The longest scheduled passenger train journey in the world stretches from Moscow, Russia to Pyongyang, North Korea, covering an immense distance of 10,267 kilometers (6379 miles) over roughly 206 hours, meaning nearly eight and a half days of uninterrupted travel.
The extraordinary route is a collaboration between Russian Railways and the Korean State Railway, with North Korean carriages integrated into Russia’s renowned Rossiya train, which travels along the historic Trans-Siberian Railway. The journey offers a rare and sweeping view of Eurasia’s vast landscapes, from the heart of Russia through Siberia and the Russian Far East, before crossing into North Korea.
The train route between Moscow and Pyongyang includes scheduled stops in around a dozen Russian cities, offering passengers a sweeping journey through the heart of Russia. Key stops along the way include Irkutsk, known for its proximity to Lake Baikal; Krasnoyarsk, a major Siberian cultural and industrial center; Novosibirsk, Russia’s third-largest city and a hub of science and technology; and Yekaterinburg, a historic city in the Ural Mountains that marks the boundary between Europe and Asia.
The direct train route runs twice a month, with departures from North Korea scheduled on the 3rd and 17th of each month. After arriving in Moscow—typically after an eight-day journey—the return trip begins the following day, maintaining a consistent and predictable schedule.
The service is managed by North Korean railway authorities, who provide their own compartment-style coaches for passengers. These carriages are known for their distinctive design and are integrated into Russia’s long-distance trains, allowing for seamless travel across the vast expanse of Siberia and into the heart of Europe.
The rail services were recently re-opened this year in June for the first time since Covid-19 border restrictions began four years ago.
In early 2020, North Korea imposed one of the world’s strictest border closures in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, effectively sealing itself off from all external contact.
Russian Railways had said: “Pyongyang-Moscow is the longest non-stop railway route in the world: the distance between the capitals is more than 10,000 kilometers [6,200 miles] and the travel time is eight days.”
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow and Pyongyang have significantly strengthened their political, military, and cultural relationship. This growing alliance culminated in the signing of a mutual defense pact in June 2024, during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea—the first in 24 years.
The agreement includes provisions for mutual assistance in the event of aggression against either country, marking a major shift in their strategic partnership. North Korea has reportedly supplied Russia with ammunition and rockets for its war in Ukraine, while Russia has offered economic and military support in return, including potential aid for North Korea’s weapons programs.