Incheon International Airport, the main gateway to South Korea, currently operates two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. When the airport was first opened on March 29th, 2021, it only had Terminal 1 to serve passenger and cargo flights. The construction of Terminal 2 was started in September 2013 and after around five years of construction work, Terminal 2 was inaugurated on January 18th, 2018. Nowadays, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are fully operational, allowing the airport to handle over 1,000 flights daily across its four runways.
When you land at Incheon Airport, you may either arrive at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, depending on the airline that you choose for your flight. For the case when Incheon airport is your final destination, as you arrive you simply follow the arrival procedure at your terminal of arrival: going through health screening, clearing the immigration, and passing through customs. However, when Incheon airport is just a transit point, there can be circumstances when your next flight departs from the other terminal such that you need to transfer to the other terminal.
For passengers arriving at Terminal 1, some common cases for transferring from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 at Incheon airport may include following occasions:
- You bought connecting flight ticket from different airlines (different ticket numbers / PNRs) with Incheon airport as the transit point. Your first flight arrives at Incheon Airport Terminal 1 and your connecting flight departs from Incheon airport Terminal 2.
- You bought connecting flight ticket from different airlines but under the same ticket number / PNR due to codeshare / interline agreement, with Incheon airport as the transit point. Common example for this: flying with Asiana Airlines for Korea-bound flight and Korean Air for the connecting flight departing from Incheon. Your Asiana flight arrives at Incheon airport Terminal 1 and your Korean Air flight departs from Incheon airport Terminal 2.
- You travel to Korea with your friend but flying with different airlines. Your flight arrives at Incheon airport Terminal 1 while your friend arrives at Incheon airport Terminal 2. You need to go to Terminal 2 to meet up with your friend before heading to Seoul together.
In this article, we’ll discuss in more details the available options for passengers to transfer from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 at Incheon Airport.
Incheon Airport Terminal 1 Arrival vs Transfer
Incheon Airport Terminal 1 adopts vertical stacking of gate numbers for arrival and departure. When you arrive and disembark the plane through the jet bridge, you will enter the arrival corridor after exiting from the arrival gate that is located on the second floor of Terminal 1 building. In contrast, departing passengers utilize the departure gate with the same number that is located on the third floor and walk down the escalator to the second floor to embark the plane.
As arriving passengers walk through the arrival corridor following the directions shown in the overhead signs, transfer passengers will then take different passageway. Transfer passengers who want to transfer immediately without clearing immigration shall follow the “Transfer” sign and walk into the transfer passageway to enter the transfer area. After completing the security check and X-ray scan, transfer passengers will enter the airside departure hall on the fourth floor.
A transfer passenger on a connecting flight with different airlines can visit the transfer desks located on the second floor before the security check or on the fourth floor after completing the security check to confirm their boarding pass or to ensure that their luggage gets transferred and checked to the flight departing from Incheon.
Passengers who arrive at Incheon Airport and plan to enter Korea must first clear the immigration. However, the arrival procedure at Incheon Airport involve other steps besides immigration clearance. First, arriving passengers undergo a health screening. Body temperature scanners are installed at the health check gates to monitor arriving passengers who walk through the gates. Passengers who arrive from countries with Q-Code requirements or those who exhibit symptom associated with disease under quarantine policy shall submit Q-Code to the health officer at the health check gate. Next, passengers clear the immigration and walk down the escalator to the first floor. Passenger with checked baggage can collect their luggage from the designated conveyor belt before passing through customs to exit to the arrival hall.
Options for Transfer from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2
There are several options for transfer to Terminal 2 from Terminal 1. However, these options are not created equal or interchangeable. There are key differences among them that include availability, cost, and passenger eligibility, which can be a deciding factor for a passenger to choose a preferred transfer option.
So what options are there for a passenger in transit at Incheon Airport? The list below outlines the options you have when transferring from Incheon Airport Terminal 1 to Terminal 2:
- Airport shuttle bus
- AREX all-stop train
- Incheon taxi
- Shuttle train
Now, let’s dive into more details for each transfer option.
Incheon Airport Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 with Airport Shuttle Bus
The shuttle bus is provided by Incheon Airport authority free of charge to serve passengers transferring or moving around places around Incheon Airport that include passenger movement from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2.
How to use:
After clearing immigration and exiting to the arrival hall, use the elevator to go up to the departure level (third floor). On the third floor, exit the departure entrance hall through Gate 8. The bus stop is right in front of you, a little bit on your left side. Look at the overhead signage that displays information about the bus route to ensure that you’re waiting at the right the bus stop . When the shuttle bus arrives, make sure that the bus number is 04 before hopping on to the bus.
Availability:
The shuttle bus is available daily from early morning to around midnight. For Terminal 1 – Terminal 2 route, the earliest bus departs from Terminal 1 at 5:06 AM and the last bus is at 23:56 PM.
Cost: FREE
Read more details about Incheon airport shuttle bus that we have compiled into another article so that you can better plan ahead for your flight transfer at Incheon Airport.
Incheon Airport Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 with AREX All-Stop Train
AREX (Airport Railroad Express) is a special railway line that connects Incheon Airport with Seoul area. There are two types of AREX train: all-stop train and express train. An AREX express train, as the name suggests, does not make in-between stops when traveling between Incheon Airport and Seoul. In contrast, an all-stop train between Incheon Airport and Seoul stops at several subway stations when traveling the line. A Seoul-bound AREX all-stop train goes from Incheon Airport Terminal 2 to Seoul Station, while the Incheon Airport-bound all-stop train travels in reverse from Seoul Station to Incheon Airport Terminal 2.
How to use:
As you enter the arrival hall of Terminal 1 on the first floor, go down to B1 floor by using the escalator or elevator. Once you’re on the B1 floor, look around at the signs that shows direction to the airport railroad. Follow the direction. Expect around 10 minutes of walking time from the arrival hall to the ticket gate for all-stop train.
To use AREX train, you can buy a single journey ticket in the form of plastic card from the ticket booth or ticket vending machine. You can also use the remaining balance of a Korean transport card. WOWPASS is prepaid card that is popular for travelers as it can be used not only as a transport card and but also a payment card when shopping at offline stores in Korea. You can top up the balance at WOWPASS machines that can be found in tourist areas or visit convenience store like CU to have the staff help you top up the card. WOWPASS card balance can also be withdrawn into cash at the WOWPASS machine. Given its versatility, it’s no wonder that WOWPASS is often a traveler’s choice when visiting South Korea.
After tapping your card and walking through the ticket gate, take the elevator or escalator to go down to AREX all-stop train platform. Once you’re on the platform, pay attention to the train direction shown above the platform gates. Make sure that the train you’re about to ride heads to Incheon Airport Terminal 2.
You may be wondering if it’s okay to bring your luggage with you when riding the train. It’s totally fine and even in some cars of the all-stop train, you can find luggage shelves to store your luggage.
Availability:
The AREX all-stop train from Incheon Airport Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 operates daily from 05:24AM to 00:41AM.
Cost: KRW 1,500
Incheon Airport Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 with Incheon Taxi
Taking a taxi to transfer between terminal at an airport may not be in your bingo list. However, in case of Incheon Airport this becomes an option you might consider taking as Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Incheon Airport are separated at a road distance of around 15 kilometers, such that it is borderline impossible to transfer between the terminals by walking. Also, other landside transfer options such as bus or AREX train are not available for 24 hours.
Not all taxis will OK a guest request to transfer between the terminals. You need to use Incheon taxis that are designated to serve passengers in Incheon area, including at Incheon airport. There are several taxi companies that operate in the Incheon area and the popular ones include Kakao Taxi and MyCab.
How to use:
From arrival hall on the first floor, exit through gate number 5. Use the crosswalk to cross to the taxi lane. Incheon taxi stand is at bay number 5C. If you exit through other gate, look at the direction to the taxi stand after crossing the street in front of the Terminal 1 building.
Availability:
Incheon taxis are available daily for 24 hours. You simply go to the Incheon taxi stand at Terminal 1 to get your taxi.
Price: KRW 14,000 – KRW 20,000
Note that when you take a taxi, the final fare can be different depending on the time you take the taxi. There is a difference in base fare and additional surcharge of 20% or 40% when you take a taxi from 10PM to 4AM.
Incheon Airport Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 with Shuttle Train
Incheon Airport has three concourses: Terminal 1 concourse, midfield concourse, and Terminal 2 concourse. The midfield concourse is often referred to simply as Concourse. To support passenger movement between the concourses, the airport authority has developed an unmanned shuttle train system.
When transferring from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 with shuttle train, you will board twice. First, you ride the Blue Line shuttle train that will take you from Terminal 1 to Concourse. After alighting, you walk to the other shuttle train platform to transfer to the Orange Line shuttle train. The Orange Line shuttle train will take you from Concourse to Terminal 2.
How to use:
After completing the security check at the transfer area, you will exit to the departure hall on the fourth floor. Use the elevator or escalator to go down one level to the third floor. Look at the signboard for directions to the departure gates and follow the direction to Gate 208-291. You will need to take the escalator near to Gate 28 to go down from the third floor to the shuttle train platform on B1 floor.
As you arrive on B1 floor, walk to the train platform and wait for the shuttle train. After the shuttle train arrives, board the train until it stops at Concourse. Alight the train and follow the direction for the Orange Line shuttle train, which heads to Terminal 2. Walk to the Orange Line train platform and wait for the shuttle train to arrive. Board the train and alight at Terminal 2. Use the escalator to go up to the third floor. The departure gates at Terminal 2 are located on the third floor.
Availability:
The shuttle train operates daily for 24 hours. Interval between trains is around 5 minutes.
Price: FREE
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Shuttle train for passenger transfer from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 operates one-way only. After you board the shuttle train, you cannot go back.
Furthermore, you can only use the shuttle train to transfer to Terminal 2 only when you already have an onward boarding pass for a flight that departs from Terminal 2. When changing to Orange Line shuttle train, you will need to scan your boarding pass on the ticket gate before entering the Orange Line shuttle train platform.
Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 Transfer Option Comparisons
We have elaborated various transfer options that you can choose when transferring from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 at Incheon Airport. Below is the summary for all transfer options provided for you to quickly compare each of them and get the idea of the most feasible option for you to take.
| Option | Time Availability | Cost | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport shuttle bus (T1 to T2) | 05:06 – 23:56 daily | Free | Immigration clearance required |
| AREX all-stop train | 05:24 – 00:41 daily | KRW 1,500 | Immigration clearance required |
| Incheon taxi | 24 hours daily | KRW 14,000 – KRW 20,000 | Immigration clearance required |
| Shuttle train | 24 hours daily | Free | Passengers with onward boarding pass only. Train operates in the restricted area. No immigration clearance. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I collect my luggage when transferring from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 at Incheon Airport?
A: This depends on your flight ticket and the airlines. If your connecting flight ticket is under the same ticket number, the airline usually handles your checked baggage during transfer so that you can collect it at the final destination. If you fly with different airlines and different ticket numbers, usually you need to collect your luggage and clear immigration at Terminal 1 before transferring to Terminal 2 where you have to do check-in again for your departure. However, there can also be circumstances that due to interline agreement you can have your checked baggage handled during transfer despite flying with different airlines and different ticket numbers. Visit the transfer desk at Terminal 1 to find out how your luggage will be handled for your connecting flight.
Q: I have connecting flight at Terminal 1 Incheon Airport. Can I go to Terminal 2 to check out the duty free shops and come back again to Terminal 1 for my departure?
A: No, you cannot do that. Transfer passengers with connecting flight departing from Terminal 1 can only stay at the restricted area of Terminal 1. Transfer passengers cannot go to the restricted area of Terminal 2 and come back to the restricted area of Terminal 1 for departure. Also, note that shuttle train from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 operates one way only.
Q: I arrive around midnight at Incheon Airport Terminal 1. How can I transfer to Terminal 2?
A: If you have your onward boarding pass, you can simply take the shuttle train. You can also clear the immigration and get a taxi to Terminal 2, which is a very rare case since you need to check-in again for your flight that departs from Terminal 2.
Q: Does Incheon airport shuttle bus have storage shelves for my large suitcase?
A: Some shuttle buses are equipped with storage shelves. In the case of riding a shuttle bus without a storage shelf, you need to keep your luggage with you when the bus is moving.
Q: Does Incheon airport shuttle bus operate 24-hours for transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2?
A: No, the airport shuttle bus starts at around 5AM in the morning until around midnight. You can check the shuttle bus schedule here.