It is 32 miles 43 chains (52.4 km) down the main line from London Fenchurch Street via Basildon and it is situated between Benfleet to the west and Chalkwell to the east.

It was originally opened as Leigh by the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway on 1 July 1855, being renamed Leigh-on-Sea on 1 October 1904, but was rebuilt by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway on a new site, 880 yards (805 m) to the west, opening on 1 January 1934.

The other platform and station building still exist and are currently used by Leigh Sailing Club.

[3] When the London Underground's District line operated a seasonal non-stop excursion service between 1910 and 1939 through to the Southend area, Leigh-on-Sea was the first stop after Upminster.

[5] As of the June 2024 timetable the typical Monday to Friday off-peak service is:[7]