Seoul Incheon ICN Airport Guide: Terminal 1 vs 2, AREX and K-ETA
Incheon International Airport, Seoul, South Korea: terminals, getting to the city, security, lounges and connections.
Quick answer: Incheon has two terminals about 15 to 20 minutes apart by free shuttle bus. Terminal 2 is used by Korean Air, Delta, other SkyTeam airlines and, since 14 January 2026, Asiana. Terminal 1 is used by most other foreign airlines, including United. The AREX express train reaches Seoul Station in about 43 minutes from Terminal 1 and about 51 minutes from Terminal 2. US citizens are exempt from K-ETA until 31 December 2026; no decision for 2027 had been announced as of November 2026.
Facts checked November 2026. Schedules and entry rules change, so confirm with the airline and the official government site before you travel.
ICN at a glance
| Terminal 2 | Korean Air, Asiana (since 14 January 2026), Delta, other SkyTeam airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul |
|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Most other foreign airlines, including United and Star Alliance carriers |
| Between terminals | Free shuttle bus, about 15 to 20 minutes; AREX also links both terminals |
| Train to Seoul | AREX express to Seoul Station: about 43 minutes from T1, 51 from T2 |
| K-ETA for US citizens | Temporary exemption until 31 December 2026 |
| Asiana | Leaves Star Alliance on 16 December 2026 and is merging into Korean Air |
Incheon Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2: which airlines use each
Terminal 2 is the SkyTeam terminal. Korean Air is based there, along with Delta, other SkyTeam members and the low-cost airlines Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul. Asiana Airlines moved all its Incheon flights from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 on 14 January 2026, as part of its integration into Korean Air.
Terminal 1 is used by most other foreign airlines, including United and most Star Alliance and oneworld carriers, and by other Korean low-cost airlines. Older guides that place Asiana in Terminal 1 are out of date.
The two terminals are separate buildings several kilometers apart, not one building with two ends. Check the terminal on your ticket before you set off, and if you are coming by train, get off at the right station: AREX stops at Terminal 1 first, then Terminal 2.
Asiana's merger into Korean Air
Korean Air took control of Asiana and the two are being combined into one airline. Asiana is due to leave Star Alliance on 16 December 2026, and the merger into Korean Air is planned to complete the following day. Korean Air is a SkyTeam member, alongside Delta.
For US travellers this matters in two ways. If you earn United MileagePlus or other Star Alliance miles on Asiana, that link is ending: earning on Asiana flights stopped for travel after 15 October 2026. And bookings for travel after mid-December may show Korean Air as the operating airline. Check your booking and the airline's notices if you hold an Asiana ticket.
Getting to Seoul: AREX, buses and taxis
AREX, the Airport Railroad, runs from stations under both terminals. The express train runs nonstop to Seoul Station in about 43 minutes from Terminal 1 and about 51 minutes from Terminal 2, with reserved seats. The all-stop commuter train is slower, about 60 to 70 minutes, but stops at Gimpo Airport, Hongdae and Digital Media City, where you can change to Seoul subway lines.
Airport limousine buses leave from the arrivals floor of both terminals for most Seoul districts and major hotels. They are the easiest choice with heavy luggage when your hotel is far from a subway stop. Buy tickets at the counters in arrivals or at the kiosks.
Taxis wait outside arrivals at both terminals. The drive to central Seoul usually takes about an hour, longer in traffic. Use the official taxi stands rather than drivers who approach you inside the building.
K-ETA and arrival rules for US citizens
US citizens can visit South Korea visa-free for short stays. South Korea's K-ETA, an online travel authorisation, is normally required for visa-free visitors, but US citizens are temporarily exempt until 31 December 2026, according to Korean government notices.
As of November 2026, no extension for 2027 has been officially announced. If you will arrive in Korea on or after 1 January 2027, check k-eta.go.kr or a Korean embassy notice before you fly, and if K-ETA is required, apply at least 72 hours before your flight. Use only the official site.
If you enter without a K-ETA, you need an arrival card. Korea's free e-Arrival card can be submitted at e-arrivalcard.go.kr within three days before you land; check that site for whether a paper card is still accepted.
Connecting at Incheon
Incheon is a major connecting airport between the US and Asia, especially on Korean Air and Delta, which share Terminal 2. A connection between them usually stays in one terminal, and transfer passengers follow the transfer signs to a transfer security check rather than leaving the airport.
If your next flight leaves from the other terminal, follow the transfer signs or ask the transfer desk for the route between terminals, and allow extra time. On separate tickets, you will usually need to enter Korea, collect your bags and check in again at the other terminal, so the K-ETA rules apply to you.
With Asiana now in Terminal 2, connections between Korean Air and Asiana no longer need a change of terminal.
Lounges and practical tips
Korean Air runs several lounges in Terminal 2, including a First Class Lounge, Prestige lounges and the Miler Club for its top elite members, and has rebuilt them in recent years. Delta travellers who qualify use Korean Air's lounges.
Independent lounges are open to other travellers on paid or card access, and can fill up at peak times.
Incheon has free Wi-Fi. Korea uses Type C and F plugs at 220 volts, so bring an adapter and check that your US chargers accept 220 volts.
Route guides to Seoul (ICN)
Frequently asked questions
Which airlines use Incheon Terminal 2?
Korean Air, Delta and other SkyTeam airlines, Asiana since 14 January 2026, and Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul.
Which airlines use Incheon Terminal 1?
Most other foreign airlines, including United and most Star Alliance and oneworld carriers, and other Korean low-cost airlines.
How do I get between Incheon Terminal 1 and Terminal 2?
By the free shuttle bus, about 15 to 20 minutes, or by AREX, which stops at both terminals. Connecting passengers should follow the transfer signs.
Do US citizens need a K-ETA for South Korea?
Not until 31 December 2026, under a temporary exemption. No 2027 decision had been announced as of November 2026, so check k-eta.go.kr before travelling in 2027.
How long is the AREX express from Incheon to Seoul Station?
About 43 minutes from Terminal 1 and about 51 minutes from Terminal 2, nonstop.
Is Asiana still in Star Alliance?
Until 16 December 2026. Asiana is merging into Korean Air, a SkyTeam airline, and its flights then become Korean Air.
Which terminal is Delta at Incheon?
Terminal 2, with its partner Korean Air.
