Train (KTX and other trains)
BEST OPTION- โ City center to city center
- โ Frequent departures on main routes
- โ Easy with luggage
- โณ Some stations are outside the center
๐บ๏ธ City-to-City Travel
Choose where you start and where you go, and see whether a train, bus, flight or ferry is the easiest way.
Where are you going?
Choose where you are starting and where you want to go. We show the usual easiest way to travel between the two cities.
Popular routes
SeoulBusanDIRECT
Seoul Station or SuseoBusan StationยทTypical travel time: about 2 to 3 hours
Express or intercity bus
ALTERNATIVE- โ Often cheaper
- โ Reaches places without a train
- โณ Travel time changes with traffic
- โณ The terminal can be far from the train station
Domestic flight
NOT USUALLY RECOMMENDED- โ Main choice for Jeju
- โ Short time in the air
- โณ Airport trips and check-in add time
Travel times are typical ranges, not timetables. Fares and schedules change, so check the live booking service for your date.
Not sure what to choose?
Major city to major city
โ Check the KTX first
Smaller city to another city
โ Check intercity buses
Mainland to Jeju
โ Check flights first
East coast to east coast
โ Check the Donghae Line trains
No direct train?
โ Check express and intercity buses
The best route may not go through Seoul.
Between regional cities, compare both the train and the bus. A direct service can save you a trip through Seoul.
How should I travel?
Train
Fastest for major cities
Choose it when
- โข KTX serves your destination directly
- โข You want a predictable travel time
- โข You prefer city-center stations
Express Bus
Great nationwide coverage
Choose it when
- โข There is no direct train
- โข The bus terminal is closer to where you are going
- โข You want a lower-cost option
Intercity Bus
Best for regional cities
Choose it when
- โข Smaller city to another city
- โข Regional city to regional city
- โข Train station is far from your destination
Flight
Best for Jeju
Choose it when
- โข Going to or from Jeju
- โข A long trip to the far south
Ferry
Jeju and island travel
Choose it when
- โข Mainly for Jeju and islands
- โข Check weather and the operator first
From Seoul to other cities
Usually the best choice, not a rule. Price, hotel location and travel time can change the answer.
| To | Usually best choice | Main departure point | Arrive at |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐ Train | Seoul Station or Suseo | Busan Station | |
| ๐ Train | Seoul Station or Suseo | Dongdaegu Station | |
| ๐ Train | Seoul Station or Suseo | Daejeon Station | |
| ๐ Train | Seoul Station or Suseo | Gyeongju Station | |
| ๐ Train | Seoul Station or Cheongnyangni | Gangneung Station | |
| ๐ Train | Yongsan Station | Jeonju Station | |
| ๐ Train | Yongsan Station, Seoul Station or Suseo | Gwangju-Songjeong Station | |
| ๐ Train | Yongsan Station | Mokpo Station | |
| ๐ Train | Yongsan Station | Yeosu-Expo Station | |
| ๐ Train | Seoul Station or Suseo | Pohang Station | |
| ๐ Bus | Express or intercity bus terminal | Sokcho bus terminal | |
| โ๏ธ Flight | Gimpo Airport | Jeju Airport |
Going back to Seoul? Use the swap button above. The arrival station is the departure station in this table.
Between regional cities
๐ New: Busan to Gangneung without going through Seoul
Since 30 December 2025 the KTX-Eum runs between Bujeon and Gangneung along the Donghae Line (Bujeon, Gyeongju, Pohang, Samcheok, Donghae, Gangneung and other stops), about 3 hours 50 minutes. It does not run every hour, so check your date.
Tap a route to see it in the finder. Pairs that are not listed show both options so you can compare.
Which Seoul station do I need?
Seoul Station
์์ธ์ญ
- โข Busan, Daegu, Daejeon and Gyeongju
- โข Some trains to Gangwon
Yongsan Station
์ฉ์ฐ์ญ
- โข Jeonju, Gwangju, Mokpo and Yeosu
- โข A main Honam-line station
Cheongnyangni Station
์ฒญ๋๋ฆฌ์ญ
- โข Gangwon, such as Gangneung
- โข Andong and some eastern areas
Suseo Station
์์์ญ
- โข South-east Seoul
- โข Former SRT trains, now part of the KTX network since 1 September 2026
Always check the departure station on your ticket. Not every train leaves from Seoul Station.
Door to door: Seoul to Busan
๐ Train
- 1Hotel to Seoul Station
- 2Ride about 2 to 3 hours
- 3Busan Station to hotel
โ๏ธ Flight
- 1Hotel to Gimpo Airport
- 2Check-in and security
- 3Flight
- 4Gimhae Airport to Busan city
The flight itself is short, but getting to the airport, checking in and getting into the city add up. Compare the whole trip, not only the time on board.
Book your trip
โ ๏ธ Not every bus route is sold on the same booking website.
Express buses and intercity buses use different services, and some routes can only be bought at the terminal. If a route is missing on one site, try the other.
Know before you go
Check the exact station
Seoul Station is not Yongsan Station or Suseo Station.
Check the exact bus terminal
A city can have several terminals, and in Seoul they are far apart. Check the departure terminal on your ticket.
Station names may differ from the city name
For example, Gwangju is Gwangju-Songjeong and Daegu is Dongdaegu.
High-speed stations can be outside downtown
Gyeongju and Ulsan stations need a bus or taxi to the city. Plan that last step.
Book early on Korean holidays
Trains and buses can sell out quickly around Seollal, Chuseok and long weekends.
Detailed guides
Routes, schedules and operating days can change. Check the operator before you travel.
Information last verified: 2026-10-07 ยท Updated: 2026-10-07