The station was 5 miles 11 chains (8.27 km) from Bishop's Stortford on the Bishop's Stortford to Braintree branch line (Engineer's Line Reference BSB).

The line, including Takeley station, was opened on 22 February 1869, and on the same day the BSD&BR company was absorbed by the Great Eastern Railway.

[2][3] Takeley was situated on the north side of the line and had only one platform.

There was a substantial brick building that housed the stationmaster's house, booking office, waiting room, and lamp room.

The line through this station continued to operate for freight traffic until 1971.