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Top-down view of a blue-and-white KTX train's nose standing at a station platform

South Korea · KTX high-speed rail

Seoul to Busan 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 Busan only if you want them.

Fastest
2h 18m
Distance
417 km
Trains a day
~52
The journey

Travelling from Seoul to Busan by KTX

The fastest KTX from Seoul Station to Busan Station takes 2h 18m, direct, covering 417 km. Trains run from about 05:13 to 22:28.

The KTX runs the length of the country on the Gyeongbu high-speed line, leaving central Seoul and arriving in central Busan without a change. The fastest services make only a handful of stops — typically Daejeon and Dongdaegu — and reach 300 km/h on the dedicated track.

Door to door, the train beats flying. Seoul Station and Busan Station are both on their city metro networks, there is no check-in or security queue, and you can board a few minutes before departure. Seats are reserved, luggage racks sit at the end of each car, and there is room overhead for a cabin-size bag.

Two classes are sold: Standard, in a 2+2 layout, and First, in a wider 2+1 layout with more legroom. SRT, a separate high-speed operator, runs the same line from Suseo Station in south-east Seoul, which can be closer if you are staying in Gangnam.

Seoul to Busan train facts
Departure station Seoul Station (SRT services use Suseo)
Arrival station Busan Station
Train KTX and KTX-Sancheon, operated by Korail
Fastest journey 2h 18m, direct
Classes Standard and First
First and last train 05:13 and 22:28

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: "Seoul to Busan, 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 Busan? 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 Seoul and Busan

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

Seoul to Busan trains, answered

How long is the train from Seoul to Busan?

The fastest KTX takes about 2 hours 18 minutes. Services with more intermediate stops take between about 2 hours 40 minutes and 3 hours 25 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Seoul to Busan?

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

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

Seats are reserved and sales open roughly a month before departure. Weekday trains often have space close to the date, but Friday and Sunday evenings and the Chuseok and Seollal holidays sell out, so book as soon as your date is fixed.

Which station does the Busan train leave from in Seoul?

KTX trains leave from Seoul Station in the city centre, on metro lines 1 and 4 and the airport railroad. SRT high-speed trains to Busan leave from Suseo Station in the south-east of the city.

Can foreign visitors buy KTX tickets online?

Yes. You do not need a Korean phone number or card. Tell us your date, the number of passengers and the class you want; we find the train, send you a secure payment link and email the tickets.

Is the train better than flying from Seoul to Busan?

For most travellers, yes. The flight is about an hour, but both airports are well outside the centre. Station to station, the KTX is usually quicker door to door and runs far more often.

Keep going

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