, the journey will quickly get expensive.

Busan

After arriving at Gimhae International Airport (PUS) in Busan, it’ll also take you some time to reach your accommodation in Busan.

For example, getting to Haeundae by bus takes around 1.5 hours and the subway around 45 minutes.

The bottom line is, flying is not as eco-friendly, and there are quicker, easier ways to reach Busan.

Can You Drive From Seoul to Busan?

If you have your own vehicle, you may find it easier to drive from Seoul to Busan. Driving takes 4-5 hours.

The cost depends on fuel (₩50,000+/ £27+), which is usually dictated by the size and type of car.

You can also hire a car in Seoul using Discover Cars or Klook. Car hire typically costs ₩73,500 (£40+) per day.

With both, you have the option of dropping the car to a different location, where you can select Busan.

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I hope you found this guide useful! Leave a comment below to let me know how your journey (and holiday) goes – I’d love to hear from you.

Suggested reading:

• South Korea itinerary – start here!
• Seoraksan National Park hiking guide
• How to get to Seoraksan National Park