The station is 281 miles 66 chains (281.82 mi; 453.6 km) down the line from London Paddington, measured via Box and Plymouth Millbay.

The West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser reported at the time that it is situated on the western side of Par bay, about a mile from the pier head, close to the road to Fowey and Tywardreath, the traffic of which places as well as St Blazey and the neighbourhoods intended to receive here.

[3] A connection from Par to the Cornwall Minerals Railway line to Newquay was opened on 1 January 1879.

Containers were switched between rail and road vehicles; mainly china clay traffic was handled but this did not preclude other goods.

[5] The line approaching Par from London and Plymouth descends an incline from Treverrin Tunnel, before passing under a road overbridge adjacent to the Royal Inn, which at one time was the Station Hotel.

Some trains run through to or from London Paddington station, including the Night Riviera overnight sleeping car service.

[10] There are a limited number of CrossCountry trains providing a service to and from Bristol, Birmingham and stations in the north such as Manchester, Leeds and Edinburgh.

A panel has since been added to control the section through to St Austell and Burngullow as far west as the now closed Probus and Ladock railway station.

Six pubs near Par station take part in the Atlantic Coast Line rail ale trail, including some in neighbouring Tywardreath and St Blazey.