KTX Seoul to Busan
KTX Seoul to Busan: tickets and Korea Rail PassKorea's high-speed train, explained for visitors
For one or two KTX trips, single tickets from Korail are simplest; a Korea Rail Pass (foreigners only) pays off when you take three or more long train rides within a few days, and SRT from Suseo is the high-speed option closer to Gangnam but is not covered by the pass.
KTX is Korea's high-speed train, run by Korail. Seoul to Busan takes about 2.5–3 hours from Seoul Station, and the same network reaches Gyeongju (Singyeongju), Daegu, Gangneung, Jeonju and Yeosu. You can buy single tickets on Korail's website or app, or — if you will ride several times — buy a Korea Rail Pass, a foreigners-only pass for unlimited KTX rides over a set number of days. A separate operator, SRT, runs high-speed trains from Suseo in southern Seoul, closer to Gangnam.
Book or check prices
KTX ticket / Korea Rail Pass
Live prices aren't available for this item — each site shows its own price.
Prices change by season, seller and exchange rate — check the current price on the booking site. Links to Klook and KKday are affiliate links: KBW may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Which option suits you
| Option | Best for | How you get it |
|---|---|---|
| KTX single ticket | Best for · One round trip, e.g. a weekend in Busan | How you get it · Korail website or app (English, Japanese, Chinese), or the station |
| Korea Rail Pass (KORAIL PASS) | Best for · Three or more intercity rides in a few days | How you get it · Buy a voucher on Klook / KKday, use it with your passport |
| SRT single ticket | Best for · Staying in Gangnam or Jamsil | How you get it · SRT app or website; departs from Suseo Station |
| KTX + tour package | Best for · Day trips such as Busan or Gyeongju with a guide | How you get it · Day-tour products on Klook / KKday |
Price
A one-way KTX standard seat from Seoul to Busan is roughly ₩60,000, less on weekdays with some discounts; first class costs more. The Korea Rail Pass is sold by the number of days, so compare its price with the single fares on your route.
Checked 2026-11-02
Step by step
- 1Plan your route and dates; check whether you will ride enough to justify a pass.
- 2Single tickets: book on Korail's site or app up to a month ahead — weekends and holidays sell out.
- 3Rail Pass: buy the voucher, then reserve seats for each ride with your passport.
- 4Arrive 10–15 minutes early; platforms open shortly before departure and there are no ticket gates.
- 5Keep the e-ticket on your phone; staff check it on board.
Good to know
- Luggage racks fill up; large suitcases fit behind the last row of seats.
- Busan Station is close to Nampo and the ferry terminal; take the subway to Haeundae or Seomyeon.
- Korean public holidays (Chuseok, Lunar New Year) sell out weeks in advance.
KTX Seoul to Busan: FAQ
How long is the KTX from Seoul to Busan?+
About 2.5 to 3 hours from Seoul Station to Busan Station, depending on the number of stops.
Is the Korea Rail Pass worth it?+
It pays off when you take three or more long KTX rides within its validity, for example Seoul–Busan–Gyeongju–Seoul. For one round trip, single tickets are usually cheaper.
What is the difference between KTX and SRT?+
Both are high-speed trains on the same lines south of Seoul. KTX leaves from Seoul and Yongsan stations; SRT leaves from Suseo in southern Seoul. The Korea Rail Pass covers KTX, not SRT.
Can foreigners book KTX online?+
Yes. Korail's website and app have English, Japanese and Chinese versions and accept foreign credit cards.
Plan the rest of your trip
More travel essentials
- Korea eSIMHow to stay online in Korea — and which option suits your trip
- AREXThe fastest, cheapest and easiest ways into the city
- T-money & WOWPASSSubway, bus and taxi payments made simple
- Lotte World ticketsSeoul's indoor + outdoor theme park in Jamsil
- Everland ticketsKorea's biggest theme park, with pandas and a safari
- Hanbok rental SeoulWear Korea's traditional dress for palace photos