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Seoul, Seoul Special City to Busan, Busan Metropolitan City from $19: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Seoul, South Korea
to
Busan, South Korea

How to Get from Seoul to Busan: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$19 by busBest price
206 milesDistance
2h 48m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Seoul to Busan with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Korail
Train
Average Duration
2h  48m
Estimated price
$16-50
Recommended
route map
Distance: 206 miles
Duration: 2h 48m

See more options

Company
Ko Bus
Bus
Average Duration
4h 
Estimated price
$19-30
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  7m
Estimated price
$32-118
Company
SRT Suseo
Train
Average Duration
3h  9m
Estimated price
$36-61
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
4h  17m
Estimated price
$55-90
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  10m
Estimated price
$91-182
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  46m
Estimated price
$121-197
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  33m
Estimated price
$136-197
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
3h  46m
Estimated price
$156-380
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Seoul to Busan

The journey from Seoul to Busan takes you from the bustling energy of the capital to the laid-back coastal charm of Korea's second largest city, showcasing striking variations in culture, scenery, and atmosphere.

Best Neighbourhoods in Busan

Busan offers diverse neighborhoods, each with distinct characteristics and attractions.

Haeundae
• Home to the famous Haeundae Beach.
• Bustling nightlife with numerous bars and restaurants.
Seomyeon
• Popular shopping district with vibrant street life.
• Great variety of street food options available.
Gamcheon Culture Village
• Colorful hillside village filled with art installations.
• Local cafes and shops showcase Busan's creative spirit.

Best Times To Visit Busan's Attractions

Planning your visit can elevate your experience at Busan's top spots.

Haeundae Beach
Visit early in the morning during weekdays for quieter sands.
Gamcheon Culture Village
Go on a weekday morning to enjoy the art without distractions.
Jagalchi Fish Market
Arrive just after opening for the freshest seafood and fewer crowds.

Busan Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Busan experiences a temperate climate, with warm summers and mild winters, making it an attractive destination throughout the year. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, as pleasant temperatures enhance your outdoor exploration and enjoyment of the city's stunning coastal scenery.

Dining Recommendation in Busan

Try the grilled mackerel at a local pojangmacha (street food stall) for a taste of Busan's fresh seafood, which contrasts with the heavier, more diverse fare often found in Seoul. The laid-back, vibrant atmosphere of enjoying your meal outdoors by the ocean adds a unique coastal flair to the dining experience.

Seoul - Busan operators

Explore transport companies operating between Seoul and Busan, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+82 1544 7777
Website
https://www.letskorail.com/ebizbf/EbizbfForeign_pr16100.do?gubun=1

Train from Seoul Station to Busan Station

Average Duration
2h 48m
Estimated price
$27-50
Website
http://www.letskorail.com/ebizbf/EbizBfTicketSearch.do

Train from Seoul Station to Busan Station

Average Duration
5h 45m
Estimated price
$16-21
Contact phone
1800 1472
Website
https://www.srail.or.kr/main.do?language=EN

Train from Suseo SRT to Busan Station

Average Duration
2h 28m
Estimated price
$35-60
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+82 1644 9030
Website
http://kobus.co.kr

Bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal(Gyeongbu) to Busan Central Bus Terminal

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$19-30
Contact phone
+82 1644 9030
Website
http://hticket.co.kr

Bus from East Seoul Bus Terminal to Busan Central Bus Terminal

Average Duration
4h 15m
Estimated price
$19-29
Plane Show flights
Website
koreanair.com

Plane from Seoul Gimpo (GMP) to Gimhae (PUS)

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$45-170
Website
en.airbusan.com

Plane from Seoul Gimpo Airport to Gimhae Airport

Average Duration
1h 4m
Estimated price
$35-110
Website
jinair.com

Plane from Seoul Gimpo (GMP) to Gimhae (PUS)

Average Duration
1h 1m
Estimated price
$29-110
Website
jejuair.net

Plane from Seoul Gimpo (GMP) to Gimhae (PUS)

Average Duration
1h 1m
Estimated price
$28-110

Seoul to Busan: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Seoul and Busan offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Start your exciting road trip from Seoul to Busan, spanning 252 miles of breathtaking landscapes and cultural wonders, with an approximate driving time of 4 hours and 17 minutes. ⛵️ With car rental prices ranging from $55 to $90, embarking on this scenic drive from Seoul to Busan promises to be a memorable adventure filled with unforgettable sights and experiences.
Average price
$55 - $90
Useful tips for car travellers
• Along the main route via Gyeongbu Expressway (Expressway 1), expect gas prices to be around 1,600 to 1,800 KRW per liter, and note that there are numerous gas stations every 30-50 km, especially near rest areas.
• In Busan, parking rates typically range from 5,000 to 15,000 KRW per day, with some areas near popular attractions charging more; remember to look for designated parking zones to avoid fines.
• When you arrive in Busan, be prepared for heavy traffic near popular destinations like Haeundae Beach; use the local parking apps, such as 'T-map' or 'Naver Map', to find real-time parking availability and avoid restricted traffic zones.
🚄 Traveling from Seoul to Busan by train is a convenient and efficient way to explore South Korea. The direct train service departs from Seoul Station and arrives at Busan Station, with departures available every 20 minutes. 🛤️ The journey by train from Seoul to Busan takes approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes, offering passengers a comfortable and scenic ride through the South Korean countryside. Operated by Korail, the train services provide a hassle-free travel experience for visitors and locals alike. 💰 Prices for the train between Seoul and Busan range from $16 to $50, making it an affordable option for those looking to travel between these vibrant cities. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the smooth ride as you make your way from the bustling capital to the picturesque coastal city of Busan.
Departure Point
Seoul Station
Arrival Point
Busan Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: The KTX (Korea Train Express) offers a variety of catering options including a menu featuring Korean meals like bibimbap, snacks, and beverages. You can also pre-order meals from their website to enjoy during your journey or purchase food and drinks from the onboard café, which usually has items like sandwiches and instant noodles.
• Seating Options: The KTX train provides three seating classes: First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class. First Class seats offer the most spacious and luxurious experience, with wider seats and more legroom. Business Class provides comfortable and comfortable seating with a good amount of space, while Economy Class is more budget-friendly, featuring standard seating. Choose based on your budget and comfort preference.
• Arrival Station Tip: When you arrive at Busan Station, you can leave your luggage at the luggage storage service located on the first floor. There are clean restrooms available, but showers are not typically provided. The station is well-marked, making it easy to navigate, and you can find information desks for assistance if needed.
🛫 Experience a quick and convenient journey from Seoul to Busan by taking a direct flight from Seoul Gimpo Airport to Gimhae Airport. This flight typically lasts only 1 hour, saving you time for exploring the beautiful attractions in Busan.
Departure Point
Seoul Gimpo Airport
Arrival Point
Gimhae Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book a morning flight if possible, as flights from Seoul to Busan in the early hours tend to be less crowded and offer a greater chance of on-time departures.
• Upon arrival at Gimhae Airport, follow the clear signs to the Busan City Tour bus service, which provides a convenient and budget-friendly way to reach the city center, with a ride costing around 6,000 KRW.
• Expect a taxi fare of approximately 20,000 to 30,000 KRW from Gimhae Airport to the city center, and consider using KakaoTaxi for easy booking through your smartphone.
🚌 Enjoy a convenient and comfortable journey from Seoul to Busan by bus. The direct service operates every day, with departures from Seoul Express Bus Terminal every 30 minutes. 🌆 Sit back and relax during the scenic 4-hour ride to Busan. The bus services, operated by Ko Bus, will take you from Seoul to Busan Central Bus Terminal, covering a distance of approximately 319 km. 🎫 Ticket prices for the Seoul to Busan bus vary from $19 to $30, offering affordable travel options for your trip. Experience the ease of transportation and the beauty of South Korea's landscapes on this bus adventure. Travel hassle-free and enjoy the sights as you make your way from bustling Seoul to vibrant Busan.
Departure Point
Seoul Express Bus Terminal(Gyeongbu) station
Arrival Point
Busan Central Bus Termnal station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Purchase your bus tickets in advance to secure the best fares; costs can vary from $19 to $30 depending on the operator, and you can buy them from sites like odsay.com or kobus.co.kr
• Enjoy the scenic views during your journey and prepare to see beautiful landscapes like mountains and rivers; bring a camera or download some music or podcasts to make the trip more enjoyable.
• Upon arrival at Busan Central Bus Terminal, familiarize yourself with the station layout by checking out the station map available at Busan Central Bus Terminal Map, and use the kiosk for real-time transportation options like buses or the subway to continue your journey in Busan.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Seoul to Busan.

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The distance between Seoul and Busan is approximately 206 miles, or 243 miles by road. The fastest mode of transportation is by train, which takes about 2 hours and 48 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a flight from Seoul Gimpo to Gimhae and then the line 2 subway, which takes around 3 hours and 2 minutes. If you prefer to drive, it will take approximately 4 hours and 5 minutes by car, while the bus journey takes about 4 hours.
The most cost-effective way to travel from Seoul to Busan is by taking a bus, which typically costs between $18 and $28. Although it takes longer, around 4 hours, it offers a more affordable option for budget-conscious travelers. However, if time is of the essence, the fastest way to reach Busan is by train. While it may be slightly more expensive, ranging from $16 to $50, it only takes 2 hours and 48 minutes, making it the most time-efficient choice.
When traveling from Seoul to Busan, the prices for a train ticket range from $16 to $50, depending on the class and type of train chosen. On the other hand, a bus ticket from Busan to Seoul can cost anywhere between $18 and $28. The exact price may vary depending on factors such as the time of travel and the specific bus or train service chosen.
If you prefer not to use public transportation, you can drive from Seoul to Busan. The distance is approximately 243 miles, and it takes around 4 hours and 5 minutes by car. The prices for renting a car vary, but you can expect to pay between $55 and $85. This option allows you to have more flexibility and enjoy the scenic views along the way, but it is important to note that traffic conditions may affect travel times.
The best way to travel from Seoul to Busan without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes and costs between $16 and $50, depending on the class of service. The train offers a comfortable and efficient mode of transportation, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic views of the Korean countryside.
Yes, there is a direct link between Seoul and Busan. The train service operated by Korail departs from Seoul Station every 20 minutes with a travel time of approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes. Similarly, there is a direct bus service operated by Ko Bus that departs from Seoul Express Bus Terminal every 30 minutes and takes around 4 hours to reach Busan. Both modes of transportation offer convenient direct routes between the two cities.
The flight between Seoul and Busan typically takes around 55 minutes. The quickest way to fly is from Seoul Gimpo Airport to Gimhae Airport. As for the cost, it varies depending on the airline and time of booking, but typically, flights between Seoul and Busan can range from $50 to $150.
There are many options for accommodation near Busan. There are a total of 503+ hotels available, ranging in price from $40 and up. With such a wide selection, travelers can choose from budget-friendly options to more luxurious hotels. Some popular areas to stay in Busan include Haeundae, Gwangalli, and Seomyeon, which all offer a range of amenities and attractions nearby.