AREX offers transit pass for international arrivials online

The AREX train attendant delivers transit passes to passengers who have ordered them via the AREX app before boarding. (Airport Railroad Express Train)

The Airport Railroad Express Train said Sunday that it has started online sales of a transit pass for public transportation to enhance the convenience of transfers at Seoul Station for international arrivals.

Previously, passengers on the train operator’s airport express train -- which runs nonstop from Incheon International Airport Terminals 1 and 2 to Seoul Station -- had to disembark, leave the platform and purchase a transit card to use buses or subway trains.

The online sale initiative aims to streamline this process, reducing unnecessary detours, the Airport Railroad Express Train (AREX) explained.

Priced at 10,000 won ($7.47) each, the transit pass can be ordered via the operator's mobile application exclusively, one to 60 days before boarding.

If purchased, the physical card with a 5,000 won deposit will be delivered by the train attendant en route to Seoul Station.

Using the transit card, passengers can transfer to regular public transport within 30 minutes without incurring additional charges, though fare differences have to be paid. The transportation fares here start at 1,400 won for the train, 1,500 won for city buses, and 3,000 won for inter-city buses.

“The Airport Railroad Express Train introduced the pre-order service to cater to international arrivals, unfamiliar with Korean public transportation,” said an official from the AREX, “We hope it will provide a more convenient start to their journey in Seoul.”

By Hwang Joo-young and Lee Hong-seok (flylikekite@heraldcorp.com) (gilbert@heraldcorp.com)

By Hwang Joo-young(flylikekite@heraldcorp.com)