How to get from Gimhae airport to the city? Should I take the metro, bus, taxi or rent a car? Which means of transport is the most economical? Find out in detail now with this post on How to get from Busan airport to city center (Gimhae to the downtown): Means of transport, Prices, tips & MORE!
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When exploring Busan, the dynamic pace of life with beautiful beaches and vibrant culinary neighborhoods always makes visitors excited from the first moment. One of the important steps to start the journey is moving from the airport to the city center. Gimhae Airport is located about 15 km from the center of Busan, offering many flexible transportation options from economical public transport to taxis or fast shuttle services.
Let’s find out in detail how to get from Busan airport to the city center with Living Nomads in the following article!
Overview of Transportation from Gimhae Airport to Busan
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After landing at Gimhae Airport, you will have many options to move to the center of Busan. From fast light rail combined with metro, comfortable limousine bus, economical public bus, flexible taxi to private or free shuttle service, each form offers a different experience to suit the needs of each traveler.
| Means of Transport | Travel time | Reference ticket price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| LRT + Metro | About 33 minutes to Seomyeon | From 1,800 KRW (34,100 VND) | Fast, cheap, frequent trips |
| Limousine bus | 50 to 110 minutes depending on the route | 7,500 – 9,500 KRW (142,100 – 180,500 VND) | Wide seats, Wi-Fi, no transfers |
| Public bus | 30 to 70 minutes depending on the route | 1,300 – 1,800 KRW (24,600 – 34,100 VND) | Cheap price, connecting many areas |
| Taxi | 15 to 30 minutes | 14,000 – 22,000 KRW (265,300 – 417,000 VND) | Fast, convenient, with night surcharge |
| Private shuttle | 25 to 40 minutes | From 1,498,000 VND/car | Comfortable, suitable for large groups |
| Hotel shuttle | 5 to 15 minutes | Free | Convenient for guests staying near the airport |
How to get from Busan airport to city center: by Busan Gimhae Light Rail Transit and Metro
LRT and Metro Route from Gimhae Airport to Busan Center
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If you want to travel from Gimhae Airport to Busan Center quickly and economically, the Busan Gimhae Light Rail Transit system combined with Metro is a very suitable choice. From the airport, you take the LRT train to Sasang Station, which takes only about 6 minutes. At Sasang Station, you transfer to Line 2 of Metro towards Jangsan to continue your journey to the center.
The total travel time from Gimhae Airport to Seomyeon area, including transfer time, is about 33 minutes. The train system operates regularly and conveniently, providing a smooth travel experience for visitors.
Ticket Prices and Operating Hours of LRT and Metro
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Busan’s LRT and Metro fares are very reasonable. When using a transportation card, the fare for the entire journey is only about 1,800 KRW, equivalent to 34,100 VND. If you buy individual tickets, the LRT fare ranges from 1,300 KRW to 1,500 KRW depending on the number of stations, equivalent to 24,600 VND to 28,500 VND.
The Metro fare for one station is 1,600 KRW, equivalent to 30,400 VND. Children under 5 years old are free, while teenagers and children from 6 to 12 years old have preferential prices. The train system operates from 5am to midnight, with a frequency of about 6 to 12 minutes per trip, making it easy for visitors to choose a suitable departure time.
Traveling from Gimhae Airport to Busan Center by Limousine Bus
Limousine Bus Routes and Fares
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From July 31, 2025, the new limousine bus has officially come into operation, providing a convenient travel option from Gimhae Airport to central Busan areas. The system has two main routes, making it easy for visitors to access the city’s highlights. The Haeundae – Gijang route departs from Banyan Tree Haeundae, passes through Jangsan, Haeundae Beach, BEXCO, Centum City and ends at Gimhae Airport.
The total travel time is about 110 minutes and the ticket price for adults is 9,500 KRW (about 180,500 VND). The Seomyeon – Bujeon line starts from Bujeon Station, passes through Seomyeon, Dongui University, Jurye Station and ends at Gimhae Airport. The travel time is about 50 minutes and the ticket price for adults is 7,500 KRW, (about 142,100 VND). You can buy bus tickets directly at the airport counter or book through the BUSTAGO app
Note that limousine buses only accept card payments and each passenger is allowed to bring a maximum of two pieces of luggage with a total weight not exceeding 30kg.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Limousine Buses
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Limousine buses stand out for their convenience in taking visitors directly from the airport to the city center without transferring, saving time and effort. Short routes like the Seomyeon line only take about 50 minutes to reach the center, providing a quick experience. The bus is equipped with comfortable seats, USB charging ports and free Wi-Fi, making it convenient for travelers throughout the journey.
However, the disadvantage of the limousine is that the ticket price does not include transfers to other public transport and the maximum luggage limit is only two pieces with a total weight of 30kg. With outstanding advantages in terms of comfort and speed, the limousine bus is still the ideal choice for travelers who want to start their trip to explore Busan comfortably and easily.
Travel from Gimhae Airport to Busan Center by Public Bus
Public Bus Routes from Gimhae Airport to Busan Center
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One of the most economical options for leaving Gimhae Airport is by public bus. Bus 1009 connects the airport to areas like Geumgok and Gadeok, passing through Sujeong Station and Deokdu Station. This route starts operating from around 5:20 to 20:50, with a frequency of one trip every 40 minutes. The adult fare is 1,800 KRW, equivalent to about 34,100 VND, which is very suitable for those who want to travel on a low cost.
Bus 307 is the route chosen by many tourists because the route passes through important places such as Gupo Station, Gupo Market, Mandeok, Dongnae and Haeundae Beach. The route operates from 5:15 AM to 11:20 PM, with a frequency of one trip every 15 to 20 minutes. The fare is only about 1,300 KRW, equivalent to 24,600 VND, helping you easily access many vibrant areas of Busan.
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In addition, regional bus routes such as No. 11 and No. 13 serve residents around the airport and local markets. Bus No. 11 operates from 6:30 to 23:30, with an average trip every 30 minutes, and the fare is about 1,300 KRW, equivalent to 24,600 VND. Bus No. 13 operates from 5:30 to 23:40, with a frequency of 20 minutes, and a similar fare. This is a reasonable choice if you want to experience the local lifestyle of Busan as soon as you arrive.
When Should You Choose a Public Bus from Gimhae Airport to Downtown Busan?
Public buses are the most suitable option when you only carry light luggage and want to save on transportation costs. The bus routes are all regular, cheap and take you to many vibrant central areas. If you are not in a hurry and want to enjoy the feeling of being close to the locals, choosing a public bus from Gimhae Airport to Busan center will definitely be an interesting experience.
Getting from Gimhae Airport to Busan Center by Taxi
Fare and Types of Taxis from Gimhae Airport
As soon as you step out of the international or domestic terminal, you will easily see a long line of taxis waiting. Regular taxis are the most popular choice with a starting price of about 3,000 KRW (equivalent to 56,900 VND). Depending on the destination, the fare varies. For example, the journey from the airport to Seomyeon costs around 14,000 KRW (265,300 VND), to Nampo-dong around 15,000 KRW (284,300 VND) and to Haeundae around 22,000 KRW (417,000 VND).
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If you travel at night, from 0:00 to 4:00 am, taxis usually charge a surcharge of around 20 percent. However, high-end taxis such as jumbo taxis or model cars usually do not charge this surcharge. In addition, visitors can also choose a pre-booked deluxe taxi service which costs around 40 percent more than a regular taxi. This is the ideal choice if you want to enjoy the comfort of a more spacious and luxurious space.
Taxi Travel Time From Gimhae Airport To Downtown Busan
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Taxi is considered the fastest and most convenient way to get from Gimhae Airport to downtown Busan. The average travel time is usually between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the destination location and traffic conditions at that time.
For example, if you go to Seomyeon – the bustling downtown area of Busan – the trip usually takes only about 25 minutes. With a distance of about 15.2 km from the airport to the center, the time can be shortened to 15 minutes if the traffic is clear. However, during rush hours, especially in the morning or late afternoon, the travel time may be longer than expected. Therefore, you should calculate extra time to avoid affecting your sightseeing schedule.
Transfer from Gimhae Airport to Downtown Busan by Private Transfer
A private transfer is ideal for large groups, families with small children, or those with a lot of luggage. This form of transportation offers comfort and peace of mind from the moment you land. You don’t have to worry about finding a taxi or waiting in line for a bus, as a driver will be ready to pick you up right at the airport lobby.
Travelers can easily book a transfer through online travel platforms like Klook. Simply select Gimhae Airport as your pick-up point, then enter your destination in downtown Busan and choose your preferred vehicle. The options range from standard sedans for small groups to spacious vans or SUVs for more passengers and luggage.
Private transfers are not only convenient but also flexible. You can request additional amenities such as child seats, book round-trip tickets right on the app, and receive instant confirmation. The price for Gimhae Airport Transfer Service referenced on Klook is around 1,498,000 VND for a small group of about three people and from 1,855,000 VND for a large group of about six people.
Traveling from Gimhae Airport to Other Provinces by Intercity Bus
If you don’t plan to stay long in Busan or just want to transit to continue your journey, the intercity bus from Gimhae Airport is the right choice. This bus system connects directly to many major cities in the region, providing visitors with a quick and economical way to travel. Right from the airport, you can easily catch a bus to Changwon, Gyeongju, Ulsan, Daegu and many other destinations without having to return to the center of Busan.
The bus from Gimhae Airport to Changwon only takes about 30 to 35 minutes, the average fare is 8,059 KRW (about 153,000 VND), very convenient for a short and comfortable trip. If you want to explore the ancient capital of Gyeongju, choose the regular bus route with a time of about 1 hour and 24 minutes, the fare is from 9,000 to 12,227 KRW (171,000 to 232,000 VND), suitable for longer journeys.
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Visitors can buy tickets right at the airport counter or at the intercity bus station, where the schedule information is clearly posted. Thanks to that, you will easily choose the right trip and start your journey to other provinces conveniently and comfortably.
Travel from Gimhae Airport to Hotel by Free Shuttle
Many hotels located near Gimhae Airport offer free shuttle service to bring maximum convenience to visitors. This is a very suitable choice if you have a late flight, carry a lot of luggage or simply want to move quickly to the hotel without having to find public transportation.
Most free shuttle services operate from 06:00 to 22:30, with an average frequency of 20 to 30 minutes per trip. Visitors just need to go to the pick-up area right in front of the international or domestic arrival hall and wait for the hotel’s pre-booked shuttle. Travel time from the airport to surrounding hotels usually takes only 5 to 15 minutes, which saves significantly compared to taking a taxi.
Some 3 to 4 star hotels near the airport such as Air Sky Hotel or Hotel Paragon are often chosen by tourists because of their thoughtful and flexible shuttle service. However, each hotel will have different policies, so you should check the details on the official website or contact them directly before booking. To ensure availability, you should book the shuttle service as soon as you confirm your booking!
Travel Tips When Moving From Gimhae Airport To Busan Center
When you have just landed at Gimhae Airport, the trip from the airport to Busan center can be confusing if you are not prepared in advance. Knowing some small tips will help you move faster, save costs and avoid unnecessary trouble. Remember to save them!
Bring cash (1,000 – 10,000 KRW) to easily buy train/bus tickets.
- Use T-Money or KONA CARD TRAVEL-K to conveniently pay on trains and buses.
- Download KakaoMap or Naver Map to quickly look up routes.
- If traveling in a group of 3-4 people, choosing a taxi or Limousine bus will be more economical.
- Always check the operating hours of train and bus routes, especially late-night trips.
Use luggage storage services at the airport or Busan station if you arrive early but cannot check in at the hotel. - Prepare a Korean 4G/5G SIM or eSIM 5G to have internet to look up directions at all times.
- Write down the hotel address in Korean, easy to give to the taxi driver.
- Leave the airport early to avoid traffic jams during rush hours (7am–9am, 5pm–7pm).
Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling From Gimhae Airport to Downtown Busan
Is there any overnight transportation from the airport to Busan?
Currently, Gimhae Airport does not have any overnight public transportation, so you will need to choose a taxi or private car service if you arrive late.
When is the most convenient way to travel when carrying a lot of bulky luggage?
When you are carrying a lot of bulky luggage, a taxi or private shuttle will be the most convenient option because there is less crowding and more space for luggage.
When is the peak time at Gimhae Airport and how does it affect travel?
Gimhae Airport is usually crowded in the morning from 7-9am and in the afternoon from 5-7pm, which can make catching a bus or taxi take longer than usual.
Is it possible to travel directly from Gimhae Airport to neighboring cities outside of Busan?
From Gimhae Airport, you can go straight to neighboring cities such as Changwon or Gyeongju thanks to the intercity bus system.
Do you need to buy tickets in advance for public transportation at Gimhae Airport?
You are not required to buy tickets in advance for public transportation at Gimhae Airport, but preparing a transportation card or buying tickets early will help save time.
Your journey to explore Busan will be more complete when you choose the right means of transportation from Gimhae Airport to the city center. Taxis are quick and comfortable, while buses and trains help save costs. Consider the means of transportation based on your budget, schedule and preferences to start a memorable trip in Busan!
With the “tips” on how to get to Busan Airport, get ready to plan your trip right away!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Busan you can refer to
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Read more Busan guide here.
