The first station was opened by the London and South Western Railway, with the initial section of the Chertsey branch line, in 1848.

Local mythology ascribes the design of the existing station building to William Tite but, in fact, he had stopped all architectural work about 13 years previously.

Historic England says, on this subject, "design thought to have been derived from earlier prototypes by Sir William Tite for L.S.W.R."

Plans showing the layout of both stations are available for viewing, by prior arrangement, in the research section of Chertsey Museum.

Plans from 1870 to 1880 show the current station with new buildings springing up around it but still using the sidings, goods warehouse and engine house on the other side of Guildford Street left over from the original station.