Seoul to Busan: 5 Ways to Travel Between Korea's Two Biggest Cities (2026 Guide)
Photo by Pexels
Seoul and Busan are South Korea's two most popular cities — and the good news is that traveling between them is easy, fast, and affordable. Whether you want speed, savings, or scenery, there's an option for every type of traveler.
Here's a complete comparison of all 5 ways to get from Seoul to Busan in 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Method | Time | Cost (one way) | Best For |
| ๐ KTX (high-speed train) | 2h 30min | ₩59,800 ($42) | Speed + comfort |
| ๐ Express bus | 4h 15min | ₩23,000–₩34,000 ($16–$24) | Budget travelers |
| ๐ ITX/Mugunghwa train | 5–6 hours | ₩28,600–₩42,600 | Budget + scenic ride |
| ✈️ Domestic flight | 1 hour (flight only) | ₩50,000–₩120,000 | Only if on sale |
| ๐ฒ Cycling (Four Rivers Trail) | 4–7 days | Minimal | Adventure seekers |
Option 1: KTX High-Speed Train (Most Popular)
The KTX is by far the most popular way to travel between Seoul and Busan. It's Korea's bullet train — fast, reliable, and comfortable.
Key details:
- Duration: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
- Price: ₩59,800 for a standard seat
- Departure: Seoul Station → Busan Station
- Frequency: trains depart every 15–30 minutes throughout the day
How to book:
- Korail website (letskorail.com) — available in English. Book in advance for the best seats.
- Korail Pass — if you're traveling to multiple cities, the Korail Pass offers unlimited KTX rides for 2–5 days (starting from ₩121,000 for a 2-day pass). Only available to foreign tourists.
- At the station — you can buy tickets at Seoul Station, but popular time slots sell out on weekends and holidays.
Tips:
- Choose a window seat for views of the Korean countryside
- The train has free Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat
- There's a cafรฉ car in the middle of the train selling snacks and coffee
- Book at least 3–5 days ahead for Friday/Sunday departures
Option 2: Express Bus (Best for Budget)
Express buses are 40–60% cheaper than the KTX and surprisingly comfortable. Korea's highway bus system is well-maintained and reliable.
Key details:
- Duration: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours (depending on traffic)
- Price: ₩23,000 (regular) / ₩34,000 (premium/์ฐ๋ฑ)
- Departure: Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gangnam) → Busan Central Bus Terminal
- Frequency: buses depart every 15–30 minutes from early morning to late evening
Premium vs. Regular: Premium buses (์ฐ๋ฑ) have wider seats, more legroom, and fewer seats per row (3 seats instead of 4). Worth the extra ₩10,000 for a 4+ hour ride.
How to book:
- T-money Bus app or Bustago (bustago.or.kr) — available in English
- You can also buy tickets at the terminal, but booking online guarantees your preferred time
Option 3: Regular Trains — ITX-Saemaeul and Mugunghwa
If you want something slower than KTX but cheaper, Korea's regular trains offer a scenic and relaxed alternative.
- ITX-Saemaeul: 5 hours, ~₩42,600
- Mugunghwa: 5.5–6 hours, ~₩28,600
These trains stop at more stations along the way, making them a good choice if you want to break up the journey and visit places like Daejeon, Daegu, or Gyeongju en route.
Tip: The Mugunghwa is the cheapest train option and still comfortable. The views through central Korea are beautiful, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Option 4: Domestic Flight
Flying from Seoul (Gimpo Airport) to Busan (Gimhae Airport) takes only 1 hour in the air — but when you factor in airport transit, check-in, and security, the total journey is often 3–4 hours, which isn't much faster than the KTX.
- Airlines: Korean Air, Asiana, Jin Air, Jeju Air, T'way
- Price: ₩50,000–₩120,000 (varies widely by date and airline)
- When it makes sense: Only if you find a flash sale under ₩50,000 or if you're connecting to/from an international flight at Gimpo
Verdict: For most travelers, the KTX is a better option than flying — it's city-center to city-center with no airport hassle.
Option 5: Cycling the Four Rivers Trail (For Adventurers)
This one's not for everyone, but it's unforgettable. The Four Rivers Cycling Trail runs from Incheon (near Seoul) to Busan, following Korea's major rivers for approximately 633 km.
- Duration: 4–7 days depending on pace
- Cost: Minimal (accommodation + food only)
- Terrain: Mostly flat, well-paved cycling paths along rivers. Very beginner-friendly.
- Highlights: Rice paddies, river views, small towns, and the satisfaction of cycling across an entire country
You can rent bikes in Seoul or bring your own. The trail has rest stops, convenience stores, and guesthouses along the way. There's even a passport stamp book — collect stamps at checkpoints along the route and receive a certificate at the end.
Photo by Pexels
What to Do When You Arrive in Busan
Busan is Korea's second-largest city and a completely different vibe from Seoul. Here are the highlights:
- Haeundae Beach — Korea's most famous beach. Great for walking, cafรฉs, and seafood.
- Gamcheon Culture Village — colorful hillside village with murals and art installations
- Jagalchi Fish Market — the biggest seafood market in Korea. Try fresh sashimi on the second floor.
- BIFF Square — street food paradise. Famous for seed hotteok.
- Haedong Yonggungsa Temple — a stunning Buddhist temple built on cliffs overlooking the ocean
- Spa Land (Centum City) — one of Korea's best jjimjilbangs, located inside the world's largest department store
Which Option Should You Choose?
| Your Priority | Best Option |
| Fastest travel time | KTX (2.5 hours) |
| Lowest cost | Express bus (₩23,000) |
| Best scenic route | Mugunghwa train or cycling |
| Visiting cities along the way | ITX-Saemaeul or Mugunghwa |
| Ultimate adventure | Four Rivers Cycling Trail |
Final Thoughts
Getting from Seoul to Busan is one of the easiest and most enjoyable travel routes in Asia. The infrastructure is excellent, the scenery is beautiful, and you have options for every budget and timeline.
For most visitors, the KTX is the sweet spot — fast, comfortable, and hassle-free. But if budget matters, the express bus is a great deal. And if you have the time and energy, cycling the Four Rivers Trail might just be the most memorable thing you do in Korea.
Useful links:
Korail (Train Bookings)
Bustago (Bus Bookings)
Korea Tourism Organization
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