Trains run approximately once every hour, traveling the entire length of the line.

From the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014, a new EV-E301 series two-car battery electric multiple unit (BEMU) was introduced on the Karasuyama Line and Tohoku Main Line between Utsunomiya and Karasuyama.

[1] Developed from the experimental "Smart Denchi-kun" battery electric railcar also tested on this line since 2012, the EV-E301 series train is recharged at a special recharging facility built at Karasuyama Station, and operates on battery power over the non-electrified Karasuyama Line tracks.

[4] With the privatization of Japanese National Railways (JNR) on 1 April 1987, the line came under the control of JR East.

[4] Wanman driver only operation commenced on the line on 10 March 1990, using KiHa 40 series DMUs.