It serves the hospital as well as the Asprela Campus of the University of Porto, and is a transfer point between the Metro and urban and suburban bus services.

[1][2][3] Although the central section of line D opened in 2005, the IPO and Hospital de São João stations did not open until 31 March 2006, with the line terminating at Pólo Universitário station in the interim.

Before opening, the sidewalk was set back and a traffic light was placed at the intersection to reduce the risk of accidents between trains and cars.

[4][5] Between 29 August 2021 and 28 January 2022, the station was closed for a renovation project, which involved the construction of a covered interchange.

During this period, alternate trains terminated at IPO and Pólo Universitário stations.