ICN Airport Insights & Guide
Key ICN Airport Topics:
- Frequent Flier Tips
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know ICN Airport
Discover Incheon Airport, South Korea's premier gateway and a global leader in airport services, renowned for its beautiful indoor gardens. Our concise guide equips you with essential tips for a seamless journey through ICN, covering everything from flight tracking to dining options. Whether it's your first visit or you're a frequent flyer, we streamline your travel process.
Explore our Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly.com for more insights into navigating major airports effortlessly.
WATCH VIDEO: Experience the arrivals at Incheon International Airport (ICN) and discover transportation options from the airport to Seoul:
Navigating ICN's Terminals
ICN has two main terminals - the Main Terminal and Terminal A. The Main Terminal is divided into three concourses: Concourse A, Concourse B, and Concourse C. Concourse A is mainly used by Korean Air, Concourse B is used by other international airlines, and Concourse C is used by low-cost carriers. Terminal A is mainly used by Asiana Airlines and Star Alliance airlines.
Overall, ICN Airport has a total of 111 gates, with 44 gates in the Main Terminal and 67 gates in Terminal A. Major airlines that operate at the airport include Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Emirates.
To navigate the airport terminals, passengers can follow the signage and maps located throughout the airport. There are also information desks and customer service centers available to assist passengers with any questions or concerns.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
At Incheon Airport, there are several ways to get between the Main Terminal and Terminal A. The terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus service which operates every 5-10 minutes and takes approximately 10 minutes to travel between the two terminals. The shuttle bus stops are located outside the arrivals area of each terminal.
Alternatively, you can walk between the terminals using the pedestrian walkway located on the third floor of the Main Terminal. The walkway takes approximately 15-20 minutes and provides a great opportunity to stretch your legs and explore the airport. If you have limited time or prefer not to walk, you can also take the train which operates between the two terminals. The train departs every 5-10 minutes and takes approximately 3 minutes to travel between the terminals. The train station is located in the basement level of the Main Terminal.
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Incheon International Airport (ICN) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from ICN-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"Incheon International Airport has two main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is the older and larger terminal, serving most international flights. Terminal 2 is newer and primarily used by Korean Air and its SkyTeam partners. Make sure to check your terminal before heading to the airport to avoid any last-minute confusion." — Jisoo K., Incheon, South Korea, August 2023
"If you have a connecting flight, the shuttle train between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is very efficient and runs frequently. Allow yourself at least 45 minutes for the transfer to be safe." — Minho L., Bucheon, South Korea, September 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The AREX (Airport Railroad Express) is the fastest and most convenient way to get to downtown Seoul. It takes about 43 minutes from Terminal 1 to Seoul Station. If you’re in a hurry, opt for the Express Train, which skips the intermediate stops." — Hyun J., Seoul, South Korea, July 2023
"Taxis are available, but they can be quite expensive. If you’re traveling with a group, consider booking a van taxi for a more economical option." — Soo Y., Gimpo, South Korea, October 2023
Parking
"If you’re parking at ICN for an extended period, the long-term parking lot is your best bet. It’s more affordable than the short-term lot, and there’s a free shuttle bus that runs every 15 minutes to the terminals." — Jihoon P., Incheon, South Korea, November 2023
"For short trips, the Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking garages are very convenient, but they fill up quickly. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak travel seasons." — Hana C., Siheung, South Korea, December 2023
Inside the Airport
"Incheon Airport has some of the best dining options among international airports. Don’t miss out on the Korean food court in Terminal 1 for an authentic taste of Korea before you fly." — Seung H., Incheon, South Korea, January 2024
"If you have a long layover, the airport offers free showers and nap zones. You can also visit the Korean Culture Museum or catch a movie at the CGV cinema in Terminal 2." — Yuna L., Seoul, South Korea, February 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"To avoid long security lines, try to arrive at least three hours before your international flight. The automated check-in kiosks and baggage drop services can save you a lot of time." — Donghae K., Incheon, South Korea, March 2024
"Download the airport’s mobile app for real-time updates on flight statuses, gate changes, and even wait times at security checkpoints. It’s a lifesaver during busy travel periods." — Jiyoung S., Incheon, South Korea, April 2024
iFly Tip: Discover essential advice for traveling with kids on our Flying with Children page.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At Incheon Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated areas in front of the Main Terminal and Terminal A. However, curbside parking is strictly prohibited, and vehicles left unattended will be towed away. Therefore, it is important to use the designated pick-up and drop-off areas only.
If you need to wait for arriving passengers, there are cell-phone waiting areas available near the airport. These areas are free of charge and allow drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers arrive and are ready to be picked up. This helps to reduce traffic congestion and ensures a smooth flow of vehicles in and out of the airport.
Parking Facilities & Options
When it comes to parking at Incheon Airport, there are several options available to travelers. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking in multiple locations, including the Main Terminal and Terminal A.
For those who need to wait for arriving passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas located near the terminals. These areas allow drivers to park for free and wait until their passengers are ready to be picked up.
Handicapped parking is available in all parking lots and garages, with clearly marked spaces located near the elevators and entrances.
For those looking for more economical parking options, off-airport parking lots are available nearby. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport and can be a cost-effective alternative to parking directly at the airport.
Get details about ICN parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
When arriving at ICN, travelers have a variety of ground transportation options to choose from. For those who prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental facilities available at the airport including Avis, Budget, and Hertz. These providers offer a range of vehicles to suit different needs and budgets.
If you prefer to take a taxi, there are designated drop-off areas located outside of the airport terminals. Fares are calculated based on distance traveled and time spent in the taxi. It is important to note that there may be additional fees for tolls and late-night travel.
For those looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available at ICN Airport. Pickup areas for these services are located outside of the airport terminals. However, it is important to note that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed in the vehicle.
Airport shuttles are another option for travelers. These services provide transportation to and from the airport to various locations within the city. Pickup areas for airport shuttles are located outside of the airport terminals. Fares vary depending on the destination and provider.
Finally, public transportation options such as buses and trains are available for those who prefer to use public transportation. The airport is well-connected to the city's public transportation system, making it easy to get to your destination. Fares for public transportation are generally affordable and vary depending on the mode of transportation and distance traveled.
iFly Tip: Make the most of your time by checking our airport wait times tips.
Airport Hotels
Whether you're on a business trip, in transit, or starting your vacation, finding a comfortable and convenient hotel can make your travel experience much smoother. Our guide introduces a selection of hotels each offering unique amenities to suit different travelers' needs. From the convenience of the the airport Hotels, designed specifically for international travelers in transit, to the luxury of the Grand Hyatt, we have options to suit every traveler. For those seeking a home-like atmosphere, consider the Incheon Airport Gogo House, equipped with a kitchenette and cable TV. The Best Western Premier and Treehouse offer top-notch amenities and services, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests. Explore further options and find the perfect fit for your travel needs.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
If you're looking for a delicious meal or some last-minute shopping before your flight, Incheon Airport has plenty of options to choose from. For a taste of traditional Korean cuisine, head to Jinsunmi Sikdang in Terminal A. This restaurant serves up classic dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi, as well as a variety of soups and stews. If you're in the mood for something a little different, try the sushi at Sushi Maru in the Main Terminal. This restaurant offers a wide selection of sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese favorites.
When it comes to shopping, ICN has something for everyone. For luxury fashion brands like Gucci and Prada, check out the duty-free shops in the Main Terminal. If you're looking for souvenirs to bring back home, head to the Korean Traditional Culture Experience Center in Terminal A. Here, you'll find a variety of Korean handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as cultural activities like calligraphy and tea ceremonies.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at ICN Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and newsstands, click here.
Passenger Services
The airport is one of the busiest airports in South Korea, serving millions of passengers every year. The airport provides a wide range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience for all. Here are some of the services available:
Wifi Access: Incheon Airport offers free wifi access throughout the airport terminals, allowing passengers to stay connected and browse the internet while waiting for their flights.
Lost and Found: If you have lost an item at the airport, you can contact the Lost and Found center located on the first floor of the main terminal. The center is open 24/7 and can assist you in finding your lost items.
Children's Areas: Incheon Airport provides various children's play areas in both the main terminal and Terminal A. These areas are equipped with toys, games, and other entertainment to keep children occupied while waiting for their flights.
Special-Needs Services: The airport offers special services for passengers with disabilities or special needs. These services include wheelchair assistance, special seating arrangements, and other accommodations to ensure a comfortable travel experience.
Banking: ICN has several banks and currency exchange booths located throughout the airport terminals. Passengers can easily exchange currency or withdraw cash from ATMs.
Medical Help: In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a medical center located on the first floor of the main terminal. The center is staffed with medical professionals and equipped to handle various medical situations.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it's important to stay up-to-date with the status of your flight departure. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status information at ICN Airport in Korea, Republic of.
One way to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply locate the display for your airline and flight number, and you'll be able to see the latest information.
Another way to stay informed is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines offer apps that allow you to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes directly to your phone. You can also opt to receive notifications via text, email, or push notifications.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
iFly Tip: Be prepared for your flight with expert advice from our carry-on packing guide.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Incheon Airport (ICN) is located on an island just outside of Seoul, South Korea.
- Terminals: The airport has two terminals: the Main Terminal, which includes Concourse A, Concourse B, and Concourse C, and Terminal A, used exclusively by Korean Air.
- Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. For a list of all airlines, check out the ICN Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Incheon Airport handles around 200,000 passengers daily and over 68 million passengers annually.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees an average of 1,200 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from ICN are Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Shanghai.
- Hub Status: Incheon Airport serves as a hub for Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Jeju Air.
Airport History
Incheon Airport, also known as Seoul-Incheon International Airport, is the largest airport in South Korea and one of the busiest airports in the world. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- March 29, 2001: Incheon Airport officially opens for operation, replacing the older Gimpo International Airport as the main airport serving Seoul.
- 2003: The airport's second terminal opens, increasing the airport's capacity to 44 million passengers per year.
- 2008: ICN is named the best airport in the world by Airports Council International (ACI) for the first time.
- 2010: The airport's third terminal opens, making ICN Airport the first airport in Northeast Asia to have three terminals.
- 2012: the airport is named the best airport in the world for the second time by ACI.
- 2018: The airport's fourth terminal opens, increasing the airport's capacity to 72 million passengers per year and making it one of the largest airports in the world.
- 2020: Incheon Airport is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant decrease in passenger traffic and flight operations.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Incheon Airport remains a vital transportation hub for South Korea and a major gateway to Asia.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Incheon International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: ICN
- Airport Website
- Phone: +82-32-741-0114
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Incheon International Airport, 272 Gonghang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Incheon Airport Q&A
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