BEST WAY DOWNTOWN: Airline Bus

BASICS
The airport is located 16 miles (26 km) west of the center of Seoul.

TAXI
There are two types of taxis at the airport, regular (blue taxis), and deluxe taxis. If you are traveling light and are alone or with one companion, the regular taxis will be fine. The deluxe taxis provide better service (sometimes an English speaking driver), are larger, and provide more luggage space.

The fare for the deluxe is almost twice that of the regular, but depending on your situation, may be worth it. Regular taxi fare for the major hotels is about 25,000 won ($20). Deluxe taxi fare is about 47,000 won ($38). The airport Web site estimates lesser amounts, but they are optimistic. Travel time to the major hotels will be from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the location and the traffic.

AIRLINE BUS
The best way from the airport is the Korean Airlines (KAL) Bus. KAL buses leave frequently from all terminals and go to all the major hotels in Seoul. There is a sign at the bus stop showing the routes and stops for specific hotels. Tickets are sold at the KAL bus counter inside the terminal. The fare is a very reasonable 6,200 won ($5), a big savings over a taxi. Travel time is almost the same as a taxi--30 to 90 minutes, depending on your stop and the traffic.

EXPRESS BUS
Express buses leaves from in front of the arrivals hall. The buses travel two routes and go to various city center hotels and other destinations. To check if one of these buses goes near your hotel, inquire at the information desk. The fare is 1,100 won (90 cents) and the buses leave very frequently throughout the day. These are public buses, so there's not much luggage space and they're not as comfortable as the KAL buses.