# Busan Airport Transfer Guide (PUS) 本文件提供中文说明与当前英文指南原文。详细机场内容为英文，并非经过核实的完整中文翻译；请以实时预订流程确认价格、可用性及服务条款。 Practical guide to getting from Busan Gimhae Airport to the city. Train, bus, taxi, and transfer options with real pricing and honest advice. **Airport:** PUS **City:** Busan **Country:** South Korea **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/pus **Last updated:** 2026-07-17 Prices and transport schedules in this editorial guide are indicative. Confirm current public transport fares with the operator. Current transfer prices, availability and terms are shown in the live booking flow. ## Main Guide ### Quick answer Gimhae International Airport (PUS) is about 20 km west of central Busan. The airport light rail connects to the Busan Metro, making public transport a strong option. A ride to Haeundae or Seomyeon takes about 50-70 minutes on the rail and costs under KRW 2,000 with a transport card. Taxis are metered on the Busan city tariff - a medium taxi starts at KRW 4,800 for the first 2 km and adds KRW 100 per 132 m (Busan Metropolitan City, tariff in force since 1 June 2023) - so the 20 km into Seomyeon comes to roughly KRW 18,000-19,000 on distance alone, before time in traffic. Pre-booked transfers are priced per booking and fixed in advance. ### What actually happens after landing Gimhae has two terminals. The international terminal handles all overseas flights. The domestic terminal is connected via a free shuttle or a short walk through the airport light rail station. Immigration is orderly and efficient. South Korea uses automated gates (SES) for registered travellers and citizens, which speeds things up. For most foreign nationals, the standard immigration queue moves well — expect 15-30 minutes during busy periods. Baggage claim is on the first floor. Trolleys are free. After collecting your bags and passing through customs (usually a formality unless flagged), you exit into the arrivals hall. It is calm, well-signed in Korean and English, and nothing like the chaos of some Asian airports. The information desk has English-speaking staff. ### Transport options explained honestly **Busan-Gimhae Light Rail + Metro** is the budget option and works well. The light rail station is a short walk from both terminals. Take it to Sasang Station, transfer to Metro Line 2, and you can reach most parts of Busan. The operator publishes its fares: an adult pays KRW 1,600 with a transport card for a one-section trip and KRW 1,800 for two sections (KRW 1,700 / KRW 1,900 for a single-journey ticket). Since 19 September 2025 a transfer between the light rail and Busan Metro within 30 minutes is charged at the highest single fare of the systems you use rather than added on top, so the whole run into town stays under KRW 2,000 with a card. To Seomyeon the journey is about 45-55 minutes, to Haeundae Beach about 60-70. The system is clean, safe, and runs until about 11:30 PM. **Airport limousine buses** run to major areas including Haeundae, Seomyeon, and Busan Station. They are comfortable with luggage space, take 40-70 minutes depending on destination and traffic, and cost several times the light rail fare but a fraction of a taxi. Fares and routes were reorganised recently and are not published on the airport's own site, so check the current fare and timetable at the ticket desk in the arrivals hall before you count on a figure. Schedules vary by route. **Taxis** are available outside both terminals, metered and honest. A medium (silver/white) taxi runs on the Busan city tariff: KRW 4,800 for the first 2 km, then KRW 100 for every 132 m - or every 33 seconds when traffic slows to a crawl (Busan Metropolitan City, in force since 1 June 2023). That puts the roughly 20 km to Seomyeon around KRW 18,000-19,000 on distance alone, and the roughly 30 km to Haeundae around KRW 26,000, before time charges and any tolls. Deluxe (black) taxis run on a separate, higher tariff - KRW 7,500 for the first 3 km, then KRW 200 per 140 m. Tariffs are revised periodically, so treat these as the shape of the fare rather than a quote. Most drivers speak limited English, so have your hotel address written in Korean. **Pre-booked transfers** offer a driver meeting you at arrivals with a name sign. The price is set per booking and fixed before you fly, so the figure that matters is the one in your confirmation. Useful if you have heavy luggage, are travelling in a group, or prefer English-speaking drivers. **KTX (high-speed rail)** to Seoul departs from Busan Station, which is accessible via metro from the airport. This is relevant if Busan is a transit point rather than your destination. ### Realistic pricing expectations The rail fare is genuinely fixed and published, so it is the one you can plan around. Everything on the road is metered or quoted per booking, so what follows is the tariff, not a price list. **Rail (light rail + metro, transport card):** KRW 1,600 for one section, KRW 1,800 for two. A transfer within 30 minutes is charged at the highest single fare of the systems you use, not added on top, so essentially any destination on the network costs under KRW 2,000. Source: Busan-Gimhae Light Rail, bglrt.com. **Taxi (medium):** KRW 4,800 for the first 2 km, then KRW 100 per 132 m or per 33 seconds of slow running. Distance alone works out to roughly KRW 18,000-19,000 for the 20 km to Seomyeon and roughly KRW 26,000 for the 30 km to Haeundae; traffic and tolls add to that. A late-night surcharge applies from 23:00 to 04:00 - 30% between midnight and 02:00, 20% either side of it. **Taxi (deluxe/black):** KRW 7,500 for the first 3 km, then KRW 200 per 140 m. Materially more per kilometre than a medium taxi, not a small premium. **Airport limousine bus:** priced per route and recently reorganised. Check the fare at the desk rather than trusting a number written down months ago. **Pre-booked transfer:** quoted per booking and fixed at the time you book. Taxi tariff: Busan Metropolitan City, in force since 1 June 2023, revised periodically. ### Late night arrivals The Busan-Gimhae Light Rail stops running around 11:30 PM. The last airport limousine buses depart around 10-10:30 PM depending on the route. If you land after 10 PM, your options narrow to taxis and pre-booked transfers. Taxis are available 24 hours at the airport rank, and the city's late-night surcharge runs from 23:00 to 04:00: 30% on top of the metered fare between midnight and 02:00, and 20% either side of that window (Busan Metropolitan City tariff). So a Haeundae run in the small hours costs meaningfully more than the daytime meter, though lighter traffic trims the time charge. Pre-booked transfers maintain their fixed price regardless of arrival time. ### Families and luggage The metro is manageable with one suitcase per person, but Busan Metro stations involve stairs and escalators. With strollers and multiple bags, it becomes difficult. Airport limousine buses have luggage compartments and are more practical for families than the metro. Taxis and transfers handle luggage easily. Korean taxis are clean but compact — if your family has more than two large suitcases, request a jumbo taxi or book a minivan transfer. Child car seats are not standard in Korean taxis and are difficult to find on short notice. ### Where you meet the driver Taxis queue at the clearly marked rank outside the arrivals hall on the ground floor. Pre-booked transfer drivers wait in the arrivals hall with a name sign, usually near the exit doors. The meeting area is not large and finding your driver is straightforward. Airport limousine buses depart from numbered stops outside the terminal — check the route number before boarding. The information desk can help if you are unsure. ### Decision helper **Choose the metro if** you are travelling light, comfortable with transit systems, and arriving before 10:30 PM. It is cheap and reliable. **Choose the airport bus if** you are going to Haeundae or another major area, have some luggage, and want a comfortable ride without navigating transfers. **Choose a taxi if** you want door-to-door service, are in a small group, and your destination is in central Busan. **Choose a pre-booked transfer if** you have heavy luggage, need child seats, prefer an English-speaking driver, or are arriving late at night. ## Summary Busan Gimhae Airport is well-connected and easy to navigate. South Korea's efficient public transport means you have genuine budget options alongside taxis and transfers. The key decision factors are your arrival time, luggage situation, and how comfortable you are with Korean-language signage on public transit. For most visitors, either the airport bus or a taxi strikes the right balance of cost and convenience. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: How do I get a T-money card at Gimhae Airport?** Transport cards (T-money, Cashbee) are sold at convenience stores (CU, GS25) in the arrivals hall and at vending machines near the light rail station. You pay a small one-off price for the card itself and then load credit onto it, at the same shops or at station machines. Card prices vary by design and retailer, so check at the counter. **Q: Do Busan taxi drivers speak English?** Most speak very limited English. Have your hotel name and address written in Korean (Hangul). Your hotel's booking confirmation usually has this. Translation apps work well in a pinch. **Q: How long is the taxi ride to Haeundae?** About 40-50 minutes depending on traffic. During rush hours (8-9 AM, 6-7 PM), it can stretch to over an hour. Late at night, it takes about 30-35 minutes. **Q: Is there a direct bus from Gimhae Airport to Haeundae?** Yes. Airport limousine bus routes serve Haeundae directly, and the ride takes 50-70 minutes depending on traffic. Routes and fares were reorganised recently, so check the current fare and timetable at the ticket desk in the arrivals hall. Buses run roughly every 20-30 minutes during the day. **Q: Can I use a credit card in Busan taxis?** Yes. Almost all Busan taxis accept credit cards and T-money cards. Cash is also accepted. South Korea is largely a cashless society, and transport is no exception. **Q: How far is Gimhae Airport from Busan city center?** About 20 km to Seomyeon, which is considered the city center. Haeundae Beach area is about 30 km from the airport. **Q: Is Gimhae Airport the same as Busan Airport?** Yes. Gimhae International Airport is Busan's only commercial airport. It is sometimes referred to as Busan Airport or Busan Gimhae. The IATA code is PUS. **Q: What is the cheapest way from PUS to Busan?** The Busan-Gimhae Light Rail to Sasang, then Metro Line 2. Total cost is about KRW 1,600-1,900 depending on your destination. It takes longer than a taxi but is very affordable. **Q: Can I take the KTX from Gimhae Airport to Seoul?** Not directly from the airport. Take the metro to Busan Station (about 50 minutes), then board the KTX to Seoul (2.5 hours). The combined journey takes about 3.5-4 hours door to door. **Q: Are there late-night buses from Gimhae Airport?** Airport limousine buses run until approximately 10-10:30 PM. After that, your options are taxis or pre-booked transfers. The metro light rail runs until about 11:30 PM. ## Arriving late at night at Busan Gimhae Airport **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/pus/late-night Gimhae Airport handles flights throughout the evening, with some international arrivals landing close to midnight. If your flight gets in late, the main issue is that public transport shuts down relatively early. ## Public transport cutoff times The Busan-Gimhae Light Rail runs its last service around 11:30 PM. Airport limousine buses to Haeundae and other areas stop departing around 10-10:30 PM, depending on the route. If you land after 10 PM and factor in immigration and baggage claim, you are likely to miss both options. The Busan Metro itself runs until about midnight, but if you cannot make the light rail connection from the airport, the metro is irrelevant. ## What is available late at night **Taxis** are the default late-night option. The taxi rank at Gimhae operates 24 hours. The city's late-night surcharge runs from 23:00 to 04:00: it adds **30%** to the metered fare between midnight and 02:00, and **20%** between 23:00 and midnight and again from 02:00 to 04:00 (Busan Metropolitan City tariff, in force since 1 June 2023). So a 1 AM run to Haeundae carries the higher 30% rate on the meter - offset a little by empty roads, since the meter also charges for time when traffic crawls. Taxis are still excellent value compared to late-night transport in most countries. The rank is well-organized and waits are typically short, even late at night. **Pre-booked transfers** maintain their fixed price regardless of arrival time. If your flight lands at midnight, your driver is there. No surcharges, no uncertainty about availability. For late arrivals, the peace of mind is worth the premium over a taxi. **Rideshare apps** like Kakao T work in Busan and can be used to call a taxi. The app is in Korean by default, but a translated version is available. Late at night, availability is good in the airport area. ## The airport after hours Gimhae is quiet after the last flights land. Most shops and restaurants in the terminal close by 10-11 PM. The terminal itself remains accessible. If you have a very early morning connection and are considering sleeping at the airport, it is possible but not comfortable — seating is limited and there are no dedicated rest areas. ## Safety at night Busan is one of the safest major cities in the world. Taking a taxi at 2 AM is not a concern. The roads from the airport to the city are well-lit highways. Drivers know the routes. The only practical issue is communication — having your destination in Korean is even more important late at night when you cannot rely on passersby for help. ## Practical tips If you know your flight arrives after 10 PM, book a transfer in advance. If you prefer a taxi, make sure you have your hotel address in Korean characters saved on your phone. Screenshot it in case you do not have data service immediately. Late-night traffic is minimal, so the ride to Haeundae takes about 30-35 minutes versus 50 minutes during the day. ## Taxi vs private transfer from Busan Gimhae Airport **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/pus/taxi-vs-transfer Busan has reliable metered taxis, which makes the taxi-vs-transfer decision different from airports where taxis are unpredictable. Here is how the two options compare at Gimhae. ## Price comparison Busan taxis run on the city tariff: KRW 4,800 for the first 2 km, then KRW 100 per 132 m, or per 33 seconds when traffic is crawling (Busan Metropolitan City, in force since 1 June 2023). On that basis the roughly 20 km to Seomyeon is about KRW 18,000-19,000 on distance alone, and the roughly 30 km to Haeundae about KRW 26,000, before time and tolls. A late-night surcharge of 20-30% applies between 23:00 and 04:00. A pre-booked transfer is quoted per booking rather than set by a tariff, so we will not print a figure for it - yours is in your confirmation. In Busan the price advantage generally goes to the taxi, and unusually for Asia the meter is genuinely trustworthy, so the transfer premium is buying convenience rather than protection from being overcharged. ## What happens with a taxi You exit the arrivals hall, walk to the clearly marked taxi rank, and join the queue. During normal hours, the wait is under 10 minutes. A dispatcher assigns you a taxi. You tell the driver your destination (having the address in Korean helps significantly), and the meter runs. Payment by credit card, T-money, or cash. The process is efficient and orderly. Busan taxi drivers are honest — meter tampering is essentially nonexistent in South Korea. The challenge is communication. Many drivers speak minimal English. If you cannot explain your destination in Korean, showing the address on your phone screen works. Most drivers can also navigate using their in-car GPS if you provide the hotel name in Korean characters. ## What happens with a pre-booked transfer Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign. They often speak English (this is a key selling point of transfer services in Korea). They handle your luggage, walk you to the vehicle, and drive directly to your hotel. The vehicle is pre-assigned and typically newer than average taxis. Flight tracking means the driver adjusts to delays without you needing to communicate anything. ## Language barrier This is the single biggest factor in the decision. If you are comfortable navigating basic interactions without Korean, taxis are straightforward. If the thought of explaining your destination to a non-English-speaking driver sounds stressful after a long flight, a transfer removes that friction entirely. ## Vehicle quality Busan taxis are clean and well-maintained by international standards. Standard (silver/white) taxis are comfortable sedans. Deluxe (black) taxis offer more space and marginally better comfort. Transfer vehicles are typically newer SUVs or sedans maintained to a higher standard. ## For late arrivals Taxis are available 24 hours, but the city's late-night surcharge applies from 23:00 to 04:00 - 30% on the metered fare between midnight and 02:00, 20% either side of that. Transfer prices do not change with time of day, so the gap between the two narrows in the small hours. ## For groups and families Standard Busan taxis fit 3 passengers with luggage. If you have more than 2 large suitcases, you need a jumbo taxi or two standard taxis. Transfers can be booked with a minivan. Child car seats are very rare in Korean taxis but can be arranged through transfer companies. ## When a taxi makes more sense If you are budget-conscious, travelling light, and comfortable with minimal English interaction, a Busan taxi is excellent value. The metered system means no surprises. ## When a transfer makes more sense If you want English-speaking service, have young children needing car seats, are in a large group, or simply prefer the certainty of someone waiting with your name, a transfer justifies the premium. The language convenience alone is worth it for many visitors to South Korea. ## The bottom line Busan taxis are among the best-value airport taxis in Asia. The transfer premium buys you English communication, flight tracking, and guaranteed vehicle quality. For most travellers, a taxi is the practical choice unless language or family logistics tip the balance. ## Getting from Busan Gimhae Airport with kids and family **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/pus/family-and-kids Busan is increasingly popular with families, and Gimhae Airport is a manageable size that does not overwhelm. The main consideration for families is choosing the right transport to your hotel, since public transit and taxis each have limitations when travelling with children. ## The arrival experience with children Immigration at Gimhae is orderly. There is no dedicated family lane, but queues move steadily. The terminal is compact and well-signed in Korean and English. Baggage claim is on the ground floor with free trolleys. The walk from immigration to the exit is short. The arrivals hall has convenience stores, restrooms, and an information desk with English-speaking staff. ## Child car seats This is the biggest challenge for families in South Korea. Child car seats are legally required for children under 6, but enforcement in taxis is practically nonexistent, and taxis simply do not carry them. If your children need car seats (which they should for safety), your options are: - **Pre-booked transfer:** Request child seats when booking. Reputable transfer companies can provide infant, toddler, and booster seats. This is the most reliable option. - **Bring your own:** If you are travelling with a portable car seat, you can use it in a taxi. - **Airport limousine bus:** No car seats, but children sit in regular bus seats with seatbelts. For children over 4-5, this can work. ## Luggage and strollers Strollers are returned at the gate or baggage claim. The airport is single-level for arrivals, so navigation with a stroller is straightforward. For onward transport: - **Metro:** The light rail station has elevators, but navigating transfers at Sasang Station with a stroller and luggage is challenging. Not recommended for families with strollers. - **Airport bus:** Has luggage compartments underneath. A stroller fits. Children sit in regular seats. - **Taxi:** Trunk space in standard taxis is limited. A family of four with two large suitcases and a stroller may need a jumbo taxi. - **Transfer:** Minivan transfers have ample space for everything. ## Best transport option for families A pre-booked minivan transfer is the most practical choice for families with young children. It solves the car seat problem, handles all your luggage, and provides an English-speaking driver who knows where your hotel is. The airport limousine bus is a decent alternative for families with older children (5+) who do not need car seats. ## The ride to the city Roads from Gimhae to Busan are well-maintained highways. The ride to Seomyeon takes 25-35 minutes, to Haeundae 40-50 minutes. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours. Children usually handle this ride fine. If heading to Haeundae, bring a small snack for the car. ## Facilities at the airport Gimhae has clean restrooms with baby-changing facilities. Convenience stores sell snacks, drinks, and basic baby supplies. There is no dedicated family lounge, but the terminal is comfortable and not overcrowded. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. ## Planning tips Book a transfer with child seats before your flight. Have your hotel address saved in Korean on your phone. T-money cards work on buses and metros if you are using public transit. South Korea is extremely family-friendly as a destination — the transport logistics are the only tricky part. ## How much it costs to get from Busan Gimhae Airport to the city **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/pus/cost-to-city Gimhae Airport is about 20 km from central Busan. Transport costs vary enormously depending on whether you take public transit or a car. South Korea has some of the best value public transport in the developed world, and Busan is no exception. Two of the options below run on published tariffs, so we can quote them precisely. The other two do not, so we do not. ## Rail (light rail + Busan Metro): under KRW 2,000 The cheapest option by far, and the only fare on this page that is genuinely fixed. Take the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail from the airport station to Sasang, transfer to Metro Line 2, and ride to your destination. The light rail operator publishes its table: an adult pays **KRW 1,600** with a transport card for a one-section trip and **KRW 1,800** for two sections; a single-journey ticket is KRW 1,700 and KRW 1,900 respectively. Since 19 September 2025, a transfer between the light rail and Busan Metro within 30 minutes is charged at the highest single fare among the systems you use, with no separate transfer charge on top - so a card journey into the city stays under KRW 2,000 whatever your destination. Buy a transport card (T-money, Cashbee) at an airport convenience store. Source: Busan-Gimhae Light Rail, bglrt.com. The journey takes 45-70 minutes depending on destination. ## Airport limousine bus Comfortable buses with luggage storage run to major areas including Haeundae, Seomyeon, and Busan Station throughout the day, roughly every 20-30 minutes. The ride to Haeundae takes 50-70 minutes. We are not quoting a fare here. The routes and prices were reorganised recently, the airport does not publish them on its own site, and the figures circulating online disagree with each other. Buy at the ticket desk in the arrivals hall or in the operator's app and you will see the current price before you board. Expect it to sit well above the rail fare and well below a taxi. ## Taxi: metered on the city tariff Busan taxis are metered and reliable. The tariff is set by the city, and it is the honest way to think about the fare: | | Medium taxi (silver/white) | Deluxe taxi (black) | |---|---|---| | Start | KRW 4,800 for the first 2 km | KRW 7,500 for the first 3 km | | Then | KRW 100 per 132 m | KRW 200 per 140 m | | Slow traffic | KRW 100 per 33 seconds | KRW 200 per 33 seconds | Source: Busan Metropolitan City, tariff in force since 1 June 2023. Tariffs are revised periodically - check the current one before you travel. On that tariff, the roughly 20 km to Seomyeon comes to about **KRW 18,000-19,000 on distance alone**, and the roughly 30 km to Haeundae about **KRW 26,000**, before time spent in traffic and any tolls are added. Note that a deluxe taxi is not a small premium over a medium one: it is nearly double per kilometre. The late-night surcharge runs from **23:00 to 04:00** - **30%** on the metered fare between midnight and 02:00, and **20%** either side of that window. We have removed the old per-destination price table from this page: it was not traceable to the tariff, and it rotted the moment the meter changed. ## Pre-booked transfer A private transfer is quoted per booking, with the price fixed before you fly and including meet-and-greet, flight tracking and a set waiting period. Since it is set at booking rather than by a published tariff, the only accurate number is the one in your own quote - get it from the booking, not from a guide page. ## What affects the price **Distance** is the primary factor for metered taxis. Haeundae is farther than Seomyeon, and the meter reflects this. **Traffic** can add significantly to taxi fares during rush hours - that is the time charge doing its work. The highway between the airport and Haeundae gets congested between 8-9 AM and 5-7 PM. **Time of day** affects taxis (the 23:00-04:00 surcharge above) and availability of public transit (light rail stops around 11:30 PM, buses around 10:30 PM). **Vehicle type** matters twice: deluxe taxis run on their own higher tariff, and transfers scale from sedan to minivan. ## Cost per person The arithmetic that matters is simple and does not depend on any number rotting: rail and bus fares are **per person**, while a taxi or transfer is **per vehicle**. A solo traveller or a couple almost always does best on the rail. By the time you are three or four people with luggage, splitting one metered taxi closes most of the gap and beats the bus per head. We have dropped the worked comparison table that used to sit here, because it was built on taxi and transfer figures we cannot stand behind. ## The honest recommendation Solo travellers and couples should take the rail or the airport bus - South Korean public transport is clean, safe, and punctual, and the rail fare is published and predictable. Groups of 3-4 should consider a taxi, which becomes competitive per person on the meter. Book a transfer if you need English-speaking service, child seats, or are arriving after public transit closes. ## Published Guide Pages - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/pus - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/pus/late-night - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/pus/taxi-vs-transfer - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/pus/family-and-kids - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/pus/cost-to-city ## Booking and Support Search: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/search?airport=PUS Airport Transfer Portal is a marketplace; local operators fulfil the transfer. Availability depends on the route, travel date and eligible operator. Phone: +44 20 4538 9927 — UK office hours (London local time). WhatsApp: +44 7828 732663 — 24/7 (https://wa.me/447828732663). Terms: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/terms Complaints: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/complaints Published by Airport Transfer Portal (airporttransferportal.com), operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.