The station, and all trains serving it, are operated by South Western Railway.

The Staines, Wokingham and Woking Junction Railway opened the station when it reached Ascot on 4 June 1856.

In the Grouping of 1923 the L&SWR became part of the Southern Railway, which electrified both lines using a third rail system on 1 January 1939.

Under nationalisation in 1948 Ascot station became part of the Southern Region of British Railways.

In addition, during the Royal Ascot week, the services through the station are significantly increased.