Busan’s compact, coastal airport scene lets you easily catch cheap flights from Busan to Japan, Southeast Asia, and beyond, blending steady domestic links with a variety of short international routes. It is a sweet spot for travelers seeking value and flexibility without big city chaos.
Gimhae International Airport is the main gateway and one of South Korea's largest, balancing scale with simplicity. Two terminals streamline flows: domestic and international, with routes spanning short weekend hops to Japan and longer escapes to Vietnam and Thailand. You will find city attractions nearby, reliable transport, and a traveler-friendly layout that minimizes pre flight hurdles. The airport is handy for creative trips like open jaw adventures or one way flights from Busan across Asia. Use Kiwi.com’s Travel Hacks to uncover self-transfer options and flexible routes, subject to airline policies. When planning a multi-city journey, add three or more stops into the Nomad Search Tool, set dates, and optimize your travels efficiently without hours of manual research.
Travelers gravitate toward quick domestic hops, sunny getaways, and warm-weather escapes from Busan. The city offers frequent flights to sought-after regional cities, making it a favorite for those who want affordable short trips or longer adventures.
Jeju offers a classic domestic trip at about 1 hour nonstop with plentiful daily service, while Seoul's Gimpo Airport is similarly close, perfect for rail connections or business. Across the strait, Fukuoka in Japan sits around 1 hour 25 minutes away and is beloved for food weekends and onsen visits; Osaka Kansai provides similar timing and easy access to Kyoto or Nara. Taipei Taoyuan is a medium hop of 2 hours 20 minutes and well-liked for markets and local culture. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Nha Trang Cam Ranh, and Da Nang provide longer escapes for beaches, nightlife, or food, while Guam is known for diving and shopping. Airlines serving these routes mix Korean full service and low cost carriers as well as regional options depending on season. These trips are favorites because of their short flight times and value on hotels and food, especially outside busy summer or holiday periods. For last minute flights from Busan to Fukuoka or Osaka, being flexible on days or times usually pays off.
Seasonality shapes fare patterns from Busan: busy summer months from June to August and major holidays drive up prices, while late autumn and winter bring quieter airports and friendlier fares.
Check and book flights 4 to 6 weeks ahead for most short routes, or earlier for peak periods. Sweet spots often appear in late October to early December or late February to March, but exact timing depends on your destination. Instead of constantly refreshing, set a Price Alert to be notified when fares dip. Multi-country routes through Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam become easier using the Nomad Search Tool, which builds tailored plans and lets you compare different routes. If your dates are fixed but you are open on the destination, check similar cities on the same weekends; shifting to Saturday or Monday instead of classic weekends can unlock better savings.
Departing from Busan is simple, with one well-connected airport serving the city. Plan to arrive at the airport with extra time during busy periods, particularly for morning departures and holidays.
Gimhae International Airport is in western Busan with Terminal D for domestic and Terminal I for international flights. The Airport Limousine Bus connects to major Busan districts, and taxis to central areas typically range from 20,000 to 30,000 KRW depending on traffic; car rentals are available for onward journeys. The airport features lounges, family play spots, and a choice of dining, plus duty free shopping in the international terminal. Arrive one hour before domestic flights and two hours for international, adjusting for peaks. Busan sees both full service and low cost airlines. Bookings on Kiwi.com can mix different carriers with self-transfer itineraries, and adding the Kiwi.com Guarantee means disruption protection if your carrier cancels or changes your trip. With Disruption Protection, you will receive Kiwi.com Credit to rebook or assistance in claiming refunds, all handled online.