It is 24 miles 26 chains (39.1 km) down the main line from London Fenchurch Street and is situated between Laindon to the west and Pitsea to the east.

The "Pitsea direct" line of the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway was opened between East Horndon and Pitsea on 1 June 1888 and allowed trains between London and Southend to avoid the longer route via Tilbury, significantly reducing journey times.

[2] Laindon and Pitsea stations fell within the new town boundary, albeit on the periphery.

[5] In September 2022, the down (towards Southend) platform was partially closed, preventing 12-carriage trains from calling at the station in that direction.

[citation needed] Basildon is served by c2c trains westbound to Fenchurch Street in the City of London and eastbound to Shoeburyness in eastern Essex.