St Austell (Railway Station)

St Austell Railway Station is a key transport hub in the county of Cornwall, receiving trains from London, Bristol, and other major cities. The station serves as the main gateway for tourists heading to the famous "Eden Project" botanical garden and the picturesque coastline. Despite its compact size, the station is distinguished by a cozy atmosphere and easy navigation, while preserving the historical charm of British railways.

Passengers should be aware that the station consists of two platforms. Platform 1 (on the station building side) serves trains heading towards London and Plymouth, while Platform 2 serves those heading towards Penzance and Newquay. The platforms are connected by a footbridge equipped with lifts, making transfers convenient even with heavy luggage. The main entrance is located on the High Cross Street side, in close proximity to the bus terminal.

• Official Website: Current schedules and tickets are available on the National Rail or Great Western Railway (GWR) portals.
• Helpline Phone: The unified National Rail Enquiries service (available for calls within the UK).
• Address: High Cross Street, St Austell, Cornwall, PL25 4LA.
• Ticket Office Hours: Weekdays from 05:45 to 19:15, Saturdays from 06:30 to 19:15, Sundays from 09:15 to 17:15 (times may vary on public holidays).
• Luggage Storage: There are no automatic luggage storage lockers at the station.
• Accessibility Information: The station offers full Step Free Access for passengers with reduced mobility; lifts and induction loops for the hearing impaired are in operation.

Getting to St Austell station is very simple thanks to its integration into the city's transport system. The main advantage is the bus station located literally two steps away (across the road or via a direct walkway), where services arrive from all over Cornwall, including buses from the Eden Project and the port of Mevagissey.

If you are arriving on foot from the city center, the walk will take about 5–10 minutes; however, please note that St Austell is located on hilly terrain, and the road to the station may involve an uphill walk. A taxi rank is located right at the main entrance of the station building, allowing you to quickly travel to any point in the city immediately after your train arrives.

St Austell Station offers the necessary range of services for a comfortable wait. The station building houses a ticket office, as well as 24-hour Ticket Vending Machines. On the first platform, there is an indoor waiting room, providing protection from the changeable Cornish weather.

Additional amenities include:

• Free Wi-Fi (requires registration with the network operator).
• Restrooms, including specially equipped cubicles for passengers with reduced mobility and a baby changing area.
• A small parking area for cars and bicycles.
• Staff assistance for boarding (it is recommended to book this in advance via the Passenger Assist service).

A small coffee shop operates directly at the station, where you can purchase hot drinks, sandwiches, and pastries. This is an excellent option for a quick snack before your journey; the average check will be around 5–7 pounds. However, it is worth noting that the café may close earlier than the departure of the last trains.

If you have 20–30 minutes to spare, we recommend going into town. Within walking distance (up High Cross Street), there are traditional bakeries where you can buy the famous Cornish Pasty — a hearty pastry filled with meat and vegetables, which is ideal for the road. Travelers preferring Halal options should check the ingredients, though delicious vegetarian varieties are often available. Supermarkets are also nearby for purchasing water and snacks.

The history of St Austell station is inextricably linked with the industrial development of the region. The station was opened in May 1859 by the Cornwall Railway company and originally featured a broad gauge track designed by the legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Later, at the end of the 19th century, the line was converted to standard gauge.

For a long time, the station played a key role not only in passenger transport but also in the transportation of china clay (kaolin) mined in the vicinity of the city, which was the foundation of the regional economy. In recent decades, the station has undergone several stages of modernization, including the reconstruction of the footbridge and improved integration with bus services, transforming it into a modern gateway for tourism in Cornwall.

When planning a trip through St Austell, keep in mind that it is a popular transfer station for trips to the Eden Project. Special buses depart from the adjacent terminal, so allow at least 15–20 minutes for the transfer.

A few useful tips:

• Security: The station is equipped with CCTV cameras, but do not leave your luggage unattended.
• Weather: The platforms are partially open, and Cornwall can often be windy — keep a windbreaker or jacket handy.
• Tickets: If you board a train without a ticket at a station where ticket offices or machines are operational, you may be fined. Be sure to purchase your ticket before boarding.
• Night Trains: The station serves the Night Riviera sleeper train (London – Penzance), but the waiting room may be closed at night.