The bus station was constructed in the early 1970s, to serve the adjacent Galleries Shopping Centre, which opened in 1974.

The bus station first opened in 1972, with the first service (169) linking New Washington with the newly-opened Woolco.

[1] The original bus station was demolished and re-built in the late 2000s, as part of a £2.5 million refurbishment project.

[2] The bus station is served by Go North East's local bus services, with frequent routes running in and around Washington, as well as County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne and Sunderland.

The bus station has six departure stands (lettered A–F), each of which is fitted with seating, next bus information displays, and timetable posters.