It is named after the Porte de Vanves, a gate in the 19th century Thiers wall of Paris.

Contrary to what its name suggests, it gave access to the commune of Malakoff – the commune of Vanves is instead accessible by Porte Brancion located 250 metres west.

The station opened on 21 January 1937 as part of the initial section of the old line 14 between Porte de Vanves and Bienvenüe (today known as Montparnasse–Bienvenue).

The lower portion of the side walls are vertical instead of elliptical, unlike many other stations on the network.

The station has been served by tramway T3a since 16 December 2006 (as part of its initial section between Pont du Garigliano and Porte d'Ivry).