The present station was formerly known as Barrow Central, and at one time it was a terminus for British Rail long-distance or InterCity services.

The original Barrow station of 1846 had been a wooden building at Rabbit Hill, near the site of the present St. George's Square.

It was eventually replaced in 1863 by a new brick building close by, which had been designed by the Lancaster architect Edward Paley, and which latterly came to be known as Cambridge Hall.

On 1 June 1882, the town's principal station was transferred to its present site below Abbey Road, following the construction of a new loop line.

From 1907 to 1941, the Furness Railway steam locomotive, Coppernob, was preserved in a special glass case outside the station.

Between Platforms 2 and 3 is an indoor waiting area, with live departures indicator, a vending machine and speakers.

Further up and down the platform are printed timetables; the rest of the buildings contain offices for staff and British Transport Police.

W Awdry, and the adapted television series Thomas & Friends, Barrow Central is the mainland terminus for the Fat Controller's North Western Railway, and is connected to the fictional Island of Sodor by a bridge to Vickerstown, or as it is known in the books, Vicarstown.