[Sponsored Report] Express train offers a more pleasant journey

Top: Korean Air customers check in early at Seoul Station’s City Airport Terminal. Bottom: Passengers travel on the express train, which takes 43 minutes to get to Incheon International Airport from Seoul Station. Provided by AREX

Korea Railroad Corporation’s Airport Railroad Express (AREX), the train connecting Incheon International Airport to central Seoul, attracts passengers who would like to begin their trip without hassle. The benefit of taking AREX to go to the airport is not just avoiding traffic congestion during peak travel season but also the opportunity to get a queue-free pass from Seoul Station’s City Airport Terminal.

According to Korail, the number of daily passengers it carries has reached 200,000. It is a remarkable improvement from its opening in March 2007 when the train ran with many empty seats. The seats in its all-stop trains - the ones that stop at all 11 stations on the line - are mostly filled up so some passengers have to travel standing. In rush hours, the cabins become even more crowded.

On the other hand, passengers cruise in a more relaxed atmosphere on its express trains, which run back and forth from Seoul Station to Incheon International Airport in 43 minutes. Although the fare, 8,000 won ($7.89), is twice the fare for the all-stop train (3,950 won), the train is popular for its assigned seats, which guarantee a comfortable trip. Moreover, its spacious cabins are suitable for carrying large suitcases. The lavatory and reduced noise of the train are also reasons why many airport visitors, especially international travelers, prefer the express train to the all-stop train.

Those who travel with family, friends or acquaintances can enjoy a cheaper ride. Korail offers a discounted rate for the express train to group passengers with more than four members in their party until the end of this year.

Another benefit to using the express train is the free check-in services from Seoul Station’s City Airport Terminal. Currently, Korean Air, Asiana and Jeju Air ticket holders can check in and consign their baggage from the counters at the terminal. Departure procedures by Korea Immigration Service are also available after check-in.

This 10-minute procedure can save passengers time and effort waiting in long lines at Incheon International Airport, which is common during peak seasons. Passengers can enjoy their ride to the airport without their heavy luggage. At the airport, those who finished the immigration procedure can go right through a reserved passageway for diplomats and flight attendants. Here, only a simple passport check and some security checks are required.

More information is available in Chinese, English and Japanese from the AREX website (www.arex.or.kr).

By Kim Young-shin [yskim11@joongang.co.kr]