Transportation in North Korea

North Korea's transport is tightly controlled and largely state-run. Visitors typically move by metro in Pyongyang (the only city with a subway system), inter-city rail, or pre-arranged tourist coaches. Taxis exist but are scarce outside the capital and must be booked through your guide; they're a splurge compared with the metro, which costs only a token amount. Domestic flights and limited car hire are theoretically possible but require special permits and are almost never granted to casual tourists. First-timers should know that independent travel is not permitted: every itinerary is set by an official tour operator and you'll be accompanied by guides at all times. Metro rides are usually included in city tours; you'll enter and exit at pre-selected stations. Photography is restricted inside trains and stations, so keep cameras lowered until told otherwise. Long-distance trains are slow and often delayed, but they're the cheapest sanctioned way to reach places like Kaesong or Wonsan. Seats are assigned and tickets handled by your guide. For the airport run, expect a pre-booked tour vehicle rather than public options. There is no metro link to Pyongyang International. Your guide will meet you landside and drive you downtown. If you somehow find yourself without the arranged transfer, the only fallback is the official taxi desk, agree the fare before leaving the terminal, as meters are rarely used.