How to travel from Gwangju to Busan, South Korea

The distance between Gwangju and Busan is around 246km (153 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 2h 35m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Gwangju to Busan by bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out BusanGwangju if you're planning a return trip.

1
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Busan Sasang Bus Terminal.

  • Duration3hrs
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    ₩24,900($19)
Operated by

Ko Bus

2
train
+
train
+

Train

Take the train to Osong Station and then to Busan Station.

  • Duration3hrs
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    ₩57,660($44)
Operated byKorail+ 1 others

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

🚀 Fastest
3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Sasang Bus Terminal.

  • Duration2h 35m
  • Distance246km (153 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Gwangju and Busan

There are several options for getting from Gwangju to Busan by bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around ₩18,345 ($14) and will take around 5h 25m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 2h 35m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ₩39,315 ($30).

The distance between Gwangju and Busan is around 246km (153 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 202km (126 miles)

It takes around 3hrs to get from Gwangju and Busan by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 35m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Gwangju to Busan is to drive which takes around 2h 35m and will set you back approx ₩39,315 ($30).

The cheapest way to travel between Gwangju and Busan, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around ₩18,345 ($14) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Gwangju and Busan. It typically takes around 3hrs and departs hourly.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Gwangju and Busan with no changeovers required. The train runs once daily and takes 5h 25m.

Korail, Suseo High Speed Railway and Korail Mugunghwa run train services between Gwangju and Busan. Trains depart hourly and will take around 3hrs, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Gwangju and Busan. It typically takes around 3hrs and departs hourly.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Gwangju and Busan with no changeovers required. The bus runs hourly and takes 3hrs.

Ko Bus run regular bus services between Gwangju and Busan. Buses run hourly and take around 3hrs on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Gwangju to Busan. We recommend that you take the bus to Busan Sasang Bus Terminal. instead which will take 3hrs.

The closest major airport to Busan is Gimhae International Airport (PUS) (PUS) which is approximately 11km (7 miles) from Busan. Ulsan Airport (USN) (USN) and Daegu International Airport (TAE) (TAE) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Gwangju and Busan. The distance is around 246km (153 miles) by road and it will take around 2h 35m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Gwangju to Busan is to take the bus which takes, on average, 3hrs and will usually cost around ₩24,900 ($19).

How do I get from Gwangju to Busan

Compare travel optionsbetween Gwangju and Busan

Transport options from Gwangju to Busan
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus
3hrs
₩24,900($19)
hourly250km (155 miles)
Train + 1 similar
3hrs
₩57,660($44)
hourly476km (295 miles)
Train to Sasang Station5h 25m
₩18,345($14)
once daily315km (196 miles)
Drive
2h 35m
₩39,315($30)
on demand246km (153 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Gwangju and Busan

Airlines

Train operators

Bus companies

Airports near Busan

The following major airports near Busan offer regular flights to various popular destinations within South Korea and internationally.

PUS
Gimhae International Airport (PUS)
International Airport
Distance
11km (7 miles) from Busan
USN
Ulsan Airport (USN)
Domestic Airport
Distance
53km (33 miles) from Busan
TAE
Daegu International Airport (TAE)
International Airport
Distance
89km (55 miles) from Busan