The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is one of the world's most isolated and controlled destinations. All tourism is tightly regulated through guided tours, offering a unique glimpse into this enigmatic nation with its grand monuments, orchestrated events, and carefully curated experiences.
- Public
- Pyongyang's metro, buses, and trolleybuses exist but tourists cannot use them independently. The Pyongyang Metro is occasionally included as a tourist attraction — a two-stop ride between ornate stations. All tourist transport is pre-arranged tour buses with assigned drivers.
- Taxi
- Taxis operate in Pyongyang for citizens but are inaccessible to independent tourist use. All transport for tourists must be arranged through guides and tour operators. Private vehicles assigned to tour groups serve the same function.
- Rental
- Self-drive vehicle rental is absolutely prohibited for foreign tourists. Under no circumstances can tourists drive in North Korea. All vehicles come with assigned DPRK drivers.
- Walking
- Walking within hotel grounds and designated areas is possible. Guided city walks are arranged as part of itineraries. Spontaneous independent walking outside hotel premises is prohibited.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Tour bus (included in tour packages)
- Shuttle
- Private taxi $25-40 (must be arranged by tour company)
- Bus
- No public transport available for tourists
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Extensive public bus and trolleybus network throughout Pyongyang. Tourists cannot use public buses independently. Charter buses are provided for all tour group movements. Public bus fare for locals: 5 KPW per ride.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Taxis exist but are not available for independent tourist use. All transportation must be arranged through tour guides. Official taxi base fare approximately $1, then $0.50 per km, but tourists will not access this service independently.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Intercity buses connect major cities but are not accessible to independent tourists. Tour groups use private charter buses for all intercity travel with reclining seats and air conditioning (when working). Pyongyang to Kaesong: ~3 hours by bus.
Flights
Air Koryo operates limited domestic flights. Pyongyang to Mount Paektu (Samjiyon): ~1.5 hours, approximately $200-300 return. Flights are weather-dependent and often canceled. Only way to reach remote destinations like Mount Paektu.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
From centre: 24 km north of Pyongyang
Options: Tour bus (included in tour packages); Private taxi $25-40 (must be arranged by tour company); No public transport available for tourists
Wonsan Kalma International Airport
From centre: 15 km from Wonsan city
Options: Tour bus (seasonal charter flights only); Private transfer arranged by tour operators
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
No transport apps exist
No ride-hailing apps, transit apps, or map applications function in North Korea for tourists. Internet is not accessible to tourists. Pre-download offline maps before arrival but they will have limited usefulness given mandatory guide accompaniment.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
All transport throughout North Korea is arranged by the specialist tour operator — there is nothing to book, arrange, or figure out independently
Tour buses are your primary vehicle; they range from comfortable modern coaches on premium tours to older Soviet-era buses on budget packages
The Pyongyang Metro tour (riding between two stations) is a highlight — request it if not included in your itinerary
Train travel between cities like Pyongyang-Kaesong is available on select tours and offers a dramatically different perspective on the countryside
Domestic Air Koryo flights to Mount Paektu are booked through tour operators and are weather-dependent — have a contingency itinerary if flights cancel
For intercity trips, all transport is included in tour package pricing — there are no separate tickets to purchase or public transport to navigate