The 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) gauge East Cornwall Mineral Railway was opened from the quay at Calstock to Kelly Bray on 8 May 1872.

It was replaced by the present Plymouth, Devonport and South Western Junction Railway route across Calstock Viaduct on 2 March 1908 which saw passenger trains introduced.

Gunnislake became a terminus on 7 November 1966, the line onwards to Callington having closed the previous Saturday.

The station car park and bus interchange is situated immediately behind the platform.

There is a help point, and timetable and information boards, on the platform, as well as a waiting shelter.