The most convenient and cost-effective way to tour Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, Gangwon-do and beyond is by renting a car from Incheon International Airport (ICN), which has some of the best car rental systems of all major airports in East Asia. However, the vast majority of online resources overlook the specific information about Incheon Airport car rental which may help you save your time and money. Unlike downtown car rental agencies and all other airports in East Asia, ICN car rental is not associated with any hidden fees or typical tricks, which makes renting a car from Incheon Airport very easy and convenient. Anyone willing to visit places beyond central Seoul should opt for car rental rather than taking trains or bus services.
Where Can I Find Car Rental Desks in Incheon Airport?
There cannot be any other frequently asked question about car rental in ICN than this one; however, all online guides provide wrong information regarding this issue. You don’t need to catch a shuttle bus to rent a car in Incheon Airport.
- Terminal 1: Right after you pass through the customs control, make right turn and go forward for 50 meters. All rental desks are situated right in front of the Exit B on the arrivals level, all in one line. No shuttles are required, no external building, no need to leave the arrivals zone first.
- Terminal 2: Pass through the customs check and go left, then get to the Exit 4. Move to the B1 level using an escalator; all the car rental desks can be found there, also no shuttles are needed.
All unlicensed and unauthorized cheap operators work in the external parking lot. Official agencies operate only inside the terminal building.
Best Car Rental Companies at ICN
The airport is served by 11 official car rental companies, which are easily divided into 3 groups according to thousands of reviews by travelers:
- Best Premium International: Hertz, Avis, Sixt. A good choice for foreigners. All employees speak fluent English 24/7, no additional charges, fair policies regarding existing damages and round-the-clock availability. These companies charge around 10-15% more than local ones.
- Top Local Car Rental Companies: Lotte Rent a Car, Kumho, AJ Rent a Car. The best value proposition for most customers. 20-25% cheaper than international companies, almost the same level of services and almost everyone speaks English. The only slight drawback is that after 11 pm there may not be enough employees speaking English. Lotte Rent a Car is the biggest and most popular company working at the airport.
- Budget Car Rental Companies: SK Rent a Car, Green Car. The cheapest variant available, but does not suit for a first-time visitor. There were complaints about additional charges, aggressive marketing tactics regarding insurance and very strict policy regarding preexisting damage.
It is best to reserve your rental car from ICN 21 days in advance before arriving in Korea. Price tracking independently proves that this is the period when prices are on average 38% cheaper than at the moment of booking, and 22% cheaper than making a reservation 3 months in advance. During the peak seasons of Chuseok, Lunar New Year, late July and early August, rental cars sell out 4-6 weeks in advance.
Most Critical Rules and Requirements
The only rule for Incheon Airport car rentals that is not to be violated in any way is the first and foremost requirement because of which people are refused services upon their arrival – you must have a valid physical 1949 Convention International Driving Permit (IDP). Period. No exceptions! Digital driving licence, digital IDP, and national driving license alone are not acceptable by law and the companies. This refers to residents of any country, including USA, UK, Europe, Canada and Australia.
Further firm requirements:
- The exact same credit card needs to be provided which was used to make your reservation. It is forbidden to use debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards at ICN rental desks.
- The youngest person allowed to rent a vehicle is 21 years old. Under 25-year-olds should pay extra 7,000 KRW per day.
- The duration of rentals is measured in hours and not in days. For example, you can start your journey on Monday, 4.15pm and return on Tuesday, 4.14pm without paying an extra full day. There is a 59 minutes tolerance for return.
Prices for Rental Car
The prices below are based on bookings made 21 days ahead of time, VAT included:
| Vehicle Type | Price Per Day | 3 Day Total |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (Kia Morning) | 31,000 KRW | 93,000 KRW |
| Compact (Hyundai i30) | 42,000 KRW | 126,000 KRW |
| Mid Size Sedan | 57,000 KRW | 171,000 KRW |
| Mid Size SUV | 72,000 KRW | 216,000 KRW |
Extra costs often included:
- Extra driver: Free with all major companies
- Baby/child seat: 7,000 KRW per day
- One way to Gimpo Airport: 15,000 KRW
- One way to Busan: 120,000 KRW
Hi-Pass tolling system is installed in all vehicles rented from ICN. You won’t have to use cash for paying tolls on highways, all toll payments go straight onto your card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, always. All car rental companies based out of ICN will always deny you car rental services unless you have a legitimate International Driving Permit according to 1949 convention issued physically. No digital licences or domestic licences are accepted by anyone in ICN in any circumstance.
Almost always you should opt to rent your car at ICN. Prices are on average 32% cheaper than downtown Seoul rental companies, there is zero wait time, and you don’t have to deal with 90 minute drive from ICN to central Seoul using public transport in order to get your car. Only use downtown car rental if you intend to spend at least 3 days in central Seoul.
According to data from 2025, the price for renting an economy car for 3 days in advance is 93,000 KRW (~69 USD). If you book your service right after arriving at ICN prices are around 35% higher.
Yes. Most companies have one way return. The most common path Incheon Airport to Gimpo Airport costs a fixed one time fee of 15,000 KRW. One way return service to Busan, Daegu, Gyeongju, and Jeonju is also available with fees ranging from 80,000 KRW to 150,000 KRW.
Three companies offer their services 24 hours a day and 7 days a week which include Hertz, Lotte Rent a Car and Kumho. All others close during the hours of 10 pm and 11 pm and then re-open at 6 am. If you land outside of this period, you can only use the above mentioned companies’ services.