[1][2] The station was built as an east facing terminus with the intent of continuing the line westwards towards Exeter.

The Southampton and Dorchester Railway constructed a motive power depot at the station in 1847 together with a coal stage and turntable.

On weekdays and Saturdays, the station is served by two trains per hour between London Waterloo and Weymouth.

The second is a semi-fast service calling at principal stations only northbound to Winchester, then Woking and London Waterloo.

A less frequent service is also available from the nearby Dorchester West station, which is served by Great Western Railway, with trains heading towards Westbury, Bristol Temple Meads and Gloucester.