It was opened by British Rail in October 1988 to coincide with the overhead electrification of the line.

All services at How Wood are operated by London Northwestern Railway using Class 350 EMUs.

The typical off-peak service on all days of the week is one train per hour in each direction between Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey.

Installation of Oyster Card readers on the stations along the branch is a possibility, although there are other ticketing options too.

Restoration of the crossing loop at Bricket Wood is being considered by the local authorities and Network Rail, which would facilitate trains running every 30 minutes.