Incheon Airport Transfer Guide — Security, Terminal Move & Walk Times
Step-by-step Incheon transfer process: transfer security, free T1↔T2 shuttle, Concourse gate walk times (data), and facilities to use while connecting.
Connecting to another flight at Incheon is simple once you know the flow. This guide covers the transfer process — security, moving between terminals, and reaching Concourse gates. For luggage storage, transit hotels and free tours, see our layover guide.
1. The transfer process
International → International (most common): after landing, follow the "Transfer" signs. You do not clear Korean immigration; you pass a dedicated transfer security check once, then go to your next gate. (Some destinations such as the US/Canada may still require their own entry/visa for connecting passengers — confirm with your airline.)
International → Domestic (e.g. Jeju): clear immigration → collect checked baggage → customs, then check in again at the domestic counter. Allow extra time.
Checked baggage: on a single airline / single booking it is usually through-checked to your final destination. With different airlines you may need to re-claim and re-check — confirm at check-in.
2. Moving between Terminal 1 and 2
The two terminals are apart; a free shuttle bus connects them — roughly every 5–10 min in daytime, about 15–20 min ride. Pickup points can change, so check on-site signage.
The T1 main building and the Concourse are linked airside by a free automated shuttle train, about 6 min one way. Anyone with a valid boarding pass can ride.
3. ⏱️ Concourse gates take longer to walk data
If your gate number is 100–132, it is in the Concourse — reached by shuttle train, so it takes far longer than a regular gate. Walk times by zone:
| Zone | Walk to gate | Gates |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | 3–7 min | 47 |
| Terminal 2 | 2–7 min | 40 |
| Concourse (100–132) | 12–19 min | 30 |
* Walking time from the departures (post-security) area to each gate; Concourse includes the shuttle train. For a Concourse gate, allow at least 20 minutes.
4. Facilities while you connect
Transfer passengers stay airside, where lounges, showers, dining and duty-free are located. Check locations and hours in our directories:
5. Good to know
- STEB sealed bag: if you buy liquids over 100ml (alcohol, perfume) while connecting, keep them sealed in the tamper-evident bag (STEB) with the receipt, or they may be removed at the next security check.
- Transit tours: with enough layover time, connecting passengers can join city tours, conditionally without a visa. Ask at the transit tour desk (T1 ☎ 032-741-3139 / T2 ☎ 032-741-0060).
- Leaving airside (entering Korea): requires full immigration and re-departure. Allow at least 6 hours and plan for your checked baggage.