[3] The station opened on 18 September 1848, as a temporary terminus for the East Lancashire Railway whilst an extension was built between Accrington and Colne.

[4] However, the surrounding area developed quickly with industry, housing and the local barracks, which led to the station being reopened under its current name in 1851.

Extensive demolition of the nearby high density Victorian terraced residential areas of Trinity, Westgate and Whittlefield during the 1960s and 70s, together with the construction of the M65 motorway and feeder roads during the early 1980s led to a significant decline in population in the area and thus the station's prominence waned.

Previous fluctuations in usage figures are due to the re-allocation of ticket sales to the various "Burnley Stations Group."

Should the Skipton-Colne rail link reopen and the existing East Lancashire Line modernised then Burnley Barracks would close to passengers.