China Resumes Passenger Train Service to North Korea After Six Years
After a long pause caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, passenger train services between China and North Korea have officially resumed. The cross-border rail connection linking Beijing and Pyongyang restarted on March 12, 2026, marking the first time in nearly six years that travelers can take this historic route again.
3/13/20261 min read
A Key Rail Link Reopens
The railway service had been suspended in early 2020 when North Korea sealed its borders to prevent the spread of COVID‑19. During that period, international travel to and from the country was almost completely halted.
Now, with the service restarting, trains are once again running between the two capitals. The journey takes roughly 24 hours and 40 minutes, offering a rare direct rail connection between the neighboring nations.
Route and Frequency
The train travels from Beijing to Pyongyang, passing through the Chinese border city of Dandong, which serves as a key gateway for trade and travel between the two countries.
Current plans indicate that:
The Beijing–Pyongyang train will operate about four times per week.
The Dandong–Pyongyang service is expected to run daily.
Who Can Travel?
Despite the resumption of the service, the trains are not yet fully open to international tourists. Early reports suggest the route is primarily being used by government officials, business travelers, and people with special travel permissions.
Why the Restart Matters
China remains North Korea’s largest trading partner, so restoring the passenger rail link is an important step toward reviving economic activity and diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Analysts say the move could also signal a gradual reopening of North Korea’s borders after years of strict isolation.
Disclaimer: This update is shared based on publicly available information. VOTG News is not responsible for any decisions made based on this news. The image is AI-generated only for illustration