In a significant development for cross-border connectivity, China will reinstate international passenger rail services linking Beijing and Pyongyang starting Thursday, March 12, 2026. The restoration, announced by China State Railway Group, marks a pivotal step in revitalizing transportation networks between the neighboring nations after a prolonged suspension.
The relaunched service will operate on a structured schedule, with Beijing-Pyongyang trains running four times weekly (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) in both directions. Simultaneously, the Dandong-Pyongyang route will maintain daily operations, enhancing accessibility for border communities. The complete journey from China’s capital to North Korea’s capital will require approximately 23 hours and 41 minutes, with customs and immigration procedures conducted at Dandong (China) and Sinuiju (DPRK) stations.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun emphasized the diplomatic significance of this restoration, noting that maintaining regular passenger train operations constitutes an essential facility for bilateral relations. ‘China and the DPRK are friendly neighbors,’ Guo stated during Tuesday’s regular press briefing. ‘This resumption will substantially improve travel convenience and foster stronger economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between our nations.’
Ticket sales have commenced through designated offline channels, though official pricing structures remain undisclosed. For northbound travel, passengers may purchase tickets at international railway ticket offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanhaiguan, Shenyang, and Dandong. Southbound travelers departing from Pyongyang can obtain tickets at the Pyongyang Railway Station ticket office.
The Chinese railway operator confirmed that passenger services will be available at multiple stations including Beijing, Tianjin, Shanhaiguan, Shenyang, and Dandong on the Chinese side, with corresponding services at Pyongyang and Sinuiju stations in North Korea. Inquiry hotlines have been established for both routes: 010-65120503/65020507 for Beijing-Pyongyang services and 0415-2391555 for Dandong-Pyongyang operations.