Incheon Airport Night Bus Guide: Essential Tips for Late Arrivals

Incheon International Airport (ICN) is one of the busiest hubs in the world, operating 24/7. However, travelers arriving past midnight often face a dilemma: the AREX train and regular airport limousines have stopped running. If you find yourself at the airport at 1 AM, don’t worry about an expensive taxi ride just yet. Seoul’s efficient transportation system includes specialized Incheon Airport Night Buses (N Buses) designed to bring you to the heart of the city safely and affordably.

1. What are Incheon Airport Night Buses?

Incheon Airport Night buses are the primary public transport option from approximately 11:30 PM to 4:00 AM. Unlike the day buses that cover dozens of routes, night buses are streamlined into specific key corridors that connect to major transit hubs in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. These buses are modern, comfortable, and equipped with luggage storage, making them perfect for international arrivals.

2. Major Routes and Destinations

There are two main types of night buses: those heading to Seoul and those heading to Gyeonggi-do (specifically Suwon and Anyang).

N6001 (To Seoul Station): This is the most popular route for tourists. It travels from Terminal 1 directly to Seoul Station, passing through Yongsan. Seoul Station is a central hub where you can easily catch a night taxi to almost any neighborhood in northern Seoul (Jiangbei).

N6000 (To Gangnam): If your accommodation is in the trendy Gangnam or Jamsil area, this is your bus. It connects Terminal 1 to the Express Bus Terminal in Gangnam.

N6701 & N6703 (K-Limousine): These are premium night buses that serve major hotels in the Dongdaemun and Gangnam areas. They offer slightly more luxury and specific hotel stops.

3. Terminal 1 vs. Terminal 2

One crucial tip from a local: Not all night buses serve both terminals.
Most night buses originate or end at Terminal 1. If you land at Terminal 2 (used by Korean Air, Delta, Air France, KLM, etc.), you may need to take the airport’s free shuttle to Terminal 1 to access a wider variety of night bus options, or specifically look for the N6002 which serves Terminal 2.

4. Ticketing and Fares

You do not need to book these buses in advance. In fact, you can’t.

Fare: Usually around 10,000 KRW to 12,000 KRW for standard N-buses, and up to 18,000 KRW for K-Limousine services.

Payment: This is where your T-money card (which we discussed yesterday!) becomes your best friend. You can tap your card upon boarding. If you don’t have a card yet, you can use a credit card with “Contactless” capabilities or pay in cash at the ticket vending machines inside the terminal.

5. Where to Board

Terminal 1: Head to the 1st floor (Arrivals Hall). Exit through doors 6, 7, or 8. The night bus stops are located at 6A-3, 6A-4, or 5A-3 depending on the route.
Terminal 2: Head to the B1 level (Transportation Center). Look for the bus terminal area specifically marked for night operations.

6. Pro Tips for Night Arrivals

Download 'KakaoBus': While Google Maps is great, it often lags with real-time bus locations in Korea. KakaoBus will show you exactly how many minutes are left until the next Incheon Airport Night Bus arrives.

Get it on Google Play

Download on the App Store

Check the Last AREX: Before rushing to the Incheon Airport Night Bus, check if you can still catch the last All-stop train (usually around 11:50 PM). It's cheaper and faster.

💡 Need more details on the airport train? > [Check out my complete guide on how to take the AREX from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station here!]

Taxis as a Backup: If the bus line is too long, look for the 'International Taxi' stand. They offer flat rates to certain zones in Seoul, which is safer than haggling with unofficial drivers.

Arriving in a foreign country in the middle of the night can be intimidating, but I hope this guide makes your journey from Incheon Airport feel a bit more welcoming. Seoul is a city that never truly sleeps, And these Incheon Airport Night Bus services are just the beginning of the convenience you’ll experience here.

Don’t be afraid to ask the airport staff or bus drivers for help if you’re feeling lost—Koreans are generally very kind to travelers! Once you settle into your bus, take a moment to look out the window and enjoy the quiet, sparkling view of the Han River as you enter the city. Welcome to my hometown, and I hope you have a fantastic first night in Seoul.

If you have any questions about late-night transport, feel free to leave a comment below! Safe travels!