The Yantai-Dalian Railway Ferry is an important part of China's railway network as it provides a shortcut to link the northeast and east of China. The distance between the terminals, Yantai North Station and Lvshun West Station, is around 159.8 kilometers, which makes it the first ferry route in China and the 35th in the world with a distance of over 100 kilometers.

The ferry started operation in November 2006 and has three pairs of ferries that carry trains, cars and cargo. It currently uses three ferry boats that are the largest and most advanced in China. Boats No 1 and No 2 are capable of carrying 50 train carriages, 55 roll-on trucks, 25 sedans and 580 passengers, while boat No 3 can carry 62 roll-on trucks, 14 sedans and 716 passengers.