The original station, constructed by the London and Brighton Railway, opened on 12 July 1841, was located 301 yards (275 m) north of the present site, where the Factory Shop is.

[6] In the 1870s William Stroudley considered moving the locomotive works to Horley but was persuaded to keep them in Brighton.

Nevertheless, the sidings at Horley were used for storing withdrawn locomotives and those awaiting repair until the First World War.

This project saw most services that previously terminated at London Bridge continuing through the Thameslink core in Central London and northwards via the Midland Main Line and East Coast Main Line to destinations such as Bedford and Peterborough.

Although the station is outside Greater London, Oyster Pay as you go and contactless payment cards are valid.