The station was the hub of the island's railway network, where the lines to Douglas, Peel, Ramsey and Foxdale met.

The original station had a simple building, north of the running line, to the same design as Crosby, a passing loop, goods siding and water tower.

The MNR line between Ramsey and St John's opened on 23 September 1879 and was operated by the IMR for its first eleven months.

However, the advent of the coastal electric railway from Douglas to Ramsey in 1899 caused the MNR to seek better through connections with the IMR.

It[clarification needed] also catered for Ramsey-Douglas through services: through carriages between Ramsey and Douglas were detached from the MNR train and transferred between the two stations.

Latterly these sidings were used to stow spare rolling stock, the Foxdale Coach and two Empress Vans being regularly stored here.

For many years trains heading to both Peel and Ramsey were scheduled to depart within minutes of each other, the main lines running parallel for some distance to the west of the level crossing; despite the official timings, it was often the case that one would be held back slightly so that the two could unofficially "race" out of the station to their respective destinations.

Inevitably, it was the westbound train to Peel which "won" the race, the track being on a downward gradient all the way to the western terminus.

This is often statically recreated during modern events on a spur known as "Peel East" just west of Douglas Station during the annual Manx Heritage Transport Festival.

At one time there was a footbridge, but photographs show passengers still crossing the running lines (the platforms were very shallow) and by 1944 the bridge had been removed.

It was purchased from the West Clare Railway in Ireland, after that company had been unable to accept delivery from the manufacturers Ransomes & Rapier Ltd of Ipswich.

After services ceased in 1968 the carriage shed was used to store surplus rolling stock which was moved back to Douglas for use on the south line as required.

He features on many later photographs of the station and was a helpful figure who used to travel to the small signal cabin, or more accurately, point box, on his bicycle.

The 1873 timber structure and stone-built points box were also removed at this time, with only some rails remaining in the bisecting road which survived for many years.