Busan Transport Guide for Travellers

Navigating around Busan is straightforward with an extensive network of metro lines, buses, and light rail connections linking the city centre with Gimhae, Yangsan, and surrounding areas. Whether you are arriving at Gimhae International Airport or exploring local neighbourhoods, understanding the public transport system helps ensure smooth travelling across the city.

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Urban Metro System

The Busan urban metro system operates lines 1 through 4, alongside the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit and the Donghae Line. These routes connect key locations throughout the city as well as Gimhae and Yangsan in Gyeongsangnam-do.

Services run from 05:00 to 23:59 daily. First and last train times vary depending on the specific station, and train frequencies change according to the time of day. Travellers should check timetables posted at stations or via official websites for precise schedules.

Tickets and Passes

Four main types of tickets are available for the metro system:

*   QR Tickets: Includes one-way tickets for adults, youths, large families, children, and discounted concessionary tickets. These can be purchased from ticket vending machines located inside metro stations.

*   Mobile Tickets: Available for adults, youths, and children. To use mobile tickets, download the Busan Metro application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

*   Periodic Passes: Available in 1-day, 3-day, and 1-month options. Note that periodic passes cannot be used on other transport modes such as the Donghae Line or Busan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit.

*   Transport Cards: Available for general users, youths, and children.

QR tickets, mobile tickets, and transport cards incur fare differences based on travel zones, whereas periodic passes do not.

Buses

Due to Busan's mountainous terrain, many bus routes navigate slopes and hills. Experienced drivers handle narrow roads in older neighbourhoods to transport passengers efficiently.

Buses are categorized into regular buses (numbered 1 to 500), seating buses (routes 58-1, 203, 221, and 300 series), general express seating buses (1000 series), direct express seating buses (2000 series), and village buses. There are no dedicated late-night services, but a surcharge applies to routes operating after 23:40.

Luggage brought onto buses is restricted to the following dimensions and weight limits:

*   Maximum weight per person: Under 20kg

*   Size restriction: Under 50x40x20cm

This corresponds roughly to a 20-inch cabin suitcase or a 40-litre shopping cart basket. Larger suitcases or bulky items are difficult to bring on board, so passengers with large bags are advised to use the metro, airport limousine, or taxis.

Airport Limousine

The airport limousine connects Gimhae International Airport with the Haeundae new town district via the Dongseo Overpass and Hwangnyeongsan Tunnel. While the 307 bus route runs from Gimhae Airport to Haeundae Beach, the limousine bus travels via Namcheon-dong, Gwangan-dong, and Suyeong Intersection. The journey takes approximately one hour, similar to the metro, but is convenient for travellers carrying heavy luggage who wish to avoid transfers.

Transfers

Transit discounts apply when transferring between the same or different public transport modes (city buses, subways, and village buses) up to two times, provided the transfer occurs within 30 minutes of alighting.

To receive transfer discounts, passengers must use a transport card and tag the exit terminal when disembarking from city buses and the metro. Metro-to-metro transfers only qualify for discounts when transferring within the station platform. Airport limousine buses do not offer transfer discount benefits.

Transport Cards

Transport cards are electronic money cards used to pay for fares. They can also be used like cash at convenience stores and locations supporting transport card payments. Cards are purchased and topped up with a desired amount, with fares deducted per trip while providing fare discounts and transfer benefits.

The Hanaro card is officially supported. Transfer discounts also apply with other regional Mybi cards including Gimhae For You cards, T-money, Cashbee, and deferred payment transport cards. Top-ups can be processed at metro station ticket machines across the Busan urban railway, all Donghae Line metropolitan railway stations, convenience stores, and Busan Bank.

Travelling from the Airport to the City Centre

Gimhae International Airport is the arrival point for domestic and international flights to Busan and is located about an hour away from the city centre.

| Transport Mode | Details |

| --- | --- |

| Bus | City buses, limousine buses, express city buses, village buses, and intercity buses are available. Fares vary depending on the bus type and destination. |

| Metro | Taking the light rail transit from the airport and transferring at Sasang Station (Line 2) or Daejeo Station (Line 3) provides an affordable and straightforward route into the city centre. |

| Taxi | Taxis into the city include standard taxis, deluxe taxis, and large taxis. Deluxe and large taxis cost approximately 50% more than standard taxis but offer larger and more luxurious vehicles. Actual travel times and fares are subject to change. |

Practical Tips

*   Check station timetables online or inside metro stations as first and last train times differ by station.

*   Ensure you tag out when exiting city buses and metro stations to qualify for transfer discounts within 30 minutes.

*   Limit carry-on baggage on standard buses to under 20kg and under 50x40x20cm.

*   Top up transport cards at metro station machines, Donghae Line stations, convenience stores, or Busan Bank.

Source

https://www.visitbusan.net/kr/index.do?menuCd=DOM_000000203014001000