How to Get from Gyeongju to Busan (with Photos & Costs)
After staying in Gyeongju for 3 nights with a day trip to Pohang, I headed to Busan for the 2nd time.
Both cities are great to visit for a Korea trip, and are easy to travel to using train or bus.
Here are the three main ways to get from Gyeongju to Busan, including the one I recommend.
Visiting Busan for the first time? Here’s 13 free things to do in Busan and Best Busan Itinerary for 2-5 Days (+ Hour Breakdown).
How far is Gyeongju from Busan?
The distance between Gyeongju and Busan is 70 kilometers (about 43 miles) by road.
Depending on how you get there, that’s only 30 minutes to an hour journey.
How to Get from Gyeongju to Busan
You can either take the high-speed KTX train, express bus, or by car. While the train is fastest, an express bus is more convenient.
*Estimate costs. Prices may vary
| By Bus | By Train |
|---|---|
| 1 hour | 30-minutes + bus/taxi |
| $6-8 USD | $9-16 USD |
| Bus Tickets | Train Tickets / KTX Pass |
Driving? 🚙 Rent a car in South Korea for as cheap as $28 USD a day
By Express Bus (Recommended)
📲 Book your express bus ticket to Busan
1 hour | Price of Bus from Gyeongju to Busan: 8,000-10,000 won ($6-8 USD)
While the bus takes longer than train, I recommend taking the express bus to get from Gyeongju to Busan.
The Gyeongju bus terminals are in downtown Gyeongju, where you’re most likely staying.
If your trip is less than a month away, you can buy a ticket from Klook.
There are two buses you can take from Gyeongju to Busan:
- Gyeongju to Haeundae Bus Terminal in Busan
- Gyeongju to Busan Bus Terminal
I stayed near Haeundae beach, so I took the express bus from the Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal to the Haeundae Bus Terminal and just walked for about 15 minutes. You can also take a bus or taxi from there.
How to Buy a Ticket at Gyeongju Bus Terminals
It was really simple to buy a ticket in-person the day of. You can buy from the ticket machine or counter.
You can check online for seat availability on txbuse.t-money.co.kr but you cannot buy a ticket online unless you have a local Korea bank card.
You can always go a few days earlier to buy a ticket in person.
Two Bus Stations in Gyeongju to Busan
If taking the express bus, there are two bus stations in Gyeongju that are right next to each other: the Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal and the Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal.
The older bus station sells tickets that are slightly cheaper, but I recommend taking the bus from the Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal if staying in Haeundae.
Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal
Address: 6, Taejong-ro 685beon-gil, Gyeongju-si
To differentiate, this intercity bus terminal looks newer, has a convenience store inside, and there will be self-service ticket kiosks near the entrance.
The ticket from Gyeongju to Busan costs around 10,500 won ($7.80 USD) and will take one hour.
It will stop at the Haeundae Bus Terminal, which is ideal if you’re staying in Haeundae.
📲 Check Klook for the express bus schedule and tickets
Instructions:
- Go inside the station and either buy a ticket at the counter or on a ticket kiosk. If on the kiosk:
- Switch language to English.
- Select Haeundae Station in Busan.
- Pay with cash or card.
- Go outside where the benches are and look for your bus number listed on your ticket. The blue signboard will also list the destination.
Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal (older terminal)
Address: 2, Taejong-ro 685beon-gil, Gyeongju-si
I mistakenly bought a ticket here first. While the bus still went to Busan, it stops in Busan Bus Station, which is farther from Haeundae where I was staying.
Thankfully I bought my ticket the day before and realized it in time to get another ticket at the other bus station.
If your trip is less than a month away, you can book a ticket on Klook, which will stop at the Busan Bus Station (though it does not specify which bus stations in Gyeongju and Busan until after you book, but I believe it is this one.)
Instructions:
- Go inside the station and buy a ticket at the counter. There are no kiosks.
- Ask for a ticket to Busan.
- Pay with cash or card.
- Go outside where the benches are and look for your bus number listed on your ticket.
By KTX High-Speed Train
30 minutes | Price of Train from Gyeongju to Busan: 12,000 – 21,000 won ($9-16 USD)
If you take the train, the train station is located in Gyeongju Station (used to be called Singyeongju Station), but the train station is far from Gyeongju city center.
The correct Google address for the station is still listed as Singyeongju Station.
From downtown Gyeongju, take an additional 15-30 minute bus or taxi to get to the Gyeongju / Singyeongju station.
The train from Gyeongju to Busan KTX station takes about 30 minutes and the price will vary on when and where you buy it.
📲 Traveling to multiple cities by train? You can buy a KTX Pass online
To travel from Gyeongju to Busan by KTX, follow these steps:
- Take a taxi or bus 50, 70, or 1200 to Gyeongju / Singyeongju train station.
- The taxi ride will take 15-20 minutes and cost around $13 USD.
- The bus ride will take around 30 minutes and cost around $2 USD.
- Purchase your ticket online, or in person at the station. If you’re traveling to multiple cities in Korea, you can also buy a KTX Pass online. Make sure to check the train schedule and ticket availability during peak travel seasons.
- Head to the platform and seat listed on your ticket.
- Once in Busan Station, either take taxi or bus to your destination.
By Car
🚙 Rent a car in South Korea for as cheap as $28 USD a day
The driving distance from Gyeongju to Busan is about 70 kilometers (about 43 miles). The actual travel time will vary on traffic conditions and route you take.
On average it takes around 1-1.5 hours.
Use Naver or Kakao Maps for directions. Do not use Google Maps, as it is not optimized for South Korea.
Check prices for car rentals in South Korea.
Busan Tours
While there are no tours that will take you from Gyeongju to Busan, here are some tours to help you explore the highlights of Busan:
1. Visit Busan Tour Pass for access to 30+ Busan attractions
2. Combo Tour of Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan Skywalks and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
3. Tripadvisor Busan tours to Gamcheon Culture Village and other popular sites in Busan
From Busan to Gyeongju
If you’re going back to Gyeongju from Busan, or starting from Busan to Gyeongju, you can also purchase express bus tickets to Gyeongju, which will take you to the bus terminal in central Gyeongju.
If you choose to take the train from Busan to Gyeongju, you will have to take a taxi or bus from the Gyeongju train station to central Gyeongju.
Follow similar directions in my Seoul to Gyeongju blog.
Best Way to Get from Gyeongju to Busan
I recommend taking the bus since the bus stations are located in Gyeongju city center, especially if you are staying in Haeundae or near the Busan Station.
However, if you want to take the KTX, taking a taxi instead to the train station would be fastest and most convenient.
Quick Links:
🚌 Book your express bus ticket to/from Busan
🚊 Purchase a KTX Pass online for travel to multiple cities
🚙 Rent a car in South Korea for as cheap as $28 USD a day
Check out my Busan guides and vlogs next:
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13 Free Things to Do in Busan (Popular + Underrated Spots!)
The Best Busan Itinerary for 2-5 Days (+ Hour Breakdown)
5 Best Beaches in Busan (+ Events to Look Out For)
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Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan: Travel Tips & How to Get Here
