Korea - Help: ICN-Seoul Transportation via A'Rex and Subway

I'll be having a somewhat long layover (~16 hours) at ICN next Month. I thought about booking the Hyatt Incheon, but it's way too expensive ($200). I thought about booking the transit hotel, but I need my checked luggage.

After researching for a long time, I've decided to stay at W Seoul Walkerhill. I know it's a world away from the airport, but I'll be able to use my SPG free night. Besides, I've always wanted to visit the hotel.

So, I'll be arriving ICN at about 6:30PM. To avoid traffic, I plan on taking the A'REX commuter/express train (33 minutes) to connect to Line 5 all the way to Gwangnaru (60 minutes) + 10 Min Free Shuttle. So, I'm estimating it to be about 2 hours.

Am I right? Is taking the KAL bus easier? I'm a bit worried about coming back to the airport in the morning getting stuck in traffic. Is the subway more reliable?

Any suggestions?

The bus is almost certainly going to be easier and more comfortable, especially if you're lugging around checked luggage. What time is your morning flight?

I'll be having a somewhat long layover (~16 hours) at ICN next Month. I thought about booking the Hyatt Incheon, but it's way too expensive ($200). I thought about booking the transit hotel, but I need my checked luggage.

After researching for a long time, I've decided to stay at W Seoul Walkerhill. I know it's a world away from the airport, but I'll be able to use my SPG free night. Besides, I've always wanted to visit the hotel.

So, I'll be arriving ICN at about 6:30PM. To avoid traffic, I plan on taking the A'REX commuter/express train (33 minutes) to connect to Line 5 all the way to Gwangnaru (60 minutes) + 10 Min Free Shuttle. So, I'm estimating it to be about 2 hours.

Am I right? Is taking the KAL bus easier? I'm a bit worried about coming back to the airport in the morning getting stuck in traffic. Is the subway more reliable?

Any suggestions?



Since the entire portion of Line 5 is underground, I would not recommend it. Imagine going thru underground tunnel for one hour without any outside view, then you get the answer. At least, KAL bus comes with some views of Seoul which are decent for passing 60-90 minutes. Bus will not take any longer than two hours even in traffic jams, so it's not a slower option than subway for accessing W Seoul.

I would defintely concur with others - take the KAL bus. The seoul subway system is not comfortable during rush/peak hours, especially with luggage - the sheer number of people will make it difficult to carry on any bags.

The bus ride should take no more than 90 minutes, both ways. Depending on your morning flight, you can plan 60 minutes to the airport if you plan to ride the bus after 10am. If you feel you are in a super hurry, you could get a cab which could save you 15-30 mins depending on the bus schedules. It should cost around 70-100,000 won each way (60-90 USD - not sure what the exchange rate is these days).

I suppose another option is to take the express train to Gimpo, and then take a bus. But that would actually take more time. Safe travels!