Skip to main content
A blue-and-white KTX train's nose seen from above at a station platform

South Korea · KTX high-speed rail

Busan to Seoul by train, booked in one conversation.

Tell us when you're travelling. We'll find your KTX seats — and add hotels or things to do in Seoul only if you want them.

Fastest
2h 23m
Distance
417 km
Trains a day
~53
The journey

Travelling from Busan to Seoul by KTX

The fastest KTX from Busan Station to Seoul Station takes 2h 23m, direct, covering 417 km. Trains run from about 05:09 to 22:10.

Busan Station sits on the KTX line's southern end, a few minutes from the metro and the ferry terminal, and the fastest northbound trains reach Seoul without changing carriages. Most services call at Dongdaegu and Daejeon on the way, and the ride follows the Gyeongbu high-speed line the whole distance.

The train wins over flying for this direction too: Gimhae Airport sits well outside Busan, while Busan Station is on the metro, and Seoul Station drops you in the centre rather than out at Incheon. From Seoul Station, the AREX airport railroad and city subway lines 1 and 4 continue the journey without needing a taxi.

Arriving at Seoul Station puts you straight onto the city's transport network — Seoul Metro lines 1 and 4 leave from the same building, and the AREX airport railroad continues on to Incheon Airport for onward connections. Standard and First class cover the ride itself, in the usual 2+2 and 2+1 layouts. SRT, a separate operator on the same line, arrives at Suseo Station in south-east Seoul instead — worth checking if your hotel is near Gangnam.

Busan to Seoul train facts
Departure station Busan Station
Arrival station Seoul Station (SRT services use Suseo)
Train KTX and KTX-Sancheon, operated by Korail
Fastest journey 2h 23m, direct
Classes Standard and First
First and last train 05:09 and 22:10

Timetable facts checked September 2026. Times vary by day — we confirm the exact train when you book.

How it works

Tickets in three messages

  1. Tell us the date and who is travelling

    Type it the way you would say it: "Busan to Seoul, two adults, Friday morning."

  2. We find the train and class

    You get the best-fitting KTX departures for your day, in Standard or First. Want a hotel or something to do in Seoul? Say so — or don't.

  3. Pay securely, get your tickets

    We send a secure payment link. Once you pay, our ticketing team issues your tickets and sends them — or collection details — with clear instructions.

At both ends

Make more of Busan and Seoul

Only need the ticket? That's fine. If you want a bed or a plan at either end, add it to the same conversation.

Common Questions

Busan to Seoul trains, answered

How long is the train from Busan to Seoul?

The fastest KTX from Busan takes about 2 hours 23 minutes to reach Seoul. Trains that stop more often on the way run between about 2 hours 40 minutes and 3 hours 25 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Busan to Seoul?

Yes. KTX trains run direct from Busan Station to Seoul Station throughout the day, with no change of train required.

Do I need to book Busan to Seoul KTX tickets in advance?

Seats are reserved and sales open about a month ahead. Weekday departures often have room close to the date, but Friday and Sunday evenings, plus the Chuseok and Seollal holidays, sell out early — book as soon as your date is fixed.

Which station does the Seoul train arrive at?

KTX trains from Busan arrive at Seoul Station in the city centre, connected to metro lines 1 and 4 and the AREX airport railroad. SRT trains from Busan arrive at Suseo Station in south-east Seoul instead.

Can foreign visitors buy KTX tickets online?

Yes. No Korean phone number or card is needed. Tell us your date, the number of passengers and the class you want, and we find the train, send a secure payment link and email the tickets.

Is the train better than flying from Busan to Seoul?

For most travellers, yes. The flight is short, but Gimhae Airport sits outside the city and Incheon or Gimpo add more transfer time on arrival. Station to station, the KTX usually wins on total door-to-door time and runs far more often.

Keep going

Popular train routes in South Korea

AI Trip Builder

Build Your Custom Trip

Describe the trip you want — destinations, dates, duration, budget, anything — and our AI will design it from scratch.