The line was originally planned to connect to what is now the Nagaragawa Railway (previously Etsumi-Nan Line), but the last 24.0 km (14.9 mi) section that would have involved extensive tunneling was never commenced. A bus service provided a connection between the two lines until it ceased in 2002.
May 20, 1964: Asuwa, Echizen-Takada, Echizen-Tano stations open.
October 15, 1965: Freight operations begin between Echizen-Ōno — Kadohara.
March 25, 1968: Kita-Ōno Station opens.
October 1, 1968: Freight operations end at Kadohara Station.
December 15, 1972: Extension from Kadohara to Kuzuryūko (10.2 km) opens, including the 5251m Arashima tunnel.
April 1, 1973: Freight operations end between Echizen-Ōno — Echizen-Tomida
October 1980: Seasonal rapid train "Okuetsu-gō" begins operation.
November 15, 1982: Freight operations end between Minami-Fukui — Echizen-Ōno, ending freight service on the entire line.
April 1, 1987: With the breakup and privatization of Japan National Railways, line becomes part of West Japan Railway Company (JR West). Beginning of line moved 800 meters to Echizen-Hanandō Station.
June 1, 1990: Driver-only operation begins.
September 1, 1992: Regular rapid service begins.
September 12, 1995: "Kuzuryū Line" name goes into use.
September 1, 1997: Seasonal rapid train "Okuetsu-gō" ceases operation.
March 3, 2001: Regular rapid service ends.
July 18, 2004: Due to heavy rains, five railway bridges are washed away, forcing operations to stop.
July 20, 2004: Service restored between Echizen-Ōno — Kuzuryūko.
September 11, 2004: Service restored between Echizen-Hanandō — Ichijōdani, Miyama — Echizen-Ōno.
June 30, 2007: Service restored between Ichijōdani — Miyama, allowing full service on the line to resume.
