Dragging Suitcases Through Subway Transfers? Take the Airport Limousine Bus Instead — Route 6001, 17,000 Won

Step out of the arrivals hall at Incheon Airport's Terminal 1 and the taxi stand and the limousine bus stop sit side by side. A traveler with a loaded luggage cart pauses, unsure which way to go. The airport limousine bus, one of the ways into downtown Seoul, is especially useful for anyone carrying a lot of luggage.

At a glance: route 6001, via Dongdaemun, Myeongdong, Seoul Station and Sinyongsan, costs 17,000 won for an adult · buy your ticket at a counter or vending machine before boarding · suitcases go in the luggage hold · inquiries: Airport Limousine, 02-2664-9898.

Route 6001 runs through Dongdaemun, Myeongdong, Seoul Station and Sinyongsan for an adult fare of 17,000 won. The bus runs with assigned seating, so you stow your bags beside your seat or in the hold below and just sit — far more comfortable than hauling several suitcases through the subway's frequent transfers.

You often can't just pay cash or tap a card to board the limousine bus — buy your ticket first at a counter or vending machine inside the terminal before you line up. It's worth double-checking the boarding location and time printed on the ticket before you head out.

The airport railroad gets you to Seoul Station more cheaply, but if you'd rather sit down with no transfers and ride close to your destination, the 17,000-won limousine fare can be worth it just to skip hauling luggage up stairs and through transfer corridors.

Routes differ in stops and fares, so check the route number that matches your accommodation on the airport's signage or at a ticket counter before you join a queue — that's the real time-saver.

You can take the same limousine bus back to the airport from Seoul. Check the stop near your accommodation and departure times in advance on the Airport Limousine website or by phone, so you don't miss your bus and end up racing the clock on departure day.