KTX & SRT · South Korea High-Speed Rail # Korean Trains: Search & Book Train Tickets Compare live KTX and SRT fares between Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju and beyond, then book your seat in the same search — running up to 305 km/h. [Book Tickets ↗](https://highspeedtrains.com) Live seat availability English-speaking support No app required 305 km/h KTX maximum speed 2h11 Fastest Seoul–Busan 100+ Daily departures Free Wi-Fi on board About the network ## What Is KTX (Korea Train eXpress)? KTX (Korea Train eXpress) is South Korea's high-speed rail service, running since 2004 at up to 305 km/h. It connects Seoul to Busan, Gyeongju, Daegu, Gwangju, Jeonju and Gangneung, mainly from Seoul Station and Yongsan Station in central Seoul. KTX service began on April 1, 2004, after twelve years of construction on the Gyeongbu line. The flagship Gyeongbu line to Busan covers 408 km in as fast as 2 hours 11 minutes nonstop, typically 2h15–2h40 with stops — one of the busiest high-speed corridors in the world, with over 100 trains a day. The network has grown steadily since launch: the Honam line reached Gwangju in 2015, and the Gyeonggang line reached Gangneung on the east coast in 2017. A separate high-speed service, SRT, launched in 2016 on the same tracks from Suseo Station in southern Seoul — a convenient option if you're staying near Gangnam rather than downtown. Both KTX and SRT trains show up together in the search widget above — whether you're searching KTX train tickets or just checking the KTX high-speed train timetable. ## Reserve your seat before you travel Fares rise closer to departure — the busiest trains sell out first. [Search fares ↗](https://highspeedtrains.com) Why take the train ## Why High-Speed Trains Beat Flying or Driving in Korea South Korea's rail network isn't just KTX — high-speed KTX and SRT services handle the long legs between major cities, while conventional lines reach almost everywhere else. One search above covers all of it, which is hard to match by air or by road. Regional express trains like the ITX-Saemaeul and Mugunghwa-ho fill in the rest of the map, so even rural areas and tourist destinations without a high-speed stop are usually still just one connection away. ### Faster door to door Stations sit in the city center on both ends — no long transfer out to an airport, and no highway traffic to sit in. ### No security lines Board a few minutes before departure — no bag scanners, no boarding passes, no gate changes. ### More room to relax Real legroom, space to walk around, and a dining car on longer high-speed routes. ### Reaches more places Slower regional trains — ITX-Saemaeul, ITX-Cheongchun, Mugunghwa-ho — connect smaller towns that flights and direct highways skip entirely. These conventional trains run at a gentler 160–260 km/h, well suited to scenic, unhurried long-distance trips. Popular routes ## Korean Train Routes: Seoul, Busan & Beyond KTX and SRT connect Seoul with most major Korean cities in just a few hours. The Gyeongbu line runs point-to-point from Seoul Station to Busan Station, covering a travel distance of 408.5 km at a maximum speed of 305 km/h. Popular KTX routes from Seoul: journey times and distance Route| Fastest time| Line ---|---|--- Seoul → Busan| 2h11| Gyeongbu (408 km) Seoul → Gyeongju| ~2h00| Gyeongbu Seoul → Daegu| ~1h40| Gyeongbu Seoul → Gwangju| ~1h30| Honam Seoul → Gangneung| ~2h00| Gyeonggang (KTX-Eum) Seoul → Jeonju| ~1h30| Honam Most Gyeongbu line departures also call at Gwangmyeong, Cheonan-Asan, Daejeon and Dongdaegu — all common KTX stops along the way — so a ticket between any two of these cities is usually just as easy to find as a straight Seoul–Busan booking. ### Jeju Island by Ferry No train reaches Jeju Island — it's a direct flight or ferry services from Busan, Mokpo, Wando or Yeosu. ### KTX-Eum on the Gangneung Line The newer KTX-Eum trainset runs the Gyeonggang line to Gangneung and also serves the Jeonju route on the Honam line. Onboard classes ## First Class vs Standard Class Both classes deliver a comfortable, modern ride. First class suits travelers who want guaranteed quiet and extra space on longer routes, while standard class covers everything else comfortably for a lower fare. Both first class seats and standard class seats let you pick a preferred window or aisle spot at checkout. Check the search widget above for current pricing. ### Standard Class (일반실) 2×2 reclining seats with good legroom, power outlets, free Wi-Fi and overhead luggage racks — the class most travelers book. [Book Standard ↗](https://highspeedtrains.com) ### First Class (특실) Wider 2×1 seating, extra legroom, quieter cars and priority boarding, typically 40–50% more than standard fares. [Book First Class ↗](https://highspeedtrains.com) ## Every stop, one search away Compare departures across the whole KTX & SRT network in one place. [Book Tickets ↗](https://highspeedtrains.com) Booking tips ## How to Book Train Tickets Search your route in the widget above to book directly — fares update in real time. The same step-by-step search covers KTX tickets, live train schedules and every other Korea train tickets option in one pass. ### Book ahead for the best fare Bookings open about a month before departure, with discounts of up to 30% available roughly 60 days out. Seniors and travelers with disabilities can also qualify for reduced fares on production of valid ID at the station. Ticket prices vary by class and travel date, and the search above always reflects current fares. ### Weekends fill up fast Popular departures on weekends and Korean public holidays can sell out days in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like Chuseok and Lunar New Year. ### Checkout takes minutes Pick a departure and seat class, pay by card, and get an e-ticket with a QR code by email — no printing needed. ### Arriving via Incheon Airport? The AREX airport express connects Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station in about 45–60 minutes, with a direct transfer to KTX platforms. ### Traveling with family or a group? Children under a certain age ride free or at a discount, and larger groups can usually reserve seats together in the same car — so your group stays together instead of scattered among other passengers. ### Book KTX tickets on HST Every fare and schedule above runs through HST (highspeedtrains.com) — search once, compare classes, and check out without leaving the page. ### Korail Pass or Single Tickets? If long-distance travel is a regular part of your trip, a Korail Pass is worth pricing out; for most visitors booking just a route or two, single tickets from the search above work out simpler and cheaper. Onboard amenities ## Wi-Fi, Power & Onboard Comfort A comfortable, modern experience is standard across KTX and SRT. ### Free Wi-Fi Standard and first class both stay connected for the whole ride. ### Power at every seat At-seat outlets keep a phone or laptop charged the whole way. ### Dining & food services Snacks, drinks and light meals for purchase on board. ### Luggage space Overhead racks plus larger storage at the end of most cars. ### QR ticketing Board with a printed or mobile ticket, allowing passengers to skip a separate gate pass entirely. ### Scenic window seats Right-side seats heading south from Seoul catch the best river views. Most cars also carry a vending machine with drinks and light meals, and it's completely normal to bring your own food onboard for a longer journey. Every car has clean restrooms, and power outlets at each seat help a mobile phone stay connected the whole ride. Questions ## Korean Trains — FAQ [Book tickets](https://highspeedtrains.com) What is the difference between KTX and SRT? KTX and SRT are Korea's two high-speed train services, running on the same tracks at similar speeds and fares. The main practical difference is departure station — SRT leaves from Suseo in southern Seoul, while KTX also serves Seoul Station and Yongsan. Both are bookable through the search widget above. How fast is the KTX train? KTX trains reach a maximum speed of 305 km/h. On the Seoul–Busan route, that means journey times as fast as 2 hours 11 minutes. How much are KTX tickets from Seoul to Busan? Standard class fares start from around €28 one-way. Check the search widget above for current pricing on your travel dates. Should I book single tickets or a Korail Pass? If you're planning several long-distance trips across Korea, a Korail Pass can work out cheaper. For one or two routes, booking individual tickets through the search above is usually the better value. Can I take the train to Jeju Island? No — Jeju is an island with no rail link. You'll need a domestic flight or a ferry from Busan, Mokpo, Wando or Yeosu. How far in advance can I book Korea train tickets? Standard booking opens about a month before departure, with early-booking discounts available up to 60 days ahead on some fares. Does the KTX have Wi-Fi and power outlets? Yes — free Wi-Fi and power outlets are standard in both first and standard class on KTX and SRT. Is the train better than flying between Seoul and Busan? For most travelers, yes — domestic flights take about an hour in the air, but once airport transfer time is added, the train is often just as fast and lands you at Busan Station downtown. High-speed rail also rarely gets delayed by weather, unlike short domestic flights. How do I get around once I arrive at a Korean train station? Every major KTX and SRT station connects to the local subway. Get a T-money card at any convenience store or subway station — fares are distance-based and it works on buses too. Do I need a printed ticket for KTX or SRT? No — a mobile e-ticket with a QR code is enough for both KTX and SRT. Just have it ready on your phone when you reach the platform gate. Is there a luggage size limit on KTX and SRT? There's no strict weight limit, but bags need to fit in the overhead rack or the luggage space at the end of each car — most standard suitcases fit without any issue. What's the difference between KTX-I, KTX-II, KTX-Sancheon and KTX-Eum? These are different train sets rather than separate services: KTX-I and KTX-II are the original French-designed trains, KTX-Sancheon is Korea's own tilting design used on curvier lines, and KTX-Eum is the newest model running the Gangneung and Jeonju routes. What's the best app for getting around Korea by train? Naver Map and KakaoMap are the two most reliable apps for Korean transit navigation — both show live KTX and subway connections in English. ## Ready to book your Korean train tickets? Compare live KTX and SRT fares and departures before you book. [Book Tickets ↗](https://highspeedtrains.com) --- Book tickets: https://highspeedtrains.com