Incheon Bridge is one of the world’s longest cable-stayed bridges, connecting Incheon International Airport to mainland Incheon.
Spanning 21.38 kilometers across the Yellow Sea, this engineering marvel offers spectacular views and serves as a vital transportation link between the airport and Seoul metropolitan area.
About Incheon Bridge
Total length: 21.38 km (13.3 miles)
Main bridge: 18.38 km cable-stayed section
Opened: October 2009
Height: 238.5 meters at tallest tower
Lanes: 6-lane highway (3 each direction)
Cost: $1.9 billion USD construction
Ranking: One of the world’s top 10 longest bridges
The bridge dramatically reduced travel time between Incheon Airport and Seoul/Incheon from 90 minutes to about 40 minutes. Its sleek white towers and graceful cables create an iconic silhouette against the Yellow Sea, especially beautiful at sunset and when illuminated at night.
Can Tourists Visit or Walk on Incheon Bridge?
No, pedestrians and bicycles are not allowed. Incheon Bridge is a toll expressway exclusively for vehicles. However, tourists can still experience the bridge in several ways:
Ways to Experience the Bridge
Drive across it: Rent a car or take a taxi/bus that uses the bridge
View from rest area: Incheon Bridge Rest Area on the bridge offers viewing platform
Photography spots: Several coastal locations provide excellent bridge views
Airport transfer: Many travelers experience it when arriving/leaving from Incheon Airport
Tour buses: Some Seoul-Incheon tours include the bridge route
Here you can explore what best things to do in Incheon, Jeju Island and must visit places in Seoul
Incheon Bridge Rest Area
Located midway on the bridge, this is the only place where you can stop and enjoy views. The rest area features:
- Observation deck overlooking the Yellow Sea
- Coffee shops and snack bars
- Souvenir shops
- Restrooms
- Information about bridge construction
- Photo opportunities with bridge cables
Note: Only accessible when driving across the bridge – you cannot walk or take public transportation directly to the rest area.
Bridge Toll Fees
Standard vehicles: 7,000-7,500 KRW (approximately $5.50-6 USD)
Payment methods: Cash, credit card, Hi-Pass (electronic toll system)
Toll plaza location: Songdo side of the bridge
The toll is collected when exiting the bridge toward Songdo/Incheon. Travel from airport to Incheon is toll-free, but return journey requires payment.
How to Get There and Experience the Bridge
From Seoul (60-70 km)
By car/taxi crossing the bridge:
- Take Gyeongin Expressway or Olympic Highway toward Incheon
- Follow signs for Incheon Airport via Incheon Bridge
- Time: 50-60 minutes
- Taxi cost: 50,000-70,000 KRW including toll
Airport limousine bus (crosses bridge):
- Multiple routes from Seoul to Incheon Airport use the bridge
- Buses from Gangnam, Myeongdong, Hongdae
- Time: 60-80 minutes
- Cost: 10,000-16,000 KRW
- Request seat on right side for best bridge views going to airport
By subway (doesn't cross bridge):
- Airport Railroad Express (AREX) goes underground, doesn’t use bridge
- Use bus or taxi if you specifically want to cross the bridge
From Ansan (45-50 km)
By car/taxi:
- Take Route 110 or 15 toward Incheon
- Follow signs for Incheon Airport via bridge
- Time: 40-50 minutes
- Taxi cost: 40,000-55,000 KRW
By bus:
- Take intercity bus toward Incheon Airport
- Many routes use the bridge
- Time: 60-70 minutes
- Cost: 3,000-5,000 KRW
From Incheon City Center (35-40 km)
By car/taxi:
- Follow Gyeongin Expressway toward airport
- Take Incheon Bridge route
- Time: 30-40 minutes
- Taxi cost: 30,000-45,000 KRW including toll
By bus:
- Airport limousine buses from various Incheon locations
- Local buses: 303, 306 use the bridge route
- Time: 45-60 minutes
- Cost: 1,500-5,000 KRW depending on bus type
From Busan (400 km)
Most practical way:
- Take KTX train to Incheon Airport (4 hours) – doesn’t use bridge
- OR take express bus to Incheon, then taxi across bridge to airport area
By car:
- Drive via Gyeongbu Expressway to Seoul, then toward Incheon
- Cross Incheon Bridge to airport area
- Time: 4.5-5 hours
- Toll costs: Approximately 30,000-40,000 KRW total
Note: Most Busan travelers won’t specifically cross Incheon Bridge unless heading to the airport or western Incheon areas.
Tourist Tips
Best time for views: Late afternoon for golden light, or evening when bridge is illuminated
Airport transfer strategy: When booking airport transportation, request bus/taxi route via Incheon Bridge (mention you want scenic route)
Combined activities: Pair bridge crossing with visit to Songdo Central Park, Eurwangni Beach, or Yeongjong Island
Photography: Sit on right side of vehicle when traveling toward airport for best views
Weather: Clear days offer best visibility – Yellow Sea can be hazy
Nearby Attractions
Songdo Central Park: 15 minutes from toll plaza, modern waterfront park with canal
Eurwangni Beach: 25 minutes, popular beach near airport
Wolmido Island: 30 minutes, amusement park and seafood restaurants
Paradise City Resort: Near airport, entertainment complex with casino and spa
Incheon Chinatown: 40 minutes, historic Chinese quarter with restaurants
Is It Worth Making a Special Trip?
Honest assessment: Incheon Bridge is impressive but primarily serves as functional transportation infrastructure. Unless you’re an architecture enthusiast or bridge lover, it’s not worth a dedicated trip. However, if you’re:
- Traveling to/from Incheon Airport
- Visiting Songdo or western Incheon
- Driving in the area anyway
Then definitely take the bridge route to experience this engineering achievement. The views are pleasant, especially on clear days, and it’s a comfortable way to reach the airport while enjoying Yellow Sea scenery.