Trains first reached Ramsgate in April 1846 when the South Eastern Railway (SER) opened a line from Canterbury.

Trains from Canterbury to Margate had to reverse at Ramsgate Town; a chord was built bypassing the station, but not often used.

This change made for operational convenience, but has the disadvantage that the town centre is no longer served.

This closed to steam locomotives in 1959 and was converted for use servicing electric multiple units introduced by the Southern Region following the British Railways Kent Coast Electrification.

The "Loop" bus service operated by Stagecoach South East connects the station with Ramsgate town centre and nearby Thanet settlements, including those not served by rail such as Westwood.