# Seoul Airport Transfer Guide (GMP) How to get from Gimpo Airport to Seoul city center. Subway, bus, taxi, and private transfer options with real prices in KRW and EUR. **Airport:** GMP **City:** Seoul **Country:** South Korea **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/gmp **Last updated:** 2026-03-27 --- ## Main Guide ### Quick answer Gimpo International Airport is about **18 km** west of central Seoul. It is significantly closer to the city than Incheon (ICN) and has excellent public transport connections. A pre-booked private transfer costs around **KRW 55,000–80,000 (EUR 36–53)**. A regular taxi runs **KRW 25,000–40,000 (EUR 16–26)**. The subway (Lines 5, 9, or AREX) costs just **KRW 1,350–1,550 (EUR 0.90–1.00)** and takes 25–40 minutes to most central areas. Gimpo handles primarily domestic flights and some regional international routes (Japan, China, Taiwan). If you are flying into Seoul from one of these destinations, GMP is often the more convenient airport. 👉 AirportTransferPortal offers fixed-price transfers on this route, which removes uncertainty on arrival. --- ### What actually happens after landing Gimpo is a compact, well-organized airport. International arrivals exit through the first floor of the international terminal. Immigration is typically fast — **10–20 minutes** for most nationalities. The arrivals hall has convenience stores, a tourist information desk, and T-money card vending machines. Buy a T-money card immediately — it works on all subways, buses, and even taxis across Seoul. Cards cost **KRW 4,000 (EUR 2.60)** and you load credit as needed. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. You can also rent a pocket Wi-Fi device or buy a prepaid SIM card from the KT or SK Telecom booths in the arrivals area. --- ### Transport options explained honestly | Option | Price (KRW) | Price (EUR) | Time to Myeongdong | Best for | |--------|-------------|-------------|-------------------|---------| | Pre-booked transfer | KRW 55,000–80,000 | EUR 36–53 | 30–45 min | Families, heavy luggage, hotel door | | Regular taxi | KRW 25,000–40,000 | EUR 16–26 | 30–45 min | Convenience, small groups | | Deluxe taxi (black) | KRW 35,000–55,000 | EUR 23–36 | 30–45 min | Comfort, larger vehicle | | Subway (Line 5/9/AREX) | KRW 1,350–1,550 | EUR 0.90–1.00 | 25–40 min | Solo, light luggage | | Airport limousine bus | KRW 7,500–8,000 | EUR 5.00–5.30 | 40–60 min | Budget, direct to hotel areas | The **subway** is genuinely excellent. Gimpo Airport station connects to Line 5 (purple), Line 9 (gold), and the AREX line. Line 9 express goes to major business districts. The AREX connects to Seoul Station in about 20 minutes. Trains run from approximately 5:30 AM to midnight. **Regular taxis** (orange/silver) are metered, honest, and easy to find outside the terminal. Language can be a barrier — have your hotel address written in Korean. **Deluxe taxis** (black) are larger, more comfortable, and drivers often speak some English, but cost about 50% more. **Airport limousine buses** run to major hotel districts including Myeongdong, Gangnam, Hongdae, and Itaewon. They are comfortable with luggage space, but slower than the subway due to traffic. --- ### Realistic pricing expectations | Destination | Regular taxi | Transfer | Subway | |-------------|-------------|----------|--------| | Myeongdong / City Hall | **KRW 25,000–35,000 (EUR 16–23)** | KRW 60,000 (EUR 39) | KRW 1,450 | | Gangnam | **KRW 30,000–40,000 (EUR 20–26)** | KRW 70,000 (EUR 46) | KRW 1,550 | | Hongdae / Mapo | **KRW 18,000–25,000 (EUR 12–16)** | KRW 55,000 (EUR 36) | KRW 1,350 | | Itaewon | **KRW 22,000–30,000 (EUR 14–20)** | KRW 60,000 (EUR 39) | KRW 1,450 | | Seoul Station | **KRW 20,000–28,000 (EUR 13–18)** | KRW 55,000 (EUR 36) | KRW 1,350 | Taxi prices include a late-night surcharge of 20% between midnight and 4 AM. Tolls on the expressway (if used) are approximately **KRW 2,000–3,000** and are added to the meter. --- ### Late night arrivals The subway stops running around midnight. If your flight lands after 11 PM, you will need a taxi, ride-hailing app (Kakao T), or pre-booked transfer. Late-night taxis are available but a 20% surcharge applies from midnight to 4 AM. A ride to Myeongdong that costs **KRW 28,000** during the day will be about **KRW 34,000** after midnight. The taxi rank outside Gimpo is well-lit and staffed, so safety is not a concern. A pre-booked transfer is the most comfortable option for late arrivals — your driver waits inside the terminal regardless of delays. --- ### Families and luggage The subway is efficient but not ideal with multiple suitcases and children. Stations have elevators but they can be hard to find, and rush-hour trains are extremely crowded. For families, a pre-booked transfer or deluxe taxi is the practical choice. Regular taxis are Hyundai Sonata-sized sedans — fine for two people with luggage but tight for a family of four. Deluxe taxis (black) and pre-booked transfers offer larger vehicles. South Korea requires child car seats for children under 6 years old. Regular taxis do not carry them. Request a child seat when pre-booking your transfer. --- ### Where you meet the driver For pre-booked transfers, drivers wait in the international arrivals hall on the first floor, usually near the exit doors with a name board. For taxis, exit the arrivals hall and follow the signs to the taxi stand — it is directly outside, about a 30-second walk. Taxis queue in an organized line and dispatchers help match you to the next available car. For the subway, follow signs to "Metro" or the specific line number. The station is connected to the terminal via an underground walkway — about a 5-minute walk from arrivals. --- ### Decision helper **Choose the subway if:** you are traveling solo or as a couple with manageable luggage, arriving between 5:30 AM and 11 PM, and want the cheapest and often fastest option. **Choose a regular taxi if:** you have moderate luggage, want door-to-door service, and are comfortable with a metered fare. **Choose a pre-booked transfer if:** you are traveling with family, arriving late at night, have heavy luggage, or want guaranteed English-speaking service and a fixed price. **Choose the airport bus if:** you want comfort at a moderate price and your hotel is near one of the bus route stops. 👉 This is the lowest-friction option after a long flight. --- ### Summary Gimpo Airport is one of the most convenient airports to arrive at in Asia. The subway connection to central Seoul is fast, cheap, and reliable. For solo travelers with light luggage, the train is hard to beat. For families, late-night arrivals, or anyone who just wants a stress-free start to their Seoul trip, a pre-booked transfer with a fixed price and a waiting driver takes the guesswork out entirely. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: How far is Gimpo Airport from Seoul city center?** About **18 km** to Myeongdong/City Hall. Travel time is 25–45 minutes depending on transport method and traffic. **Q: Which subway lines connect to Gimpo Airport?** Three lines: **Line 5** (purple), **Line 9** (gold), and the **AREX** (Airport Railroad Express). All connect at Gimpo Airport Station. **Q: How much is a taxi from Gimpo Airport to Myeongdong?** A regular taxi costs approximately **KRW 25,000–35,000 (EUR 16–23)**. Add 20% for rides between midnight and 4 AM. **Q: Is the AREX train from Gimpo the same as from Incheon?** Yes, the same line. From Gimpo, the AREX reaches Seoul Station in about **20 minutes**. It is a convenient connection if you are transferring between airports too. **Q: Do Seoul taxis accept credit cards?** Yes. Most Seoul taxis accept credit cards and **T-money cards**. Cash (Korean Won) also works. Payment is straightforward. **Q: Should I buy a T-money card at Gimpo Airport?** Yes. T-money cards cost **KRW 4,000 (EUR 2.60)** and work on all subways, buses, and many taxis. Buy one at the convenience store or vending machine in the arrivals hall. **Q: Is Gimpo or Incheon Airport closer to Seoul?** **Gimpo is much closer** — about 18 km versus 60+ km for Incheon. If your flight arrives at Gimpo, getting to central Seoul is faster and cheaper. **Q: Can I use Kakao T to book a taxi from Gimpo?** Yes. **Kakao T** is the main ride-hailing app in South Korea. You can book regular or deluxe taxis through it. The app works in English. **Q: Is there a late-night surcharge on Seoul taxis?** Yes. A **20% surcharge** applies between midnight and 4 AM. This is automatically added to the metered fare. **Q: How do I get from Gimpo to Gangnam?** Take **Line 9 express** directly to Gangnam — about 35 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi costs **KRW 30,000–40,000 (EUR 20–26)** and takes 30–50 minutes depending on traffic. --- ## Additional Guides ### Arriving at Gimpo Airport (GMP) late at night **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/gmp/late-night Gimpo Airport handles some late domestic and regional international flights. If you land after the subway shuts down, here is how to get to your hotel. ## When the subway stops The last trains from Gimpo Airport Station depart around **midnight** (exact times vary by line and direction). If your flight lands after 11 PM, assume you will not make the last train — immigration, baggage claim, and the walk to the station take time. | Line | Last departure (approx.) | |------|-------------------------| | Line 5 (to Gwanghwamun) | 23:50 | | Line 9 (to Gangnam) | 23:40 | | AREX (to Seoul Station) | 23:50 | ## Transport options after midnight | Option | Available? | Cost to Myeongdong | Notes | |--------|-----------|-------------------|-------| | Pre-booked transfer | Yes | **KRW 60,000 (EUR 39)** | Driver waits, fixed price | | Regular taxi | Yes | **KRW 34,000 (EUR 22)** | Includes 20% night surcharge | | Deluxe taxi | Yes | **KRW 50,000 (EUR 33)** | Includes 20% night surcharge | | Night bus (N-bus) | Limited | **KRW 2,350 (EUR 1.55)** | Check routes, infrequent | | Subway | No | N/A | Resumes ~5:30 AM | The **20% late-night surcharge** on taxis applies from midnight to 4 AM. It is added automatically to the meter — this is standard and not a scam. ## Safety at Gimpo at night South Korea is one of the safest countries for travelers, and Gimpo Airport is no exception. The taxi rank is well-lit, organized, and staffed even at late hours. There is no safety concern about waiting for a taxi at Gimpo after midnight. That said, if you want to avoid any wait and have someone ready when you walk out, a pre-booked transfer is the most seamless option. ## Night bus alternative Seoul operates N-bus (night bus) routes that run from midnight to approximately 5 AM. Routes N16 and N61 pass near Gimpo and connect to some central areas. However, stops are not always close to the terminal, frequency is low (every 30–40 minutes), and navigating an unfamiliar bus system at night with luggage is not ideal. ## Recommended approach For late-night arrivals at Gimpo, a regular taxi is the simplest option. The rank is right outside, the ride is about **30 minutes** with minimal traffic, and the total cost with night surcharge is reasonable. If you want the comfort of a guaranteed English-speaking driver and a fixed price, pre-book a transfer. Either way, Gimpo at night is straightforward and safe. --- ### Taxi vs private transfer from Gimpo Airport (GMP) **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/gmp/taxi-vs-transfer Seoul taxis are among the most honest and affordable in Asia. That makes the decision between a taxi and a pre-booked transfer at Gimpo Airport a genuine comparison rather than a safety-driven choice. ## Side-by-side comparison | Factor | Regular taxi | Deluxe taxi (black) | Pre-booked transfer | |--------|-------------|--------------------:|--------------------:| | Price to Myeongdong | **KRW 28,000 (EUR 18)** | KRW 42,000 (EUR 27) | KRW 60,000 (EUR 39) | | Booking required | No | No | Yes | | Vehicle size | Sedan (Sonata) | Large sedan / SUV | Sedan, minivan, or SUV | | Child seats | Not available | Not available | Available on request | | Payment | Card, cash, T-money | Card, cash, T-money | Pre-paid online | | English ability | Limited | Some English | English-speaking | | Price certainty | Metered | Metered | Fixed price | | Availability | Immediate | May wait 5–10 min | Guaranteed | ## When the taxi wins For most travelers arriving at Gimpo during daytime hours, a regular taxi is the most practical choice. The rank is right outside, fares are metered and fair, and drivers are professional. Language is the main barrier — have your hotel address written in Korean (your hotel can provide this, or use Naver Maps to screenshot it). Deluxe taxis are larger and drivers tend to speak more English, but at a 50% premium over regular taxis. ## When the transfer wins A pre-booked transfer makes sense in specific situations: you are arriving with children who need car seats, you have oversized luggage, you want guaranteed English communication, or you are arriving after midnight when subway service has ended and taxi queues might be longer. The fixed price also removes uncertainty. While Seoul taxi meters are trustworthy, first-time visitors may find comfort in knowing exactly what they will pay before landing. ## Bottom line If you are comfortable with a metered taxi and have your destination in Korean, a regular taxi from Gimpo is excellent value at roughly **half the price** of a transfer. If you need child seats, a specific vehicle size, or English-speaking service, the transfer premium of about **KRW 30,000 (EUR 20)** is reasonable. --- ### Getting from Gimpo Airport to Seoul with kids **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/gmp/family-and-kids Gimpo Airport is compact and family-friendly, but navigating Seoul's transport system with children and luggage takes some planning. Here is what parents need to know. ## Child seat rules in South Korea South Korean law requires child car seats for children under 6 years old. The rules are: | Age | Requirement | |-----|-------------| | Under 1 year | Rear-facing infant seat | | 1–6 years | Forward-facing child seat or booster | | Over 6 years | Seatbelt only | Neither regular nor deluxe taxis carry child seats. If you have young children, you must either bring your own seat or pre-book a transfer with a child seat request. Fines are modest but the safety risk on Seoul's busy highways is real. ## Subway with children — honest assessment Seoul's subway is world-class, but traveling with a stroller, suitcases, and tired children is a different experience from riding solo. Key considerations: - **Elevators exist** at Gimpo Airport station but finding them requires following signs carefully. They are small and often occupied. - **Rush hours (7–9 AM, 6–8 PM)** are extremely crowded. Standing with a stroller in a packed car is stressful for everyone. - **Off-peak times** are manageable. Trains are spacious and air-conditioned. Priority seating areas are available. If your children are old enough to walk and you have light luggage, the subway works. For babies in strollers with multiple bags, a taxi or transfer is more practical. ## Why families choose a pre-booked transfer The main reasons: child seats, guaranteed vehicle size, and door-to-door service. A minivan fits two adults, two children in car seats, a stroller, and luggage without cramming. The driver meets you at arrivals and helps with bags. For a family of four with a stroller and three suitcases, the cost of a minivan transfer — around **KRW 80,000 (EUR 53)** — is a reasonable investment compared to the stress of managing everything in a regular taxi or on the subway. ## Airport facilities for families Gimpo has baby changing rooms, nursing rooms, and a small children's play area in the domestic terminal. The international terminal is smaller but has changing facilities. Free luggage carts are available throughout. Convenience stores in the terminal carry basic baby supplies — formula, diapers, and wet wipes. A GS25 or CU store is located in the arrivals area. --- ### How much does it cost to get from Gimpo Airport to Seoul? **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/gmp/cost-to-city Gimpo Airport offers some of the cheapest airport-to-city transport in Asia thanks to its excellent subway connections. Here is what each option actually costs in 2026. ## Price comparison by destination | Destination | Subway | Airport bus | Regular taxi | Pre-booked transfer | |-------------|-------:|------------:|-------------:|--------------------:| | Myeongdong | **KRW 1,450 (EUR 0.95)** | KRW 7,500 (EUR 5) | KRW 28,000 (EUR 18) | KRW 60,000 (EUR 39) | | Gangnam | **KRW 1,550 (EUR 1.00)** | KRW 8,000 (EUR 5.30) | KRW 35,000 (EUR 23) | KRW 70,000 (EUR 46) | | Hongdae | **KRW 1,350 (EUR 0.90)** | KRW 7,500 (EUR 5) | KRW 20,000 (EUR 13) | KRW 55,000 (EUR 36) | | Seoul Station | **KRW 1,350 (EUR 0.90)** | KRW 7,500 (EUR 5) | KRW 24,000 (EUR 16) | KRW 55,000 (EUR 36) | | Jamsil | **KRW 1,550 (EUR 1.00)** | N/A | KRW 38,000 (EUR 25) | KRW 75,000 (EUR 49) | ## Extra costs to factor in A **T-money card** costs KRW 4,000 (EUR 2.60) to purchase but saves you KRW 100 per subway ride and is essential for buses. You will use it throughout your Seoul trip, so it pays for itself quickly. Taxis add a **20% late-night surcharge** between midnight and 4 AM. Expressway tolls of **KRW 2,000–3,000 (EUR 1.30–2.00)** may apply on certain routes and are added to the meter. Deluxe taxis (black) cost roughly **50% more** than regular taxis but offer larger vehicles and drivers who often speak English. ## Is a pre-booked transfer worth it? Honestly, for solo travelers or couples, the subway from Gimpo is so good that a transfer is hard to justify on convenience alone. The value of a pre-booked transfer at Gimpo comes when you are traveling with a family, have heavy luggage, arrive after the subway closes, or simply want door-to-door service in English with zero navigation required. ## Best value option The subway is the clear winner. For **KRW 1,350–1,550 (EUR 0.90–1.00)** you reach central Seoul in 25–40 minutes. Trains are clean, air-conditioned, and announcements are in English. The only downside is managing luggage during rush hours. --- ## Related Pages - [Main arrival guide](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/gmp) - [Late night arrivals](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/gmp/late-night) - [Taxi vs transfer](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/gmp/taxi-vs-transfer) - [Family & kids](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/gmp/family-and-kids) - [Cost to city](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/gmp/cost-to-city) --- ## Check before you land 👉 This route is actively served by AirportTransferPortal with fixed-price booking available before arrival. Check real vehicles and prices before your flight. Booking takes a few minutes and ensures someone is waiting when you arrive. --- ## Operational Note This guide reflects real operational conditions, pricing ranges, and traveler experience at Seoul (GMP). Transfer availability is supported by AirportTransferPortal's verified supplier network. --- ## Attribution Published by AirportTransferPortal (airporttransferportal.com), a global airport transfer marketplace operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.