Seoul to Busan: train, bus or plane?
Seoul and Busan are about 325 km apart. The KTX train is the quickest centre-to-centre option, the express bus the cheapest, and flights only save time if you are already near Gimpo Airport.
Time and fare compared
| Transport | Time | Adult one-way fare |
|---|---|---|
| KTX high-speed trainSeoul Station → Busan StationThe quickest city-centre to city-centre option and the one our itineraries use. Standard-class adult fare. Trains from Suseo Station (Gangnam, the former SRT) now run as KTX at the same unified fare, and Korail members earn 5% mileage on Suseo trains too. | about 2 h 15 min–2 h 40 min | from about $41 (₩54,400) |
| Express bus (deluxe)Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gyeongbu) → Busan (Nopo)Deluxe (udeung) seats. Bus fares rise by up to 9% from 1 Oct 2026. Other seat classes also run; check Kobus for their fares. | about 4 h–4 h 30 min | about $30–$32 (₩40,000–₩43,000) |
| Domestic flightGimpo Airport → Gimhae AirportAir time only; add airport transfers and check-in. Fares change daily by airline and date. | about 1 h–1 h 10 min | from about $22 (₩30,000) |
Checked Sep 27, 2026 · USD at the Nov 13, 2026 rate. Fares change; check the operator before you book.
Itineraries with this trip
Our 7-day Seoul and Busan itinerary and 10-day Seoul, Busan and Jeju itinerary take the KTX on the morning of the first Busan day, so the afternoon is already by the sea. Going to Jeju instead? See Seoul to Jeju.
Sources
- Korail press release, Aug 5, 2026: unified high-speed rail from September (fares)
- Korail (tickets and timetables)
- Kobus (express bus booking)
- Yonhap News TV, Aug 27, 2026 (Ministry of Land: bus fares up to 9% higher from Oct 1)
- Korea Airports Corporation, Gimpo schedule
- Skyscanner, GMP–PUS fares (not an operator)
Questions
What is the fastest way from Seoul to Busan?
The KTX high-speed train: about 2 h 15 min–2 h 40 min from Seoul Station to Busan Station, from about $41 (₩54,400) one way. Flying is shorter in the air, but airport transfers and check-in usually make it slower door to door. Checked Sep 27, 2026.
What is the cheapest way from Seoul to Busan?
The express bus: about $30–$32 (₩40,000–₩43,000) one way in a deluxe seat, and about 4 h–4 h 30 min on the road. Bus fares rise by up to 9% from October 1, 2026. Checked Sep 27, 2026.
Do I need to book the KTX in advance?
Weekday trains usually have seats on the day, but Friday evenings, weekends and holidays such as Chuseok and Seollal often sell out. Book as early as you can on the Korail website or app.