Plymouth's rail heritage

Plymouth has long stood at the crossroads of sea and rail – a gateway to Devon, Cornwall and beyond. The arrival of the railway transformed the city from a busy naval port into a well-connected hub, linking the South West to the rest of the country and shaping the city’s economic, social and cultural development.

Early days of rail in Plymouth

The first railway to reach Plymouth was the South Devon Railway, arriving in 1848, after years of planning and major engineering challenges. The line connected Plymouth to Exeter and beyond, following Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s broad-gauge design. A year later, Millbay Station opened in 1849, becoming the city’s principal terminus and a key transport link for naval personnel, commercial goods and early leisure travellers.

By the mid-19th century, rail travel was helping to transform Plymouth into a thriving Victorian city. The Great Western Railway (GWR) took over the South Devon Railway in 1876, cementing Plymouth’s place on the national rail network.

Expanding connections

The arrival of the London and South Western Railway (LSWR) in 1876 introduced a second route into the city, with a station at Devonport and later North Road – now Plymouth Station. These competing lines created better access to Cornwall, South Devon and London, and boosted freight trade, particularly for the naval dockyards and the growing fishing industry.

20th century: war and renewal

Plymouth’s railway stations played a vital role during both World Wars, particularly during the evacuation of civilians and the transport of troops and supplies. The Blitz caused major damage to rail infrastructure, with Millbay Station eventually closing to passengers in 1941 and to goods in 1971.

After the war, Plymouth’s rail system was restructured. North Road Station became the city’s main passenger hub and was redeveloped in the 1960s into the current Plymouth Station, operated by British Rail.

Today and tomorrow

Today, Plymouth remains a vital rail hub on the Great Western Main Line, linking London Paddington with Penzance, and serving routes through Devon and the Tamar Valley. With direct trains to cities including Exeter, Bristol, Birmingham and London, it continues to serve visitors, residents and businesses across the South West.