The first full passenger train to operate over the section of line between Dereham and Hoe did so on 18 May 2013, being a main line InterCity 125 charter from London St Pancras station. On 19 May 2018 the line between Hoe and Worthing officially opened to passenger trains bringing the operational length of the railway to over 15 miles. The section north of Dereham will continue to be used on special event days only until full opening to a station at North Elmham is achieved.