How to Get from Busan to Gangneung: KTX, Bus & Car

There are three main ways to travel from Busan to Gangneung: direct KTX-Eum, intercity bus, and car.

For most travelers, the direct KTX-Eum is the fastest and simplest choice. It takes about 3 hours 50 minutes and does not require a transfer.

There are only three direct trains per day, however. If none fits your schedule, check connecting trains or consider the intercity bus.

Before you go, remember two important departure points: direct KTX-Eum trains leave from Bujeon Station, not Busan Station. Direct buses leave from Busan Dongbu Intercity Bus Terminal.

IG — Quick Answer

Option	Time	Cost	Best for
KTX-Eum	3h 50m	₩46,800	Fastest
Bus	5h 30m	₩41,900	More times
Car	4h 40m	~₩65,000*	Groups

*Estimated fuel and tolls per vehicle. Rental car and parking costs are not included.

KTX-Eum is the fastest option for most travelers. The bus offers more departure times, while driving works well for groups and flexible itineraries.

The daytime bus is about ₩4,900 cheaper than KTX-Eum per person, but it takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes longer.

IN THIS GUIDE

• Busan to Gangneung by KTX-Eum
• Busan to Gangneung by Intercity Bus
• Busan to Gangneung by Car
• Which Option Should You Choose?

Busan to Gangneung by KTX-Eum

The direct KTX-Eum from Bujeon Station to Gangneung Station is the fastest and simplest public transport option for most travelers.

The journey takes approximately 3 hours 50 minutes and requires no transfer.

Direct KTX-Eum Timetable

All direct KTX-Eum trains shown here run from Bujeon Station to Gangneung Station.

Train	Depart	Arrive	Fare
751	07:50	11:40	₩46,800
753	13:58	17:51	₩46,800
755	19:40	23:32	₩46,800

Travel times range from 3h 50m to 3h 53m.

There are three direct trains per day. Schedules and fares can change, so check KORAIL for your travel date before booking.

Where Are the Departure Points in Busan?

Busan has several transport hubs, and the correct departure point depends on how you travel:

• Bujeon Station: direct KTX-Eum to Gangneung
• Busan Station: connecting train options may be available
• Busan Dongbu Intercity Bus Terminal, near Nopo Station: direct intercity bus to Gangneung

Bujeon Station is accessible via Busan Metro Line 1. Travelers staying near Busan Station can also use Line 1 to travel toward Bujeon. There is no need to plan a long detour through the city, but allow enough time to reach the correct station.

What If the Direct KTX Schedule Doesn’t Work?

With only three direct KTX-Eum departures each day, the schedule may not fit every trip.

In that case, search KORAIL for connecting train options as well. Searching from Busan Station or another convenient departure station may show transfer combinations for your date and time.

Connections vary, so this guide does not recommend one fixed transfer route. Use the KORAIL official reservation service for foreign travelers to compare the actual results for your travel date.

Busan to Gangneung by Intercity Bus

Direct intercity buses depart from Busan Dongbu Intercity Bus Terminal and arrive at Gangneung Intercity Bus Terminal.

A daytime trip takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. The standard adult fare is ₩41,900.

Bus Timetable

Departure	Est. Time	Class	Adult Fare
06:58	5h 30m	Regular	₩41,900
08:40	5h 30m	Regular	₩41,900
10:03	5h 30m	Regular	₩41,900
14:12	5h 30m	Regular	₩41,900
16:08	5h 30m	Regular	₩41,900
23:30	5h 40m	Late-night Regular	₩50,300

The timetable checked for this guide has six departures per day. Schedules and fares can change. Travel times are estimates and may vary depending on traffic and weather.

The 23:30 Late-Night Bus

The last direct KTX-Eum leaves Bujeon at 19:40. Travelers who need to leave Busan later in the evening can consider the 23:30 bus from Busan Dongbu Intercity Bus Terminal.

The late-night bus takes approximately 5 hours 40 minutes and costs ₩50,300 for an adult.

For booking, use BusTago English. You can also check the T-money Intercity Bus Reservation service.

Busan to Gangneung by Car

For a route from Busan Station to Gangneung Station, the distance is approximately 357 km and the estimated driving time is about 4 hours 40 minutes.

Driving Overview

Item	Estimate
Distance	~357 km
Driving Time	~4h 40m
Tolls	~₩10,500
Fuel	~₩54,000
Fuel + Tolls	~₩65,000 per vehicle

Rental car and parking costs are not included. Actual time and cost can vary with traffic, vehicle efficiency, fuel prices, route, and driving conditions.

When Does Driving Make Sense?

Driving can be useful for families, groups, travelers with a lot of luggage, people planning stops along the way, and anyone who wants a car after arriving in Gangneung.

Remember that KTX and bus fares are charged per person, while the estimated fuel and toll cost is per vehicle.

That can make driving worth comparing for a group, but it does not automatically make the car cheaper. Rental fees and parking are separate.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Choose the KTX-Eum if… you want the fastest and simplest journey and one of the three direct departures fits your schedule.

Choose the intercity bus if… the direct KTX times do not work or you need to leave Busan later in the evening. It is still worth checking connecting trains before deciding.

Choose a car if… you are traveling with family or a group, have a lot of luggage, want to stop along the way, or need a vehicle after reaching Gangneung.

Arriving in Gangneung

KTX-Eum trains arrive at Gangneung Station. Intercity buses arrive at Gangneung Intercity Bus Terminal.

Your next step will depend on your accommodation and planned destinations, so check your onward route before leaving Busan.