Originally named Walton Junction when opened by the Liverpool, Ormskirk and Preston Railway on 2 April 1849, the station was renamed Walton (Merseyside) by British Rail.

[1] It is located just to the north of the junction between the Ormskirk and Kirkby branches of the Northern Line.

The station ticket office is staffed throughout the hours of service each day, closing shortly after midnight.

At platform level, there are shelters on each side, information screens and timetable notice boards.

[3] During November 2018 the height, width and layout of the platforms were adjusted to prepare for Merseyrail's new fleet of trains which are due to be introduced from 2020.