The station was opened as Jarrow Dock on 1 August 1856, by the Stanhope and Tyne Railway.

The route via High Shields was closed in June 1981, with the Tyne and Wear Metro line to South Shields following the former route of the Stanhope and Tyne Railway.

The refurbishment project involved the installation of white vitreous enamel panels, new seating and lighting, and improved security and accessibility, as well as resurfaced platforms.

The station was also painted in the new black and white corporate colour scheme.

The station is equipped with ticket machines, waiting shelter, seating, next train information displays, timetable posters, and an emergency help point on both platforms.