---
title: "Seoul Metropolitan Railway 2026 Routes and Extra Fares"
locale: en
category: how_to
category_name: "How-to"
translation_status: reviewed
license: cc_by
author: "Injoys Editorial Team"
source_url: https://injoys.com/en/articles/metropolitan-rail-2026-operators-extra-fares-route-guide
published_at: 2026-11-12T14:55:42+09:00
---

# Seoul Metropolitan Railway 2026 Routes and Extra Fares

> Extra fares and concession rules on the Seoul Metropolitan Railway vary by line. After looking up a route using your departure and arrival stations, check the Shinbundang Line surcharge, the Airport Railroad train type, and the sections of GTX-A actually in service.

## Key Points

- Choose your departure and arrival stations, and confirm your travel date and time.
- Use the subway and bus route finder on the left side of this site to look up routes and fares between the two stations.
- Check the extra fares and ticket conditions for the Shinbundang Line, Airport Railroad and GTX-A services included in your route.
- If you qualify for child, youth or senior concessions, check the discount conditions for the lines you will use.
- Before departure, check station timetables and operator notices for first, last and next trains, as well as service changes.

To use metropolitan rail in the Seoul metropolitan area, look up your route and fare by departure and arrival station. The Shinbundang Line and GTX-A charge separate fares. For the Airport Railroad, distinguish between tickets for all-stop and express trains. Check first and last trains using the subway and bus route finder on the left side of this site.

The figures in this article are based on lookup records from November 9, 2026, and information from each operator.

## How to Check Routes and Fares

Once you choose your departure and arrival stations, you can check the route. Also decide your travel date and time. If you qualify for a discount, check the type of transit card you will use.

1. Choose your departure and arrival stations. If you are going to the airport, check the terminal shown on your airline ticket.
2. Open the subway and bus route finder on the left side of this site. Select two stations in the Seoul metropolitan area to see routes and fares.
3. Check whether the route includes any lines that charge separate fares. For the Airport Railroad, distinguish between all-stop and express trains.
4. Check the conditions for child, youth, and senior concessions. Ask the operator you will use about any required cards or supporting documents.
5. Check the station timetable for the first, last, and next trains. Before leaving, also check the operator's service change notices.

If you take an express service, check whether it stops at your destination. For the last train, checking only whether you can board at your departure station is not enough. Also check whether you can catch the next train at your transfer station.

## Line Sections and Operators

The Shinbundang Line, Airport Railroad, and GTX-A are run by different companies. KORAIL operates trains on the Gyeongui-Jungang and Suin-Bundang lines. The table below focuses on train operations.

| Line | Reference sections | Train operator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shinbundang Line | Sinsa~Gangnam~Jeongja~Gwanggyo | NeoTrans |
| Airport Railroad All-Stop Train | Seoul Station~Incheon Airport Terminal 2 | Airport Railroad Co., Ltd. |
| Airport Railroad Express Train | Seoul Station~Incheon Airport Terminal 1~Incheon Airport Terminal 2 | Airport Railroad Co., Ltd. |
| GTX-A | Sections confirmed open: Unjeong Jungang~Seoul Station, Suseo~Dongtan | GTX-A Operations Co., Ltd. |
| Gyeongui-Jungang Line | Munsan~Yongsan~Jipyeong service and Munsan~Seoul Station service | Korea Railroad Corporation, KORAIL |
| Suin-Bundang Line | Section connecting Wangsimni~Suwon~Incheon | Korea Railroad Corporation, KORAIL |
| Gyeongchun Line metropolitan subway | Mangu~Chuncheon in the operating line table | Korea Railroad Corporation, KORAIL |
| Gyeonggang Line metropolitan subway | Pangyo~Yeoju | Korea Railroad Corporation, KORAIL |
| Seohae Line metropolitan subway | Wonsi~Ilsan in the operating line table | Korea Railroad Corporation, KORAIL |

You can check the Shinbundang Line's operator in the [Shinbundang Line Operations Guide](https://www.shinbundang.co.kr/index.jsp?flag=&open_main=2&open_sub1=1&open_sub2=1&pageID=%2Fcustomer%2Fcustomer1_1.jsp). KORAIL sections are listed under [Metropolitan Train Operating Lines](https://info.korail.com/info/contents.do?key=1446). The organizations responsible for train operations and station management may differ by section.

## Operating Line Tables and Actual Train Services

The stations at either end of an operating line table are not the departure and terminal stations for every train. KORAIL's operating line table is dated January 1, 2025. This table describes the sections covered by each line.

The Gyeongui Line operating line table includes Seoul~Dorasan. KORAIL's service information lists the Munsan~Seoul service separately. It also lists the Gyeongui-Jungang Line's Munsan~Jipyeong service separately. You should therefore not assume that you can reach Dorasan by regular metropolitan subway.

The Suin-Bundang Line operating line table lists Wangsimni~Suwon~Incheon. Check the station timetable for the terminal station of the train you will actually take. [KORAIL Service Information](https://info.korail.com/info/contents.do?key=863) can help you distinguish between a line's full route and the section served by an individual train.

| What you want to check | Information to check |
| --- | --- |
| Which areas a line connects | The operator's route map and operating line table |
| Whether you can reach your destination on one train | The train's destination and terminal station |
| Whether an express service stops at your destination | Express stops and that train's timetable |
| Whether you can actually use the service today | Station timetables and service change notices |

## How Are Separate Fares Added?

Even when the metropolitan integrated fare applies, line-specific additional charges may still apply. Distance-based fares increase with the distance traveled. A separate fare is an additional charge for using a particular line.

### Shinbundang Line Separate Fares by Section

Shinbundang Line fares consist of a base fare, an excess-distance fare, and a separate fare. As of June 28, 2025, the adult transit card base fare is 1,550 won. The following separate fares are added by section.

- Sinsa~Gangnam only: an additional 700 won
- Gangnam~Jeongja only: an additional 1,000 won
- Jeongja~Gwanggyo only: an additional 1,000 won
- Gangnam~Jeongja and Jeongja~Gwanggyo combined: an additional 1,500 won
- Sinsa~Gangnam and Gangnam~Jeongja combined: an additional 1,700 won
- All sections from Sinsa~Gwanggyo combined: an additional 2,200 won

Separately set amounts apply when sections are combined. Do not simply add together all the fares shown for each section. To determine the final fare, check both the conditions in the [Shinbundang Line Fare Guide](https://www.shinbundang.co.kr/index.jsp?open_main=1&open_sub1=5&open_sub2=1&pageID=/dxline/dxline4_1.jsp&flag=) and the actual distance traveled.

### GTX-A Separate Base Fare

The published GTX-A base fare includes the metropolitan base fare. According to lookup records from November 9, 2026, the weekday adult transit card base fare **starts at 3,200 won**. The weekend base fare starts at 2,850 won.

Do not add the metropolitan base fare of 1,550 won to this amount again. The weekday adult transit card fare example for Suseo~Dongtan is 4,450 won. The example for Unjeong Jungang~Seoul Station is also 4,450 won. Check the GTX-A fare system for the conditions that apply to your trip.

### Airport Railroad All-Stop Train Independent Fare

The Airport Railroad All-Stop Train's fare system changes at Cheongna International City. Seoul Station~Cheongna International City is covered by the metropolitan integrated fare. The adult transit card base fare is 1,550 won for distances up to 10 km.

Cheongna International City~Incheon Airport Terminal 1 is an independent-fare section. The base fare for this section is 1,200 won for distances up to 10 km. Each additional 1 km costs 130 won. This is not the total fare from Seoul Station to the airport.

If you are going to Incheon Airport Terminal 2, select that station as your destination. Separate rules are provided for the section between the terminals. Section-based calculations and station-to-station fares are available in the [Airport Railroad All-Stop Train Fare Guide](https://www.airportrailroad.com/train/normal/fare).

### KORAIL Metropolitan Subway

The Gyeongui-Jungang and Suin-Bundang lines do not charge separate fares like those on the Shinbundang Line. Metropolitan subway services on the Gyeongchun, Gyeonggang, and Seohae lines also use distance-based fares. However, additional charges apply if you use another line with a separate fare on the same route.

Look up Gyeongchun Line metropolitan subway services and ITX-Cheongchun separately. On the Seohae Line, you must also distinguish between metropolitan subway services and passenger trains that require separate tickets. Do not determine the ticket type from the line name alone.

## Shinbundang Line Calculation Example

A combined separate fare applies when traveling from Gangnam~Gwanggyo. Below is a calculation of the adult transit card fare components. It uses the Shinbundang Line's published figures as of June 28, 2025.

1. Check the metropolitan subway base fare of 1,550 won.
2. Apply the combined separate fare of 1,500 won for Gangnam~Gwanggyo.
3. Adding the two amounts gives **3,050 won**.
4. Add the excess-distance fare for the actual trip.

The calculated amount of 3,050 won excludes the excess-distance fare. Do not use it as the final fare for Gangnam~Gwanggyo. Select the two stations in this site's subway and bus route finder. The results show the actual route and fare.

## Airport Railroad All-Stop and Express Train Comparison

Choose the All-Stop Train if you want to board or get off at an intermediate station. The Express Train is a reserved-seat service connecting Seoul Station and Incheon Airport. It requires a separate ticket.

| Comparison | All-Stop Train | Express Train |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Stopping pattern | Stops at intermediate stations between Seoul Station and the airport | Nonstop between Seoul Station and Incheon Airport Terminal 1 |
| Stations served | Intermediate stations such as Gimpo Airport and Hongik University | Seoul Station and Incheon Airport terminals |
| Seating | Subway-style seating without reservations | Reserved seats |
| Tickets | Transit cards and tickets for the All-Stop Train | Separate purchase of an Express Train ticket |
| Fare lookup | All-Stop Train fares by departure and arrival station | Payment amount by passenger count and discount on the reservation screen |

The Airport Railroad's “Express Train Introduction” states:

> The Express Train runs nonstop between Seoul Station and Incheon Airport, and you must purchase a separate ticket before boarding.

The published All-Stop Train journey time from Seoul Station~Incheon Airport Terminal 1 is 59 minutes. The journey to Incheon Airport Terminal 2 takes 66 minutes. The published Express Train times are 43 minutes and 51 minutes, respectively. These figures are from the [All-Stop Train Introduction](https://www.airportrailroad.com/train/normal/introduce) and [Express Train Introduction](https://www.airportrailroad.com/train/express/introduce).

The nonmember adult fare on the Express Train reservation screen is 13,000 won. The listed child fare is 9,500 won. Check the reservation screen for the payment amount based on membership status and discount conditions.

Do not judge the time needed to get from home to the airport by the train journey alone. You need additional time to reach your departure station. You must also account separately for train waiting times and time spent transferring.

If you choose the Express Train, you can book in the following order.

1. Open ticket reservations on the official Airport Railroad website.
2. Select your departure station, arrival station, travel date, and number of passengers.
3. Search for trains and check the discount conditions that apply.
4. After payment, check your ticket and departure time.

[Airport Railroad ticket reservations](https://www.airportrailroad.com/ticket/rsv) are available until 20 minutes before departure. Payment is required within 20 minutes of booking. Arrive at the Express Train platform no later than 3 minutes before departure.

## Open GTX-A Sections and the Seoul Station~Suseo Connection

For GTX-A, distinguish between sections that are open and planned connections. Suseo~Dongtan opened on March 30, 2024. Unjeong Jungang~Seoul Station opened on December 28, 2024.

| Section or item | Confirmed information | What to check before traveling |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Suseo~Dongtan | Open section | Look up the timetable for this section |
| Unjeong Jungang~Seoul Station | Open section | Look up the timetable for this section |
| Seoul Station~Suseo connection | Section for which a target to connect the entire route was previously announced | Check the actual start-of-service notice |
| Stops at Samseong Station | A separate opening item from passing through without stopping | Separately check whether boarding and alighting are available |

The Korea National Railway announced the start of preliminary inspections on March 3, 2026. At that time, the target was to connect Unjeong Jungang~Dongtan during 2026. The plan was to pass through Samseong Station without stopping. This was the target stated in the [preliminary inspection press release at the time](https://www.kr.or.kr/boardCnts/view.do?boardID=52&boardSeq=1122164).

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport issued a follow-up notice on November 3, 2026. The notice explains that reinforcement and reconstruction options for Samseong Station are under review. Do not plan a trip using Seoul Station~Suseo based only on the earlier target. The source is the [Announcement of Measures to Ensure Safety at GTX Samseong Station](https://www.korea.kr/briefing/pressReleaseView.do?newsId=156787717).

Check the operator's opening notice for the actual start date of service between Seoul Station~Suseo. Even if trains begin passing through without stopping, this does not mean passengers can board or get off at Samseong Station. A separate notice is needed for the start of stops at Samseong Station.

For GTX-B and GTX-C and the Sinansan Line, also distinguish opening targets from current service information. The Korea National Railway's project status information describes ongoing construction on the Sinansan Line. Check the [Status of Major Metropolitan Railway Projects](https://www.kr.or.kr/sub/info.do?m=05010402) and subsequent opening notices for dates when services will be available.

## Conditions for Senior, Child, and Youth Concessions

Even for people of the same age, the amount payable differs by line and train type. People eligible for free travel on regular metropolitan subway services still pay part of the separate fare on GTX-A. The Airport Railroad Express Train also has different concession rules from the All-Stop Train.

| Line or train | Senior concessions | What to check for children and youths |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shinbundang Line | Free travel for designated groups, including people aged at least 65 | Age-based discounts also apply to separate fares |
| Airport Railroad All-Stop Train | Free travel for eligible groups, including people aged at least 65 | Age-based discounts apply to base and additional fares |
| Airport Railroad Express Train | Different from the All-Stop Train's free-travel rules | Check the conditions for discounted Express Train tickets |
| GTX-A | Seniors also pay part of the separate fare | Children also pay part of the separate fare |

The Shinbundang Line discounts the separate fare for youths by 20%. The child discount on the separate fare is 50%. However, youths using a single-use transit card do not receive the youth discount. This is based on the Shinbundang Line Fare Guide as of June 28, 2025.

Identity verification is required for free senior travel on the Airport Railroad All-Stop Train. You must present the relevant identification or use a concession transit card. The Express Train senior discount is available to Korean nationals aged at least 65. Bring identification when using the Express Train.

If your concession card was issued in another region, check where it can be used. Eligibility for free travel and the card's area of use must be checked separately. Ask the card issuer and the operator of the line you will use.

## Common Mistakes with the Climate Card and Re-entry Discounts

Transfers with a regular transit card and the coverage of special cards are different. The Climate Card cannot be used on the Shinbundang Line or GTX. Do not assume it covers the entire Gyeongui-Jungang or Suin-Bundang line either.

Seoul's guidance separately specifies the stations where the Climate Card can be used. On the Airport Railroad, there is an exception for getting off at airport terminal stations. If you board within the covered area, you can get off at those terminal stations. This exception does not allow you to board at airport terminal stations. Check [Seoul's Guide to Using the Climate Card](https://news.seoul.go.kr/traffic/archives/510963).

KORAIL introduced a 15-minute re-entry system for metropolitan subway services. It took effect on June 20, 2026. The source is [KORAIL's June 15, 2026 announcement](https://info.korail.com/info/selectBbsNttView.do?bbsNo=199&integrDeptCode=&key=911&nttNo=26908&pageIndex=70&searchCnd=all&searchCtgry=&searchKrwd=).

- Do not mistake integrated fares for an exemption from separate fares.
- For the Climate Card, check whether your departure and arrival stations are covered.
- Distinguish re-entry discounts from transfers made inside the fare gates.
- Before leaving the fare gates, ask station staff about re-entry conditions.
- Do not assume KORAIL's system applies in the same way to the Shinbundang Line, Airport Railroad, or GTX-A.

## Who to Contact When Lookup Results Differ

If fare or service information differs, check with the operator of the line you will use. Provide your departure station, arrival station, and travel date for a more specific inquiry. If you qualify for a discount, also explain your age and card type.

- Shinbundang Line, NeoTrans: 031-8018-7777
- Airport Railroad: 1599-7788
- GTX-A: 1551-2979
- KORAIL: 1588-7788

Check first, last, and next trains using this site's subway and bus route finder. Select two stations in the Seoul metropolitan area to look up routes and fares. Just before traveling, also check the operator's change notices.

## FAQ

### Where can I check routes and fares for metropolitan rail services in the Seoul metropolitan area?
Select your departure and arrival stations in the subway and bus route finder on the left side of this site. You can check routes and fares between two stations in the Seoul metropolitan area. For surcharges and discount conditions, also check the official information for the line you plan to use.

### Where can I check the first, last, and next trains?
Check station timetables in this site's subway and bus route finder. Also check your direction of travel and the train's final destination. If you are transferring, you also need to check the last train on the connecting line.

### Do I add the surcharges for each section when traveling from Gangnam to Gwanggyo on the Shinbundang Line?
The set surcharge for travel across connected sections applies. As of June 28, 2025, the surcharge for combined travel from Gangnam to Gwanggyo with an adult transit card is 1,500 won. The base fare and excess-distance fare are calculated separately.

### Do I need to add the Seoul metropolitan area base fare to the GTX-A base fare?
The weekday adult base fare of 3,200 won recorded in a lookup on November 9, 2026, includes the Seoul metropolitan area base fare. Do not add another 1,550 won. Check the actual fare for your journey based on the distance traveled and applicable conditions.

### Can I travel directly from Seoul Station to Suseo on GTX-A?
Do not assume the service is available based only on previously announced connection targets. A November 3, 2026, notice from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport explains that options for reinforcing and rebuilding Samseong Station are under review. Check GTX-A's opening announcements to see whether commercial service between Seoul Station and Suseo has actually begun.

### Does GTX-A passing through Samseong Station without stopping mean the same thing as the opening of Samseong Station?
They are different stages. Passing through without stopping means trains pass through Samseong Station without stopping there. To find out when you can board and get off at Samseong Station, check the separate announcement of when trains will start stopping there.

### Do the Airport Railroad All Stop Train and Express Train use the same ticket?
You need to buy a separate ticket for the Express Train. The All Stop Train is a commuter train that stops at intermediate stations. The Express Train is a reserved-seat train connecting Seoul Station and Incheon Airport.

### Can I take the Airport Railroad Express Train at Gimpo Airport?
Use the All Stop Train at Gimpo Airport. The Express Train runs nonstop between Seoul Station and Incheon Airport Terminal 1. It does not stop at Gimpo Airport Station.

### Are the Shinbundang Line, Airport Railroad, and GTX-A all free for people who are at least 65 years old?
It depends on the line and train type. Seniors ride free on the Shinbundang Line and the Airport Railroad All Stop Train. On GTX-A, seniors still pay part of the surcharge. For the Airport Railroad Express Train, check the conditions for its separate discounted tickets.

### Does the Shinbundang Line's youth discount also apply to single-use transit cards?
As of June 28, 2025, the Shinbundang Line's guidance states that youth discounts do not apply to single-use transit cards. To receive a youth discount, check whether the discount is enabled on the transit card you plan to use.

### If Dorasan appears on the Gyeongui-Jungang Line's operating route map, can I go there directly?
Do not judge actual train operations based only on the operating route map. Korail provides separate information for the Munsan to Seoul and Munsan to Jipyeong services. Check the timetable and announcements for your travel date to see whether any trains run to your destination.

### Can I use the Climate Card on the Shinbundang Line or GTX-A?
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government's guidance, the Shinbundang Line and GTX are excluded from Climate Card coverage. For the Gyeongui-Jungang Line and Suin-Bundang Line, also check which sections are covered.

### Can I use the Climate Card to take a Seoul-bound All Stop Train from the airport?
The exception for getting off at airport terminal stations does not extend to boarding. Seoul's guidance allows passengers who board within the service area to get off at airport terminal stations. It does not allow boarding at airport terminal stations under that exception.

## Sources

- [Shinbundang Line fare information, as of June 28, 2025](https://www.shinbundang.co.kr/index.jsp?open_main=1&open_sub1=5&open_sub2=1&pageID=/dxline/dxline4_1.jsp&flag=)
- [Shinbundang Line operating information, operators by line](https://www.shinbundang.co.kr/index.jsp?flag=&open_main=2&open_sub1=1&open_sub2=1&pageID=%2Fcustomer%2Fcustomer1_1.jsp)
- [Airport Railroad All Stop Train fare information](https://www.airportrailroad.com/train/normal/fare)
- [Introduction to the Airport Railroad All Stop Train](https://www.airportrailroad.com/train/normal/introduce)
- [Introduction to the Airport Railroad Express Train and discount information](https://www.airportrailroad.com/train/express/introduce)
- [Airport Railroad Express Train ticket reservations and fare information](https://www.airportrailroad.com/ticket/rsv)
- [GTX-A fare system, accessed November 9, 2026](https://www.gtx-a.com/fareIF.do)
- [Press release on the opening of GTX-A between Unjeong Jungang and Seoul Station, December 16, 2024](https://www.gtx-a.com/releaseDetail.do?boardId=148)
- [Korea National Railway, preliminary inspections begin for the opening of the entire GTX-A line, March 3, 2026](https://www.kr.or.kr/boardCnts/view.do?boardID=52&boardSeq=1122164)
- [Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, safety measures for GTX Samseong Station to be decided within the year following a review with safety as the top priority, November 3, 2026](https://www.korea.kr/briefing/pressReleaseView.do?newsId=156787717)
- [Korea Railroad Corporation metropolitan train routes, as of January 1, 2025](https://info.korail.com/info/contents.do?key=1446)
- [Korea Railroad Corporation metropolitan train operating status](https://info.korail.com/info/contents.do?key=863)
- [Korea National Railway major metropolitan railway project status, Sinansan Line](https://www.kr.or.kr/sub/info.do?m=05010402)
- [Seoul Metropolitan Government guide to using the Climate Card](https://news.seoul.go.kr/traffic/archives/510963)
- [Korea Railroad Corporation announcement of revised terms and conditions, notice of the introduction of the 15-minute reboarding policy on the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, June 15, 2026](https://info.korail.com/info/selectBbsNttView.do?bbsNo=199&integrDeptCode=&key=911&nttNo=26908&pageIndex=70&searchCnd=all&searchCtgry=&searchKrwd=)

## Images

![A woman in a green padded coat and beige scarf studies a rail map beside station ticket gates.](https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NDIyODYsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--2095915b4b0764bf1c9e827395b92f11313a905e/ai-87ac397c.webp)
![A father slides a burgundy suitcase into a floor-level luggage bay on a train while his son sits nearby.](https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NDIyOTIsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--e25697f539a18f5e77cdfea9a846f32d1c04a92a/ai-5b4d77ba.webp)