Welcome to Busan! Busan is a traveler-friendly city with a fantastic public transport system. From scenic subways to coastal buses, you can reach almost every major landmark without needing a car! To make your trip smooth and stress-free, weβve put together a Beginnerβs Guide to Busan Transport, including information on exclusive Travel Pass for our global travelers. Ready to explore Busan like a local? Letβs dive in!
π Bus
Buses are the best way to see Busan's unique scenery. They cover the coast, downtown, and hills, reaching every corner of the city beyond the subway lines.
π Types
- Standard Bus (Regular / Late-night)
The most common way to travel, covering every corner of the city.
- Express Bus (Rapid / Late-night)
Stops only at major stationsβperfect for fast, long-distance travel.
- Village Bus
They navigate the narrow, steep alleys of residential areas, far from subway stations.
π Fares
| Bus Type | Transportation Card (Regular / Late-night) | Cash (Regular / Late-night) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Bus | 1,550 KRW / 2,000 KRW | 1,700 KRW / 2,100 KRW |
| Express Bus | 2,100 KRW / 2,500 KRW | 2,200 KRW / 2,600 KRW |
| Village Bus | 1,480 KRW | 1,600 KRW |
π These fares are for adults. Please check the link below for teen / child fare. π You can transfer for free up to 2 times within 30 minutes of getting off. Make sure to tap your card when you exit to get the discount. π Use KakaoMap to track your ride! Busan offers an "ultra-precision" service that shows exactly where your bus is in real-time, down to the second. π To keep the bus clean, open food or drinks that might spill are not allowed on board.
TABARA is an on-demand bus service you can call like a taxi. While it uses fixed stops, it finds the quickest route based on passenger needs. It currently operates in the Gijang and Gangseo areas; the Gijang route is especially great for tourists as it stops at major landmarks. Check the link below for details.
π Subway
For the fastest and most reliable way to reach your destination, take the subway. It is the most efficient way to travel, providing quick and precise connections between all major areas of the city.
π Passes / Fares
1οΈβ£ Passes
| Types | How to Purchase |
|---|---|
| QR Code | Available via station kiosks inside stations |
| Mobile Tickets & Mobile Passes | Use the 'Busan Metro' app to top up Metro Pay or purchase tickets π For international visitors, use the app as a non-member by verifying your email |
| Transport Cards | Available for purchase and top-up at station kiosks or any convenience store |
2οΈβ£ Fares
| Types | Fares |
|---|---|
| QR Code | 1,700 KRW (Section 1) 1,900 KRW (Section 2) |
| 1 Way Mobile Pass / Transport Cards | 1,600 KRW (Section 1) 1,800 KRW (Section 2) |
| Mobile Passes | 1 Day (6,000 KRW) 3 Days (13,000 KRW) 1 Month (45,000 KRW) |
π Fares are divided into two sections: Section 1 covers up to 10km from your starting station, and Section 2 covers anything beyond 10km. π Mobile tickets cannot be used for other transport methods like buses, the Donghae Line, or the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail. π These prices are for adults. Please check the link below for youth and child fares.
π Taxi
In addition to standard taxis, Busan offers deluxe taxis, jumbo taxis, and specialized sightseeing taxis with hourly rates. If traveling by bus or subway feels difficult, these sightseeing taxis are a great option for exploring the city comfortably at your own pace.
π Types & Fares
| Types | Fares |
|---|---|
| Standard Taxi | β’ Base Fare: 4,800 KRW (up to 2km) β’ Late-Night Surcharge: 20β30% increase (11:00 PM β 4:00 AM) β’ Out-of-City Surcharge: 30% increase when traveling outside city limits |
| Deluxe & Jumbo Taxis | β’ Base Fare: 7,500 KRW (up to 3km) β’ Surcharges: No late-night or out-of-city surcharges apply |
| Sightseeing Taxi | β’ Fares: Rates vary by vehicle type and duration. β’ Exclusions: Tolls, parking fees, and admission tickets are charged separately. β’ Booking: Minimum 3-hour rental required |
π Use calling apps like Kakao T or Uber. They help bridge the language barrier and allow you to check the estimated fare before you even start your trip. π Always ask for a receipt. It contains the vehicle's plate number, driver info, and trip details, which are incredibly useful if you accidentally leave something behind or need to report a concern.
π Busan Travel Passes
1οΈβ£ Busan City Tour Bus
For first-time visitors, the Busan City Tour Bus is highly recommended. This loop-service tour bus is designed to let you explore major attractions at your own pace. Three main routes depart from Busan Station toward Haeundae, Taejongdae, and Dadaepo. Please note that the Blue Line (Haeundae to Gijang) is currently suspended. π Fare: 20,000 KRW for Adults / 10,000 KRW for Children (48 months to age 13) π Operating Hours (Departure from Busan Station): β’ Red Line (Busan Station β Haeundae Loop): 9:45 AM β 4:35 PM β’ Green Line (Busan Station β Taejongdae): 9:30 AM β 4:20 PM β’ Orange Line (Busan Station β Dadaepo Beach): 9:20 AM β 4:00 PM β» Tickets for the Red, Green, and Orange lines can be purchased on-site at the Busan Station City Tour Bus stop.
2οΈβ£ Visit Busan Pass
The Visit Busan Pass is Busanβs premier travel pass, offering free admission to 34 major attractions and discounts at over 150 partner locations. Available as either a physical card or a mobile pass, the physical version can also be topped up and used as a transportation card. You can choose between the Time-limited Pass, which offers unlimited visits within a set timeframe, or the Big 3/Big 5 Pass, which allows you to select a specific number of attractions to visit.
| Types | Fare |
|---|---|
| Time-Limited Pass | 24 Hours: 55,000 KRW 48 Hours: 85,000 KRW |
| Quantity-Limited Pass | BIG 3: 45,000 KRW BIG 5: 65,000 KRW |
3οΈβ£ Busan Pay
Busan Pay is an all-in-one specialized service for international travelers, combining shopping, payments, transportation, and tourism info into a single app. Simply sign up via your smartphone to enjoy seamless travel and exclusive benefits across the city. π Easy QR Payments: Make quick payments at approximately 170,000 stores throughout Busan. π Mobile Metro Tickets: Conveniently purchase mobile subway tickets directly within the app. π Visit Busan Pass: Easily buy and manage your Visit Busan Pass for entry to top attractions. π Local Travel Insights: Stay updated with the latest travel news and restaurant recommendations from Busan locals.