During the 19th century, Hayle was a busy junction with goods lines running all round the town, many connecting from the embankment which is still visible behind the 'up' platform.

However, the decline of shipping in the Hayle estuary meant that these freight lines were no longer of any use and were closed in 1981.

The main entrance is to the platform served by trains to Penzance, which is approached by a road from Foundry Square.

A footpath allows level access to the other platform too, and this continues along the route of a closed railway track down towards the wharves opposite a bridge which leads across the water to the Towans.

Hayle is served by regular Great Western Railway trains between Penzance and Exeter St Davids.