It was the first railway station built in Queensland, as the first terminus for the 34 kilometre section of the Main line from Grandchester.

In 1978, a large office and retail complex (currently known as Ipswich Central Plaza) was built above the station and spanning both sides of Bell Street following the sale of the air rights.

Ipswich is served mainly by trains to and from Caboolture and Nambour, and is the terminus for the Rosewood shuttles.

[6][7] During weekday morning on-peak times, the trains also run express from Darra to Milton, stopping only at Indooroopilly.

[5] During morning on-peak times (6:00 am – 8:30 am, Monday to Friday),[8] city bound services depart every six minutes at best,[5] and during afternoon peak times (3:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Monday to Friday),[8] terminating services arrive every 12 minutes at best.