The current station was opened on 13 December 1982 by Metro (the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive) and British Rail.

Step-free access to both platforms (which are staggered) is available via ramps from the nearby road (westbound) or through the station car park (eastbound).

Platforms on both Eastbound and Westbound sides of the station were extended in May 2018 and can now accommodate up to four carriages, enabling the use of six-car trains (pairs of three-car sets).

As of December 2023, Slaithwaite is served by an hourly TransPennine Express service between Manchester Piccadilly and Huddersfield throughout the week (including Sundays).

Services between Hull and Manchester Piccadilly call in both directions, whilst there are four trains each way (two morning, two late afternoon) to and from York via Castleford.