Seoul to Busan Distance
253 miles•407 km•5.1 hours
Driving distance and route information from Seoul, South Koreato Busan, South Korea. Compare multiple routes and get detailed travel information.
⭐
FASTEST ROUTE
252.79 mi
(406.82 km)
⏱️5h 5m
Via AH1
AH1
💰 Tolls
🔄
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE
252.84 mi
(406.91 km)
⏱️5h 7m
Via AH1
AH1
💰 Tolls
📏 Straight-line distance: 202 miles (325 km)
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Complete Driving Guide: Seoul to Busan
Essential Route Information
TOTAL DISTANCE
253 mi
407 kilometers
DRIVING TIME
5.1 hours
306 minutes
FUEL ESTIMATE
34 L
$51 cost
📍 Route Overview
Starting PointSeoul, South Korea
DestinationBusan, South Korea
Route Options2 available routes
Countries Crossed1 country
Time Zone ChangesCheck local times
🚗 Driving Details
Average Speed80 km/h
Straight-line Distance325 km
Route Efficiency80%
Toll RoadsYes - Budget required
Ferry CrossingsNo ferries
Compare All Routes from Seoul to Busan
| Route Type | Distance | Drive Time | Avg Speed | Tolls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fastest Route | 253 mi (407 km) | 5.1 hours | 80 km/h | ✅ Yes |
| Alternative 1 | 253 mi (407 km) | 5.1 hours | 80 km/h | ✅ Yes |
Complete Journey Overview: Seoul to Busan
The road journey from Seoul to Busan spans approximately 253 miles (407 kilometers), making it a medium-distance drive that typically requires 5.1 hours of continuous driving under normal traffic conditions.
This route connects South Korea withSouth Korea, traversing through various regions within South Korea. The journey offers 2 distinct routing options, each with unique advantages in terms of distance, time, or scenic value.
The fastest driving route from Seoul to Busan follows the AH1 corridor, maintaining an average speed of approximately 80 km/h. This corridor uses toll roads — budget for tolls along the way.
🗺️ Travel Planning Essentials
✓
Fuel Planning: Expect to use approximately 10 gallons (34 liters) of fuel for this 253 mile journey. Plan fuel stops every 250-300 miles.
✓
Rest Stops: For safety, plan a 15-minute break every 2 hours of driving. Total journey with breaks: 5.9 hours.
✓
Best Travel Times: Avoid peak traffic hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) in major cities along your route for optimal travel time.
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Weather Check: Monitor weather conditions along the entire route, especially during winter months or rainy seasons.
💰 Cost Estimation Guide
Fuel Cost (approximate)$35
Toll Costs$13
Vehicle Wear & Tear (total, ~$0.25/mi)$63
Total Trip Cost$111
* Costs are estimates based on average fuel prices and vehicle maintenance. Actual costs may vary.
Alternative Transportation Options
🚗
By Car
5.1 hours
253 miles
✈️
By Plane
0.4 hours flight
325 km direct
🚌
By Bus
6.6 hours
Multiple stops
More routes from Seoul
Seoul to Busan - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the driving distance from Seoul to Busan?
The driving distance from Seoul to Busan is 253 miles (407 km) by the fastest route, which follows AH1. The straight-line ("as the crow flies") distance is 325 km — driving distances are typically 20-40% longer than straight-line because roads must navigate around terrain and built environment.
How long does it take to drive from Seoul to Busan?
The drive from Seoul to Busan takes approximately 5h 5m of continuous driving at an average speed of 80 km/h. With a 15-minute rest stop every two hours, plan on roughly 5.9 hours of total trip time. Add additional time for traffic, weather, or border crossings.
What is the fastest route from Seoul to Busan?
The fastest driving route from Seoul to Busan is 253 miles (407 km) via AH1, taking about 5h 5m. This corridor follows the major highway connection between the two cities and is optimized for travel time.
Are there alternative routes from Seoul to Busan?
Yes, 2 routing options exist between Seoul and Busan. Alternatives have similar total distance but use different road segments — useful if the primary corridor has heavy traffic or construction.
Does the route from Seoul to Busan include tolls?
Yes, the fastest driving route from Seoul to Busan includes toll roads along AH1. Toll costs vary by vehicle class and exact path; check the route summary cards above for toll-road indicators on each route option.
How much fuel does it take to drive from Seoul to Busan?
A standard car at 30 mpg uses approximately 8 gallons (34 liters) of fuel for the 253-mile (407-km) drive from Seoul to Busan. At $3.50 per gallon that is roughly $28 in fuel cost; less efficient vehicles or higher local fuel prices will increase this proportionally.
How do I navigate from Seoul to Busan?
Use the "Open this route in your nav app" buttons above the journey guide to launch turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. Each link pre-fills Seoul as the origin and Busan as the destination, so navigation begins as soon as the app opens.