It forms the junction between three SBB-CFF-FFS standard gauge lines: from Morteau in France (via Le Locle-Col des Roches), from Neuchâtel and from Biel/Bienne.

The station also offers interchange with two metre gauge lines: the Chemins de fer du Jura (CJ) line to Glovelier and the Transports publics Neuchâtelois line to Les Ponts-de-Martel.

The station was opened on 2 July 1857, together with the rest of the initial, 7 km (4.3 mi) long, La-Chaux-de-Fonds–Le Lochle section of the La Chaux-de-Fonds–Neuchâtel railway.

This railway was constructed by the Compagnie du Jura industriel, to link the watchmaking industry in the Watch valley of the Neuchâtel Jura with the cantonal capital of Neuchâtel.

As of the December 2024 timetable change,[update] the following services stop at La Chaux-de-Fonds:[5]