It was opened in 1858 by the Glasgow, Dumbarton and Helensburgh Railway, though Bowling had received its first railway several years earlier courtesy of the  Caledonian and Dumbartonshire Junction Railway (whose Bowling Pier terminal linked into the steamer service along the  River Clyde).
The Glasgow, Dumbarton and Helensburgh Railway was established in 1858, but Bowling already had a railway line several years prior, courtesy of the Caledonian and Dumbartonshire Junction Railway. This railway's terminal at Bowling Pier connected to the steamer service on the River Clyde.