Until 5 January 1970, Penistone station also served passenger trains on the electrified Woodhead Line from Sheffield Victoria to Manchester Piccadilly.

The electricity supply to the Woodhead Line was controlled from a large building adjacent to Penistone station, which is still standing; it has now been converted for industrial use.

This had been disused for some years, but was refurbished to passenger standards in less than three months once South Yorkshire PTE agreed to continue funding the Penistone end of the route.

Immediately north of the station, the line crosses the Don valley on an imposing 98 ft (30 m) high stone viaduct of 29 arches (one of four such structures on the route).

Waiting rooms are provided on each platform, along with digital display screens, automated announcements and timetable poster boards to offer train running information.