Beijing and Pyongyang have resumed direct train service for the first time in six years, signaling a cautious thaw in relations between the two countries. The first train departed Beijing for Pyongyang on Thursday, March 12, 2026, fully booked with passengers, according to Chinese state media.
The resumption of rail traffic, halted since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, will see four trains running in each direction weekly, connecting the capitals via the Chinese border city of Dandong. The journey takes approximately 22 to 24 hours depending on the direction. This development comes as North Korea slowly begins to re-establish external connections after a prolonged period of strict border closures.
Initially, tickets for the service were only available at the ticket window and were limited to those holding valid business visas, excluding tourists. A Chinese railway employee reported that the Thursday train was filled with entrepreneurs, government officials, and journalists. The reopening of this key transportation link underscores China’s continued economic and political influence in the region.
While a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not explicitly confirm the resumption of service during a press conference on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, they emphasized that China and North Korea are “friendly and close neighbors” and that “regular train connections are important to facilitate exchanges between the two peoples.” The Chinese railway authorities later officially announced the schedule. More details on the reopening can be found here.
The move is notable given North Korea’s stringent border controls implemented following the 2020 pandemic outbreak. Previous attempts to cautiously re-engage with the outside world, such as a trial tourism program in the Rason region, were quickly abandoned. Currently, Russian tour groups are the only visitors permitted at a prestigious resort in the city of Wonsan. Trouw reports on the significance of the restored rail link.
Prior to the pandemic, Chinese tourists comprised the largest group of visitors to North Korea. NU.nl provides additional context on the importance of the rail connection. The resumption of train service too operates on a shorter route between Dandong and Pyongyang.
