Stranraer is now the oldest working harbour station in the UK following the closure of Folkstone Harbour Station in 2001.

The station was opened in October 1862 by the Portpatrick Railway to connect to the ferry service to Larne. It was subject to a major refurbishment in 1984 and remedial works in 2014.

Following a £200 million investment on a new route sailing out of Cairnryan, Stena stopped serving Stranraer which has resulted in ScotRail cutting services since the ferry now departs further up Loch Ryan. Ferry passengers are now bused from Cairnryan directly to Ayr.