Seamless Travel: Checking In at Seoul Station City Airport Terminal for Stress-Free Incheon Airport Transfers

Instead of taking an airport limousine bus, I used the Seoul Station City Airport Terminal for a smoother and more predictable trip to Incheon Airport. This service allows travelers to complete check-in, baggage drop-off, and departure screening right at Seoul Station.
In this post, I share which airlines participate, check-in hours and baggage rules, how the dedicated departure lane works, and a real step-by-step experience using the Airport Railroad Express Train.
What Is the Seoul Station City Airport Terminal
The Seoul Station City Airport Terminal is a convenient facility where international travelers can complete airline check-in, baggage drop-off, and departure screening before heading to Incheon Airport.
This service is especially useful when airport congestion is expected or when you want to save time by using the dedicated departure lane at Incheon Airport.
Participating Airlines at the City Airport Terminal
Only selected airlines offer check-in services at the City Airport Terminal, and availability may vary by route.
For Terminal 1 departures, participating airlines include Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, T’way Air, and Eastar Jet, with some route exclusions such as certain American destinations.
For Terminal 2 departures, Korean Air, Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul are available, including codeshare flights operated by each airline.
Because routes and conditions can change, it is important to confirm eligibility with your airline before visiting.
AREX Express Train Ticket Requirement
To use the City Airport Terminal, an Airport Railroad Express Train ticket is required.
Your AREX ticket is checked during the check-in process, so purchasing it in advance is essential.
While tickets are available on-site, online booking is recommended because popular time slots sell out quickly and online fares are cheaper, typically around 11,500 KRW compared to 13,000 KRW on-site.
Check-In Hours and Baggage Rules
Check-in and baggage drop-off are available from 05:20 to 19:00, with a cut-off time of 18:50.
For Terminal 1 flights, check-in must be completed at least three hours before departure, while Terminal 2 flights require completion three hours and twenty minutes before departure.
Oversized baggage, sports equipment, and musical instruments exceeding 150 cm are excluded and must be handled directly at the airport.
Step-by-Step Usage Process
After arriving at Seoul Station, follow the signs for the Airport Railroad and proceed to the B2 level City Airport Terminal.
At check-in, staff will verify your passport, flight ticket, and AREX Express Train ticket before accepting your luggage.
Next, complete departure screening at the adjacent screening area, where your boarding document is stamped. This stamp is required to use the dedicated departure lane at Incheon Airport.
Afterward, scan the QR code on your AREX ticket to enter the express train gate and proceed to the B7 level platform by elevator or escalator.
AREX Express Train Ride Experience
The AREX Express Train takes approximately 43 minutes to Incheon Airport Terminal 1 and 51 minutes to Terminal 2.
Because I booked on the morning of departure, seat availability was limited, and only a backward-facing seat was available. This made it clear that advance booking is highly recommended.
The ride itself was comfortable and quiet, and traveling without luggage made the journey even more relaxed.
Using the Dedicated Departure Lane at Incheon Airport
Upon arrival at Incheon Airport, passengers who completed departure screening at Seoul Station can use the dedicated City Airport Terminal departure lane.
This lane is located on either side of the regular departure screening areas and is easy to spot with clear signage.
Using this lane significantly reduced waiting time and made the entire departure process much faster.
Final Thoughts After Using the City Airport Terminal
After using the Seoul Station City Airport Terminal once, I realized how efficient and stress-free this option can be, especially during busy travel seasons.
If you value predictable schedules, shorter queues, and a smoother departure experience, this service is well worth considering for future trips.
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