Daegu to Incheon Airport: A Local's Round Trip Adventure
This post shares a real, personal experience of traveling round trip between Daegu and Incheon International Airport as a non-Seoul resident. From late-night schedules to choosing between trains and airport buses, it reflects the small but important decisions travelers face.
Rather than a polished guide, this is a lived journey with timing, costs, confusion, and honest impressions. If you are flying internationally from Incheon but live outside Seoul, this experience may help you decide which route suits you best.
Why Getting to Incheon Is Never Simple for Non-Seoul Travelers
Living in Daegu means Incheon International Airport is never a quick hop. Bus schedules are limited, and late-night departures are especially unrealistic for most office workers.
On this trip, the bus timetable simply did not align with a normal workday, leaving the train as the only realistic option.
Daegu to Seoul by Train, Then Airport Railroad
The journey began at the familiar Dongdaegu Station. From there, the plan was straightforward: KTX to Seoul Station, then transfer to the Airport Railroad.
The train ride to Seoul took about two hours, a time Daegu locals know well. Thankfully, there were no delays that day.
Finding the Airport Railroad at Seoul Station
Once at Seoul Station, large signs clearly guide passengers toward the Airport Railroad. Even first-time users can follow them without much trouble.
The walk involves descending several levels by escalator, giving the feeling of going deeper and deeper underground.
Buying Tickets and Choosing the Right Terminal
Tickets can be purchased directly at the kiosk. The adult fare was 13,000 won, and it is important to select the correct terminal, as Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 fares differ.
Advance booking can save a small amount, but last-minute travel often leaves little room for planning.
Arrival at Incheon International Airport
After about 40 minutes on the Airport Railroad, the train stops first at Terminal 1, then Terminal 2. Paying attention to the stops is essential.
Exiting the station involves another long climb upward before finally reaching the airport terminal.
Incheon International Airport feels noticeably larger and more complex compared to Daegu or Busan airports, both in scale and facilities.
Returning to Daegu by Airport Bus
After an 8-day, 7-night trip to Mongolia, the return journey began back at Incheon International Airport.
Bus tickets to Dongdaegu can be purchased at a kiosk immediately after exiting the arrival procedures, making the process relatively simple.
The fare for the daytime airport bus was 49,800 won. Since the trip was early in the morning, traffic was light, and the ride took under three hours.
Time and Cost Comparison Based on Real Experience
Dongdaegu Station to Seoul Station by KTX cost 43,500 won and took about two hours.
The Airport Railroad added 13,000 won and roughly 40 minutes, bringing the total to around 56,500 won and three hours, not including walking and transfers.
The airport bus from Incheon to Dongdaegu cost 49,800 won and took approximately two hours and fifty minutes under smooth traffic conditions.
Final Thoughts for Gyeongsang-do Travelers
People from Gyeongsang-do rarely use routes that do not start from Daegu or Gimhae airports, but when Incheon is unavoidable, the airport bus feels far less stressful.
If traveling to Incheon International Airport again, choosing the airport bus would likely be the first option.
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