It was opened in 1870 as Altofts and Whitwood by the Midland Railway on its line from Derby to Leeds Wellington Station.

The area was in any case, prone to subsidence, resulting in speed restrictions and the need to shore up the platforms.

When Sectorisation was introduced in the 1980s, the station was served by Regional Railways under arrangements with the WYPTE METRO.

[5] Faster services on the Hallam line currently run past the former station on their way from Normanton to Woodlesford.

The industrial estates associated with Wakefield Europort now surround the unredeveloped station site.