The station opened with services from the lower level platforms (1 and 2) commencing on 15 November 1981, when the line was extended south from the temporary terminus at Haymarket to Heworth.

The remaining two platforms on the upper level (3 and 4) opened when services between Tynemouth and St James via Wallsend commenced on 14 November 1982.

During construction, it was discovered that the column of Grey's Monument – the 41-metre (135-foot) statue, built in 1838, that sits above the railway line – had foundations less than 2 metres (6 feet 7 inches) deep.

Additional services operate between Pelaw and Benton, Monkseaton, Regent Centre or South Gosforth at peak times.

However, trains from platform 3 must first complete an anti-clockwise circuit, running via Wallsend, Whitley Bay and South Gosforth.

It is made from clay and features abstract designs based on Parsons' engineering drawings.