The station was opened in 1970, and is served by Hamburg U-Bahn line U2.

Messehallen is Germany's deepest underground station at 26 metres (85 ft) below ground.

Entrances above ground are located at Karolinenstraße and Sievekingplatz, leading to spacious intermediate levels.

The two side platforms are placed back-to-back in a 7 metres (23 ft) diameter railway pipe each, with access at either ends and intermediate connectors at a couple of locations, effectively making them one island platform.

Messehallen is served by Hamburg U-Bahn line U2; departures are every 5 minutes.