Tag: Transportation Tips

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How to Travel from Seoul to Daejeon (The Easy Way!)

Let’s talk about how to travel from Seoul to Daejeon. Lucky for you, it is super easy to travel from Seoul to Daejeon, so there is no excuse not to make the trip!

Daejeon is South Korea’s 5th largest city and is home to arguably the most gorgeous bridge in the entire country.

It isn’t the most conventional city to visit while in South Korea, but that is what makes it so special! You’ll be away from all the other tourists and get to experience a more authentic, less touristy side of South Korea.

Daejeon is a gorgeous city, and you should seriously considering visiting it if you have an extended period of time in Korea.

There are a number of different ways you can travel from Seoul to Daejeon. You can take the high-speed KTX train, a slower local train, the bus, or fly. The quickest way to travel from Seoul to Daejeon is the KTX. Your two best options are taking the KTX or slow train from Seoul to Daejeon.

This article is going to cover all the different ways you can travel from Seoul to Daejeon, include all the information (e.g. price and departure/arrival locations) about each form of transportation, and give you the pros and cons of each.

It is a one-stop, in-depth analysis of how to travel from Seoul to Daejeon.

After reading it, you’ll have all the information you need to decide what form of transportation makes the most sense for you and your way of travelling.

Before We Get Started

I love writing these transportation guides for you. I loath trying to figure out how to travel from one city to another and really appreciate when a blogger makes it really easy and breaks down all my options.

That’s what I try to do with these transportation guides!

I’ve written a number of transportation guides for South Korea. If you’re touring the country, you may want to check some of my other transportation guides out.

They might make your travels through South Korea a little nicer and the planning a littler easier!

N Seoul Tower Seoul South Korea

Option One: Take the KTX from Seoul to Daejeon

The high-speed rail system in South Korea is called the KTX. It covers basically the entire country and is normally the quickest and most efficient way to travel between cities.

I love the KTX system, and in most cases it is how I get around South Korea.

The downside to taking a KTX train is that it is normally the most expensive way to travel in Korea. Some of the prices are quite expensive (like travelling from Seoul to Busan).

You need to weigh the pros of getting to your destination quickly with the cons of paying a higher price to see if the KTX is worth it for you.

The KTX from Seoul to Daejeon runs basically all day every day. The first train leaves at 0:00 and the last one leaves at 11:45.

There are 57 departures per day, so you’ll easily be able to find a KTX train that suits your schedule and travel needs.

How Long Does the KTX from Seoul to Daejeon Take?

The average travel time on the KTX from Seoul to Daejeon is 50 minutes and the longest is 1 hour and 15 minutes.

That is pretty impressive considering the two cities are located over 160km away from one another!

KTX trains reach a top speed of 300km/hour, which is a super fun way to travel. I never get tired of racing through the country.

So. Much. Fun!

How Much Does a KTX Ticket from Seoul to Daejeon Cost?

The cost of your KTX ticket depends on a lot of things:

  • What time of day you’re travelling
  • Whether you’re travelling on a weekday or weekend
  • If there is a public holiday
  • What class you’re travelling in

Because of these reasons, it is difficult to nail down exactly how much your KTX ticket will cost.

Second class tickets start at 48,000 won (approximately $40 USD), and first class tickets start at 65,000 won (approximately $54 USD).

Prices go up from there.

You probably won’t get the very lowest price possible, so you can expect to pay a little bit more than the prices listed above.

Or a lot more if you’re travelling during a peak time on a weekend that happens to be a holiday.

In terms of deciding what class to book, you don’t need to book a first class ticket.

The seats in second class are super nice, very comfortable, and quite spacious.

First class is not worth the extra money- especially on such a short ride!

Where to Purchase KTX Tickets

You can either purchase your KTX tickets online or in person.

Online

I always purchase my KTX tickets online.

It is super easy and convenient. The website easily translates to English and accepts foreign credit cards.

It doesn’t get better than that!

If you’re interested in purchasing tickets online, be sure to go through the Korean Railway website. It is the official rail website in Korea, so you know you’re getting a legit ticket at a fair price.

The website will tell you that you need to print your ticket before you get on the train. This is what I personally do since I normally have access to a printer.

However, I’ve heard from many other travellers that an electronic copy of their ticket worked just fine.

Just make sure your electronic ticket or screenshot shows the entire ticket and can be enlarged in order to be scanned.

My recommendation is to print out your ticket if you’re staying at a hotel or apartment that has a printer. It is better safe than sorry!

If I didn’t have access to a printer, I would take the risk and have an electronic ticket. You can always play the part of naive tourist if you need to!

In Person

The other option you have is to purchase your tickets in person at the train station.

You can either purchase your tickets in person at a ticket booth that is manned by a human or at a ticketing machine.

Both options are great, and it just depends on your travel style.

If you want to purchase your ticket with cash rather than card, your only option is to purchase your ticket in person at a ticket booth.

Purchasing your tickets in person is the perfect option for people who are spontaneous and don’t want to pre-plan when you’ll travel from Seoul to Daejeon.

It can be a little bit limiting to purchase your ticket on the day of departure though.

You may not get exactly the train you wanted and may have to wait for the next train. It isn’t a big deal though since trains depart so frequently.

Where Does the KTX Depart from in Seoul?

The KTX departs from Seoul Station.

Seoul Station is an ideal departure station because it is the heart of Seoul. It is easily accessible by metro, bus, taxi, and foot.

I normally stay on the outskirts of the Myeong-dong area when I visit Seoul, and I normally walk to Seoul Station. It doesn’t take me more than 20 minutes and would be significantly quicker if I took public transportation.

Taxis are super inexpensive in Korea, so they are a good option if you have a lot of luggage.

It is best to pre-arrange your taxi rather than trying to hail one on the street. Some taxis won’t stop for you on the street and only pick up pre-booked guests.

Where Does the KTX Arrive at in Daejeon?

There are 2 KTX stations in Daejeon. Your KTX train will either arrive at Daejeon Station of Seodaejeon Station.

Daejeon Station is the main station in Daejeon, and Seodaejeon Station is located on the west side of the city.

The distance between the 2 stations is approximately 700m, so what station your train arrives at isn’t make it or break it.

The best station for you to arrive at depends on what part of Daejeon you’re staying in.

If you’re staying in the heart of Daejeon, you should try to pick a train that arrives at Daejeon Station. If you’re staying on the western side of the city, Seodaejeon is the station for you.

A lot of the KTX trains from Seoul to Daejeon stop at both stations, but it is a good thing to keep in mind when booking your ticket.

Pros of Taking the KTX from Seoul to Daejeon

  • Very quick
  • Clean and comfortable trains/seats
  • Has lots of luggage storage that doesn’t require you to lift luggage overhead
  • Departs from Seoul Station, which is centrally located
  • Have choice of getting off in the centre of Daejeon or on the western side of the city

Cons of Taking the KTX from Seoul to Daejeon

  • Quite expensive for such a short journey
Seoul South Korea

Option Two: Taking a Slow Train from Seoul to Daejeon

The next option you have is to take a slow train from Seoul to Daejeon. This is a great option for people on a budget, but you sacrifice the speed of the KTX.

The slow train is one of the best ways to travel from Seoul to Daejeon. It is significantly less expensive than the KTX; however, it leaves from a number of different train stations, and many of them aren’t in central Seoul.

It takes twice the time as the KTX, but the decrease in ticket price makes it worth the extra travel time.

How Long Does the Slow Train from Seoul to Daejeon Take?

The average journey time for a slow train travelling from Seoul to Daejeon is 2 hours.

Some trains are as quick as 90 minutes, but they are few and far between. You can expect your trip will take 2 hours.

How Much Does a Slow Train Ticket from Seoul to Daejeon Cost?

There are two types of train tickets you can purchase: reserved seating and standing/non-reserved seating.

Again, it is a bit difficult to give you an exact price because there are so many factors that go into what a ticket costs.

The average reserved seating ticket will cost an adult 11,000 won (approximately $9 USD). The average standing/non-reserved ticket will cost an adult 9,000 won (approximately $7.50 USD).

The biggest factor you should consider when deciding what ticket type to get is when you’re travelling.

If you’re travelling in the middle of the day on a weekday, you can probably get by without a reserved seat. If you’re travelling on the weekend or holiday, you should probably get a reserved seat.

You don’t want to be standing for 2 hours if you don’t have to!

I think the significantly cheaper ticket is worth spending an extra hour on the train. Yes, the travel time is technically twice as long as the KTX, but 2 hours is still super quick.

You could even manage a day trip from Seoul to Daejeon with taking a slow train. You would just have to be sure to get on a morning train and take an evening train back.

Where to Purchase Slow Train Tickets

You have the same 2 options as you did with the KTX.

Tickets can be purchased online through the Korean Rail website or in person at the train station.

Th choice is yours, but I always recommend booking your tickets online through the website.

Where Does the Slow Train Depart from in Seoul?

The major problem with taking the slow train is that they often don’t depart from Seoul Station. They tend to depart from lesser known train station that are outside of central Seoul.

Slow trains depart from the following stations:

  • Seoul Station
  • Yeongdeungpo Station
  • Suseo Station
  • Yongsan Station

Of these stations, Seoul Station is the most convenient station for tourists to depart from.

The other stations 30 to 60 minutes to get to by public transportation from central Seoul.

This means you’re adding a lot of extra time to your journey by taking a slow train that doesn’t depart from Seoul Station. If you choose to take the slow train, be sure to book one that is departing from Seoul Station.

It may cost a few extra dollars, but it is worth it. You will save a ton of time by departing from Seoul Station, and it is well worth spending a few extra dollars for the convenience.

Where Do Slow Trains Arrive at in Daejeon?

Most slow trains arrive at Daejeon Station and a few arrive at Seodaejeon Station. Some stop at both stations.

Just as with the KTX, choose the arrival station that suits you best.

You want to get off at Daejeon Station if you’re staying in the heart of the city and Seodeajeon Station if you’re staying closer to the western side of the city.

Both stations are convenient and good options, so choose what works best for you!

Pros of Taking a Slow Train from Seoul to Daejeon

  • Significantly less expensive than the KTX
  • Clean and comfortable seats

Cons of Taking the Slow Train from Seoul to Daejeon

  • Travel time is twice as long as the KTX
  • Many trains don’t depart from Seoul Station
  • Overhead luggage compared to luggage storage areas on KTX
Gyeongbokgung Palace Seoul

Option Three: Taking the Bus from Seoul to Daejeon

The next option is taking the bus from Seoul to Daejeon. This isn’t a very popular option, but it can be quite handy for people who flying into Seoul and want to travel directly to Daejeon.

There is a direct bus from Incheon International Airport to Daejeon, and I would recommend using the bus in this situation.

If you’re traveling from the heart of Seoul to Daejeon, I think either the KTX or the slow train is a better option than the bus.

How Long Does the Bus from Seoul to Daejeon Take?

The bus ride from Seoul to Daejeon takes about 2 hours and the bus from Incheon Airport to Daejeon takes about 3 hours.

As you can see, the journey time for the bus and slow train from Seoul to Daejeon is essentially the same.

How Much Does a Bus Ticket from Seoul to Daejeon Cost?

The bus costs pretty much the exactly the same as the the slow train.

The average bus ticket will cost you between 13,000 won (approximately $11 USD) and 21,000 won (approximately $18 USD).

Buses are a great, affordable option!

Where to Purchase Bus Tickets

You can purchase bus tickets either online or in person.

Online

You can purchase tickets online through the Korean Bus website.

The website is easy to navigate, has an English translation option, and accepts foreign bank cards.

There are a few extra advantages and perks to booking your bus ticket online:

  • 10% discount if you purchase your ticket more than 48 hours in advance
  • 10% discount if you purchase a roundtrip ticket
  • 10% discount if you book one of the back 4 seats on the bus

If you know when you want to travel from Seoul to Daejeon, it is definitely advantageous to book your bus ticket online in advance.

I mean who doesn’t want to save 10% just because you booked a ticket more than 2 days in advance? I sure do!

In Person

The other option you have is purchasing your bus tickets in person right before departure.

You can easily arrive at the bus station whenever you fancy and purchase a ticket for the next available bus.

This is the perfect option for spontaneous people or people who want to pay with cash.

Just be sure you leave yourself enough time to potentially stand in line to get a ticket. I recommend arriving at the bus station at least 15 minutes before your bus departs if you don’t have a ticket.

Where Does the Bus Depart from in Seoul?

Buses depart from Seoul Express Bus Terminal. There is also a direct bus that departs from Incheon International Airport.

The Express Bus Terminal is located outside of central Seoul and takes about 30 minutes to get to on public transportation.

You should definitely keep that in mind when you’re deciding whether to take the bus or the slow train.

If you can get a slow train that departs from Seoul Station, that is your best option.

Where Does the Bus Arrive at in Daejeon?

Buses from Seoul arrive at Daejeon Express Bus Terminal.

The Express Bus Terminal is located on the eastern side of the city and is a fair distance from central Daejeon.

It takes about 35 minutes to get from Daejeon Express Bus Terminal to Daejeon Station. It takes about 45 minutes to get to Seodaejeon Station.

So it isn’t the most convenient option.

The good news is that there is a metro line that connects the bus terminal to Daejeon Station, so it is super easy to navigate your way from the bus station to central Daejeon.

Pros of Taking the Bus from Seoul to Daejeon

  • Inexpensive
  • There is a direct bus from the airport to Daejeon
  • Very comfortable seats

Cons of Taking the Bus from Seoul to Daejeon

  • Arrival and departure stations (minus Incheon Airport) aren’t all that convenient
  • Similar price and journey time to slow train that offers a departure from Seoul Station
  • Can be delayed due to traffic
Seoul South Korea

Option Four: Flying from Seoul to Daejeon

Your final option is flying from Seoul to Daejeon.

This isn’t a great option, and I don’t really recommend it to anybody. Even people who are flying into Seoul and want to travel directly to Daejeon.

There are a number of reasons I don’t recommend flying:

  • Most expensive option
  • Can take a long time if you don’t have a direct flight
  • Are limited in terms of baggage and liquid
  • Not environmentally friendly
  • Have to travel to and from airports, which takes a long time

How Long Does a Flight from Seoul to Daejeon Take?

Your flight time will vary depending on your layover time. If you have a favourable layover, your trip will take just under 3 hours. Your trip could be a lot longer if you have a longer layover.

You would think there would be a direct flight from Seoul to Daejeon, but they are few and far between.

Most flights require you to fly to Jeju Island then connect to a flight to Daejeon.

It is a bit of a pain.

How Much Does a Plane Ticket from Seoul to Daejeon Cost?

I’m sure you’re well aware of how fickle airline tickets are and how much they vary.

Sometimes you could be lucky and find a flight for less than $100USD, but it is normally more expensive than that.

I’ve even seen flights that are over $300USD!!!

It just isn’t worth the time or price to fly from Seoul to Daejeon when there is a direct bus that departs from the airport.

Where to Purchase Plane Tickets

I normally start searching for flights on Skyscanner.

From there, I go to the airline’s website to see what their price is. If it is a better price, I book with them. If not, I book through the third-party site.

Where Do Flights Depart from in Seoul

Flights depart from both Incheon International Airport and Gimpo Airport.

You’re most likely to find a cheaper flight that departs out of Gimpo rather than Incheon.

But, again, I don’t recommend flying from Seoul to Daejeon.

Where do Flights Arrive at in Daejeon?

Flights arrive at Cheongju Airport.

It is about 30 minutes outside of Daejeon, but there is a direct bus that takes you from the airport to central Daejeon.

It is quite easy to navigate, but it is a pain to have a half hour bus ride into Daejeon from the airport.

Pros of Flying from Seoul to Daejeon

  • None

Cons of Flying from Seoul to Daejeon

  • Expensive
  • Most likely have a connecting flight
  • Long(ish) bus ride from airport to Daejeon after landing
  • Luggage and liquid restrictions
Gyeongbok Palace Seoul, South Korea

Conclusion

I think the best way to travel from Seoul to Daejeon is on the slow train as long as you depart from Seoul Station.

If you can’t get a ticket for a slow train that departs from Seoul Station, I recommend taking the KTX.

The extra money is worth the convenience of not have to spend over half and hour getting to your train or bus station in Seoul and potentially having to get from the bus station into central Daejeon.

If you’re on a really tight budget, can’t afford a KTX ticket, and can’t get a ticket for a slow train departing from Seoul Station, I recommend taking a slow train that departs from the closest station to where you’re staying in Seoul.

I prefer that over the bus because you’ll likely get a train that arrives at Daejeon Station, and you don’t have to worry about getting from the Daejeon Express Bus Terminal to central Daejeon.

No matter how you choose to travel from Seoul to Daejeon, you should definitely considering visiting Daejeon while in South Korea.

It is a super cool city with a great vibe. It also gives you the opportunity to get out of Seoul and experience a different side of South Korea.

Even if you don’t have a ton of time in South Korea, you can easily visit Daejeon on a day trip from Seoul.

It is well worth the trip!

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How to Travel from Busan to Daegu (The Easy Way!)

Let’s discuss how to get from Busan to Daegu!

Busan is located in southern South Korea and is a very popular destination for tourists. Daegu, on the other hand, is located in central South Korea and is less popular amongst tourist.

Daegu is a college town with a really hip vibe and is a great addition to any trip to South Korea. It helps you see a different side of South Korea outside of the main, industrialized cities.

There are many ways to travel from Busan to Daegu. You can travel by high-speed KTX train, take a slow train, ride the bus, and even fly. Each transportation method has its pros and cons, but I personally think taking either the KTX or a bus is the best way to travel from Busan to Daegu.

I’ll go into more depth about why I think the KTX or train is the best option later in the post when I speak about each transportation option individually.

I’ll also go over the pros and cons of each transportation method, so you can make an informed decision and choose the transportation method that suits your budget and travel style best.

Before We Get Started

Planning transportation from one city to the next is one of my most despised travel planning activities. It really isn’t fun at all.

But I love it when a fellow blogger has taken the time to write an in-depth post about transportation options between two cities, and that’s what I want posts like this to be for you the reader.

If you’re travelling around Korea and are looking for in-depth transportation guides, you may want to check out some of the other posts I’ve written on this topic.

I hope they help you plan your trip around beautiful South Korea. It is truly one of my favourite countries in the world!

Busan Gamcheon Culture Village

Option One: Take the KTX from Busan to Daegu

The KTX is an intercity high-speed rail system that travels all across South Korea.

It is one of the most popular ways for tourists and locals alike to travel throughout the country. It is clean, comfortable, and extremely fast.

The downside to the KTX is that it is normally quite a bit more expensive than the slower trains that run across South Korea.

You’re basically paying a premium price for how quickly you’re able to travel from city to city.

How Long is the KTX from Busan to Daegu?

Busan and Daegu are only 131 km apart, so it doesn’t take very long to travel from Busan to Daegu.

It most KTX trains take less than 40 minutes to travel from Busan to Daegu. Some can take up to an hour, but, more often than not, your journey will be in the 35 to 38 minute range.

That’s pretty darn fast!

The short travel time is also the reason where the KTX may not be worth the extra money. There are other options on this list (namely the bus) that take just a few minutes longer to travel from Busan to Daegu but are significantly less expensive than the KTX.

You really need to consider your options before committing to taking the KTX from Busan to Daegu.

The KTX is, of course, still a great option, but it isn’t the right option for everybody.

If this is the only opportunity you’ll have to ride the KTX while in South Korea, it is probably worthwhile to ride it. The KTX is a great experience, so you’ll want to try to ride it at least once when you’re in South Korea.

However, if you have another opportunity to ride the KTX, then you may want to choose a less expensive way to travel from Busan to Daegu.

How Much Does a KTX Ticket Cost?

The price of your KTX ticket depends on whether you’re travelling in first or second class, what time of day you’re travelling, and what season it is.

On average, a KTX ticket from Busan to Daegu will cost 38,000 won or approximately $32 USD.

Where to Purchase KTX Tickets

Tickets can be purchased either online or in person.

Online

You can purchase your KTX tickets online through the Korean Railway website.

The website has a great English translation option and is super user friendly. You wont’ have any issue using the website to purchase your ticket online in advance.

I prefer to purchase my ticket online in advance, so I can ensure I get on the train I want and get a window seat.

KTX trains from Busan to Daegu depart every 20 to 30 minutes, so it isn’t essential to purchase your ticket online in advance if you prefer a more spontaneous trip or don’t know exactly when you’ll be departing Busan.

The KTX website will tell you that you need to print out your ticket and bring it to the train station. I always print my ticket because I normally have easy access to a printer, but I’ve heard of many instances where a person hasn’t printed their ticket and hasn’t had an issue.

If you don’t print your ticket, be sure you have an electronic copy of it stored on your phone. Make sure the entire ticket is visible, and you have the ability to enlarge the ticket to have your code scanned.

It is pretty easy to do with any smart phone, so it, again, shouldn’t be any issue for you. Especially on such a short journey!

In Person

The other option you have is purchasing your ticket in person at the train station either before you depart or the day you depart.

You can either purchase your ticket at a ticket booth manned by a human or at an electronic ticketing machine.

Purchasing your ticket at a ticket booth is a great option if you want to use cash. It is the only option you have if you are planning to buy your KTX ticket with cash.

Whether you choose to purchase your ticket at the ticket booth or at a ticket machine, it is an incredibly simple process.

The ticket machines have English translations, and the employees working at the ticket booths normally speak enough English to assist you.

If their English isn’t strong enough, they will find a coworker who speaks English well enough to help you.

Where Does the KTX Depart from in Busan?

All KTX trains from Busan depart from Busan Station.

Busan Station is the terminal station on the southern part of the Gyeongbu metro line. It is also accessible by many buses as there is a large bus terminal located in the same area.

Because Busan Station is so centrally located, it is extremely easy to navigate your way there even if you have your luggage with you.

Where Does the KTX Arrive at in Daegu?

The KTX arrives at Dongdaegu Station.

Dongdaegu Station is the newest train station in Daegu and is on the eastern side of the city.

It isn’t in Daegu city centre, so you’ll have to take the metro or bus to the city centre.

You can jump on the metro Line 1 right at Dongdaegu Station and arrive in the city centre within a few minutes, so it isn’t difficult to get from the KTX station to the city centre.

Pros of Taking the KTX from Busan to Daegu

  • Clean and comfortable
  • Has lots of luggage storage

Cons of Taking the KTX from Busan to Daegu

  • Expensive
  • Isn’t much quicker than the bus and costs a lot more
Busan, South Korea

Option Two: Taking a Slow Train from Busan to Daegu

The next option is to take a slow train from Busan to Daegu.

This is a nice option because the slow trains are just as comfortable and relaxing as the KTX, but they don’t cost as much.

Slow trains aren’t as modern as KTX trains, but they’re still pretty nice.

Slow trains are the slowest of all the ground transportation options, so they aren’t on the top of my list of the best ways to travel from Busan to Daegu.

But they’re still a good option nonetheless.

How Long Does the Slow Train from Busan to Daegu Take?

A slow, local train takes anywhere from 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The slow train essentially takes an hour longer than the KTX.

Even though it takes an hour longer than the KTX, it doesn’t take that long all things considered.

You can easily take a day trip from Busan to Daegu using a slow train if that is your preference.

How Much Does a Slow Train Ticket Cost?

It is difficult to pinpoint exactly how much a slow train ticket from Busan to Daegu should cost.

There are so many factors that go into it:

  • Time of day
  • Time of year
  • What train company you’re travelling with
  • Whether it is a weekend or not

While I can’t give you a definite price point, you shouldn’t pay more than 25,000 won (approximately $21 USD) for a slow train ticket from Busan to Daegu. In most cases, the ticket will cost about 14,500 won (approximately $12 USD).

As you can see, even the most expensive slow train ticket is considerably less expensive than the average KTX ticket.

Where to Purchase Slow Train Tickets

Your options for purchasing a slow train ticket are the same as purchasing a KTX ticket.

You can either purchase your ticket online through the Korean Rail website or in person at the train station.

Make sure you go back to the KTX ticket section to read my warning about printing tickets if you skimmed over it earlier!

Where Does the Slow Train Depart from in Busan?

The slow train departs from Busan Station.

Busan Station is quite large so be sure to get there a few minutes early, so you can find your train.

There are lots of convenience stores around the station, so you can pick up some snacks and a water before you get on the train!

Where Does the Slow Train Arrive at in Daegu?

You have to be careful when you’re purchasing your slow train ticket from Busan to Daegu.

Trains arrive at either:

  • Daegu Station
  • Dongdaegu Station

As you learnt in the KTX section, Dongdaegu Station is outside of the city centre, and you have to take the metro or a bus to get to the city centre.

Daegu Station, on the other hand, is located in the city centre. You can often walk to where you’re staying without having to worry about taking public transportation.

Pay attention to the arrival station when booking your slow train ticket. Try to book a ticket that ends at Daegu Station rather than Dongdaegu Station.

This will make your journey from the train to your hotel (or Daegu’s tourist sights if you’re only there for the day) much easier.

I always prefer walking rather than taking public transportation, and it is worth it to be diligent when booking your slow train ticket and ensuring it arrives at Daegu Station if at all possible.

Pros of Taking the Slow Train from Busan to Daegu

  • Less expensive than the KTX
  • Clean, comfortable, and relaxing
  • Many slow trains arrive at Daegu Station

Cons of Taking the Slow Train from Busan to Daegu

  • Slower than both the KTX and the bus
Busan, South Korea

Option Three: Taking the Bus from Busan to Daegu

The next option is taking a bus from Busan to Daegu.

This arguably the best option because it is way less expensive than the KTX and only takes about 20 minutes longer.

It is definitely the sweet spot between being cheap and still pretty quick.

I personally recommend taking the bus from Busan to Daegu.

It is by far the best option in my opinion.

How Long Does the Bus from Busan to Daegu Take?

On average, the bus ride from Busan to Daegu takes about an hour.

The length of your journey, of course, depends on traffic and could end up taking a little longer than an hour. Or even a lot longer than an hour if there is a traffic jam, but that is pretty rare.

Buses in South Korea have a dedicated lane, so it is fairly uncommon for them to run too far behind schedule.

It can be slower when driving through the city, but you probably won’t have any delay once you hit the highway.

How Much Does a Bus Ticket Cost?

A bus ticket from Busan to Daegu costs about 12,000 won or approximately $10 USD.

You can sometimes find tickets as low as 9,500 won or approximately $8 USD. These tickets tend to be for the buses that depart at less desirable times like super early in the morning or late at night.

Where to Purchase Bus Tickets

Just like with the KTX and slow trains, you can purchase tickets either online or in person.

Online

You can purchase bus tickets through the Korean Bus website.

Just like the Korea Rail website, it has an English language website and is super user friendly and easy to navigate.

There are a few perks that come with purchasing your bus ticket online:

  • 10% discount if you book your ticket 48 hours or more in advance
  • 10% discount if you purchase a roundtrip ticket
  • 10% discount if you purchase a ticket in one of the back 4 seats on the bus

If you know when you want to travel from Busan to Daegu, it is worth it to purchase your bus ticket online in advance.

I mean who doesn’t want to save a few extra dollars just for being prepared and booking a bus ticket two days in advance?!

I know I sure do!

In Person

The other option you have is to purchase your bus ticket at the bus station in person.

Unlike train stations, the only option you have at the bus station is to purchase your ticket from an employee at the ticket booth.

You don’t have the option of purchasing your ticket at an automated ticket machine.

But, again, purchasing your ticket in person at the station is a great option if you want to pay with cash rather than card.

If you want to purchase your ticket at the bus station, you can purchase it on the day you depart. Just leave yourself enough time before your desired departure time to purchase a ticket.

You may have to wait until the next bus on busy days if you purchase your ticket last minute, but that is pretty uncommon.

Even if you do have to wait for the next bus, they run so often that it isn’t a big deal.

Just go to a cafe near the bus station, grab a drink, and wait half an hour or so.

Where Do Buses Depart from in Busan?

The bus from Busan to Daegu departs from Busan Station.

Yup. No matter what ground transportation option you choose to take, you’ll depart from Busan Station.

That makes it really easy to remember where you’re departing from!

Where Do Buses Arrive at in Daegu?

Buses arrive at either West-daegu Station or East-daegu Station.

The west station is located on the western side of the city. The east station is located on the eastern side of the city near Dongdaegu Station.

No matter what bus station you arrive at, you’ll have to either take a bus or the metro to get into the city centre.

I recommend booking a ticket at arrives at East-daegu Station. It is super easy to catch the metro from the eastern bus station.

Pros of Taking the Bus from Busan to Daegu

  • Inexpensive
  • Doesn’t take much longer than the KTX

Cons of Taking the Bus from Busan to Daegu

  • It drops you off outside the city centre
  • Could be delayed due to traffic
Busan, South Korea

Option Four: Flying from Busan to Daegu

Technically, you can fly from Busan to Daegu, but it isn’t a very good option.

It is more expensive than all of the ground transportation options and takes longer.

You have to get to the airport, check into your flight, go through security, fly to Daegu, then travel from the airport to the city centre.

It just isn’t worth it.

Plus if you don’t book a direct flight, you probably have to stopover in either Jeju or Seoul, and that adds a lot more time to your journey.

I do not recommend flying from Busan to Daegu.

The only time it may be worthwhile is if you land in Busan and are catching a flight to Daegu right away.

Even then it might be more time effective to take a ground transportation option.

Gimhae Airport is fairly close to central Busan, so you can easily take a taxi (very inexpensive) or the metro to Busan Station and grab a train or bus with ease.

I just don’t see the upside to taking a flight from Busan to Daegu and don’t recommend it at all.

If you choose to investigate flying from Busan to Daegu, Skyscanner is the best place to start!

Busan South Korea

Conclusion

As you can tell, there are number of ways you can travel from Busan to Daegu.

My top recommendation is taking the bus from Busan to Daegu. I love that it is super inexpensive and fairly quick.

It is hard to believe that a bus is quicker than the train, but it is!

If you don’t want to take the bus for some reason, I think the next best option is taking the KTX. It is worth the few extra dollars to arrive in Daegu an hour earlier than the slower train.

Finally, the slow train would be my last resort.

And under no circumstance do I recommend flying.

No matter what transportation method you choose, Daegu is a great place to explore after visiting Busan.

You can either spend a few days in the city exploring or you can take a day trip from Busan and hit up the most popular tourist attractions.

Both are great options since Daegu is so close to Busan and it doesn’t take long to travel from Busan to Daegu!

Whether you’re there for a few days or just one, I hope you enjoy Daegu! It is a great way to see a different side of South Korea, and I hope you love it!

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How to Travel from Seoul to Daegu (The Easy Way!)

Let’s talk about South Korean transportation- specifically how to travel from Seoul to Daegu. Spoiler alert: it is really easy!!

Daegu is a really cool college town in Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. It is a fun addition to your South Korean itinerary and lets you see a different side of the country you won’t find in other cities that attract tourists.

You’ll most likely travel from Seoul to Daegu, and lucky for you, it is super easy to travel between the two cities.

There are a number of different ways to travel from Seoul to Daegu, so you can choose the best option for you based on your travel style. You can take a high-speed KTX train, a slower local train, an intercity bus, or a plane. I personally recommend taking the high-speed KTX train. It is not too much more expensive than the slower train and takes half the time to travel from Seoul to Daegu.

The choice is ultimately yours and depends on your travel style, how long you have in Korea, and your budget.

In this post, I’ll cover the different ways you can travel from Seoul to Daegu, break down the pros and cons of each transportation method, and explain more in depth why I recommend the KTX as the best way to travel from Seoul to Daegu.

Before We Get Started

I love writing transportation guides for you!

Trying to figure out how to travel from one city to another is one of my least favourite travel planning tasks, and I always love and appreciate when a fellow blogger has made it really easy for me to learn about how to travel from one city to another all in one place.

And that’s what I hope to do for you!

I have a few other transportation guides for Korea you may want to check out if you’re planning a trip through the country. I hope they help!

Gyeongbok Palace Seoul, South Korea

Option One: Taking the KTX from Seoul to Daegu

The KTX is the name of Korea’s high-speed rail service. KTX trains run all across the country and are my favourite way to travel around South Korea.

They are super fast and get you from point a to point b in no time. KTX trains top out at over 300km per hour, so I’m not exaggerating when I say they’re really, really fast!

The KTX trains are clean, comfortable, and have ample luggage storage room. You really can’t go wrong with booking a KTX train ticket.

How Long Does the KTX from Seoul to Daegu take?

The KTX only takes 1 hour 45 minutes to get from Seoul to Daegu. The slowest train takes closer to 2 hours, but most of the trains are closer to the 1 hour 45 mark than the 2 hour mark.

KTX trains depart from Seoul to Daegu every 20 minutes. The first train leaves at 5:30am and the last around 10pm.

It doesn’t get any more convenient than that!!

How Much Does a KTX Ticket Cost?

KTX trains have both first class and second class seats, so how much you pay for a ticket depends on where you sit.

The price of a ticket varies a little bit depending on when you travel. You’ll typically pay more on a weekend and during peak times and less during off-peak times on weekdays.

Your ticket price will also vary depending on whether you purchase your ticket in advance or purchase it last minute.

On average, you can expect to pay the following for a KTX ticket from Seoul to Daegu:

  • First Class: 48,900 won or approximately $40USD
  • Second Class: 34,900 won or approximately $29 USD

I don’t think you need to purchase a first class ticket for this journey. The ride is so short and the second class cars are some of the most comfortable I’ve ever experienced.

There is a pretty substantial price difference between first class and second class, and I think your money is better spent exploring Daegu than on a first class train ticket.

Where to Purchase KTX Tickets

You can either purchase your KTX tickets online or in person. My preference is to purchase them online, so I don’t have to spend any extra time at the train station standing in line to get tickets.

Online

If you want to purchase tickets online, you simply go the Korean Rail website, search for the route you want, pick a train, and purchase your ticket.

Easy peasy!

The website has an English version, so you don’t have to worry about something getting lost in translation. It is extremely user friendly and easy for tourists to use.

The website tells you to print a copy of your ticket before getting on the train.

I always print my ticket at the hotel or an internet cafe just in case (and I’m a stickler for the rules). That being said, I know many people who have had no issue boarding a KTX train with only an electronic copy of their ticket.

If you are going to use an electronic copy of your ticket, be sure the screenshot you have of your ticket shows the complete ticket, and you’re able to enlarge it to have the QR code scanned.

In Person

The other option you have is purchasing your ticket at the train station.

There are both ticket booths where you can purchase your ticket from a human and ticket machines where you don’t have to interact with a human to buy your ticket.

Buying your ticket in person is a great option if you prefer to use cash rather than your credit card.

Do I Have to Purchase My KTX Ticket in Advance?

Excellent question.

For most routes, I always suggest you purchase your KTX ticket in advance, but this route is a little different.

Since it is such a short journey from Seoul to Daegu and trains depart so frequently, I don’t think it is essential to purchase your ticket ahead of time.

It is still a good idea though!

Purchasing your ticket in advance has a number of benefits:

  • Normally costs a little less than purchasing right before boarding the train
  • More likely to get the departure time you want
  • There are more seat options, so you can choose where you want to sit

That being said, if you’re a spontaneous traveller, taking the KTX from Seoul to Daegu is a great option for you.

There are so many trains that you’re pretty much guaranteed to get on a train that day if you just show up at the station without a plan.

You may have to wait for the next train, but you’ll never have to wait long.

Where Does the KTX Depart from in Seoul?

The only place in Seoul the KTX to Daegu departs from is Seoul Station.

Seoul Station is right in the heart of Seoul so chances are it is pretty close to where you’re staying.

Seoul Station is serviced by the metro and local buses, so you can jump on whatever is most convenient for you and get to the station no problem.

I normally stay in the Myeong-dong area and walk to Seoul Station.

Where Does the KTX Arrive at in Daegu?

The KTX arrives at the Dongdaegu Station.

Dongdaegu Station is the newest train station in Daegu and was built in 2004. It isn’t as central as the Daegu Train Station, but it is still pretty convenient.

Dongdaegu Station is located on the eastern edge of Daegu, so you’ll need to take either a taxi or the metro to get to the heart of Deagu.

Dongdaegu Station is serviced by the number 1 metro line, and you’re able to quickly get to the heart of Deagu from Dongdaegu Station without having to transfer or ride the metro for very long.

Pros of Taking the KTX from Seoul to Daegu

  • Fast
  • Comfortable
  • Lots of luggage storage
  • Runs often

Cons of Taking the KTX from Seoul to Daegu

  • More expensive than taking a slower train or the bus
  • Arrives at Dongdaegu Station and requires you to take the metro into the city
Seoul South Korea

Option Two: Taking a Slow Train from Seoul to Daegu

The next option you have is taking a slow train from Seoul to Daegu.

The slow trains are just as comfortable and clean as the KTX trains, so they are a great option for people who are willing to save a little money and spend a lot longer on the train.

One of the only downsides of the slow train is that they don’t have the same designed luggage storage areas at the KTX trains. You have to either lift your luggage and store it on an overhead rack or store it at your feet.

It normally isn’t an issue, but it can be a problem if you have lots of luggage, heave luggage, or large luggage.

How Long Does the Slow Train from Seoul to Daegu Take?

The slow train takes anywhere from 3 hours and 15 minutes to 4 hours.

It all depends on the type of train you take, how busy the train tracks are, and what time of day you leave.

You can expect to be spending at least 3 and a half hours on a slow train though.

So the slow train takes about twice as long to travel from Seoul to Daegu as the KTX. That makes a big difference if you don’t have a lot of time in South Korea.

How Much Does a Slow Train Ticket Cost?

Again, the cost of a slow train ticket varies quite a lot. It depends on what type of slow train you take, what time of day you’re travelling, and whether you’re travelling on a weekday or weekend.

The cost varies quite a bit, so it is difficult to give you an exact price you can expect to pay.

A slow train ticket from Seoul to Daegu can cost anywhere between 20,000 won and 50,000 won. That is between approximately $17 USD and $42 USD.

That’s a huge price range!

You will probably end up paying a ticket price that is somewhere between that high and low price. Most tickets are probably in the $25-$30 USD range.

As you can see from those prices, the slow train costs basically the same as the KTX. It doesn’t make sense to me to pay the same price and spend twice the amount of time on the train.

It doesn’t seem like a good deal to me. In most cases, slow trains are substantially cheaper than their high-speed counterparts, and you can justify spending a lot longer on the train because you’re saving so much money.

That isn’t the case in this situation, and it doesn’t quite make sense to me why the slow train tickets are so expensive.

Where to Purchase Slow Train Tickets

The process for purchasing slow train tickets is exactly the same as purchasing KTX tickets.

You have the option of either purchasing tickets online through the Korean Rail website or in person at the train station.

Please be cautious of third-party sites that sell train tickets. They often charge you a lot more than the official Korean Rail website.

Where Does the Slow Train Depart from in Seoul?

There are a number of different stations your slow train could depart from in Seoul. It depends on what type of train you take.

The most common station for slow trains from Seoul to Daegu to depart from is Seoul Station.

That’s excellent news for you as a tourist because Seoul Station is super easy to get to and centrally located.

Other train stations you may depart from are:

  • Yeongdeungpo Station
  • Suseo Station
  • Yongsan Station

These three train stations are located outside of central Seoul and require you to take the metro or a bus to get to them.

If possible, you’ll want to book a ticket for a train departing from Seoul Station.

This will simplify your entire journey. You won’t have to spend ages on the metro or bus trying to get to the train station and then spend another 3 and a half to 4 hours on the train.

If you think I’m being dramatic about how long it can take to get to the train station if you’re not departing from Seoul Station, I have an example for you!

It takes about an hour to travel from central Seoul (where you’ll probably be staying) to Suseo Station.

That’s a heck of a long time to spend on buses (you’ll have to transfer buses as there is no direct route from central Seoul to Suseo Station) for a relatively short train ride.

It is worth it to spend a few extra dollars to depart from Seoul Station and not have to deal with getting to another train station.

Where Does the Slow Train Arrive at in Daegu?

As mentioned above in the KTX section, there are two train stations in Daegu:

  • Daegu Station
  • Dongdaegu Station

Some slow trains arrive at Daegu Station and others arrive at Dongdaegu Station. Some trains stop at both stations.

Pay attention to the arrival station when you book your ticket and try to book at ticket that stops at Daegu Station.

It is ideal to book a ticket that stops at Daegu Station since it is the centre of the city, and you can probably walk to where you’re staying.

Pros of Taking the Slow Train from Seoul to Daegu

  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Many trains arrive at Daegu Station

Cons of Taking the Slow Train from Seoul to Daegu

  • Twice as long as the KTX
  • Cost the same at the KTX
  • May depart from an inconvenient train station
Gyeongbokgung Palace Seoul

Option Three: Taking the Bus from Seoul to Daegu

The third option you have is to take the bus.

There is a direct bus from Seoul to Daegu, so it is a convenient alternative to taking the train.

Buses in Korea are quite nice. They are coach buses, so you get to store your luggage under the bus and not have to worry about it while you’re travelling from one city to the next.

The buses are also quite comfortable. They are modern and have reclining seats and foot rests. There are also curtains, so you can block the sun if it is too bright or hot.

All in all, the bus isn’t a bad option. It takes longer than the KTX or slow train, but it is still a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

How Long Does the Bus from Seoul to Daegu Take?

The bus ride from Seoul to Daegu takes about 4 hours.

Your travel time will, of course, depend on whether there are any traffic jams or not. Buses in Korea have a dedicated lane on the highway, so it is unlikely you will be delayed long due to traffic, but it is still a possibility.

I always recommend you give yourself a time buffer when you’re taking the bus. Don’t book anything within an hour of when you’re supposed to arrive in Daegu. This gives you ample time to get to where you need to go just in case there is a delay.

How Much Does a Bus Ticket Cost?

Bus tickets from Seoul to Daegu cost between 17,000 won and 32,500 won. That is approximately $17 USD to $27 USD.

The bus is by far the least expensive way to travel to Daegu from Seoul.

Where to Purchase Bus Tickets

Just like the KTX and slow train, you can either purchase your tickets online or at the bus station.

Online

You can purchase your bus ticket online in advance through the Korean Bus website.

The website is super user friendly and has an English option.

There are a number of advantages to booking your bus ticket online:

  • 10% discount if you book 48 hours or more in advance
  • 10% discount if you purchase a roundtrip ticket
  • 10% discount if you book one of the back 4 seats on the bus

If you know when you want to travel from Seoul to Daegu, it pays to book your bus ticket online in advance.

Who doesn’t want to save 10% just by booking a ticket 2 days in advance?! I sure do!

In Person

You also have the option of purchasing your bus tickets at the bus station on the day of departure.

This is a great option for spontaneous people who want to show up at the station and jump on the next bus.

Unlike the KTX and train, there isn’t the option to use a ticketing machine to purchase a ticket. You have to purchase your ticket from a person.

It isn’t an issue, but you’ll want to get to the station 10-15 minutes earlier than normal just in case there is a line to purchase tickets.

Where Does the Bus Depart from in Seoul?

The departure station depends on whether you’re taking an express train or an intercity bus.

Buses from Seoul to Daegu depart from these bus stations:

  • Seoul Express Bus Terminal
  • Dong-Seoul Station

A word of caution if your bus departs from Seoul Express Bus Terminal, be sure you’re at the right terminal. There is another bus station called Gangnam Bus Terminal right across the street. That is not the bus station you depart from.

Both Seoul Express Bus Station and Dong-Seoul Station aren’t located in central Seoul, so you’ll have to take public transportation to get to them.

The express bus terminal is further outside central Seoul than Dong-Seoul Station, but neither are terribly convenient to get to.

Incheon International Airport

There is a direct bus from Incheon International Airport to Daegu.

It is quite convenient for people who are flying into Seoul and heading directly to Daegu who don’t want to fly.

Where Does the Bus Arrive at in Daegu?

The bus arrives at either East-daegu Station or West-daegu Station.

Your arrival station will depend on the bus ticket you booked. If there is a specific terminal you want to arrive at, pay attention to that

Both bus stations are located outside the city centre, and you’ll have to take a different bus to get into central Daegu.

Pros of Taking the Bus from Seoul to Daegu

  • Cheapest option
  • Can depart directly from Incheon International Airport
  • Luggage is stored under the bus

Cons of Taking the Bus from Seoul to Daegu

  • Bus stations in both Seoul and Daegu are located outside the city centre
  • Takes 4 hours
A Complete Guide to Gyeongbokgung Palace

Option Four: Flying from Seoul to Daegu

The final option you have is to fly from Seoul to Daegu.

I don’t really recommend this option unless you’re flying into Seoul and immediately flying to Daegu. Even in that case, it might be more time effect to take the bus from Incheon International Airport.

You have to take into consideration the time it takes to check into your flight, get through security, and wait around until your flight boards.

Once you take all of that into consideration, the bus from the airport to Daegu may end up being faster.

How Long is the Flight from Seoul to Daegu?

The length of your flight depends on whether you book a direct flight or a flight with a connection.

There aren’t too many direct flights from Seoul to Daegu, and whether or not you’re able to book a direct flight depends on what time of day you want to fly.

Most direct flights from Seoul to Daegu leave before 8am or after 6pm.

You can also book an indirect flight. Most indirect flights connect either through Jeju or Busan.

They are more expensive and take longer (duh!).

On average, you can expect a direct flight from Seoul to Daegu to take 1 hour and 10 minutes. An indirect flight normally takes 2 hours and 40 minutes but can be much longer if you have a longer layover.

How Much Does a Plane Ticket Cost?

I doubt you’re surprised to hear that it is very difficult to give you the price of a plane ticket from Seoul to Daegu.

It depends on so many factors.

  • What time of year you’re travelling
  • What time of day you’re departing
  • Whether you have a direct flight or not
  • What day of the week you’re travelling
  • Whether you’re sitting in economy or business class
  • Whether you booked a one-way flight or round-trip flight

So. Many. Factors!

You can expect to pay $39 USD for a one-way direct flight from Seoul to Daegu. The prices go up from there.

Where to Purchase Plane Tickets

I recommend booking your plane tickets either through your favourite third-party booking site or directly through the airline.

My strategy is to use Skyscanner to get an idea of the flights available and the cost then go to the airline’s website to compare prices.

A lot of the time the prices on the airline’s website are similar or even less expensive than the third-party site.

It is worth it to spend 15-30 minutes looking at different sites to find the best price.

You should also do your research on the third-party site before you purchase from them. Some third-party sites have a terrible reputation, and you don’t want to risk losing your money just to save $3 and book the cheapest ticket.

There needs to be a balance between an inexpensive fare and a reputable website.

Where Do Flights Depart from in Seoul?

Flights depart from both Incheon International Airport and Gimpo Airport.

You’ll probably find better fares if you fly out of Gimpo Airport, but then you would have to take the metro from Incheon International Airport (where most people land in Seoul) to Gimpo.

In that case, it is 100% worth it to take the bus from Incheon International Airport to Daegu.

Where Do Flights Arrive at in Daegu?

All flights from Seoul arrive at Daegu International Airport.

Daegu International Airport is located very close to Daegu city centre, so it is quite easy to travel from the airport to the city.

You can take the metro, and it takes about 10 minutes. You can also take a taxi or Uber, and it takes about 5 minutes.

It is always a nice treat when an airport is super close to the city, and you don’t have to spend over an hour getting from the airport to the city. I love it!

Pros of Flying from Seoul to Daegu

  • Convenient if you’re arriving in South Korea at Incheon International Airport and want to go directly to Daegu
  • Daegu International Airport is very close to Daegu city centre

Cons of Flying from Seoul to Daegu

  • The most expensive option
  • The longest option if you take into account the time it takes to check into flight, go through security, fly, and then get to Daegu city centre
Changing of the Guards at Gyeongbokgung Palace Seoul Korea 5 Free Things to do in Seoul

My Recommendation

I think the KTX is the best way to travel from Seoul to Daegu. It is quick, convenient, and fairly priced.

I often waver between recommending the high-speed train or the slow train because there is such a difference in price, but that isn’t the case with this journey.

The slow train costs basically the same as the KTX and twice as long, so there is no advantage to choosing that method of transportation.

Plus the KTX departs from Seoul Station, and you can’t beat the convenience of that!

All around, it is hard to beat the KTX when planning a trip from Seoul to Daegu. I always take the KTX and don’t anticipate that changing anytime soon.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many different ways you can travel from Seoul to Daegu. You can travel by high-speed train, slow train, bus, or plane.

It really depends on your travel style and what your needs are.

I think the KTX is the best option, but you may have another opinion. That’s the beauty of travel- it is so individual and we all have different experiences.

No matter how you choose to travel from Seoul to Daegu, you won’t regret visiting Daegu. It is a beautiful and interesting city! It is so different than Seoul and is a great place to explore to learn more about Korean culture outside of the capital.

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How to Travel from Seoul to Busan (The Easy Way!)

Seoul and Busan are the two most popular cities for tourists to visit in South Korea. Lucky for travellers, it is super easy to travel from Seoul to Busan!

The easiest and most popular way to travel from Seoul to Busan is on the KTX high-speed train. You can also take a slower train, a bus, or fly from Seoul to Busan. No matter which transportation method you choose, it is really easy and straightforward to travel between Seoul and Busan.

My personal preference is to take the KTX. It is the quickest, most convenient, and, in my opinion, funnest way to travel from Seoul to Busan.

But this is your decision to make, so I’m going to cover all the different ways you can travel from Seoul to Busan, so you can choose the best option for you!

I’ll also break down the pros and cons of each transportation method to help you make your decision.

Before we get into the different transportation methods, I wanted to let you know I have a blog post about how to travel from Seoul to Gyeongju in case you’re making that journey while you’re in South Korea. And an in-depth 3-day Gyeongju itinerary you may find helpful!

Gyeongbokgung Palace Seoul

Option One: Taking the KTX from Seoul to Busan

The KTX is my favourite way to travel throughout Korea. The KTX is a network of high-speed trains that zip you across the country in no time at all.

The best part about the KTX trains is that they are super clean, comfortable, and have lots of luggage storage space.

I always have tons of Korean skincare in my luggage, so I’m always thankful to board a KTX train and know I don’t have to muster the strength to lift my bag onto an overhead rack. I can store it in the luggage storage area at the back of every car and forget about it until I get off the train.

KTX trains leave Seoul once or twice per hour and are direct! No transferring from one train to another required.

How Long Does the KTX from Seoul to Busan Take?

It takes just under three hours to travel from Seoul to Busan on the KTX. That’s pretty darn fast considering the distance between Seoul and Busan is 329km.

How Much Does a KTX Ticket Cost?

The cost of a KTX ticket depends on when you’re travelling. Your ticket will cost more if you’re travelling during the weekend and the busy season. And much less expensive if you travel on a weekday during off-peak times.

In general, you can expect a one-way ticket from Seoul to Busan on the KTX to cost between 53,000 won and 60,000 won. That is approximately $44 to $50 USD.

You can also get a return ticket, and it costs 120,000 won or $100 USD.

Where to Purchase KTX Tickets

Online

I always purchase my KTX tickets online through the Korean Rail website.

There is an English version of the website, and it is really easy and straightforward to use.

The website tells you to print a copy of your ticket before getting on the KTX. I always print my ticket just to be safe, but I’ve had lots of friends just screenshot their ticket on their phone rather than print it out. They’ve never had anybody take issue with them doing that.

I recommend printing a copy of your ticket just to be safe, but I wouldn’t stress too much about it if you don’t have access to a printer.

You are able to purchase your tickets up to a month in advance, so you’ll be able to print your ticket before you get to Korea if you book far enough in advance.

You normally don’t have to purchase your ticket more than a couple of days in advance, but if you’re travelling on a Korean bank holiday, you’ll want to book as far in advance as possible. Tickets on bank holidays sell out really quickly!

In Person

The other option for purchasing KTX tickets is to go to the station and purchase a ticket there.

You can either purchase a ticket from a ticket agent at the counter or at one of the ticket machines throughout the train station.

I don’t recommend purchasing your ticket at the train station rather than online. If you’re a last-minute traveller and enjoy being spontaneous, then purchasing a KTX ticket at the station may be the right move for you.

But I personally think online is the better option for most travellers. It saves you having to make a trip to the train station to buy your ticket in advance, the online system is super easy to use, and it is really easy to select a seat using the online reservation system.

It just seems like a little bit of a waste of your time, and you could spend that extra time exploring all the beautiful things Seoul has to offer like Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Where Does the KTX Depart from in Seoul?

You can catch a KTX train from Seoul to Busan at either Seoul Station or Yongsan Station.

If you’re a tourist, you’ll probably want to get on the train at Seoul Station. It is much more central than Yongsan Station but pick whatever station is closest to where you’re staying in Seoul.

You can get to both Seoul Station and Yongsan Station by metro and bus, so they’re pretty accessible and easy to get to no matter where you’re staying.

I always try to either walk or take the metro when I have my luggage with me. It is a bit awkward to navigate taking your bags on a public bus. Especially if it is during rush hour!

Where Does the KTX Arrive at in Busan?

The KTX train arrives at Busan Station. Busan Station is super central, so it is really easy to get from the train station to wherever you’re staying in Busan.

You can jump on the metro right at Busan Station, and Seomyeon Station (the most popular district in Busan for tourists to stay) is just seven stops away.

Pros of Taking the KTX from Seoul to Busan

  • Very quick compared to other options
  • Comfortable
  • Great luggage storage options

Cons of Taking the KTX from Seoul to Busan

  • Expensive
Busan Gamcheon Culture Village

Option Two: Taking a Slow Train from Seoul to Busan

The next option is taking a slow train from Seoul to Busan. They have some of the benefits of KTX trains like being clean and comfortable, but they are really slow compared to KTX trains.

There are three different types of slow trains that travel from Seoul to Busan:

  • ITX
  • SRT
  • Mugunghwa

These trains may be slower than the KTX, but they are more affordable. They’re a great option for travellers who are on a tight budget and aren’t in a rush to get from Seoul to Busan.

How Long Does the Slow Train from Seoul to Busan Take?

The length of your journey depends on which slow train you choose to take. The trains have the following journey times:

  • ITX: 4.5 hours
  • SRT: 2.5 hours
  • Mugunghwa: 5.5 hours

How Much Does a Slow Train Ticket Cost?

This, again, depends on what type of slow train you’re taking. An average ticket for each train costs:

  • ITX: 42,000 won or approximately $35 USD
  • SRT: 52,000 won or approximately $43 USD
  • Mugunghwa: 28,000 won or approximately $23 USD

You can see that there is a direct correlation between the journey length and the ticket price.

The shorter the journey, the more expensive the ticket. The longer the journey, the less expensive the ticket.

Where to Purchase Slow Train Tickets

The process for purchasing slow train tickets is exactly the same as purchasing KTX tickets.

You can purchase your tickets online through the Korean Railway website or in person at any train station.

It is less important that you purchase slow train tickets in advance as they don’t tend to sell out as quickly as KTX tickets do.

I still recommend purchasing your slow train tickets a day or two in advance just to be safe though. Plus you’ll want to make sure you get the type of seat you want (either window or isle).

Slow trains tend to run less frequently than KTX trains, so you won’t have as many departure times to choose from.

If you have a specific time you want to leave Seoul or arrive in Busan, be sure to book in advance just in case the specific train you want to catch is a popular choice.

Where Do Slow Trains Depart from in Seoul?

You shouldn’t be surprised to hear that where you catch the slow train from Seoul to Busan depends on what type of slow train you take.

ITX

You can catch the ITX at either Seoul Station or Yeongdeungpo Station.

Yeongdeungpo Station is located across the river from downtown Seoul near Gimpo Airport, so you probably won’t be catching the ITX from this station. But it is a great option if you’re landing in Gimpo Airport and travelling directly to Busan without going into downtown Seoul.

For the average traveller, you’ll catch the ITX from Seoul to Busan at Seoul Station, which is easy to get to by metro, bus, or on foot. Again, just be cautious of taking luggage on public buses.

You’ll probably want to avoid doing that if at all possible and take the metro instead.

SRT

The SRT is the quickest of the slower trains and is the most comparable to the KTX. It is a fairly quick train and quite an enjoyable ride.

One of the major downsides to taking the SRT is that it only departs from Suseo Station.

Like Yeongdeungpo Station, Suseo Station is located across the river and a fair ways away from downtown Seoul. It is about an hour on public transportation from Seoul Station to Suseo Station to give you an idea of how far away it is.

I wouldn’t recommend you take this train unless you’re staying in either the Jamsil area or Gangnam area.

If you’re not staying in either of those two areas, you’re better off choosing a different mode of transportation to travel from Seoul to Busan.

It simply isn’t worth the time and effort to get to Suseo Station from the heart of Seoul.

Mungunghwa

The Mungunghwa train departs from Yongsan Station.

Yongsan Station is a little ways outside of downtown Seoul, but it is only a 12-15 minute metro ride from Seoul Station. So it isn’t too far out of the way if this is the train you choose to take.

The Mungunghwa train is the slowest train of them all, but it offers stunning views of the Korean countryside that you won’t get to enjoy on a faster train because you’re speeding past it.

The scenery probably isn’t worth the extra 2-3 hours on a train, but it is a nice way to put a positive spin on a long train ride if this is the train you end up choosing.

The train has a cafe in case you get hungry, but I would bring some snacks and water just in case there isn’t anything at the cafe that suits your taste buds.

A word of caution. I don’t suggest buying a non-reserved standing room ticket. These tickets allow you to sit in a seat if one is open, but you’re stuck with standing if there isn’t a seat. Your legs will hate you if you’re forced to stand for the entire 5.5 hour train ride!

It is worth the little bit more money to purchase a ticket with a reserved seat.

Where Do the Slow Trains Arrive at in Busan?

I’m switching things up here.

All the slow trains arrive at Busan Station!

This makes it super easy to navigate your way to where you’re staying. The metro station is there as well as a major bus terminal. Plus taxi’s are super affordable in South Korea if you’re not in the mood to take public transportation after your long journey from Seoul to Busan.

But I recommend using the metro to get to where you need to go. It is super easy to use, really affordable, and pretty hard to get lost on because there is only one line at Busan Station.

Pros of Taking a Slow Train from Seoul to Busan

  • Less expensive than the KTX
  • Comfortable
  • Clean

Cons of Taking a Slow Train from Seoul to Busan

  • The journey is quite a bit longer than the KTX
  • Some of the train stations slow trains depart from in Seoul are out of the way and a hassle to get to
  • Some slow trains don’t have good luggage storage, and you have to lift your suitcase overhead to store or keep it at your feet
A Complete Guide to Gyeongbokgung Palace

Option Three: Taking the Bus from Seoul to Busan

The third option is to take the bus from Seoul to Busan.

The buses are actually quite nice. They’re large coach-style buses where you store your luggage under the bus and then have a nice, comfortable seat on the bus. There are also shades on the windows you can close if the sun is shining in your eyes.

I actually quite enjoy the journey when I take buses in South Korea.

How Long Does the Bus Ride from Seoul to Busan Take?

The bus ride takes about 4 hours. The actual length of your journey depends on the traffic.

Traffic in South Korea can get quite congested, so it isn’t unheard of for buses to get caught in a traffic jam and arrive at their destinations later than planned.

The good news is that buses often have a dedicated lane, so your chances of being stuck in traffic is much lower than if you were in a car.

Just to be safe, you shouldn’t plan any events or outings right when you’re scheduled to arrive in Busan just in case you encounter traffic.

Give yourself a window of 30-60 minutes just in case your bus is delayed.

How Much Does a Bus Ticket Cost?

The price of your ticket alters slightly based on what bus you end up taking. There are a number of different types of buses, but they are all priced within a dollar or two of each other. So it doesn’t really matter which bus you end up taking.

You can expect your bus ticket to cost between 23,000 won and 37,000 won. That equates to approximately $19 to $30 USD.

Most of the buses are around the 23,000 won to 25,000 won range ($19 to $20 USD) though. It is the premium buses with luxurious lie down seats that are on the more expensive end of the spectrum.

There are also night buses from Seoul to Busan. The prices for these buses range from 25,000 won to 42,000 won. That is approximately $21 to $35 USD.

Buses depart multiple times per hour, so it is pretty easy to find an affordable bus that fits your schedule.

Where to Purchase Bus Tickets

There are two ways to purchase a bus ticket. You can purchase a ticket online or in person.

You can’t go wrong with either option. They’re both super easy to navigate!

Online

You can purchase your ticket online through the Korean Bus website. There is an English version, and it is quick and easy to navigate.

It is great because it lets you see the price and departure time of each bus, so you’re able to make an informed decision of what bus to get on.

You’ll be able to easily choose the cheapest bus, buy a ticket, and show up at the station ready to start your journey from Seoul to Busan.

In Person

The other option is to purchase a ticket in person at the bus station.

You can easily show up at the bus station the day you want to travel from Seoul to Busan and purchase a ticket for the next available bus.

There are normally three buses departing every hour, so you won’t have to wait long to get on the next bus!

Just be sure to inquire about pricing if you’re quoted a higher than average price. It may be worthwhile to wait a little bit longer and get on a less expensive bus that departs at a later time.

Where Does the Bus Depart from in Seoul?

All the buses depart from Seoul Gyeongbu Bus Station. It is also commonly referred to at the Seoul Express Bus Station.

Seoul Gyeongbu Bus Station is located across the river from downtown Seoul. It takes about 30 minutes on public transportation to get from Seoul Station to Seoul Gyeongbu Bus Station.

It is kind of out of the way, but you have no other choice if you want to take the bus from Seoul to Busan.

Where Does the Bus Arrive at in Busan?

Are you surprised to hear that the bus arrives at Busan Station?

That’s right! Just like all the train options, the bus arrives at Busan Station as well. Busan Station is the main transportation hub in Busan, so it is no surprise that everything arrives and departs out of it.

Just jump on the metro, and you’ll quickly arrive at your hotel! You probably won’t even need to transfer metro lines!

You gotta love when it is as easy as that!

Pros of Taking the Bus from Seoul to Busan

  • Comfortable seats
  • Luggage storage under the bus, so you don’t have to fuss with your luggage
  • Is the least expensive way to travel from Seoul to Busan
  • Can purchase last-minute tickets without worrying about it being sold out

Cons of Taking the Bus from Seoul to Busan

  • Longer than the KTX and most of the slow trains
  • The bus station is a ways out of downtown Seoul
  • Can be delayed if there is traffic
  • Unable to get up and stretch your legs like you can on a train
Seoul South Korea

Option Four: Flying from Seoul to Busan

The final option you have to travel from Seoul to Busan is by flying.

It wouldn’t be my first choice because you have to leave enough time to travel to the airport, check in, go through security, and be at your gate a few minutes before it starts boarding.

Plus you have to deal with the packing restraints of not being able to carry on liquids and don’t have as much luggage flexibility as you do on the KTX, slow train, or bus.

How Long is the Flight from Seoul to Busan?

The upside of flying is that the flight from Seoul to Busan is only an hour, so the travel time is much shorter than taking a train or bus.

But once you factor in the time it takes to check in and go through security, the amount of time it takes to get from Seoul to Busan is pretty much the same as taking the KTX or one of the faster slow trains.

How Much Does a Plane Ticket Cost?

Anybody who has every booked a plane tickets knows there are countless variables that go into how much you pay. It depends on the time of year, day of the week, time of day, what airline you fly, and who you purchase your ticket from.

It is quite difficult to give you an estimate of how much a plane ticket from Seoul to Busan will cost given there are so many factors that go into deciding the price.

You can get a really inexpensive plane ticket if you’re lucky and book on the right day at the right time.

In some instances, a plane ticket can cost less than a KTX ticket!

I wouldn’t go into booking a plane ticket from Seoul to Busan an expect it to be less expensive than the KTX though.

Set the expectation that a plane ticket will cost more than a KTX ticket, and you can be pleasantly surprised if it ends up being less expensive!

Where to Purchase Plane Tickets

You can purchase your plane ticket through your favourite third-party website or through the airline’s website directly.

I personally enjoy using Skyscanner to get an idea of the flight time and prices and then going to the airline’s website to find their price then to third-party websites. I keep searching around until I think I’ve found the best price.

Some third-party websites don’t have a great reputation so be sure to look into that as well before booking your flight.

I’ve found that in most cases the airline has either the lowest price or has a price that is very similar to the cheapest third-party website.

Where Do Flights Depart from in Seoul?

Gimpo Airport

A lot of tourists don’t know about Gimpo Airport when they fly into Seoul, but it is the ideal airport to fly out of when travelling from Seoul to Busan.

It always has cheaper flights than Incheon International Airport. It is also much closer to downtown Seoul and is quicker to get to on the metro, bus, or taxi.

I highly recommend you use Gimpo Airport to fly from Seoul to Busan.

Incheon International Airport

The other option you have is flying out of Incheon International Airport. Incheon is probably the airport you’ll fly into if you’re arriving in Seoul from another country, so you’re most likely aware of it.

I don’t recommend flying from Seoul to Busan via Incheon International Airport.

Flights will be significantly more expensive than Gimpo Airport, and the Incheon Airport is much further from downtown Seoul and takes a while to get to via public transportation.

The only exception to my recommendation to not fly out of Incehon International Airport is if you’re landing at the airport and then getting a flight to Busan the same day.

Even in that case, it might be better to fly out of Gimpo.

The two airports are connected by the metro, so it is super easy to get to Incheon International Airport to Gimpo Airport assuming you have enough time between flights.

Where Do Flights Arrive at in Busan?

Flights from both Incheon International Airport and Gimpo Airport arrive at Busan International Airport (Gimhae).

The airport in Busan is quite close to downtown Busan, so it is convenient and easy to get to wherever you’re staying.

You can take the metro or bus if you want to use public transportation, but I recommend taking a taxi.

A taxi from Busan International Airport (Gimhae) to downtown Busan will cost you less than $20 USD and is much quicker than taking public transportation.

You will have to transfer at least once if you take public transportation and then walk from the metro station to your hotel.

A taxi is worth the little bit of money for the ease of not having to navigate the public transportation system- especially if you have multiple people in your group.

I’m not suggesting that the public transportation system in Busan is difficult to use by any means!

It is actually really easy to use. I just think it is worth the extra money to save some time and effort by taking a taxi.

Pros of Flying from Seoul to Busan

  • Clean and comfortable
  • Flight is fast
  • Can be very affordable

Cons of Flying from Seoul to Busan

  • You have to deal with all the hassles that come along with flying
  • It isn’t great for the environment
  • The departure and arrival points aren’t as convenient as the KTX
Busan South Korea

Conclusion

As you can tell, it is super easy to travel from Seoul to Busan, and you have many different transportation options to choose from.

There really is an option that fits everybody no matter what your budget or travel style!

I personally opt for the KTX. To me, it is worth the extra price to travel by high-speed train and arrive in Busan as quickly as possible. I also like that the KTX departs from Seoul Station. It is so convenient!

No matter what transportation method you choose, your journey from Seoul to Busan will be comfortable. Every train, bus, and plane is clean and comfortable, so you’ll enjoy your ride.

One final note before you plan your journey from Seoul to Busan:

Trains, buses, and planes depart on time and don’t tend to run late. You’ll want to arrive at the train station, bus station, or airport early enough to allow you to get to where you are departing from 10 to 15 minutes before you’re supposed to leave.

You’ll most likely be left behind if you’re running late!

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How to Travel from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei

If you fly into Taipei, you’re going to need to figure out how to get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei city. It isn’t difficult to travel from the Taoyuan to Taipei, but it definitely isn’t something you want to figure out once you land.

You’ll be tired after your flight to Taiwan, so it is a good think you’re reading this before you get to Taipei, so you already have a plan on how to get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei.

There are many different ways to travel from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei. You can take the MRT, bus, airport transfer, taxi, or high-speed train. Every transportation method has its pros and cons, but for the average traveler, taking the MRT is your best option. It is the fastest and easiest to travel from Taoyuan Airport to downtown Taipei.

I normally let the reader choose the best transportation option for them when I write a transportation guide like this one. In this post I’m taking a different approach and listing the transportation methods from best to worst.

This is one of the rare occasions where I genuinely believe there is a big enough difference between the transportation methods that I wouldn’t be doing you a favour by not ranking them.

But, of course, the final decision is up to you and what works best for you and your travel style and budget!

Other Taiwan Transportation Guides

Before we get into the nitty gritting and determining the best way to travel from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei, I wanted to leave the links to other Taiwan transportation guides I’ve written.

They’ll help you easily plan your inter-city transportation when in Taiwan!

Taipei 101

Option 1: Take the MRT from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei

The MRT is the quickest and easiest way to travel from Taoyuan Airport to downtown Taipei.

There are two different MRT options from Taoyuan to Taipei. The express train and the commuter train. It is ideal to take the express train because it takes nearly half the time as the express to get to Taipei Main Station.

The express train takes between 35 and 38 minutes depending on whether you’re getting on at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, and the commuter train takes approximately 50 minutes.

The express train only makes three stops once it leaves the airport whereas the commuter train stops at 10 stations.

Quick Facts About the MRT

  • Both the commuter and express trains arrive at Taoyuan Airport every 15 minutes
  • The ride costs 160 NT (or approximately $5 USD), and you can purchase your ticket at a ticket booth manned by an employee or a ticket machine. You can only pay with cash if you’re purchasing a ticket at the booth rather than the machine.
  • Both the commuter and express trains have luggage storage areas, but the express MRT has significantly more storage.
  • All MRT stations have wireless internet you can connect to (there is not wireless on the MRT)
  • The express train has wireless charging capabilities, but the commuter does not.

Why is the MRT the Best Way to Travel from Taoyuan to Taipei?

The MRT is the best method to travel from Taoyuan Airport to downtown Taipei because it is affordable and super easy for tourists to get from the airport to downtown Taipei.

It is fool proof. You simply get on the MRT at the airport and get off at Taipei Main Station.

Taipei Main Station is the biggest train station in Taipei, so you’ll easily be able to find your way to your accommodation once you’re at Taipei Main Station.

Buy your Taoyuan Airport MRT ticket online in advance to save time when you arrive in Taipei. You also save some money by purchasing it in advance!

National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

Option 2: Taking the Bus from Taoyuan to Downtown Taipei

The next option is taking the bus from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei. It is the second most popular way to travel from the airport to Taipei.

The bus station is just a short walk from the arrivals hall, so it is really easy and convenient to get it.

In some instances, it may even be a shorter walk to the bus station than it is to the MRT!

The bus is the most affordable way to travel from Taoyuan to Taipei. A bus ticket costs only 125 NT or approximately $4.25 USD.

It is definitely the best option for people who are traveling on a budget and don’t have a lot of luggage with them.

You’ll want to know what bus you need to take before you arrive at the bus station. It was suck to get on the wrong bus, end up somewhere you weren’t expecting to, and then try to figure out how to get to your accommodation.

The two buses that drop you near Taipei Main Station are 1819 and 1961. The 1819 runs 24/7 and will be your only option to downtown Taipei from midnight to 6am.

The bus fare is slightly higher during the middle of the night so be sure to keep that in mind when you’re planning how you want to get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei.

Quick Facts About the Bus

  • You’ll need to have cash to pay for your bus ticket if you don’t have a transportation card. If it is your first time in Taiwan, you probably won’t have a transportation card (but you should get one) when you land so be sure you have enough cash to pay for the bus
  • The bus ride takes approximately 50 minutes, so it is quite a bit longer than the express MRT. You could be stuck on the bus a lot longer than that if there is a traffic jam though!
  • Bus in Taiwan are normally freezing cold so you’ll want to have a scarf or something like that to cover your arms and stay warm

Book your Taoyuan Airport bus ticket online in advance

Why is the Bus the Second Best Way to Travel from Taoyuan to Taipei?

I think the bus is the second best way to travel from the airport to Taipei beucase:

a) it is the cheapest option available and

b) the bus station is basically connected to the airport, so it is extremely convenient

The downside is, of course, that the bus takes significantly longer than the MRT. But if you’re adamant that you don’t want to take the MRT, then the bus is probably the best option for you.

Taipei, Taiwan

Option 3: Taking an Airport Transfer from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei

An airport transfer is the perfect option for people who are:

  • Traveling with a larger group
  • Have a lot of luggage
  • Get motion sick on public transportation
  • Aren’t on a ticket budget and want a more luxurious transportation option

It is a service that you pre-book (and pre-pay for), and you’re picked up at the airport by a driver and driven to the front door of your hotel.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the scene from the movies where there is a person waiting for you at the airport holding a sign with your name on it, this is the option for you!

The best part of an airport transfer is that it is slightly less expensive than a taxi ride!

That’s absolutely incredible deal and is a pretty good value for your money. Especially if you aren’t interested in taking public transportation.

The only downside to an airport transfer is the need to book it ahead of time, but it isn’t really an issue. Its not like you don’t know that you’re flying to Taipei at least a day or two in advance!

Quick Facts About the Airport Transfer

  • A regular airport transfer costs about 800 NT (or approximately $27 USD)
  • A luxury airport transfer costs about 1,200 NT (or approximately $34 USD)
  • There is a small surcharge of a few hundred New Taiwan Dollars if you arrive late in the night or in the early morning hours, but it isn’t more than a couple of US dollars
  • You can book your airport transfers here
  • A regular airport transfer can hold 4 people and a luxury one can hold 8
  • All of the cars/drivers have insurance, so you’re covered in case there is an accident

Book your Taoyuan Airport private transfer online in advance

Why the Airport Transport is the Next Best Way to Travel from Taoyuan to Taipei

The convenience factor.

It is as simple as that. There is no more convenient way to get from the airport to Taipei.

You get in a car, and when you get out, you’re at the front door of your hotel. It literally doesn’t get any easier than that!

I also appreciate that you pre-pay for the airport transport before you even land at the airport, so you don’t have to worry about having enough cash to pay your driver if you don’t have any local currency on you when you first arrive.

It is also a great option for people who are traveling in a group. It isn’t that much more to pay for an airport transfer versus four MRT tickets.

If there are 8 of you in the group, you’re actually saving money by booking a luxury airport transfer instead of taking the MRT.

An airport transfer is also a great option for less experience travellers who are nervous about using public transportation- especially if they’re inexperienced solo travelers.

In most cases I don’t recommend airport transfers because they tend to be overpriced, but in this case, I think it is a great option to consider.

Temple in Taipei, Taiwan

Option 4: Taking a Taxi from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei

The next option on the list is taking a taxi from Taoyuan to downtown Taipei.

I don’t really recommend taking a taxi because an airport transfer is less expensive and more convenient, but a taxi is a decent option if you didn’t have time (or forgot) to book your airport transfer in advance.

A taxi ride should cost you around 1,000 NT (or about $34 USD) during the day and 1,500 to 2,000 NT (or about $51 to $68 USD) in the late night/early morning hours.

Most Taiwan taxi drivers are honest, and you don’t have to worry about getting ripped off and paying too much. It is always best practice to try to find an official taxi stand, so you know you’re getting into a legitimate taxi.

Quick Facts About Taxis

  • The fare is based on a meter, but you also have to pay a surcharge and highway tolls. So wait until the driver is done adding the extras to the fare before you go rummaging for cash to pay with
  • The ride takes about 40-60 minutes depending on traffic and where in Taipei you are staying
  • If you’re having trouble finding the taxi stand, you can go to the tourist services booth, and they will point you in the right direction

Why a Taxi is the Second Worst Way to Travel from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei

It all comes down to cost for me.

I don’t think a taxi is worth the price when you can pre-book an airport transfer for less money.

A taxi is a fine option for people who are arriving late, have a lot of luggage, or are traveling with a group of people and didn’t have a chance to pre-book an airport transfer.

But I wouldn’t recommend it for the average traveler. I would personally opt for the MRT or an airport transfer before I took a taxi.

National Concert Hall Taipei, Taiwan

Option 5: Taking the High-Speed Train from Taoyuan to downtown Taipei

The final option on this list is taking the high-speed train.

I personally see no reason why you would take the high-speed train from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei. It is very inconvenient compared to the other options on this list, and that is why it is in last place.

You have to take a 20-minute bus ride from the airport to the high-speed train station and then take a 20-minute train ride into Taipei.

You also have to purchase a separate ticket for each mode of transportation, which just adds to the inconvenience of taking the high-speed train into Taipei.

I can’t really think of a reason why you would choose this mode of transportation unless you’re obsessed with trains and are dying to ride a high-speed train as soon as you touch down in Taipei.

But I’m guessing there aren’t many people with that passion for trains out there.

Quick Facts About the High-Speed Train

  • You have to take the U-Bus to the THSR station, and a ticket costs 25 NT (less than $1 USD)
  • Once you get to the train station, you need to buy a train ticket for 180 NT (about $6 USD) and wait for the next train to arrive
  • The train stops at both Taipei Main Station and Banqiao, which makes it easy for you to get to your hotel whether you’re staying in Taipei or New Taipei City
  • The entire journey takes about 40 minutes (not including the time you have to wait for the bus and the train)

Why the High-Speed Train is the Worst Way to Travel from the Airport to Taipei

I don’t like the fact that you have to take a bus to get to the THSR station and then take a train into Taipei.

It doesn’t seem worth the extra effort to me when all of the other ways to travel from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei leave directly from the airport.

The fact that you have to purchase two tickets instead of one also adds to the added hassle of taking the high-speed train from the airport to Taipei.

Taipei, Taiwan

Conclusion

As you can see, there are quite a few different ways you can travel from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei. There is a transportation option to fit everybody’s needs and travel style.

I personally always take the MRT from the airport to downtown Taipei. It is super easy, fast, and convenient. It is hands down my top recommendation!

If you’re using any form of public transportation, just be sure you’re following the rules. There is no eating or drinking and be sure you’re not sitting in a seat designated for the older population!

I have a blog post full of Taiwan travel tips you might want to check out.

It goes more in depth about public transportation norms and how to blend in and not look too much like a tourist.

Happy traveling! I hope this guide makes it super easy for you to get from Taoyuan to Taipei, so you can start your Taiwan adventure.

Let me know in the comments below what transportation method you think is best!

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How to Travel from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park

Let’s talk about how to travel from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park. It is easier than you might think, so there is no excuse not to visit Kenting National Park!

Kenting National Park is one of the most popular day trips from Kaohsiung (although you could easily spend two to three days in Kenting). It is one of the most beautiful places in Taiwan and shouldn’t be missed!

One of the most frustrating parts of planning a day trip (at least for me) is figuring how to travel from one city to another. And that’s where this post comes in!

You’ll learn the easiest way to travel from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park.

Your day trip to Kenting National Park will be stress free after reading this post, and you can enjoy the beauty of Kenting without stressing about how to get there.

There are three ways to travel from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park. They all require taking the bus, and it is just a matter of whether you catch the bus at Kaohsiung Station or Zuoying Station (the high-speed rail station), or the airport. The express bus leaves from Xin Zuoying Station and is the most popular way to travel from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park.

PS: If you’re looking to take multiple day trips from Kaohsiung, you might want to check out my posts about Fo Guang Shan Monastery (one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been) and Cijin Island (a must for anybody visiting Kaohsiung).

Before We Get Started

I hate figuring out how to travel from one place to another, but I love writing transportation guides for you!

I would love to have an all-in-one resource that goes over how to travel from one place to another, and that’s why I write them. Hopefully they make your travel experience better.

If you’re traveling throughout Taiwan, here are the transportation guides I’ve written to date to help you navigate Taiwan public transportation:

Fo Guang Shan Big Buddha

Option One: Taking the Bus from Zuoying HSR Station

This is the best and most popular way to get from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park.

You can take the express bus, which is spacious and comfortable, and that is the reason it is such a popular choice for tourists and locals.

The bus ride from Zuoying Station to Kenting National Park takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic. It will take longer during rush hour and on weekends than it will during off-peak times on a weekday.

It isn’t uncommon for the buses to be delayed by 20-30 minutes so keep that in mind and budget your time accordingly.

How Much Does the Bus from Zuoying Station to Kenting Cost?

A one-way ticket costs on average 371 NT (or approximately $12.50 USD).

Compared to other bus tickets in Taiwan, it is pretty expensive to take the express bus from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park, but it is so worth it! I’m guessing the bus is a little more expensive because it is taking you to a national park and one of the most beautiful places in all of Taiwan.

You can save a little bit of money by purchasing a return ticket. A return ticket costs 650 NT (or approximately $22 USD).

Where to Purchase a Bus Ticket

You purchase your ticket at Zuoying HSR Station at a ticket booth.

Take Exit 2 towards the bus stop, and you’ll walk right into the ticket booth.

The bus from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park is one of the rare instances where you’re not able to use your transportation card and have to purchase an actual ticket from a ticket booth.

Your EasyCard will not work on this bus!

You have to purchase your ticket before you get on the bus, so you’ll want to leave enough time in your schedule to wait in line, buy a ticket, and get on the bus.

I suggest allotting 15 minutes to purchase a ticket. You probably won’t need that much time, but it is better to have extra time than be rushed and stressed about not catching the bus you want.

How Often Does the Express Bus to Kenting National Park Leave?

The express bus to Kenting National Park runs every 15 to 30 minutes from 8:30am to 7pm.

This means you can basically show up to the bus station whenever you want and not have to wait too long to catch a bus!

It is the perfect bus schedule for people who are laid back and want to go with the flow rather than plan exactly when they need to get on the bus because it only leaves every 90 minutes.

I recommend you try to get on an early morning bus. You’ll have more luck at avoiding traffic congestion, and you’ll have more time to spend at Kenting National Park if you’re only doing a day trip.

What About Getting Back to Kaohsiung from Kenting?

The express bus leaves Kenting National Park for Kaohsiung every 15 to 30 minutes from 8am to 7pm.

You do need to pre-buy your ticket before you get on the bus, which is the main reason you should purchase a return ticket rather than a one-way ticket.

Kaohsiung Night Market

Option Two: Taking the Bus from Kaohsiung Station

This is the second most popular way to travel from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park.

The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, so there is no difference between the time it takes to get from Kaohsiung to Kenting whether you depart from Zuoying HSR Station or Kaohsiung Station.

You need to get on either bus 9117 or 9188. Both take you to Kenting National Park. The difference is in where they drop you off. 9188 drops you further south, so if you want to explore the southern part of Kenting, this is the bus for you!

How Much Does the Bus from Kaohsiung Station to Kenting Cost?

The bus from Kaohsiung Station to Kenting National Park costs:

  • 352 NT (approximately $12 USD) if you take bus 9117
  • 362 NT (approximately $12 USD) if you take bus 9188

Unlike the express bus, you are not able to purchase a return ticket. You can only purchase a one-way ticket from Kaohsiung Station to Kenting.

It isn’t that much of an inconvenience, but it is something to keep in mind when you’re planning your trip and budgeting.

Where to Purchase a Bus Ticket

You can either purchase your ticket in cash on the bus or purchase it at the bus station before you get on the bus.

Both payment methods work well, and it comes down to your personal preference more than anything else.

If you only have larger bills and need to get change made, I suggest purchasing your ticket at the station rather than on the bus, so your bus driver doesn’t have to make a lot of change.

A Note About Where to Catch the Bus:

Both the 9177 and 9188 depart from Zhongshan Bus Station at Kaohsiung Station.

The bus station is located one block south of Kaohsiung Station on Jiangguo 2nd Road.

You won’t have any trouble finding the bus station. There are signs in Kaohsiung Station to point you in the right direction, and there will be a crowd of people heading towards the bus station.

Plus it is only one block away from Kaohsiung Station, so you should be able to see the buses as soon as you start walking towards the bus station.

If you’ve walked more than a block, you know you’ve gone the wrong way! But you shouldn’t have any issue finding the bus station.

How Often Does the Bus to Kenting National Park Leave?

The buses departing from Kaohsiung Station are less frequent than the express bus that departs from the HSR station.

There are currently 35 buses a day to Kenting National Park that depart from Kaohsiung Station.

The up side to the buses departing from Kaohsiung Station is that their hours of operation are much longer than the express bus.

The first bus departs at 4:15 am (yes, you read that right!), and the last bus departs at 10:30 pm.

This is perfect for the extra early birds (like me) who want to have as much time as possible at Kenting National Park and have no problem getting out of bed long before the sun is up.

A Note About Bus Time:

You can try to find an English version of the bus timetable online, but my recommendation is to use Google Maps.

Google Maps works really well in Taiwan, and you can easily and accurately find when the next bus departs and even plan your trip days in advance by changing your departure time in the app.

I rely heavily on Google Maps when I’m in Taiwan, and I love it. It makes traveling through Taiwan so easy, and it is nice to not to have to do any Googling to try to find bus timetables (that may or may not be up-to-date and accurate).

Kaohsiung Martyrs' Shrine

Option Three: Taking the Bus from Kaohsiung Airport

The final bus option (and the least popular) is to take a bus from Kaohsiung Airport to Kenting National Park.

It takes two hours to travel from the airport to Kenting, so all three buses take about the same amount of travel time.

I don’t know whether or not there is a place to store your luggage on the bus, but if there isn’t, you can rent a locker at the airport if you’re coming back to Kaohsiung that evening.

How Much Does the Bus from Kaohsiung Airport Cost?

This bus is unique because the price you pay depends on how you pay.

  • Cash: 367 NT (approximately $12 USD)
  • Credit Card: 418 NT (approximately $14 USD)

It is nice to have the option to pay by credit card- especially if you’re running out of NTD cash. It is a little bit more money, but it is still cheaper than paying an ATM transaction fee to get some cash.

You can’t purchase a return ticket on this bus either, so a one-way ticket is the only option for you.

Where to Purchase a Bus Ticket

You have to purchase your ticket before you get on the bus to Kenting.

The ticket counter to purchase a ticket is located near the arrivals lobby near Exit 5.

The ticket counter is inside the terminal so don’t go outside looking for it!

The ticket counter is really easy to find, and you should be able to spot it at Exit 5. If you’re having trouble finding the ticket booth, you can always ask one of the airport employees roaming around or at the help desk.

But you shouldn’t need to because the ticket booth is so easy to find!

How Often Does the Bus to Kenting National Park Leave?

There are only eight buses a day from the Kaohsiung Airport to Kenting National Park.

They depart at:

  • 10:10 am
  • 11:10 am
  • 12:50 pm
  • 1:50 pm
  • 4:10 pm
  • 5:10 pm
  • 6:50 pm
  • 7:50 pm

If one of those time slots doesn’t match your schedule, you’ll have to head into Kaohsiung and catch a bus from either the HSR station or Kaohsiung Station.

Lotus Pond Scenic Area Kaohsiung Taiwan

Other Ways to Travel from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park

There are, of course, a few other ways you can travel from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park.

I’m not going to go to talk about them in this post because they aren’t all that common and/or cost a lot more money than I think they are worth.

They are:

  • Renting a car/scooter and driving yourself
  • Renting a taxi to drive you
  • Going on a private tour

Conclusion

I hope this post illustrates how easy it is to travel from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park!

You now have no excuse not to visit Kenting and take in all its beauty!

I personally recommend taking the express bus from Zuoying HSR Station. I think it is the most convenient because it leaves on a regular schedule, is very comfortable, and you’re able to purchase a return ticket.

No matter what bus you choose to take, your trip from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park will be stress free. You just need to get on the bus and get off once you get to Kenting National Park.

It doesn’t get any easier than that!

One final tip before I leave you to your Taiwan adventure:

The buses will be cold!

Taiwanese people enjoy having very cold and air conditioned buses and trains. I’m always freezing whenever I’m on a Taiwan public transportation even though it is hot and humid outside.

You might want to bring a scarf or something light to put over your arms to keep you a bit warmer. Otherwise your bus ride from Kaohsiung to Kenting might not be as enjoyable as it could be.

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How to Travel from Taipei to Tainan (Super Easy!)

Tainan is a beautiful city near Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan. It is a fairly popular city for tourists. It is super easy to travel from Taipei to Tainan, so there is no reason not to added Tainan to your Taiwan itinerary.

A lot of people travel from Kaohsiung to Tainan, but using Tainan as an entrance point to southern Taiwan instead of Kaohsiung is a great option.

You should definitely consider it, and this post will help you decide whether travelling from Taipei to Tainan is right for you.

The post will go over all the different transportation options to help you decide how you want to travel between the two cities.

At the end, I’ll give you my recommendation and how I travel from Taipei to Tainan!

Other Taiwan Transportation Guides

I love writing these transportation guides for you.

Figuring out how to travel between cities is one of my least favourite parts of travel, and I wanted to make it as easy as possible for you to plan your transportation methods.

You’ll want to check out these transportation guides if you’re travelling around Taiwan:

Now back to what you’re really here for: to figure out how to get from Taipei to Tainan.

National Concert Hall Taipei, Taiwan

Option One: Take the HSR from Taipei to Tainan

The HSR (high-speed rail) is the most popular and efficient way to travel from Taipei to Tainan.

It is quick. efficient, and comfortable. The only downside is that it is the most expensive way to travel between the two cities.

But it is often worth it to save time!

How Long Does the HSR Take?

The high-speed rail takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes on average to travel from Taipei to Tainan. Your HSR journey shouldn’t take more than 2 hours!

The distance between the two cities is over 300km, so that is pretty darn fast!

How Much Does a HSR Ticket Cost?

The price of a HSR ticket varies depending on what time of day you’re travelling and what day of the week. The price also depends on whether you’re sitting in standard or business class.

The average cost of a standard seat is 1,350 NTD or approximately $45 USD.

A business seat, on average, costs 2,000 NTD or approximately $66 USD. You don’t need to spend the extra money on a business class seat though. The standard seats are quite nice and very comfortable.

Where to Purchase HSR Tickets

There are three places you can purchase high-speed rail tickets:

You need to pick your ticket up at a ticketing machine at the railway station if you purchase it online. There is a dedicated queue for people picking up tickets, so it doesn’t take very long.

All three options work well for purchasing a ticket, and it really just depends on your preference.

I like to purchase my ticket online through the website a couple of days in advance. This way I’m able to get a window seat and make sure I get a ticket.

Tickets from Taipei to Tainan don’t normally sell out, but they can during busy times of the year like Lunar New Year.

I always recommend buying your HSR ticket a day or two in advance just to be sure you get exactly what you want!

Where Does the HSR Depart from in Taipei?

The HSR departs from Taipei Main Station.

The HSR station is located near the end of Taipei Main Station past the train station. It is really easy to find. You just follow the signs and maps in Taipei Main Station until you reach the HSR station.

You can always ask an employee if you’re having trouble finding the HSR station, but you shouldn’t need to.

Where Does the HSR Arrive at in Tainan?

The high-speed rail train arrives at Tainan High-Speed Rail Station.

The station is, unfortunately, outside of Tainan city, so you’ll need to take another form of transportation to get to Tainan.

You can either take:

  • Free Shuttle Bus: Hop on either H31 or H62 to get to downtown Tainan.
  • Train: You can take the train (not HSR) from Tainan High-Speed Rail Station to Tainan Station, which is located in downtown Tainan. A ticket costs less than 25 NTD (approximately $1 USD), and the rides takes less than 20 minutes.
  • Taxi: There is always a line up of taxis outside of the station. If you don’t want to take the shuttle or train, this is a great option. A taxi to downtown Tainan will cost approximately 450 NTD or about $15 USD.

All three options are great, and it depends on what mood you’re in when you arrive in Tainan. If it is later in the day, I would take a taxi. But if it is still the afternoon, I would lean towards taking the shuttle or train.

Advantages of Taking the HSR from Taipei to Tainan

  • It is the quickest way to get from Taipei to Tainan
  • The HSR is comfortable and clean
  • It always runs on time, and you shouldn’t encounter any delays

Disadvantages of Taking the HSR from Taipei to Tainan

  • It is by far the most expensive way to travel from Taipei to Tainan
  • The HSR station is outside of Tainan, and you need to take a shuttle, train, or taxi into the city
Taipei 101

Option Two: Taking the Train from Taipei to Tainan

The second option is taking the regular train from Taipei to Tainan.

It is a lot slower than the HSR, but it is more affordable. You’re saving some money by taking a less convenient form of transportation, but it is a still a great option!

How Long Does the Train Take?

The length of the train journey from Taipei to Tainan varies quite a bit. It depends heavily on what time of day you’re travelling and what day of the week.

Trains that run during rush hour or on the weekend will take longer than early morning and late evening trains because there is more traffic on the train tracks.

You can expect the train ride to be between 3 and 4.5 hours long.

That’s basically twice as long as the HSR.

How Much Does a Train Ticket Cost?

Train tickets are a lot more affordable than a HSR ticket.

It will cost you anywhere between 550 NTD (approximately $18 USD) and 750 NTD (approximately $25 USD) to take the train from Taipei to Tainan.

The longer the train ride, the less expensive your ticket will be.

Essentially, if you get on the quickest train, you’re spending half the amount on a train ticket than you would on a HSR ticket and are only on the train an hour longer than you would be on the HSR.

On the other hand, if you purchased the cheapest train ticket, you’re paying 40% less for the ticket but travelling for twice as long.

If you’re taking the train, be sure you’re doing a cost comparison and trying to get on the quickest train that is within your budget.

Where to Purchase a Train Ticket

Just as with the HSR, there are three different ways you can purchase a train ticket:

I always purchase my ticket through the app. I love how convenient it is, and my phone services as my ticket!

You can download your ticket onto your phone if you purchase it on the website, so the only time you’ll have a hard ticket is if you purchase a ticket in person.

I recommend purchasing your ticket as early as possible.

Tickets from Taipei to Tainan don’t typically sell out on a regular basis, but booking early gives you the best chance to get on the train you want and get the seat you want.

A lot of people like to take the most popular trains, so if you’re not booking an off-peak train, then you should plan to purchase your ticket early.

I also recommend trying to get a window seat. It is a long(ish) journey, and you’ll want to be able to look out the window.

Where Does the Train Depart from in Taipei?

The most common place to board the train is at Taipei Main Station. This is the major transportation hub in Taipei, and all the trains headed for Tainan will stop there.

You can potentially catch a train at other TRA stations in Taipei and New Taipei Station, but it isn’t a guarantee.

If you’re staying in New Taipei City and don’t want to take the train to Taipei Main Station, you can search for a train to Tainan departing from the closest TRA station to where you’re staying. Not every train will stop there, but you’ll likely find a number of trains to choose from.

I recommend always depart from Taipei Main Station though. I find it easier and more convenient than trying to catch a train at a different TRA station.

It is up to you and what your preferences are though!

Where Does the Train Arrive at in Tainan?

The train arrives at Tainan Train Station.

It is located right in downtown Tainan, so it is a lot more convenient than the HSR station. You can easily get off the train and head directly to where you’re staying without having to worry about taking another form of transportation into downtown.

Tainan doesn’t have a metro system (yet), so you’ll have to take a bus or taxi to your accommodation if you’re not staying within walking distance of Tainan Train Station.

Advantages of Taking the Train from Taipei to Tainan

  • It is less expensive than the high-speed rail
  • You arrive in downtown Tainan
  • The train is comfortable and relaxing

Disadvantages of Taking the Train from Taipei to Tainan

  • It is quite a bit slower than the HSR
  • The train (in my experience) tends to be very cold, so you’ll want to bring a sweater!
Temple in Taipei, Taiwan

Option Three: Taking the Bus from Taipei to Tainan

The third option is to take the bus from Taipei to Tainan.

This form of transportation is not nearly as popular as the HSR and train. Your transit time depends on how busy the roads are, and you can end up being delayed if there is a traffic jam.

How Long Does the Bus Take?

The bus normally takes between 4 and 5 hours, but, as mentioned, it can take much longer if the traffic is bad.

You can never guarantee how long the bus is going to take. Make sure you don’t have any strict plans for the day you arrive in Tainan just in case you’re delayed due to traffic!

How Much Does a Bus Ticket Cost?

The bus is the least expensive way to travel from Taipei to Tainan.

It only costs (on average) between 350 NTD or 400 NTD. That’s approximately $12 USD to $13 USD.

That’s a lot less expensive than the HSR and train, so it can be a pretty good deal. And very attractive if you’re on a very strict travel budget.

Where to Purchase Bus Tickets

You purchase your ticket at the bus station.

Sometimes you purchase your ticket directly from the bus driver and sometimes you purchase it from a ticket window at the bus station.

You’ll easily be able to figure out the process for buying a bus ticket when you get to the station. Just watch what everybody else is doing and follow their lead.

If you’re struggling to figure out how to purchase a ticket or where to catch the bus, just ask an employee (or bus driver), and they’ll be able to help you out.

Where Does the Bus Depart from in Taipei?

The buses from Taipei to Tainan depart from Taipei Bus Station.

The bus station is connected to Taipei Main Station, so it should be easy to find! You just follow the signs and map at Taipei Main Station.

I recommend taking a look at a map of Taipei Main Station when looking for the train station. It’ll really help you get an idea of where exactly you’re headed.

Where Does the Bus Arrive at in Tainan?

Tainan opened a new bus station in January of 2020. It was built to alleviate some of the traffic and congestion around Tainan Station.

Your bus from Taipei will arrive at the new bus station located on Beimen Road. It is just across the street from Tainan Park.

The new bus station isn’t within walking distance of downtown Tainan, so you’ll have to take a free shuttle to Tainan Station. The free shuttle runs every 20 minutes, and you simply wait at the designated area in the parking lot for the next shuttle to arrive.

Advantages of Taking the Bus from Taipei to Tainan

  • Very inexpensive
  • Comfortable seating
  • You can store your luggage under the bus

Disadvantages of Taking the Bus from Taipei to Tainan

  • It is the slowest form of transportation
  • Your journey time depends on traffic
  • You have to take a shuttle bus to downtown Tainan
Taipei, Taiwan

Option Four: Flying from Taipei to Tainan

You’re able to fly from Taipei to Tainan, but nobody does so. The HSR and train are very efficient and take less time than flying- especially when you take into consideration getting to and from the airport and getting through security.

The only way I can see flying being a consideration is if you’re going to Tainan the day you land in Taipei. Then it might be beneficial to stay at the airport and catch a flight.

But even then that seems like a stretch. Not many people are going straight to Tainan upon arrive in Taiwan.

So while you can fly to Tainan from Taipei, I don’t recommend it, so I’m not going to go into the details of how you can travel by plane.

Conclusion

It is super easy to get from Taipei to Tainan.

No matter what transportation option you choose to take, you’re able to depart Taipei and arrive in Tainan without having to transfer trains or buses.

I love how simple and stress free it is!

Tainan is a beautiful city, and not enough tourists take the time to visit it while in Taiwan. Now that you know exactly how to get from Taipei to Tainan, there is no excuse not to visit!

You won’t regret spending time in Tainan and exploring all the beautiful temples and night markets.

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How to Travel from Taipei to Taichung (The Easy Way!)

Taichung is an amazing city in Taiwan that is sometimes overlooked by tourists, which is a shame! Taichung has an amazing vibe and is home to some the best museums and theatres in all of Taiwan.

The best part is that it is incredibly easy to get from Taipei to Taichung!

There is really no excuse not to visit Taichung when you’re in Taiwan.

There are multiple ways to get from Taipei to Taichung, and it can be difficult for a tourist visiting Taiwan for the first time to pick the best option that works for them and their travel needs.

I have my favourite way to travel from Taipei to Taichung, but it might not be the best method for you and your travel needs.

I’m going to go through all the different ways you can travel from Taipei to Taichung, so yo can decide for yourself what is the best method.

But don’t worry, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each method and then give you my opinion at the end as to what I think is the best way to get from Taipei to Taichung.

Before We Get Started

I find one of the most frustrating parts of planning a trip abroad is figuring out the best way to get from one city to another. There is oftentimes so little information about travelling between cities, and I have to go to multiple website just to find the answer.

Such a waste of time!

That’s why I love creating these transportation guides for you! I love stumbling across comprehensive transportation guides when I’m planning a trip and wanted to create them to help save my fellow travellers some time.

If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan, here is a list of transportation guides I’ve written and hope they help you in your planning process!

Now back to telling you about how to get from Taipei to Taichung!

Taipei 101

Option One: Taking the High-Speed Train from Taipei to Taichung

The high-speed train (HSR) is the fastest and most convenient way to get around Taiwan. It is fast, clean, efficient, and comfortable.

The only problem is that is it also the most expensive way to travel through Taiwan. You’re definitely paying for the convenience of fast travel, but it can be worth it!

How Long is the HSR Ride?

It will only take you 40 to 70 minutes to get from Taipei to Taichung on the HSR!

That is about half the time of the next quickest option! Nothing comes close to competing with the HSR when it comes to speed!

How Much Does a High-Speed Rail Ticket Cost?

Ticket prices vary depending on what day of the week you’re travelling and what time of day.

You can expect a standard ticket to cost between 650 NTD and 750 NTD. Or approximately $22 USD to $25USD.

A business class ticket is going to cost you quite a bit more. They range in price from 950 NTD and 1,050 NTD. That is about $32 USD to $35 USD. But you don’t need a business class seat. The standard class seating area is quiet nice, and you’re not on the HSR for long!

Where Can You Buy HSR Tickets?

You can purchase HSR tickets one of these locations:

Both options work perfectly fine, but I prefer to purchase my ticket online and pick it up at the train station the day I’m travelling. It is just easier that way. You don’t have to worry about setting aside the time to ensure you’re at the train station far enough in advance to stand in line to get a ticket.

If you do purchase your ticket online, you’ll either have to print your ticket or pick it up at the station.

There are dedicated ticketing machines for people who are picking up their tickets at the station, so it doesn’t take more than a few minutes. All you need is your booking reference, and you’re good to go!

Where Does the HSR Depart from in Taipei?

You can catch the high-speed rail to Taichung at one of these three stations:

  • Taipei Main Station
  • Nangang
  • Banqiao ( located in New Taipei City)

Most tourists will catch the train at Taipei Main Station. It is the most convenient location and tends to be the easiest for people to get to.

No matter what station you choose to depart from, be sure to follow the signs in the station to find the HSR station. The signs are easy to follow and will lead you right where you need to be!

Where Does the HSR Arrive in Taichung?

The unfortunate part of the HSR station in Taichung is that it is located in the outskirts of the town. That means you have to take the extra step of taking a separate train to get to the heart of the city.

The HSR station in Taichung is well connected, so it is easy to get from the station into town.

It is only a mild inconvenience.

You can either take the train or a bus from the HSR station into town. The New Wurih Railway Station is only a five minute walk from the HSR station, and you can board a bus directly into the heart of Taichung from there.

Alternatively, you can take a Nantou bus from the HSR station to the Taichung Railway Station in the heart of the city.

Taichung is in the process of building a metro line to the HSR station. Hopefully it is up and running soon, so we can just hop on the metro and get off downtown.

National Concert Hall Taipei, Taiwan

Pros of Taking the HSR from Taipei to Taichung

  • It is fast
  • The trains are clean and comfortable
  • The HSR is reliable and hardly ever running late

Cons of Taking the HSR from Taipei to Taichung

  • It is fairly expensive compared to other options
  • You have to get from the HSR station to downtown by bus, train, or taxi

Option Two: Taking the Train from Taipei to Taichung

Taking the train is another great option for getting from Taipei to Taichung. It isn’t as quick as taking the HSR, but it is just as convenient.

The train is a nice combination of price, speed, and comfort. It is a great option for people looking to save a little money on transportation without sacrificing comfort or convenience!

How Long Does the Train Ride Take?

The length of your journey on the train varies a lot more than if you were to take the HSR. It depends on the time of day, what day of the week, and if the train has to stop to let faster trains/HSRs pass it on the track.

In general, you can expect the train ride from Taipei to Taichung to take anywhere between 2 hours and 3.5 hours.

That’s a pretty big difference!

I highly recommend you look at the departure and arrival times for multiple trains departing within an hour or two window of when you want to leave Taipei.

This will allow you to pick the shortest journey that fits within your price point. You may have to leave a little earlier or later than you intended to, but it could end up saving you a lot of time!

How Much Does a Train Ticket Cost?

There are two different types of trains that travel from Taipei to Taichung:

  • The local train
  • The express train

There will, of course, be a price difference between the two types of trains you can take.

The local train is slower and less expensive, and the express train is faster and more expensive.

There isn’t a huge price difference between the two types of trains. If you’re not on a super tight budget, I recommend trying to get a ticket for the express train.

You will arrive in Taichung much quicker than on the local train. The extra money you spent on the quicker train will be made up in the extra time you have in Taichung!

On average, you can expect a ticket to cost:

  • Local train: 240 NTD or approximately $8 USD
  • Express train: 375 NTD or approximately $12.50 USD

Where Can You Buy Train Tickets?

There are quite a few different places you can purchase train tickets, and they all have their pros and cons.

Here is a list of where you can purchase train tickets:

I personally purchase my tickets through the app. There is an English version, and it is super straightforward and easy to use!

I like purchasing my tickets through the app because the app automatically saves my ticket to my phone, and all I have to do is scan my phone when I arrive at the platform.

There is no need for a paper ticket!

You can download tickets you purchase through the website to your phone as well. You simply enter the booking number into the app, and your ticket will appear.

Buying tickets in person is, of course, great for people who want to pay in cash and don’t want to use their credit card.

You have to arrive at the station early to get your ticket, but it is worth it if you don’t have a credit card or want to use up cash.

No matter how you choose to purchase your ticket, I suggest purchasing your ticket at least a day or two in advance. It will ensure you get a ticket on the train you want, and you have a better chance of getting your preferred seat (window or aisle).

Where Does the Train Depart Taipei?

The easiest place to catch the train from Taipei to Taichung is at Taipei Main Station.

You may be able to catch the train at other local train stations in Taipei and New Taipei City, but it depends on the train, so I wouldn’t rely on that.

If you do want to catch the train somewhere other than Taipei Main Station, make sure you use the station you want to depart from when purchasing your ticket.

This way you’ll only see trains departing from your chosen station.

Where Does the Train Arrive in Taichung?

The train from Taipei to Taichung arrive at Taichung Station.

Taichung Station is in the heart of Taichung, so it is a more convenient arriving point than the HSR station outside of town.

Once you arrive at Taichung Station, you simply find you way to wherever you’re staying. You don’t have to worry about the extra step of taking a bus or train into the city, which is really nice!

Taipei, Taiwan

Pros of Taking the Train from Taipei to Taichung

  • Less expensive than HSR
  • Arrives in the heart of the city
  • Nice blend of inexpensive price but still comfortable and convenient
  • Can buy tickets on the app

Cons of Taking the Train from Taipei to Taichung

  • Slower than the HSR
  • Have to pay attention to travel time to make sure you’re not on a super slow train

Option Three: Taking the Bus from Taipei to Taichung

The final option to get from Taipei to Taichung is by bus.

Highway buses in Taiwan are convenient and comfortable! They have nice big seats, storage under the bus for bags, and curtains to block the sun. Buses are actually quite a comfortable and stress-free way to travel in Taiwan.

The downside to taking the bus that they have to deal with traffic! You never know when you’ll hit a traffic jam, and your journey could take a lot longer than you anticipated.

How Long is the Bus Ride?

It is quite difficult to tell you exactly how long the bus ride from Taipei to Taichung is. The duration of your trip relies heavily on traffic, and that is impossible to predict.

On average, you can expect the bus ride to last anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours.

There are ways you can try to ensure your bus ride takes as little time as possible.

This includes not travelling during rush hour and avoiding the weekend if possible. That will give you the best chance of not getting stuck in a traffic jam.

How Much Does a Bus Ticket Cost?

The bus is the least expensive transportation option and is perfect for people who count every penny!

A bus ticket will normally cost between 200 NTD (approximately $7 USD) and 275 NTD (about $9 USD).

As you can see, the least expensive ticket price isn’t much cheaper than the least expensive train ticket price, but there is a bigger difference between the more expensive tickets.

You should take the time to price out the train and bus options if you’re on a budget. There may not be a huge difference between the cost.

Where Can You Buy Bus Tickets?

Bus tickets are purchased at the bus station.

Sometimes there is ticket window where you purchase your ticket and sometimes you purchase your ticket directly from the driver.

You should be able to figure out the protocol when you arrive at the bus station, but if you’re unsure, you can ask any bus station employee, and they’ll be able to help you out!

Where Does the Bus Depart Taipei?

Buses from Taipei to Taichung depart from the Taipei Bus Station.

The bus station is connected to Taipei Main Station. You simply follow the signs inside the station, and you’ll arrive at the bus station!

Where Does the Bus Arrive in Taichung?

The bus arrives at Taichung Station.

Basically, the bus departs and arrives at the same stations as the train. Obviously, the buses depart from a parking lot outside the stations, but you’ll easily be able to find the bus station if once you get to Taipei Main Station or Taichung Station.

Temple in Taipei, Taiwan

Pros of Taking the Bus from Taipei to Taichung

  • The least expensive option
  • Comfortable
  • Has storage under the bus, so you don’t have to worry about lifting bags overhead to store

Cons of Taking the Bus from Taipei to Taichung

  • The length of the trip relies on traffic and could take much longer than anticipated
  • Can’t get up and walk around like on the train or HSR
  • Purchasing a ticket isn’t as convenient as other options

Other Ways to Travel from Taipei to Taichung

There are a number of other ways you can travel from Taipei to Taichung. I didn’t go in depth for these options because most people won’t use these methods, but I wanted to include them quickly.

  • Flying
  • Driving yourself (car or scooter)
  • Taking a chartered bus/limousine bus

My Recommendation

It is difficult to give a firm recommendation on how to get from Taipei to Taichung.

If I were travelling between the two cities, this is the process I would go through to decide what transportation method I wanted to use:

  • Check to see if I could get an express train that takes under 2 hours to get from Taipei to Taichung for under 350 NTD (approximately $12 USD).
  • If I can’t get a quick train to Taichung for under 350 NTD, then I would explore the HSR options.
  • I would compare the journey length to the ticket price and decide what I felt was the best for me balancing both cost and time.

In all likelihood, 9 times out of 10, I would probably take the train rather than the HSR.

For me, it is worth saving a little bit of money and having a slightly longer journey time than it is to pay the extra price for an HSR ticket.

But it might be different for you.

If you’re only in Taiwan for a very short period of time or are only visiting Taichung for the day, then the HSR is probably your best option.

The only option I’m weary of and don’t really recommend is the bus. I don’t like having my journey time depend on traffic when there is a comparable option for basically the same price.

National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

Conclusion

There isn’t really a wrong way to travel from Taipei to Taichung. Each transportation method is suited for different people with different needs.

The easiest way to get from Taipei to Taichung is definitely taking the HSR or train. It takes a lot of the unknown out of the journey.

Plus you get a much nicer view from the train/HSR than the bus. Who wants to be looking at cars when you could be looking at nature?!

No matter how you decide to travel from Taipei to Taichung, it is well worth the trip! Taichung is a beautiful city that you should add to your Taiwan itinerary!

You won’t regret it!

PS- if you’re interested in learning some great tips to help you navigate Taiwan and not stick out like a tourist, be sure to check out my post on Taiwan travel tips!

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How to get from Brighton to London

Brighton is an amazing city in the south-east of the United Kingdom. It has a wonderful seafront and one of the coolest royal sights I’ve ever seen- the Royal Pavilion. It is so easy to get from London to Brighton and from Brighton to London that there is no excuse not to go!

Whether you take a day trip from London to Brighton or spend a few days relaxing in the city, you’ll have to get back to London at some point.

This post will help yo decide how best to get from Brighton to London. It covers all the major transportation methods, so you can pick your own route from Brighton to London.

I’m not going to cover cycling because so few people would choose that route, but it is a possibility. It is approximately 75km from Brighton to London, so a fit, cycling enthusiast could make that journey. But, let’s be honest, most of us aren’t that fit.

This post covers the three major transportation options: train, bus, and car. It gives you all the information you need to choose how you want to get from Brighton to London.

Option One: Taking the Train from Brighton to London

This is by far the most popular way to get between the two cities. It is quick and convenient, so it is perfect for every kind of traveller. The train is also the fastest way to get from Brighton to London.

The train covers approximately 90km, but it doesn’t need to compete with traffic. This means it is nearly always on time, and the trip only takes about an hour and a half!

The Southern and Thameslink operate trains from Brighton to London. These are two of the main train operators in the United Kingdom and are very reliable. They normally depart and arrive on time with very minor delays if any.

The main difference between the two train companies is that Thameslink does not have dedicated luggage storage at the front of the cars and The Southern does. This isn’t normally an issue for people but can cause a few issues if the train is very busy.

If you take a Thameslink train, you either need to be strong enough to lift your luggage overhead onto the racks above the seats or stand near the door with your luggage.

Standing isn’t too big of an issue because it is such a short journey, but it is always nice to have a seat and rest your feet for a while.

Where to Trains Depart From in Brighton?

Trains from Brighton to London depart from Brighton Station. It is the only train station in Brighton and really easy to find!

If you’re near the Brighton seafront, the Lanes, or the Royal Pavilion, you simply walk up Queens Street (one of the major streets in Brighton) until you get to the station. You don’t need to worry about turning onto another street once you’re on Queens Street.

This makes it super easy to get from anywhere in central Brighton to Brighton Station. I promise it is very difficult to get lost. If you do manage to get lost, keep walking up away from the water, and you should eventually come across street signs pointing you towards the station.

Where do Trains Arrive At in London?

Obviously London is far larger than Brighton and has many more train stations. This means you have the opportunity to decide what major London train station you get off at.

The London stations you can get off at are:

  • King’s Cross/St. Pancras Station
  • London Victoria
  • London Bridge
  • London Blackfriars

You can also get off the train at Gatwick Airport, which is a huge plus! You don’t even need to transfer. The journey to Gatwick Airport takes approximately 45-50 minutes, so it is very quick!

St. Paul's Cathedral London England

How to Choose What London Station to Get Off at?

The London station you alight at will depend on where you’re staying in London and what is most convenient.

You’ll want to get off at either:

  • A station you can walk to your accommodation from or
  • A station where a nearby Underground station has a line that goes to your accommodation without needing to transfer

By getting off at a station that is either near your accommodation or has a direct Underground line to your station, it will be very easy for your to get to your next accommodation.

For example, if you’re staying in Earl’s Court (my favourite area to stay in London), you will probably want to get off at King’s Cross/St. Pancras because the Piccadilly line is right there.

If you’re staying in The City (the one mile radius of central London), you’ll want to get off at London Victoria because you can most likely easily walk to your accommodation.

Be sure to do a little research before you purchase your train ticket to figure out what London station you should get off at.

Everything You Need to Know About Train Tickets

There are so many different different trains you can take and websites online trying to sell you train tickets that it can be a bit confusing.

I know I’ve fallen victim to a third-party site selling train tickets at an inflated price. These websites look like they’re legitimately a website for the train company, but they aren’t. They charge you an inflated ticket price and a booking fee.

It is really easy to get confused and spend too much money on a ticket by booking through sites like these.

Where Should You Purchase Tickets From?

There are a number of places you can purchase tickets from and get a fair price:

You may still have to pay a booking fee if you purchase your ticket online, but at least you know you aren’t overpaying for the ticket itself.

When it comes to purchasing tickets in person at Brighton Station, you can either purchase them at a ticket counter or at a ticket machine. Both options are convenient, easy to use, and normally pretty quick. There may be a short queue during peak hours, but they move pretty quickly.

If you’re purchasing your tickets at the machine, remember these helpful tips:

  • Not all machines accept cash. Make you go to a machine that accepts cash if you don’t want to use your credit card.
  • Double check whether you’re purchasing the correct ticket type. I was in a rush last time I purchased a ticket from Brighton to London and ended up purchasing a same-day return rather than a one-way ticket.

Types of Tickets

There are variety of different types of tickets you can purchase. Most of them are generic anytime, peak, or off-peak tickets that allow you to get on any train from Brighton to London within a given time period.

Peak hours are when the train is expected to be busiest, and you need an anytime ticket to ride them. Off-peak hours, on the other hand, are sold when the trains are pretty quiet and are less expensive.

There are also super off-peak tickets that are sold for either quite late at night or very early in the morning. These tickets are very inexpensive and great for people who tend to be awake outside of standard human hours.

When you purchase tickets online, you normally have to choose a specific departure time. However, when you pick up your tickets at Brighton Station, it normally says either off-peak or anytime on the bottom right-hand corner.

You can hop on any train that matches that description even if it is a bit earlier or later than the train you booked.

Overall, the types of tickets you can purchase for your journey from Brighton to London are pretty straightforward. You can get on any off-peak train if you have an off-peak ticket and on any train if you have a anytime ticket.

Price of a Ticket from Brighton to London

There is a large variance between how much tickets can cost. It depends on what type of ticket you purchase, the day of the week you’re travelling, and the time of year.

Typically, weekend trains in the middle of summer departing during peak hours are going to be the most expensive. Weekday trains leaving at off-peak hours during the off-season/shoulder season are going to be less expensive and super off-peak trains will be the cheapest.

Whether you purchase a single journey ticket or round-trip ticket will also impact the cost. You tend to get a bit of a deal if you purchase a round-trip ticket versus purchasing two single journey tickets.

For a general approximation of how much tickets can cost (please don’t quote me on this!), tickets from Brighton to London can cost anywhere between £5 and £25.

Brighton Palace Pier

Can You Use Your Oyster Card to Travel from Brighton to London?

Unfortunately, you cannot use your Oyster card while travelling from Brighton to London. It would be very convenient if you could, but Brighton is outside the Oyster card fare zone.

Do You Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance

I don’t think you necessarily need to purchase tickets in advance. You can easily show up at Brighton Station when you want to leave, purchase a ticket, and hop on the next train.

Of course this may not work in the peak of summer, and you may need to purchase tickets in advance during that time of year.

But, in general, you don’t need to worry about purchasing tickets in advance. You can purchase tickets in advance if they make you feel more secure, but it isn’t mandatory.

Advantages to Taking the Train from Brighton to London

There are a number of advantages to taking the train from Brighton to London. Here are a few advantages to help you decide whether taking the train is the right transportation method for you:

  • It is reliable and rarely runs behind schedule
  • You can be flexible and hop on whatever train works best for you
  • The trains are spacious and clean
  • You can get off at multiple station in London

Disadvantages to Taking the Train from Brighton to London

There aren’t many, but there are a few disadvantages to taking the train between the two cities:

  • There isn’t always dedicated luggage space
  • The trains can be busy, and you might have to stand
  • The price of the ticket is mid-range. It is cheaper than taking a car but more expensive than taking the bus so may not be the best option for budget travellers

Option Two: Taking the Bus from Brighton to London

The National Express runs buses from Brighton to London. They depart from the Brighton Coach Station and arrive at London Victoria.

The bus is less expensive than the train, but the journey normally takes at least an hour longer. Most buses between Brighton and London take 2.5 to 3 hours, but if you’re not in a hurry, buses are a great option!

Buses have dedicated luggage space under the bus, so you don’t have to worry about wrangling your luggage like you do on the train. You simply give your luggage to the driver when you’re boarding and forget about it until you arrive in London.

Buses depart from Brighton to London every 30 minutes (less often during the middle of the night). You shouldn’t have a problem finding a bus that departs for London that fits your schedule.

Where do Buses Depart from in Brighton?

Buses depart from the Brighton Coach Station. The coach station is located near the Brighton seafront so don’t go to the train station thinking you’ll catch a bus there!

The coach station is located on Pool Valley just off of Grand Junction Road (the main road running east to west near the seafront). It is a two-minute walk from the Brighton Pier towards the Royal Pavilion.

Use those landmarks as a guide, and you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the Brighton Coach Station.

Where do Buses Arrive at in London?

Buses arrive at London Victoria. London Victoria is the main bus station in central London as well as a major underground station.

No matter where in London you’re staying, it will be fairly easy for you to get from London Victoria to your accommodation. Whether you walk, take a city bus, or ride the underground, you should have a fairly direct route that doesn’t require many, if any, transfers.

Because London Victoria is a large bus station, it can be easy to get turned around and get a bit lost. Make sure you follow the signs inside the station, so you get where you want to go.

There are signs that point you towards the underground and local buses as well as maps on the wall of central London to refer to if you’re walking to your accommodation.

Everything You Need to Know About Tickets

The National Express is the only bus company operating buses from Brighton to London, so it is pretty easy to navigate purchasing a bus ticket.

Where Should You Purchase Tickets From?

There are two ways you can purchase bus tickets from Brighton to London: online or in person at the station.

Purchasing tickets online is a great option during peak season because it ensures you have your ticket and don’t risk missing the bus you want. You can purchase your tickets online quite easily.

If you purchase your ticket online, you will need to show the ticket to the driver when you board the bus. You can either print out the ticket or load it on your smartphone to show your driver.

Screenshots of the ticket are not accepted. You need to be able to pull up the reservation and show them the full ticket they sent you. You’ll need internet access to do that, so you may want to load it at your accommodation or a cafe before you head to the bus station.

Please note there is a small service fee if you purchase your ticket online.

You can also purchase your tickets at the station either with a representative or directly from the driver. This is a great option for spontaneous travellers who want to have the flexibility to head from Brighton to London whenever they feel like it.

The downside of purchasing your ticket at the station is that you may not be able to get on the exact bus you want to. This is especially true on the weekends during peak season.

You may have to wait for the next bus for there to be room for you. This isn’t too bad considering buses travel every thirty or so minutes and the bus station is close to the seafront and lots of cafes.

Price of a Bus Ticket from Brighton to London

The good news is that bus tickets from Brighton to London are very affordable even if you purchase them last minute!

Tickets range from £2.50 to £5! That is a really good price for a train within the United Kingdom! The more expensive tickets tend to run during peak hours and the less expensive tickets are normally for buses leaving during off-peak times.

Tower Bridge London England 10 Best European Countries for Solo Female Travellers

Advantages of Taking the Bus from Brighton to London

There are a number of advantages of taking the bus from Brighton to London:

  • It is the least expensive way to travel between Brighton and London
  • Your luggage is underneath the bus, so you don’t need to worry about lifting it overhead or standing because there is no where to store it
  • You won’t ever have to stand because they don’t oversell buses
  • The seats are comfortable

Disadvantages of Taking the Bus from Brighton to London

Similar to taking the train, there are a number of disadvantages of taking the bus from Brighton to London:

  • The bus takes longer than any other method of transportation
  • Your journey could take longer than expected if there is a traffic delay
  • It is not as accessible as the train, and people living with disabilities may have more of a struggle boarding and alighting the bus versus the train

Option Three: Driving from Brighton to London

The third option you have is renting a car and driving from Brighton to London.

The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. This is, of course, dependant on traffic and what route you decide to take. There is a main highway from Brighton to London, so it is fairly easy to drive between the two cities.

There are a number of logistical things that need to be considered before deciding to drive from Brighton to London:

The Price of a Rental Car and Gas

You need to consider whether it is worth spending the money renting a car versus taking the train or the bus. This will depend a lot on your entire travel plans.

If you’re doing a multi-week driving tour through the United Kingdom and going to rural areas that are difficult to access via public transportation, then a car may be worth the additional price.

However, if you’re just driving from Brighton to London and nowhere else, a rental car probably isn’t worth the additional cost.

Driving on the Left-Hand Side of the Road

People in the United Kingdom drive on the left-hand side of the road. It can be difficult for people from countries that drive on the right-hand side of the road to adjust to it.

Be sure you’re comfortable and confident driving on the left-hand side of the road before you consider renting a car and driving from Brighton to London.

Pro Tip: It is always easier to adjust to driving on the left-hand side of the road if you have a passenger. The passenger can help you read signs and let you know if you’re getting too close to the curb on their side of the car.

Advantages of Driving from Brighton to London

As with the other methods of transportation, there are a number of advantages of driving from Brighton to London:

  • You have complete freedom. You’re able to choose when you leave, what route you take, and where exactly you arrive.
  • It is the quickest way to get from Brighton to London
  • You’re able to stop and visit other smaller communities during the drive if you want

Disadvantages of Driving from Brighton to London

I personally think driving from Brighton to London has the biggest disadvantages. It may not have the most disadvantages, but the disadvantages it does have are pretty hard to overcome.

  • It is by far the most expensive way to get from Brighton to London
  • You have to drive on a side of the road you may not be familiar with
  • The journey could take longer than anticipated if there is a traffic jam
  • There is a chance you could get lost. You could take a wrong turn somewhere along the way and have a difficult time finding your way back on track
Brighton Seafront

My Recommendation

I always believe you need to choose whatever transportation method works best for you and your style of travel. My preference may not be your preference, and that is okay.

That being said, I personally think the train is the best way to get from Brighton to London. It is very convenient, and I appreciate that there are multiple station is London you can get off at.

My second choice would be the bus with driving my last choice.

Conclusion

I hope this post illustrated that it is easy to get from Brighton to London and that there are multiple different ways you can make the journey.

Each transportation method has its pros and cons, so you’ll need to choose whatever one works best for you. It is hard to go wrong with any option, but I would encourage you to think seriously before you rent a car and drive from Brighton to London.

No matter how you choose to travel between Brighton and London, I hope you’re able to experience everything both cities have to offer! They are both amazing cities and two of my favourite United Kingdom cities.

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How to Get from London to Disneyland Paris

At first glance it may seem difficult to get from London to Disneyland Paris, but it really isn’t. You can get from London to Disneyland Paris with little to no hassle, and there is one route you can take that requires no transferring!

There are four different ways to get from London to Disneyland Paris. You can take the train directly to Disneyland Paris, the train to central Paris then the Paris metro to Disneyland Paris, you can fly, or you can take the bus.

This guide will only cover the first three methods because I don’t think taking the bus is practical or worth even suggesting to you.

The bus takes almost six hours and requires two to four transfers. That is way too much of a hassle when the Eurostar train is much quicker and than the bus.

In addition to telling you about all your different options to get to Disneyland Paris from London, this guide will also give you guidance on choosing the right option for you and your travel style.

Knowing the pros and cons of each travel method will help you choose what will work best for you. Different modes of transportation work best for different people, and my goal is not to tell you what works best for me but guide you in finding what works best for you!

Eurostar Train from London Directly to Disneyland Paris

Sadly, starting in spring of 2023, the Eurostar no longer runs from London to Disneyland Paris. You must take the train from London to Gare du Nord then the Paris Metro to Disneyland Paris. It’s a very sad development. I’m going to leave the details of how you used to be able to travel from London to Disneyland Paris below just in case they bring it back as an option in the future. The direct train from London to Disneyland Paris still shows on the Eurostar website, so it may be coming back sometime in the future. Be sure to consult the Eurostar website to see if a train direct from London to Disneyland Paris is available when you’re travelling.

This is the most direct, convenient, and quickest way to get from London to Disneyland Paris. Eurostar has one direct train a day from London St. Pancras station directly to Marne-La-Vallée (the train station located right at Disneyland Paris).

It leaves London at 10:15am and arrives at Disneyland Paris at 2pm. It is so quick and easy, but the downside is that there is only one train per day, and you may have to get up fairly early to catch the train depending on where in London you are staying.

NOTE: The direct train does not run between London and Disneyland Paris between early January and mid-February. You need to plan an alternative route if you are travelling during this time.

You will have to use the London Underground to get to St. Pancras in most cases, and that can take upwards of 45 minutes if you’re staying on the opposite side of the city and need to transfer to multiple different lines on the Underground.

Getting Train Tickets

You need to purchase your tickets online in advance on the Eurostar website. Tickets are available for purchase 180 days in advance. You should purchase your tickets as early as you can! This will give you the most options when choosing your seats, and Eurostar ticket prices increase as the date of departure gets closer and closer.

Eurostar tickets aren’t cheap to begin with, and they become extremely expensive if you’re booking tickets only a week or two in advance. I don’t normally plan things very far in advance when I travel, but I always get my Eurostar tickets the day I decide I’m going to be taking the train between London and Paris.

You need to print your ticket before you board the train. You will need a physical ticket. Unfortunately having an electronic ticket is not good enough, but hopefully that will change soon!

Eurostar Train from London to Disneyland Paris

Be Sure to Get to the Station Early!

It is essential that you arrive at St. Pancras at least half an hour before your train departs! You need to go through security as well as customs, so be sure to have your passport or EU residence card easily accessible!

It is airport-style security, so you will have to remove your belt and remove any loose change from your pocket. Your bags will go through a scanner and by x-rayed. You will then go to a customs counter to get your passport stamped or your residence card checked.

Then you are free to board the train when it is time.

The entire process goes pretty quickly, but you don’t want to be too rushed. It is always safer to leave a little extra time than not enough and be stressed and rushing.

The first time I took the Eurostar from London to Paris, there was an issue with the Underground, and I arrived at St. Pancras ten minutes before the train departed! The staff was incredibly helpful and got me through security and customs quickly then escorted me to the train, but it was far too stressful!

Disneyland Paris Packages that Include the Train

You have the option to book a package directly through Disneyland Paris that includes your Eurostar train directly from London to Disneyland Paris. You can learn about the packages on the Disneyland Paris website.

A few of the features include:

  • Complimentary luggage transfers from the train to your Disneyland Paris hotel
  • Activity and colouring sheets for children on the train
  • Round-trip direct train from London to Disneyland Paris and back
  • Park tickets for the duration of your stay
  • Accommodation at a Disneyland Paris hotel

This package option can be a good choice for some families. You need to review all of the package features before you make your decision. The inclusion of luggage transfers and the Eurostar tickets being arranged for you probably isn’t enough to justify the package price.

However, if you get a good deal on the hotel and the extra perks are attractive to you and your family, the package may be a great option. You really need to crunch the numbers of what the package costs versus what it would cost to pay for everything out-of-pocket. Oftentimes the package deals don’t save you as much money as they claim to.

The Pros and Cons of Taking the Train Directly to Disneyland Paris

Pros:

  • It is direct! This is by far the most attractive part of this transportation method.
  • The trains arrives steps away from Disneyland Paris. You don’t need to worry about figuring out how to get to Disneyland Paris after you get off the train.
  • It is quick. The journey takes less than three hours!

Cons:

  • The train from London to Disneyland Paris only leaves once per day.
  • Last-minute tickets are going to cost you a pretty penny.
  • It doesn’t run between early January and mid-February.

Eurostar Train from London to Central Paris

The next option is to take the train from St. Pancras station in London to Gare du Nord in Paris. Trains leave London for Gare du Nord approximately once per hour (normally at half past the hour). This means it is a lot easier to fit catching this train into your travel schedule because there are many more trains that leave.

The train from London to Central Paris takes about two and a half hours, so the transportation time to Paris is comparable to taking the train to Disneyland Paris directly.

This train is also direct, so you don’t need to worry about transferring to another train during your journey. You still need to go through security and customs, so all the previous advise regarding getting to the station early is still important!

Tickets

All of the ticketing information that was outlined in the section about the train directly from London to Disneyland Paris still stands.

You should book your ticket as early as possible and up to 180 days in advance. Even though there are a lot more train options, it doesn’t mean that it is less of a risk to wait and book your ticket closer to the date of departure.

Eurostar still raises their ticket prices the closer it is to the date of departure. There are a lot of different train options, but it is a very popular route and often sells out. This is especially true if you are travelling on a weekend, during peak hours, or over a holiday.

Ticket prices will already be more expensive during those times than they are during non-peak times, and they will only go up in cost the longer you wait.

Trust me. You don’t want to procrastinate about booking your Eurostar ticket. You will end up regretting it in the long run, and you may even decide that taking the train isn’t worth it because the price has increased so much.

So please, please take my advise and book your train ticket early!

Eurostar International Departure

Getting from Gare du Nord to Disneyland Paris

You’ve made it from London to Paris but now you have to get from central Paris to Disneyland Paris. In order to do that, you need to take the RER train to Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy. You can either take RER B or RER D. Both RERs run very frequently.

In this post, I am only going to take about the RER B because it is the simpler of the two routes.

The first step is to follow the signs for the Paris Metro/RER. They will be easily visible as you walk from the train platform. Once you are in the portion of Gare du Nord that houses the RER, you will need to purchase tickets.

There are green ticket machines that allow you to purchase tickets without queuing to purchase them from a ticket booth. The ticket machines are very easy to use and offer many different language options if you don’t speak French.

Pro Tip: Walk past the first set of ticket machines you see right when you enter the station. They are always the busiest! There are more ticket machines further into the station that are less busy.

A one-way ticket from Gare du Nord to Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy costs €7.50. The ticket machines accept cash, debit, and credit.

Navigating the RER Once You Have Your Ticket

Now that you have purchased your ticket and are ready to get on the RER, follow the signs for RER B in the direction of Robinson / Saint-Rémy-lés-Chevreuse.

You can get on any train that stops on your side of the platform as you are getting off at the very next stop. Don’t get comfortable when you board the train because it isn’t a long ride!

You get off at Châtelet Les Halles (the next stop after Gare du Nord) and transfer to the RER A. The transfer from the RER B to the RER A is incredibly simple. You simply walk from one side of the platform to the other.

The RER A has two different routes, so you have to be careful to make sure you get on the correct train. You need to get on the train that ends at Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy. If you get on the incorrect train, you will have to backtrack and get on the proper train. It is a hassle that is easily avoided by ensuring you are on the correct train.

There will be an overhead display on the platform showing the end destination of the train. If it doesn’t say Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy, don’t get on that train.

Trains to Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy run approximately every ten to fifteen minutes.

The journey once you get on the RER A takes just over half an hour so get comfortable and enjoy the ride. You don’t have to worry about accidentally missing your stop because Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy is the last stop on the line.

The Pros and Cons of Taking the Train from London to Gare du Nord

Pros:

  • It is quick and doesn’t require you to transfer trains.
  • There are multiple departures every day.

Cons:

  • You have to navigate the Paris metro.
  • It takes longer than the Eurostar directly from London to Disneyland Paris when you factor in the time you’re on the metro.
Disneyland Paris Castle

Flying from London to Paris

The last option is to fly from London to Paris then taking public transportation to Disneyland Paris. You can often find inexpensive flights from London to Paris by using Sky Scanner or Google Flights.

The inexpensive flights you find are often on budget airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet. This means you have to be cautious of extra charges like baggage, pre-booking a designated seat, and printing a boarding pass at the airport that can increase the price of your ticket.

You may also have to fly out from smaller airports like Stansted that don’t have the best ground transportation options. Or land at Beauvais-Tillé in Paris, which doesn’t have great ground transportation options either.

I advise you not to land at Beauvais-Tillé as it takes approximately three hours to get from the airport to Disneyland Paris. It is worth it to pay a little bit more for your flight to land at Charles de Gaulle.

It would be ideal to get a flight out of Heathrow or Gatwick and land at Charles de Gaulle in Paris. This will give you the easiest and quickest flying route from London to Paris. If you can’t land at Charles de Gaulle, Orly Airport would be the next best option to land at.

Landing at Charles de Gaulle

There are three ways to get from Charles de Gaulle to Disneyland Paris.

TGV Train

This is the quickest, easiest, and cheapest way to get from Charles de Gaulle to Disneyland Paris. It costs €17.50 per person one-way and only takes 15 minutes once you’re on the train. The train doesn’t run as frequently as the metro, so it is possible you will have to wait up to 30 minutes for the next train to arrive.

The TGV leaves from terminal two and is one level below the ticketing counters. You take the train in the direction of Marne-la-Vallée and get off at Marne-la-Vallée (2 stops away from Gare du Nord). You don’t need to book tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased at the airport when you arrive.

This is the method I would recommend to most people.

The Magic Shuttle Bus

This is a bus that takes you from Charles de Gaulle to Disneyland Paris. It costs €23 for adults and €10 for children over the age of two. Children under the age of two ride free.

The Magic Shuttle Bus also departs from terminal two between sub-terminals 2E and 2F. Once you are near 2F, you will take exit 8 and walk outside until you reach the bus.

The bus rides takes approximately 90 minutes. It is more expensive and takes longer than the TGV, so I don’t recommend this option.

A Taxi

The final option is taking a taxi. A taxi costs €76 on average and takes approximately 40 minutes. This is quite expensive, and I wouldn’t recommend it to smaller groups. I would only suggest this as an option to people with a larger group where €76 is close to the cost of using public transportation.

You can get a taxi in any terminal, and they are available 24 hours a day.

Disneyland Paris France

Landing at Orly Airport

Just like with Charles de Gaulle, there are three way to get to Disneyland Paris from Orly. They are via RER, the bus, or a taxi.

Taking the RER

Taking the RER to Disneyland Paris from Orly requires two transfers and takes approximately 90 minutes. The cost of the entire journey is €10.

You start by taking Orlyval from the airport to Antony. At Antony you transfer to the RER B. You must make sure you get on an RER B train that stops at Chatelet Les Halles. At Chatelet Les Halles you will get off the train and transfer to the RER A.

As described earlier, you need to ensure you get on an RER A train that ends at Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy. You get off at Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy and walk directly to Disneyland Paris. It is as simple as that!

The Magic Shuttle

Orly has a Magic Shuttle that takes you directly to Disneyland Paris. The bus runs seven days a week between 9am and 7:20pm, and it costs €10 for an adult and €10 for a child. The shuttle takes 90 minutes on average, but it can take longer if there is a lot of traffic.

The Magic Shuttle departs from both the South and West terminals. They depart approximately every 40 to 80 minutes depending on the time of day. During peak hours, they depart more frequently at every 40 minutes. At off-peak hours, the bus runs less often at every 80 minutes.

The Magic Shuttle drops guests off at the Disneyland hotels. If you are going straight to the parks without dropping off your luggage, you should get off at the Disneyland Hotel stop as that is the closest hotel to the park entrance.

This is the most popular method of getting from Orly to Disneyland Paris, so it is quite often very busy. It isn’t guaranteed that you will be able to sit with your family.

I would recommend this as the best option to get from Orly to Disneyland Paris.

It takes the same amount of time as the RER, but you don’t need to transfer. You just get on the bus and get off. There is no need to figure out if you’re getting on the proper train and going in the right direction. It is far less stressful.

By Taxi

The final option is to take a taxi from Orly to Disneyland Paris. Below are the prices for a taxi to the parks:

  • 1-4 passengers – € 65
  • 1-5 passengers – € 70
  • 1-6 passengers – € 75
  • 1-8 passengers – € 80

You can pre-book your taxi here. If you don’t want to pre-book a taxi, you can pick up a taxi at any terminal when you land.

This is a good option for people with a large group. It is potentially less expensive than taking your entire group on the shuttle, and you don’t have to wait for the next shuttle to arrive.

Pros and Cons of Flying

Pros:

  • It is great for people who are staying near an airport in London or who are going directly from London to Disneyland Paris without leaving the airport.
  • It is a great alternative for people who are afraid of taking the train.
  • You can use frequently flyer miles or points to save money if you have them.

Cons:

  • It takes a lot longer than the train by the time you get to the airport, go through security, board, fly, disembark, go through customs, and then take public transportation to Disneyland.
  • It is often more expensive than the Eurostar.

So What Mode of Transportation Do I Recommend?

This is a difficult thing to answer because, as I said at the start, everybody has different travel needs. I think what will be most helpful is to highlight what type of traveler would enjoy each of the three different options. This will help you choose what is best for you!

Train Directly from London to Disneyland Paris

But my personal favourite method of transportation is taking the train directly from London to Disneyland Paris. It is just so convenient!

This is the best option for people who are staying on or near Disneyland Paris property. It takes away the stress of trying to get from Gare du Nord or Charles de Gaulle to Disneyland Paris.

You simply get off the train and head to your hotel. It is the least stressful way to get from London to Disneyland Paris.

I would highly recommend taking the Eurostar from London to Disneyland Paris directly to anybody who is going to Paris specifically to go to Disneyland Paris and isn’t doing anything else in Paris.

Disneyland Paris France

Train from London to Gare du Nord

Taking the train from London to Gare du Nord is great for people who are staying in central Paris or who are doing more in Paris than just Disneyland Paris. This option allows you to arrive in central Paris and then find your hotel in central Paris before heading to Disneyland Paris for a day trip.

This is also a great option for people who are travelling from London to Disneyland Paris during the winter when the direct train isn’t running. It gives you the convenience of taking the train with just a little extra hassle of taking the RER from Gare du Nord.

The train to Gare du Nord also gives you more flexibility than the direct train from London to Disneyland Paris because it runs more often. It is easier to fit into your travel schedule than the direct Eurostar train that only leaves once every morning.

Flying from London to Paris

This would personally be my last option. It is by far the longest option and often isn’t less expensive than taking the Eurostar train.

I think this could be a good option for people who are landing in London and going directly to Paris without leaving the airport or people who are travelling to Disneyland Paris from a different city in England other than London.

Taking a flight may be quicker and more convenient than going all the way into London then catching a train to Disneyland Paris.

But I wouldn’t recommend this option to people who are staying in central London. It is much easier to take a train from St. Pancras to Paris than head all the way to the airport and flying to Paris.

Conclusion

It is very easy to get from London to Disneyland Paris no matter what transportation option you choose. You could take the train first thing in the morning and still have half a day in the parks!

I would recommend looking into taking a Eurostar train. They are quick, convenient, clean, and you can find less expensive tickets if you book far enough in advance.

It is super easy to get from London to Disneyland Paris, and it makes a great addition to your Europe trip. I mean who doesn’t want to spend a few days at Disney?