The first line to reach Stratford-upon-Avon was the Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway branch from Honeybourne to the south, which opened a station at Sanctus Street on 12 July 1859.

This was soon followed by the Stratford on Avon Railway branch from Hatton to the north, which opened on 9 October 1860, with a station on Birmingham Road.

It was proposed that building the station would ease congestion, as passengers from outside the area were no longer required to drive into the town to access rail transport.

The refurbishment consisted of rebuilding the ticket hall, improving the seating areas, upgrading the toilet facilities and implementing bike racks.

If a person wishes to pay by cash or voucher when the ticket office is closed, they are advised to do so by asking a senior conductor or train manager.

Chiltern Railways provide a single service approximately every two hours to Leamington Spa via Hatton along the Leamington-Stratford line.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, services would regularly extend to London Marylebone, but a change is now required at another station such as Dorridge or Leamington Spa.

The scheme (supported as a freight diversionary route by DB Schenker)[12] would make Stratford a through station once again, with improved connections to the south of the region.

[13] The scheme has been deemed economically beneficial in the long-term, being supported by former Prime Minister David Cameron and Network Rail.

[21] Stratford-upon-Avon suffers from road congestion, which is exacerbated by poor connections in the area and below average usage of rail by visitors.