The station was opened on 18 May 1935 by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway on the local electrified tracks between Upminster and Barking that were constructed in 1932.

The London, Tilbury and Southend Railway constructed a line from Barking to Pitsea through the Elm Park area in 1885, with stations at Dagenham and Hornchurch.

Delayed by World War I,[7] electrified tracks were extended by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway to Upminster and through services resumed in 1932.

A long sloping walkway connects the platforms with the ticket hall which is on a road bridge over the line and above general street level.

The immediate area is a busy, compact shopping district surrounded by extensive residential development to the north and south.

[12] London Buses routes 165, 252, 365 and 372 serve the station, providing connections to Collier Row, Havering Park, Hornchurch, Lakeside Shopping Centre, Orchard Village, Rainham and Romford.