Busan is well-connected through major transport hubs including Gimhae International Airport (PUS) for air travel, Busan Station for high-speed rail services, and the Busan Central Bus Terminal and Seobu Inter-City Bus Terminal for bus connections. The Busan Port International Passenger Terminal serves as a hub for international and domestic ferry routes.
Flights depart from Gimpo International Airport (GMP) in Seoul to Gimhae International Airport (PUS) in Busan. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour, though total travel time to and from airports can be longer. Indicative one-way costs for budget carriers range from KRW 30,000 to KRW 37,000, while major airlines like Korean Air may cost around KRW 85,000 to KRW 109,700. Daily, there are over 30 non-stop flights.
The Korea Train eXpress (KTX) is the fastest and most popular option, connecting Seoul Station to Busan Station in about 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes. An economy class KTX ticket typically starts from KRW 55,000 (approximately $39 USD), with over 50 daily departures. Slower ITX-Saemaeul and Mugunghwa-ho trains are available, taking 4.5 to 6 hours and costing from around KRW 40,000.
Express and intercity buses operate from Busan's two main terminals: Busan Central Bus Terminal (near Nopo-dong Station) and Seobu Inter-City Bus Terminal (near Sasang Station). A bus journey from Seoul to Busan takes approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, with indicative costs starting from around US$21.55. Shorter intercity routes, like to Gyeongju, take about 50 minutes and cost between KRW 6,000 and KRW 7,700.
Ferries connect Busan Port International Passenger Terminal to various Japanese cities. Routes include Hakata (Fukuoka), taking around 11 hours 30 minutes (overnight) with Camellia Line, Osaka (17 hours with Panstar Cruise), and Shimonoseki (10 hours 45 minutes to 14 hours with Kampu Ferry). Costs vary by route and operator, generally ranging from £48 to £403, with specific fares around 7,200 JPY for Fukuoka or 95,000 KRW for Shimonoseki.
Driving from Seoul to Busan covers approximately 330 kilometers and takes about 4-5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. This option can be cost-effective for groups when considering gas and tolls.
The most economical way to reach downtown Busan is by taking the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail and transferring to the subway system, costing around KRW 1,600 and taking 21-32 minutes. Alternatively, local buses (approx. KRW 1,700-2,100, 40 min) and Airport Limousine buses (approx. KRW 5,000-9,000, 1 hour) are available. Taxis are also readily accessible, with rides taking about 16-30 minutes and costing approximately KRW 24,000-30,000.
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