The station had an important function as a freight yard, especially for traffic to and from coal mines and steel works.

The two island platforms of the station are covered and are accessed by a pedestrian tunnel.

This was reinvigorated in 2006 when an architectural firm presented plans for a spectacular renovation of the station, but the proposal failed.

The ground-breaking ceremony for the renovation of Horde station was held on 14 December 2009.

In its place a developer has built a new two-floor building with a row of shops and a level for parking.

The Deutsche Bahn trains towards Dortmund Hauptbahnhof are rather less used by many local residents due to the direct competition from the Stadtbahn, even though the journey time is shorter.