The line was opened by the Taff Vale Railway in 1859, as part of its route from Radyr to the docks at Penarth.

[3] Subsequent construction by the TVR added links to Cardiff Central and to the Penarth Extension Railway by 1878.

Originally the line was freight-only, but over the years saw regular use for empty passenger trains thanks to its links with the depot at Cardiff Canton TMD and also for football specials to Ninian Park stadium and periodic engineering diversions.

[4] The first regular passenger service was introduced to the line on 5 October 1987, when three new stations were opened at Waun-gron Park, Fairwater and Danescourt, and regular service was introduced to the previously existing Ninian Park station.

In the past there were shuttle trains on the line to serve Pontypridd and beyond with one stop at Ninian Park.