The mainline station with its surviving steam locomotive engine shed (to the east) dates from 1863 and the opening of the Newtown and Machynlleth Railway. The following year the Aberystwyth and Welsh Coast Railway opened as far as Aberystwyth via Dovey Junction, and in 1867 the line was extended from Barmouth to Pwllheli via Porthmadog. In 1868, the station and lines were absorbed into the Cambrian Railway. The Cambrian Railway was absorbed by the Great Western Railway on 1 January 1922 as a result of the Railways Act 1921, and became part of British Railways in 1948. The current train operator, Arriva Trains Wales, has also developed the old Victorian depot for its fleet of Class 158 trains which provide nearly all passenger services on the Cambrian Lines. It features environmentally friendly technologies such as rainwater harvesting and a wind turbine. The station ticket office features copies of the colourful posters from the 1930-50s promoting the scenic Cambrian Coast Railway. There is also a display of historic photographs of the station and town, plus a small cafe/kiosk selling snacks and drinks.

The terminal station, from 1864, of the Corris Railway (nprn 43018) lies adjacent to the north.

RCAHMW, May 2015.