The station opened as a temporary terminus on 1 July 1900, when the railway line was extended from Kingswood.

[2][3] The line was extended to Tattenham Corner, opening on Derby Day on 4 June 1901.

The course taken, brought the railway branch through the centre of Tadworth, before turning sharply north.

Since at least World War II the start point for trains has been from London Bridge station.

[10] There are self-service ticket machines at the London-bound platform entrance (without rural PERTIS 'Permit to Travel' option).