It is 277 miles 36 chains (277.45 mi; 446.5 km) from the zero point at London Paddington measured via Box and Plymouth Millbay.

Between the station and the river stand the remains of the Cornwall Railway workshops, converted and extended in 2004 as a housing development.

A report at the time claimed that it "is generally admitted to be the handsomest station on the line, and looks as gay and bright as fresh paint can make it.

Near to the departure station is the train shed, 100 feet long, in which, in addition to the engines employed on the line, it is intended to contain first, second, and third class carriages, in order to meet any extra requirements that may at any time arise.

"[2]The workshops had been established during the construction of the railway to prepare the timber needed for the wooden viaducts, stations and track.

The line was reopened by the Cornwall Minerals Railway on 16 September 1895 for both goods and passengers when a bay platform was provided at Lostwithiel.

The passenger service was withdrawn on 4 January 1965 but the line remains open to carry china clay to the jetties at Fowey.