Mid Cornwall Metro

Mid Cornwall Metro is here: a joint venture between Network Rail, Cornwall Council and Great Western Railway to bring more trains to Cornwall and provide coast-to-coast connectivity

More trains to Newquay

The first phase of Mid Cornwall Metro is now live. Hourly trains run between Newquay and Par, more than double the previous service. Not since the 1960s have more trains run to Newquay.

The full Mid Cornwall Metro service, with direct trains from Newquay to Falmouth, will follow in 2027. Work is also ongoing to build a new footbridge will lifts at Par station.

What is Mid Cornwall Metro?

Mid Cornwall Metro is a £56.8m project that will deliver an hourly coast-to-coast rail service between Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth.

A new rail passing loop at Tregoss Moor will allow trains to pass each other. This will enable local and long-distance services to operate concurrently – meaning local services can run all year round.

The project will include station improvements and better walking and cycling access, including at Roche and Bugle stations. Tap in, tap out Pay As You Go ticketing with a GWR smartcard will also be extended to the whole of Cornwall, plus Plymouth and the Tamar Valley Line, as part of the project.

Walking and cycling links will be improved between Penryn and Falmouth, including to Penryn station and the University campuses.

Map of Mid Cornwall Metro

What work has happened?

New passing loop at Goss Moor

Four key stages of work have been completed to upgrade the Newquay branch line for more trains:

  • A second platform restored at Newquay station
  • A new passing loop built at Goss Moor
  • New digital signals installed
  • Extensive upgrade of 152-year-old Ponts Mill viaduct

When will more trains begin to run?

From May 2026, hourly trains now run between Newquay and Par. The full through service to Falmouth, via Par, St Austell and Truro, will begin in 2027.

When the full Mid Cornwall Metro timetable is in use trains will be:

  • One train per hour between Newquay and Par
  • Three trains per hour between Par and Truro
  • Two trains per hour between Truro and Falmouth
  • One train per hour between Falmouth and Newquay

Ponts Mill viaduct

Train travelling over Ponts Mill viaduct

Ponts Mill viaduct, built in 1873, carries the Newquay branch line over the River Par. It’s been extensively upgraded.

The timber decks of the bridge were removed and replaced with new steel decks and the bridge girders were strengthened. The steel was repainted and repairs were completed to three 30m high stone piers and two abutments.

With the bridge now strengthened, trains, including freight from the nearby mineral site, can travel over the viaduct without the need to slow down.

I have a question

For any queries please email info@midcornwallmetro.com or visit our contact us page.