The station was opened in 1869 as part of the North Eastern Railway's Hull and Doncaster Branch.

There used to be a signal box at the west end of the platforms on the southern side of the line, which controlled the level crossing at the site.

[2] It is named after Saltmarshe, one mile south of the station, on the north bank of the River Ouse.

Facilities at the unstaffed station are basic, with no ticketing provision and no permanent buildings other than waiting shelters on each platform.

There is step-free access on each side, but the Hull-bound platform requires the use of a barrow crossing alongside the signal box.