View source for AREX

{{Short description|Airport express rail line in South Korea}}
{{about|the South Korean railway|other uses|Arex (disambiguation)}}
{{use mdy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox rail line
| box_width                       = 22em
| color                           = {{rcr|Seoul Metropolitan Subway|AREX}}
| color2                          = F97600
| name                            = AREX
| logo                            = 
| logo_alt                        = 
| image                           = [[File:Seoul Metro Line Arex.svg|x40px]]<Br>[[File:AREX 2000, Gyeyang (20240407) (54219624992).jpg|265px]]
| image_width                     = 
| image_alt                       = 
| caption                         = 
| type                            = [[Commuter Rail]]
| system                          = [[Seoul Metropolitan Subway]]
| status                          = Operational
| locale                          = 
| start                           = [[Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 station|Incheon Int'l Airport Terminal 2]]
| end                             = [[Seoul Station]]
| stations                        = 14
| routes                          = 
| daily_ridership                 = 182,343
| open                            = Phase 1: {{start date and age|2007|03|23}}<br/>Phase 2: {{start date and age|2010|12|29}}<br/>Phase 3: {{start date and age|2018|09}}
| close                           = 
| owner                           = [[Korea Rail Network Authority]]
| operator                        = Airport Railroad Co., Ltd.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapld=62675645| website=Bloomberg| title=Stocks| date=March 8, 2024}}{{dead link|date=September 2020}}</ref>
| character                       = 
| depot                           = Yongyu
| stock                           = 
| linelength                      = {{cvt|63.8|km}}<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.arex.or.kr/jsp/eng/about/project.jsp| title=Welcome to A'REX| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216144457/http://www.arex.or.kr/jsp/eng/about/project.jsp| archive-date=2012-02-16| website=Arex.or.kr| access-date=2013-07-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arex.or.kr/content.do?url=&menuNo=MN201504230000000001&contentNo=CT201801090000000001&etcNo=ET201504230000000003 |script-title=ko:[보도자료] 공항철도, 1월 13일에 인천공항2터미널역 개통 |publisher=[[Korail]] Airport Railroad |access-date=2018-03-05| language=ko}}</ref>
| tracklength_km                  = 
| tracklength                     = 
| tracks                          = 2
| gauge                           = {{track gauge|sg}}
| load_gauge                      = 
| minradius                       = 
| routenumber                     = 
| linenumber                      = 
| electrification                 = [[25 kV AC railway electrification#25 kV at 60 Hz|25 kV 60 Hz AC]] from [[Overhead line|overhead catenary]]
| speed                           = {{convert|110|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}
| elevation_m                     = 
| elevation                       = 
| website                         = 
| map                             = {{routemap
|inline=1
|map=
\CONTgq cyan\STRq cyan\STR+r cyan\umvCONTg~~ ~~ ~~<small>''←[[Gyeongwon Line]]''</small> {{rint|seoul|gye}}
\\\BHF cyan!~HUBaq\umvBHF!~HUBeq+c~~ ~~ ~~<small>''[[Yongsan station|Yongsan]]''</small>
tCONTgq blue\tBHFq blue!~HUBa\lCONTgf ochre!~tdCONTfq blue\tSTRa cyan\umvSTR
utCONTgq\utBHFq!~HUB\tSTR ochre!~uSHI4rq!~PORTALr\tSTR cyan\umvSTR
-STR+l!~HUB+l-R\-KSTReq!~mvKBHFaq!~HUBtr-3\tSTR ochre!~uSTRl-!~mvSTRq\tSTR cyan!~mvSTRq\uvSTRrg-!~v-STRrf~~ ~~ ~~<small>''[[Gyeongbu Line]]''</small>
BHF cyan!~HUBlf-R\tKBHFaq sky!~HUBrf-L\tSTR ochre!~tSTRq sky\tSTRq sky!~tSTR cyan\tSTR+r sky~~0.0~~A01 [[Seoul Station|Seoul]] {{rint|seoul|1}} {{rint|seoul|4}}
STR cyan\\tHST ochre!~HUBaq\tHST cyan!~HUBeq\tSTR sky~~ ~~ ~~<small>''[[Hyochang Park station|Hyochang Park]]''</small>
STR cyan\tCONTgq violet\tBHF ochre!~tHSTq violet!~HUBaq\tSTRq violet!~tBHF cyan!~HUBq\ocd!~tSTRq violet!~tBHF sky!~HUBeq\o!~tdCONTfq violet~~3.3~~A02 [[Gongdeok station|Gongdeok]] {{rint|seoul|5}} {{rint|seoul|6}}
HST cyan\\tCONTf ochre\tHST cyan\tSTR sky~~ ~~ ~~<small>''[[Sinchon station (Gyeongui Line)|Sinchon]] / [[Sogang University station|Sogang Univ.]]''</small>
STR cyan\tCONTgq green\tSTRq green\tSTRq green!~tBHF cyan!~HUBaq\ocd!~tBHF sky!~tHSTq green!~HUBeq\o!~tdCONTfq green~~6.1~~A03 [[Hongik University station|Hongik Univ.]] {{rint|seoul|2}}
STRl cyan\ABZ+lr cyan!~hPORTALl\tSTRq cyan\tSTRr cyan\tSTR sky
\HST cyan\tSTR+l sky\tSTRq sky\tSTRr sky~~ ~~ ~~<small>''[[Gajwa station|Gajwa]]''</small>
tCONTgq ochre\tBHFq ochre!~HST cyan!~HUBaq\tSTRq ochre!~tBHF sky!~HUBeq\tCONTfq ochre\~~9.5~~A04 [[Digital Media City station|Digital Media City]] {{rint|seoul|6}}
HST cyan\tSTRe sky\~~ ~~ ~~<small>''[[Susaek station|Susaek]]''</small>
CONTgq cyan\KRWl!~STRr cyan\KRW+r!~STR sky\\~~ ~~ ~~<small>''←{{rint|seoul|gye}} (Susaek connecting Line)''</small>
WASSERq\WASSERq\hKRZWa!~STR sky\WASSERq\WASSERq~~ ~~ ~~[[Han River (Korea)|Han River]]([[Magok Railway Bridge]])
htSTRa sky
tSTR+l golden\tHSTq golden!~HUBa\tSTRq golden!~tSTR sky\tSTRq golden\tCONTfq golden
tSTR golden\HUBlf\tBHF sky!~HUBeq\\~~18.1~~A042 [[Magongnaru station|Magongnaru]] {{rint|seoul|9}} 
tHST golden\\tSTR sky\\
tHST golden\\tSTR sky\\
tSTRl golden\tdSTRq golden\d!~tSTR+r golden\tSTR sky\tSTR+l violet\tCONTfq violet
tCONTgq brown\d!~tSTR+r brown\d!~tSTR golden\tSTR sky\tHST violet\
tCONTgq jade\c!~tSTR brown!~tSTRq jade!~HUBa\d!~ldBHF jade\c!~tdSTR golden\tSTRq jade!~tSTR sky\tSTRq jade!~tSTR violet\tCONTfq jade
FLUG\d!~tKHSTe brown!~HUBtl\d!~tHST golden\c!~tSTR sky!~HUBeq\cd!~ldBHF sky\tSTR violet\~~20.4~~A05 [[Gimpo International Airport station|Gimpo Int'l Airport]] {{rint|seoul|5}} {{rint|seoul|9}} {{rint|seoul|gimpo}} {{rint|seoul|seo}}
tCONTgq violet\c!~tSTRq violet!~HUBe\d!~ldBHF violet\c!~tdSTR golden\tSTRq violet!~tSTR sky\tSTRr violet\
tCONTgq golden\tdSTRq golden\d!~tSTRr golden\tSTR sky\\
tSTRe sky
\\STR sky\STR+l denim\CONTfq denim
\hBHFae sky!~HUBaq\hBHFae denim!~HUBeq~~27.0~~A06 [[Gyeyang station|Gyeyang]] {{rint|incheon|1}}
\STR sky\ENDEe denim
hCONTgq orange\hSTRq orange\STR sky!~MSTRq!~hSTRq orange!~HUBrg\hBHFq orange!~HUBeq\hCONTfq orange
hBHFae sky!~HUBe~~32.5~~A07 [[Geomam station|Geomam]] {{rint|incheon|2}}
BHF sky!~lhSTRa@f~~37.3~~A071 [[Cheongna International City station|Cheongna Int'l City]]
WFILL\WFILL\WFILL!~MSTR!~hSTR sky\WFILL\WFILL~~ ~~ ~~[[Yeongjong Bridge]]
WFILL\WDOCKS-rg\STR sky!~lhSTRe@g\WDOCKS-lg\WFILL~~ ~~ ~~'''[[Yeongjongdo]]'''
WFILL\\BHF sky\\WFILL~~47.6~~A072 [[Yeongjong station|Yeongjong]]
WFILL\\hBHFa sky\\WFILL~~51.1~~A08 [[Unseo station|Unseo]]
WFILL	\\htSTRa sky\\WFILL
WFILL	\\tBHF sky\\WFILL~~55.4~~A09 [[Incheon International Airport Cargo Terminal station|Incheon Int'l Airport Cargo Terminal]]
WFILL\\tBHF sky!~HUBaq\KBHFa yellow!~HUBeq\WFILL~~58.0~~A10 [[Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 station|Incheon Int'l Airport Terminal 1]]
WFILL	\tKBHFa sky\tSTR sky\LSTR yellow\WFILL~~63.8~~A11 [[Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 station|Incheon Int'l Airport Terminal 2]]
WFILL	\tSTRl sky\tABZgr sky!~tSTR+r sky\LSTR yellow\WFILL~~ ~~ ~~Yongyu Triple Line
WFILL\WDOCKS-lf\KDSTe sky!~PORTALg\KBHFe yellow!~WDOCKS-rf\WFILL~~ ~~ ~~Yongyu Rail Yard ([[Yongyu station|Yongyu]])
WFILL\WFILL\WFILL\WFILL\WFILL
}}
}}
{{Infobox Korean name
 |hangul= 인천국제공항철도, AREX (에이렉스)
 |hanja= 仁川國際空港鐵道, AREX (에이렉스)
 |rr= Incheon Gukje Gonghang Cheoldo, Eirekseu
 |mr= Inch'ŏn Kukche Konghang Ch'ŏlto, Eireksŭ
 |context=
 |img= 
 |caption=}}

'''AREX''' ('''A'''irport '''R'''ailroad '''Ex'''press; {{Korean|hangul=인천국제공항철도}}) is an [[airport rail link]] and [[commuter rail]] line in the [[Seoul Metropolitan Area]] of South Korea, linking [[Incheon International Airport]] and [[Gimpo International Airport station|Gimpo International Airport]] with [[Seoul Station]]. The section between the two airports opened on March 23, 2007, and the line was extended to Seoul Station on December 29, 2010.

Long-distance [[Korea Train Express]] [[High-speed rail|high speed]] trains started to use the line from June 30, 2014, but discontinued the service in March 2018 due to low ridership.

== History ==

=== Phase 1 ===
The line was initially announced in July 1998 as the Incheon International Airport Railroad ({{Korean|hangul=인천국제공항철도|labels=no}}), abbreviated '''IREX''' ('''I'''ncheon Airport '''R'''ailroad '''Ex'''press) which can be seen on the railings of overhead crossings by the line.<ref name="irj-iiarco">{{cite journal |last=Knutton |first=Mike |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-117667605.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108010734/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-117667605.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2010-01-08 |title=Korea's first airport railway to open in 2007 |date=May 2004 |journal=[[International Railway Journal]] |access-date=2010-12-30}}</ref> The project was launched as South Korea's first [[build-operate-transfer]] (BOT) franchise.<ref name="irj-iiarco"/> The concession was won by a consortium of 11 Korean companies, which incorporated as the Incheon International Airport Railroad Company (IIARCo) in March 2001.<ref name="irj-iiarco"/> The original main shareholders were [[Hyundai Group|Hyundai]] (27%), [[POSCO]] (11.9%), [[Daelim]] (10%), [[Dongbu Group|Dongbu]] (10%) and the [[Korail#History|Korean National Railroad]] (9.9%).<ref name="irj-iiarco"/>

After significant delays, construction of the line started in 2001,<ref>{{cite web |title=Seoul's airport rail link takes off |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view//seouls-airport-rail-link-takes-off.html |publisher=[[Railway Gazette International]] |date=2007-05-01 |author=Chris Jackson |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514143821/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/seouls-airport-rail-link-takes-off.html |archive-date=2011-05-14 }}</ref> after the opening of Incheon Airport. About 60% of the line is underground, and reaches Incheon International Airport on [[Yeongjong Island]] via the lower deck of [[Yeongjong Bridge]], a combined road-rail bridge.<ref name="irj-iiarco"/> IIARCo contracted project management and the supply of equipment and trains, altogether worth about [[Euro|€]]400 million, to Incheon Korean French Consortium (IKFC). This consortium includes French company [[Alstom]], its South Korean subsidiary Eukorail, and the South Korean rolling stock manufacturing company [[Hyundai Rotem|Rotem]], which also supplied the technology for the [[Korea Train Express|KTX]] high-speed rail system.<ref name="irj-iiarco"/>

The line and the operating company was renamed AREX in June 2006. The first {{convert|37.6|km|mi|abbr=on}} segment from [[Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 station|Incheon International Airport Terminal 1]] to [[Gimpo International Airport station|Gimpo International Airport]] opened on March 23, 2007.<ref>{{cite web |title=Incheon-Gimpo Airports Train to Open Friday |url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/03/21/2007032161019.html |publisher=[[The Chosun Ilbo]] |date=2007-03-21 |access-date=2014-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115720/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/03/21/2007032161019.html |archive-date=2014-08-26 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This makes AREX the first dedicated airport rail link and the second railway line in the Korean Peninsula (after [[Seoul Subway Line 5]]) to directly serve an airport.

In March 2009, [[Korail]] acquired an 88.8% share of the company.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/economy/economy_general/347119.html| script-title=ko:수천억 적자 공항철도, 코레일서 인수| language=ko| trans-title=Hundreds of billions of deficits acquired Airport Railroad, KORAIL| website=[[The Hankyoreh]]| date=2009-03-30| access-date=2013-07-12}}</ref> Upon the acquisition, the operating company changed its name to Korail Airport Railroad as of November 30, 2009.

=== Phase 2 ===
Phase 2 of the line runs from Gimpo International Airport to [[Seoul Station]], which increased the length to {{convert|58|km|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref name="indep-opening">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/south-korea-to-open-airport-railway-next-month-2128227.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109201124/http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/south-korea-to-open-airport-railway-next-month-2128227.html |archive-date=2012-11-09 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |title=South Korea to open airport railway next month |date=2010-11-08 |work=[[The Independent]] |access-date=2010-12-30}}</ref> At Gimpo the line is underground, rising to the surface to cross the [[Han River (Korea)|Han River]] on the [[Magok Railway Bridge]] before descending underground for the final time. This section was built in a cut and cover tunnel running parallel to [[Susaek station|Susaek]] and [[Gajwa station|Gajwa]] before connecting with [[Hongik University station|Hongik University]] and [[Gongdeok station|Gongdeok]], then diving to terminate deep underground on the west side of [[Seoul Station]]. The second phase opened for regular service on December 29, 2010,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2010123087848 |title=To the airport in just 43 minutes |date=2010-12-30 |publisher=[[The Dong-A Ilbo]] |access-date=2010-12-30}}</ref> with the exception of Gongdeok station, which was planned to open around early 2011,<ref name="tdai-open">{{cite web |url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/12/29/2010122900856.html |title=Railway Linking Seoul Station and Incheon Airport Opens |date=2010-12-29 |publisher=[[The Chosun Ilbo]] |access-date=2010-12-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101052538/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/12/29/2010122900856.html |archive-date=2011-01-01 |url-status=dead }}</ref> but was delayed to November 29, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Main Arex Webpage |publisher=[[Korail]] |url=http://www.arex.or.kr/jsp/eng/main.jsp |format=webpage |access-date=2011-10-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930170839/http://www.arex.or.kr/jsp/eng/main.jsp |archive-date=2011-09-30 }}</ref>

=== Phase 3 ===
Phase 3 of the line was opened in September 2018. During phase 3 Magongnaru station was opened.

=== Further extensions and improvements <!-- [[Korea Train Express#Further upgrades of connecting conventional lines]] links here-->===
[[File:Q707519 Yongyu station A01.jpg|thumb|[[AREX Class 2000|AREX 2000 series]] EMU at Yongyu Station in 2011, in use as temporary base station]]
The city of [[Incheon]] requested that AREX add three new stations at [[Cheongna International City station|Cheongna International City]], [[Yeongjong station|Yeongjong]], and [[Yongyu station|Yongyu]]. The stations were originally planned to open with the second phase of the line, but were delayed due to delays in the [[real estate development]] projects the stations were to serve.<ref name="threestat">{{cite web |url=http://news.donga.com/fbin/output?f=b0_&n=200907020290 |script-title=ko:공항철도 3개역 추가건설 연기 |language=ko |trans-title=Postponement of additional construction of 3 airport railway stations |date=2009-07-02 |publisher=[[The Dong-A Ilbo]] |access-date=2011-01-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123130047/http://news.donga.com/fbin/output?f=b0_&n=200907020290 |archive-date=2013-01-23 }}</ref> Cheongna International City station, located west of Geomam was opened on June 21, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tbs.seoul.kr/news/bunya.do?method=daum_html&typ_800=P&seq_800=10030500| title=Airport Express Line's Cheongna Station Opens| website=TBS eFM News| date=2014-06-21| first=Sunny| last=Chung}}</ref><ref name="kojects">{{cite web |url=http://kojects.com/2012/09/11/new-station-arex/#more-828| title=New Station to be added to Airport Railroad| first=Andy| last=Tebay| date=2012-09-11 |publisher=Kojects |access-date=2013-10-03}}</ref> Yeongjong station, located near the eastern part of the airport island, opened on March 26, 2016. The station was constructed as a station shell with two side platforms only, but underwent a conversion to fit in two outer tracks on each platform to allow for bypass moves.

Earlier plans to link [[Yongsan station]] have been dropped. However, [[KTX]] service began to run from Yongsan Station to [[Incheon International Airport]] on June 30, 2014. These trains stop at two stations along the line: [[Geomam station|Geomam]] & [[Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 station|Incheon International Airport]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://media.daum.net/foreign/englishnews/newsview?newsid=20140630193707124| title=KTX begins service to Incheon airport| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305071328/http://media.daum.net/foreign/englishnews/newsview?newsid=20140630193707124| archive-date=March 5, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Koreanet">{{cite web |url=http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Society/view?articleId=104880| title=KTX takes you from Seoul directly to Incheon Airport| date=2013-01-17 |website=[[Korea.net]]| access-date=2013-10-03| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005021424/http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Society/view?articleId=104880| archive-date=October 5, 2013}}</ref> In March 2018, KTX service to Incheon Airport was suspended due to low ridership.<ref name=kojects-suspended>{{cite web |url=https://kojects.com/2018/06/10/incheon-airport-ktx-suspended/ |title=Incheon Airport KTX Service Suspended |last=Medimorec |first=Nikola |date=10 June 2018 |website=Kojects |access-date=9 July 2018 |quote=In 2014, KORAIL began to offer KTX high-speed train connections from Incheon International Airport to Seoul, Daegu, Busan and other cities in Korea. The Incheon Airport KTX service was suspended now at the end of March 2018. The main reason was that the demand was too low and ridership stayed far below necessary numbers.}}</ref> The suspension became permanent in September 2018 as the line was officially abolished.<ref name=":8">{{cite web |url=http://www.fntoday.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=167285 |script-title=ko:9월부터 인천공항 KTX 노선 폐지| trans-title=Incheon Airport KTX route abolished from September |last=박 |first=재균 |date=7 August 2018 |website=FNToday |access-date=10 August 2018 |language=ko}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{cite web |url=http://news1.kr/photos/details/?3242951 |script-title=ko:2014년 개통한 '인천공항 KTX' 폐지| trans-title='Incheon Airport KTX', which opened in 2014, was abolished| last=민 |first=경석 |date=7 August 2018 |website=News1 |access-date=10 August 2018 |language=ko}}</ref>

On September 1, 2010, the South Korean government announced a strategic plan to reduce travel times from Seoul to 95% of the country to under 2 hours by 2020. As part of the plan, the AREX line is to be further upgraded to handle {{convert|230|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} speed limits.<ref name="plans2020">{{cite web |url=http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2925474 |title=Bullet trains coming to a town near you by 2020 |date=2010-09-02 |publisher=[[JoongAng Daily]] |access-date=2010-10-27| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101106102918/http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2925474| archive-date= 6 November 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref>

[[Incheon International Airport]] opened Terminal 2 on January 18, 2018, though the AREX line was extended to the terminal's station 5 days earlier. This brings the whole line to a length of {{convert|63.8|km|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite magazine| magazine=BLICKPUNKT STRASSENBAHN| date=February 2018| page=135| title=Kurzmeldungen}}</ref>

There is currently{{update inline|date=September 2023}} a proposal for [[Seoul Subway Line 9]] to combine with the AREX line via a direct connection at the Gimpo International Airport Station starting in 2020, providing a through service from Incheon International Airport to the [[Gangnam]] area with a travel time of about one hour.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20150526000934| title=Incheon airport subway links to be extended| website=[[The Korea Herald]]| last=Lee| first=Hyun-jeong| date=26 May 2015}}</ref>

== Rolling stock ==
[[File:Interior of A'REX commuter train.jpg|thumb|Interior of an [[AREX Class 2000|AREX 2000 series]] EMU]]
[[File:Korail A'rex Direct Train Interior.jpg|thumb|Interior of an AREX 1000 series EMU]]
AREX operates two types of trains, one for commuter and one for express services, both supplied by [[Hyundai Rotem]].<ref name="irj-iiarco"/> Three 1000 series express trains and nine [[AREX Class 2000|2000 series]] commuter trains were delivered for phase 1 of the project,<ref name="irj-iiarco"/><ref name="arex-trains"/> and original plans foresaw a doubling of their numbers for the second phase.<ref name="irj-iiarco"/>

Both trains are six-car [[electric multiple unit]]s, which can be expanded to eight cars in the future.<ref name="irj-iiarco"/> End cars and the fourth car are trailers, the second, third and fifth car are powered.<ref name="arex-trains">{{cite web |url=http://www.arex.or.kr/jsp/advert/train.jsp |script-title=ko:일반ㆍ직통열차 | trans-title=General·Direct Train |language=ko |publisher=AREX |access-date=2010-12-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230031841/http://www.arex.or.kr/jsp/advert/train.jsp |archive-date=2010-12-30}}</ref> The trains have a design speed of {{convert|120|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}, but are operated at a maximum {{convert|110|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} on surface tracks and a maximum {{convert|100|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} in tunnels.<ref name="arex-trains"/> Each car has a length of {{convert|19.95|m|ftin|abbr=on}} and a width of {{convert|3.12|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, with a carbody made of [[aluminium]].<ref name="irj-iiarco"/> The commuter version has four pairs of sliding doors on each side of each car, the express version has two pairs of sliding doors on each side of each car.<ref name="arex-trains"/>

Express trains have 272 high-back forward and rear-facing seats with armrests<ref name="arex-trains"/> in a 2+2 configuration, as well as overhead luggage shelves,<ref name="jd-ph2open"/> additional luggage racks, an onboard restroom, and complimentary WiFi.<ref name="AREX-express-intro">{{cite web| script-title=ko:열차소개| language=ko| trans-title=Express Train Introduction |url=https://www.arex.or.kr/content.do?url=&menuNo=MN201503300000000001 |publisher=AREX |access-date=2018-01-05}}</ref><ref name="arex-trains"/> The transition between cars are separated by transparent sliding doors.<ref name="arex-trains"/>

Commuter trains are similar to regular metro trains with seats along the walls but do not have overhead shelves.<ref name="jd-ph2open"/> These are [[open gangway]] trains, with no separating doors between cars.<ref name="arex-trains"/> Commuter trains offer seating for 282 passengers and standing room for 630 passengers.<ref name="arex-trains"/>

Both train types offer disabled seats and are equipped with LCD screens for passenger information,<ref name="arex-trains"/> including flight arrivals and departures.<ref name="jd-ph2open"/>

== Operation ==

=== Services ===
[[File:AREX-Incheon-International-Airport-Station-Gates.JPG|thumb|Ticketing gate, AREX Incheon International Airport station]]
[[File:Incheonairport-arexstation-jpgver.jpg|thumb|250px|View of the Terminal 1 station at Incheon International Airport.]]
Both non-stop Express and all-stops commuter services are operated. With the opening of the first phase, journeys from Incheon International Airport to Gimpo International Airport took 28 minutes on express services and 33 minutes on commuter services. Following the opening of the second phase, Seoul–Incheon International Airport travel time on half-hourly Express services is 43 minutes to Terminal 1. The all-stops commuter service, which runs at a frequency of up to one train every 6 minutes, takes 53 minutes.<ref name="tdai-open"/> This compares with an average travel time of 70 minutes on buses and 60 minutes in taxis or private cars.<ref name="tdai-open"/>

Express train passengers boarding certain airlines can check in to their flights at the [[Seoul Station City Airport Terminal]] on the western side of [[Seoul Station]],<ref name="jd-ph2open">{{cite web |url=http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2930308 |title=On opening day, airport express trip's a breeze |date=2010-12-30 |publisher=[[JoongAng Daily]] |access-date=2010-12-30| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110119184118/http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2930308| archive-date= 19 January 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref> which include facilities to check in and x-ray baggage, receive exit stamps from an onsite Korean Immigration Service officer, and permit expedited security screening once at Incheon.<ref name="AREX-City-Air-Terminal">{{cite web| script-title=ko:도심공항터미널 이용개요| language=ko| trans-title=City Airport Terminal Use Information |url=https://www.arex.or.kr/content.do?url=&menuNo=MN201503300000000026 |publisher=AREX |access-date=2018-01-05}}</ref>

The AREX line is shown on Seoul subway maps as sky blue, often bisected with orange striping. AREX was originally not considered part of the subway network, but following the majority buyout by [[Korail]], who operates many of Seoul's subway lines, the commuter line was fully integrated with the rest of the [[Seoul Metropolitan Subway]] system. There are now free transfers for all Seoul and [[Incheon Subway|Incheon metro lines]] it crosses paths with.

==== AREX Express trains ====
AREX Express train stations and ticket windows are easily by their distinct orange color scheme. AREX Express trains offer 2+2 configured reclining seating, ample luggage storage, free WiFi, onboard service attendants and electronic entertainment screens. AREX Express passengers have access to connecting shuttle buses at Seoul Station to partner hotels, to a dedicated boarding lounge at Incheon Airport Terminal 1, and exclusive use of Seoul Station's City Airport Terminal when departing. All seats on the AREX Express trains are reserved, with receipts displaying the assigned car and seat numbers for passengers alongside their tickets.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AREX Express {{!}} Seoul - Incheon Airport Train {{!}} Reviews, Photos & More|url=https://trainreview.com/train/arex-express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012084654/https://trainreview.com/train/arex-express|url-status=usurped|archive-date=October 12, 2020|access-date=2020-10-12|website=trainreview.com}}</ref>

==== Gimpo International Airport ====
AREX-Express trains do not stop at Gimpo International Airport. To access Gimpo International Airport from both Seoul Station and Incheon International Airport, passengers need to travel on an all-stops train.<ref name="trainreview.com">{{Cite web|title=AREX All Stop {{!}} Seoul - Incheon Airport Train {{!}} Reviews, Photos & More|url=https://trainreview.com/train/arex-all-stop|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413194014/https://trainreview.com/train/arex-all-stop|url-status=usurped|archive-date=April 13, 2021|access-date=2020-10-12|website=trainreview.com}}</ref>

==== KTX ====
<!-- [[Korea Train Express#Services]] and [[Gyeongbu High Speed Railway#Other services]] links here-->
The opening of the second phase in 2010 allowed passengers to connect directly from KTX to AREX services at Seoul Station, rather than requiring a subway connection at Gimpo. In November 2013, the AREX-[[Gyeongui Line]] direct connection was completed, and on June 30, 2014, KTX trains started full service on the AREX line to Incheon.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1930476| title=KTX trains now directly connect to Incheon Int'l Airport| website=[[VisitKorea.or.kr]]| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115002910/http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1930476| archive-date=November 15, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140630001212| title=KTX begins service to Incheon airport| website=[[The Korea Herald]]| date=30 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://news.mk.co.kr/newsRead.php?year=2014&no=942367| script-title=ko:인천공항까지 KTX로 직행…환승없이 운행| language=ko| trans-title=Directly to Incheon Airport by KTX... Operates without transfer| date=2014-06-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.ajunews.com/view/20140616105744964| title=KTX 인천국제공항역 개통, 부산·광주~인천공항 KTX로 다닌다| language=ko| trans-title=Opening of KTX Incheon International Airport Station, going to Busan Gwangju-Incheon Airport KTX| date=2014-06-16}}</ref> The expected travel time at construction was 2 hours 41 minutes to [[Busan station|Busan]] and 3 hours to [[Gwangju station|Gwangju]], but as of 2015, actual travel times were roughly 3 hours to Gwangju and slightly over 3.5 to Busan.<ref name="AREX-KTX">{{cite web| url=http://www.electimes.com/home/news/main/viewmain.jsp?news_uid=78391 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301224526/http://www.electimes.com/home/news/main/viewmain.jsp?news_uid=78391 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-03-01 |script-title=ko:공항철도, KTX, 지하철 9호선과 직결 활성화 시킨다 | trans-title=Directly connected to Airport Railroad, KTX, and Subway Line 9 to activate| language=ko |date=2010-09-30 |publisher=The Korea Electric Times |access-date=2010-10-30 }}</ref><ref name="Kojects">{{cite web| url=http://kojects.com/incheon-airport-ktx/| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324141015/http://kojects.com/incheon-airport-ktx/| archive-date=March 24, 2016| title=Incheon Airport KTX Schedules| date=2015-06-27| website=Kojects| access-date=2016-10-10}}</ref>

In late March 2018, KTX service to and from the airport was suspended because of low ridership<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294196-i8160-k11444229-No_KTX_at_Incheon_Airport-South_Korea.html| title=No KTX at Incheon Airport| website=TripAdvisor| date=2018}}{{User-generated inline| date=September 2020| certain=yes}}</ref> and the suspension became permanent in September 2018 as the line was officially abolished.<ref name=":8"/><ref name=":9"/> At the time of the [[2018 Winter Olympics]], the Korean [[Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (South Korea)|Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport]] reported at 15% demand on weekdays.<ref name=kojects-suspended />

=== Fares ===
[[File:Arex-express-ticket-southkorea.png|thumb|AREX Express ticket]]
After the opening of the first phase, in 2007, a ticket for a ride from Gimpo International Airport to Incheon International Airport cost [[South Korean Won|₩]]3,100, both on commuter and express services.<ref name="AREX-fare-arch-1">{{cite web |title=Fare |url=http://www.arex.or.kr/jsp/eng/fare/fare.jsp |publisher=AREX |access-date=2010-12-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070625054410/http://www.arex.or.kr/jsp/eng/fare/fare.jsp |archive-date=2007-06-25}}</ref> This fare increased in steps to ₩3,500 by the end of 2010,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arex.or.kr/jsp/board/news_list.jsp?num=260&mode=view |script-title=ko:코레일공항철도 운임100원 인상 |trans-title=KORAIL Airport Railroad fare increase of 100 won |language=ko |date=2010-08-27 |publisher=AREX |access-date=2010-12-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722141253/http://www.arex.or.kr/jsp/board/news_list.jsp?num=260&mode=view |archive-date=2011-07-22 }}</ref> then was reduced to ₩3,300 for commuter trains when the second phase opened.<ref name="AREX-fare-2010">{{cite web|title=Fare |url=http://www.arex.or.kr/jsp/eng/fare/fare.jsp |publisher=AREX |access-date=2010-12-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114142635/http://www.arex.or.kr/jsp/eng/fare/fare.jsp |archive-date=14 November 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The fare for express services, which travel the full Seoul–Incheon International Airport distance non-stop from the opening of the second phase in December 2010, was set at ₩13,300; while the fare for commuter services on the full distance was set at ₩3,700.<ref name="tdai-open"/> This competes against a price of around ₩10,000 on buses, ₩67,500 on taxis, and about ₩15,500 with private car.<ref name="tdai-open"/>

By 2022, the fares for the full length of the AREX line settled on ₩4,750 for commuter trains,<ref name="AREX-commuter-fare-2022">{{cite web
|title=Fare Information (All Stop)
|url=https://www.arex.or.kr/content.do?url=&menuNo=MN201503300000000008
|publisher=AREX
|access-date=2022-09-27}}</ref> and ₩9,500 for Express service<ref name="AREX-express-fare-2022">{{cite web
|title=Fare Information (Express Train)
|url=https://www.arex.or.kr/content.do?url=&menuNo=MN201503300000000003
|publisher=AREX
|access-date=2022-09-27}}</ref> and both require an additional ₩500 deposit if traveling by a single use card.

Vending machines for local trains accept Korean Won only.<ref name="trainreview.com"/> Vending machines for Express train tickets take Korean Won and Korean credit cards. Passengers travelling with foreign credit cards must purchase their tickets from staffed ticket windows.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AREX All Stop {{!}} Seoul - Incheon Airport Train {{!}} Reviews, Photos & More|url=https://trainreview.com/train/arex-express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012084654/https://trainreview.com/train/arex-express|url-status=usurped|archive-date=October 12, 2020|access-date=2020-10-12|website=trainreview.com}}</ref>

===Ridership===
After the opening of the first phase, ridership was initially been far below expectations. Actual ridership in 2008 was around 16,000 passengers/day, or only around 7% of the forecast 230,000, necessitating subsidies of ₩166 billion.<ref name="krtimes">{{cite web| url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2009/09/137_51601.html| title=Opinion: Waste of Taxpayer Money| website=[[The Korea Times]]| date=2009-09-10| access-date=2013-07-12}}</ref> Hyundai had originally forecast ridership of up to 490,000/day when the link to Seoul Station is completed.<ref name="krtimes"/> However, ridership rose significantly after the start of service on the second phase of the line to Seoul Station. As early as the first week, average daily ridership more than doubled, from 27,210 to 58,000.<ref name="ridership-2p-w1">{{cite web |url=http://news.korail.com/main/php/search_view.php?idx=18893 |script-title=ko:서울역 '도심속 공항' 탈바꿈 |language=ko |date=2011-01-13 |publisher=[[Korail]] |access-date=2011-01-18 |trans-title=Seoul Station transformed into a "city center airport"| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304014926/http://news.korail.com/main/php/search_view.php?idx=18893 |archive-date=2012-03-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{{As of|September 2013}}, the all-stops commuter service has approximately 150,000 passengers per day, while the non-stop express service sees only around 2,000 passengers.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://mengnews.joins.com/view.aspx?aId=2977527| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022095309/http://mengnews.joins.com/view.aspx?aId=2977527| archive-date=October 22, 2016| title=Seoul Station is a hit for air travel| website=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]| date=September 13, 2013}}</ref>

== Stations ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan="2"|Station
!colspan="2" |Stopping pattern
!rowspan="2" width=210|Connecting services
!colspan="2"|Distance
!colspan="2" rowspan="2"|Location
|-
!#
!Name<br>([[Hangul]], [[Hanja]])
!Commuter<br>{{nobold|{{lang|ko|일반}}}}
!Express<br>{{nobold|{{lang|ko|직통}}}}
!Station<br>(km)
!Line<br>(km)
|- style="background:#{{rcr|Seoul Metropolitan Subway|AREX}}; height: 2pt"
| colspan="11" |
|-
|A01
|[[Seoul Station]]<br>({{lang|ko|서울역}}){{efn|name=no hanja}}
| style="text-align:center;"|◉
| style="text-align:center;"|◉
|{{rint|seoul|1}} {{rint|seoul|4}} {{rint|seoul|gyeongjung}}<br>{{nowrap|[[File:Korail logo.svg|100x12px|link=Korail]]}} <small>[[Mugunghwa-ho]] and [[ITX-Saemaeul]] services</small><br>[[File:KTX logo.svg|100x12px|link=KTX]]
|align="right"|---
|align="right"|0.0
|[[Yongsan District]]
|rowspan="6"|[[Seoul]]
|-
|A02
|[[Gongdeok station|Gongdeok]]<br>({{lang|ko|공덕, 孔德}})
| style="text-align:center;"|◉
| rowspan="11" style="text-align:center;"|↕
|{{rint|seoul|5}} {{rint|seoul|6}} {{rint|seoul|gyeongjung}}
|align="right"|3.3
|align="right"|3.3
|rowspan="2"|[[Mapo District]]
|-
|A03
|[[Hongik University station|Hongik Univ.]]<br>({{lang|ko|홍대입구, 弘大入口}})
| style="text-align:center;"|◉
|{{rint|seoul|2}} {{rint|seoul|gyeongjung}}
|align="right"|2.8
|align="right"|6.1
|-
|A04
|[[Digital Media City station|Digital Media City]]<br/>({{lang|ko|디지털미디어시티}}){{efn|name=no hanja}}
| style="text-align:center;"|◉
|{{rint|seoul|6}} {{rint|seoul|gyeongjung}}
|align="right"|3.4
|align="right"|9.5
|[[Eunpyeong District]]
|-
|A042
|[[Magongnaru station|Magongnaru]]<br>({{lang|ko|마곡나루, 麻谷나루}})
| style="text-align:center;"|◉
|{{rint|seoul|9}}
|align="right"|8.6
|align="right"|18.1
|rowspan="2"|[[Gangseo District, Seoul|Gangseo District]]
|-
|A05
|[[Gimpo International Airport station|Gimpo Int'l Airport]]<br>({{lang|ko|김포공항, 金浦空港}})
| style="text-align:center;"|◉
|{{rint|seoul|5}} {{rint|seoul|9}} {{rint|seoul|gimpo}} {{rint|seoul|seo}}
|align="right"|2.3
|align="right"|20.4
|-
|A06
|[[Gyeyang station|Gyeyang]]<br>({{lang|ko|계양, 桂陽}})
| style="text-align:center;"|◉
|{{rint|incheon|1}}
|align="right"|6.6
|align="right"|27.0
|[[Gyeyang District]]
|rowspan="8"|[[Incheon]]
|-
|A07
|[[Geomam station|Geomam]]<br>({{lang|ko|검암, 黔岩}})
| style="text-align:center;"|◉
|{{rint|incheon|2}}
|align="right"|5.5
|align="right"|32.5
|rowspan="2"|[[Seo District, Incheon|Seo District]]
|-
|A071
|[[Cheongna International City station|Cheongna Int'l City]]<br>({{lang|ko|청라국제도시, 靑羅國際都市}})
| style="text-align:center;"|◉
|
|align="right"|4.8
|align="right"|37.3
|-
|A072
|[[Yeongjong station|Yeongjong]] <br>({{lang|ko|영종, 永宗}})
| style="text-align:center;"|◉
|
|align="right"|10.3
|align="right"|47.6
|rowspan="5"|[[Jung District, Incheon|Jung District]]
|-
|A08
|[[Unseo station|Unseo]]<br>({{lang|ko|운서, 雲西}})
| style="text-align:center;"|◉
|
|align="right"|3.5
|align="right"|51.1
|-
|A09
|[[Incheon International Airport Cargo Terminal station|Incheon Int'l Airport Cargo Terminal]]<br>({{lang|ko|공항화물청사, 空港貨物廳舍}})
| style="text-align:center;"|◉
|
|align="right"|4.3
|align="right"|55.4
|-
|A10
|[[Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 station|Incheon Int'l Airport Terminal 1]]<br>({{lang|ko|인천공항1터미널, 仁川空港1터미널}})
| style="text-align:center;"|◉
| style="text-align:center;"|◉
| {{rint|seoul|maglev}}
|align="right"|2.6
|align="right"|58.0
|-
|A11
|[[Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 station|Incheon Int'l Airport Terminal 2]]<br>({{lang|ko|인천공항2터미널, 仁川空港2터미널}})
| style="text-align:center;"|◉
| style="text-align:center;"|◉
|
|align="right"|5.8
|align="right"|63.8
|- style="background:#{{rcr|Seoul Metropolitan Subway|AREX}}; height: 2pt"
| colspan="11" |
|}

==See also==
* [[Seoul Station City Airport Terminal]]

== References ==
{{notelist|refs=
{{efn|name=no hanja|The Hanja name of these stations consists of the Hangul name suffixed by the character {{lang|ko|{{linktext|驛}}}} or {{lang|ko|역}} in Hangul.}}
}}
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
*{{official website|http://www.arex.or.kr/}}
*[http://thedailykimchi.blogspot.com/2007/11/riding-arex-incheon-to-gimpo-airport.html The Daily Kimchi: Pictures and Videos of the AREX line]
{{Incheon International Airport}}
{{Future developments in Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi}}
{{Public transport in the Seoul Metropolitan Area}}
{{South Korea rapid transit}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Arex}}
[[Category:AREX| ]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Incheon]]
[[Category:Railway lines in South Korea]]
[[Category:Airport rail links in South Korea]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 2007]]
[[Category:Seoul Metropolitan Subway lines]]
[[Category:Incheon International Airport]]
[[Category:25 kV AC railway electrification]]
[[Category:Standard-gauge railways in South Korea]]
[[Category:2007 establishments in South Korea]]