[1][page needed] A notable feature of its early years was the Portstewart Tramway, linked via the intermediate station at Cromore, which closed in 1964, briefly reopened in 1968, and shuttered permanently in 1988.

Despite infrastructure decline in the 1980s and 1990s, strategic upgrades in the 2000s, including platform extensions and station modernisations, ensured the line's survival for both commuters and tourists.

[citation needed] On weekdays, the first two morning trains from Portrush operate as direct services to Belfast Grand Central Station, streamlining commutes to the capital.

Featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls, coloured facade panels, and skylights, the station prioritises natural light and accessibility.

[5][6] The consolidation of services into Belfast Grand Central Station (opened September 2024) marked a significant upgrade to Northern Ireland’s rail network.