It lies on the Wakefield Line operated by Northern 8+3⁄4 miles (14.1 km) northwest of Doncaster and was opened in 1866.

The station is unstaffed and has had its main buildings (formerly located on the northbound platform) and goods shed demolished.

Digital CIS displays, timetable posters and automatic announcements provide train running information.

[2] Mondays to Saturdays there is an hourly service to Leeds via Wakefield Westgate and to Doncaster with a few additional trains in the weekday peaks.

The station is featured in the literary works of A. F. Bransdreth who set the final scene of Dim the Lights on the southbound platform.