[Climate Companion Card and Incheon Airport Use: 2025 Latest Guide – A User-Friendly Explanation]
Recently, many citizens have opted for the “Climate Companion Card” to save on transportation costs.
However, there are still many people unsure about its exact coverage and how to use it when traveling to Incheon Airport, so I've organized the information for you.
🔎 Until Where Can You Use the Climate Companion Card in 2025?
As of May 2025, the Climate Companion Card can be used on all subway lines in Seoul, certain sections of Gyeonggi-do subways, city and town buses licensed by Seoul, and Seoul’s public bike system (Ddareungi). Please note that it is not available on the Shinbundang Line, metropolitan express buses, or buses from outside jurisdictions.
The applicable subway lines are as follows:
- Line 1: Onsu/Geumcheon-gu Office ~ Dobongsan
- Lines 2 to 9: All sections (※ Some sections only allow getting off as an exception)
- Sillim Line, Ui-Sinseol Line, Gimpo Gold Line, Gyeongui-Jungang Line (Tanhyeon ~ Guri/Seoul Station), Gyeongchun Line (Cheongnyangni ~ Sinnae), Suin-Bundang Line (Cheongnyangni ~ Ori), Gyeonggang Line (Pangyo ~ Imae), Seohae Line (Ilsan ~ Gimpo Airport)
- Airport Railroad (AREX): Gimpo Airport ~ Seoul Station (Incheon Airport Terminal 1 & 2 stations: Only exit permitted)
What about buses?
Only Seoul city-licensed city and town buses (including late-night buses) can be used. For detailed routes, please refer to the Seoul Transport Information Center.
✈️ Is It Possible to Get to Incheon Airport with the Climate Companion Card?
A common question is, “Can I reach Incheon Airport with just the Climate Companion Card?”
The answer: Exceptionally, you can ‘get off’ (exit) at the airport terminals, but not board there.
- If you board at a station within the coverage (such as Seoul Station), you may exit at Incheon Airport Terminal 1 or 2.
- However, boarding at Incheon Airport terminals towards Seoul using the Climate Companion Card is not allowed. You must use a regular transportation card for this journey.
- If you exit outside the coverage area (e.g., Indeogwon Station), a separate fare will be charged. However, in a few sections (Incheon Airport T1, T2, Line 5 [Misa ~ Hanam Geomdansan], Line 7 [Seoknam ~ Kkachiwul]), only exit is exceptionally allowed.
📝 Understanding with Practical Examples
Example 1:
Traveling from Seoul Station to Incheon Airport Terminal 2 via Airport Railroad
→ You can 'exit' using the Climate Companion Card; no extra charge.
Example 2:
Boarding at Incheon Airport Terminal 1, heading to Seoul Station
→ Not available with the Climate Companion Card. Use a regular transportation card.
Example 3:
From Seoul Station to Indeogwon Station (outside coverage)
→ If you go beyond the coverage zone, you must pay a separate fare when requested by staff.
⚠️ Important Notes for Usage
- Information is based on the current official guide (as of May 2025) and may change in the future.
- Free boarding/transfers are only available within the coverage area; always double-check boundaries when using outer lines or traveling to other cities.
- Using Ddareungi public bikes is also included with the Climate Companion Card.
- Thoroughly check for excluded lines (Shinbundang Line, metropolitan express buses, etc.).
- For inquiries or updates, check the Seoul Metropolitan Government official notice.
🚦 Conclusion
The Climate Companion Card is a must-have for frequent public transportation users!
If you often fly for domestic or international travel,
be sure to remember the ‘exit exception rule’ at Incheon Airport terminals for more efficient movement.
Thank you for reading!😊