When transferring between subways and buses in Seoul, transfers are not simply free, but follow an integrated distance-based fare system. The higher base fare of the transit modes used is applied, combined with distance and transfer time limits. This guide explains the rules for securing transfer discounts and avoiding penalty charges.

Transportation cards are required for transfer discounts

Integrated transfer discounts apply exclusively when using the same rechargeable or postpaid transportation card across all journey legs. Single-journey tickets cannot receive transfer discounts.

You must tap your card upon both boarding and exiting each vehicle or station within the allowable transfer time window.

Base fare applies up to 10 km (highest mode rate)

Within an integrated trip of up to 10 km, the highest base fare among the transit modes used is charged. For routes involving express or regional buses, the base distance tier extends up to 30 km.

Rather than viewing the second ride as 0 KRW, understand that the entire combined journey is calculated under unified distance rules.

Distance surcharges: 100 KRW per 5 km past 10 km

When the total combined travel distance exceeds 10 km, 100 KRW is added for every additional 5 km traveled across both subway and bus legs.

For trips involving regional express buses, surcharges apply past 30 km. Check map apps for combined journey distances.

Transfer time limits: 30 min daytime, 60 min at night (21:00–07:00)

You must board the next transit mode within 30 minutes of tapping off the previous one. Exceeding 30 minutes treats the next ride as a new trip with full base fare.

Between 21:00 (9:00 PM) and 07:00 (7:00 AM), the transfer window is extended to 60 minutes to accommodate longer night headways.

Never forget to tap off

Always tap your card on the exit reader when getting off buses or leaving subway turnstiles. Failing to tap off forfeits transfer discounts and incurs maximum distance penalty fares on your next tap.

Develop the habit of checking card balance and reader confirmation sounds on every exit.

Transfer checklist for mistake-free transit

Follow these five steps on every combined subway-bus journey.

  • Use the same transportation card for all transfers
  • Tap off at the exit reader on every bus and subway gate
  • Board the next transit mode within 30 min (or 60 min between 21:00 and 07:00)
  • Up to 4 transfers (5 total boarding legs) are allowed per trip
  • Review card balance and transaction history if charges differ from expectations

Frequently Asked Questions

Within how many minutes must I transfer between subway and bus in Seoul?

Within 30 minutes after tapping off. Between 21:00 (9 PM) and 07:00 (7 AM), the window is 60 minutes.

What happens if I forget to tap my card when getting off a bus?

You forfeit transfer discounts and a maximum distance penalty surcharge is added on your next ride.

Which base fare is charged when transferring between bus and subway?

The highest base fare among the transit modes used in the journey is charged as the base rate.

Integrated Transfer Reference Source

Integrated distance rules, transfer time limits, and card tapping regulations are sourced from official Seoul Metro and Seoul public transit guidelines.