Benton Station was opened on the 1st of March 1871 by the North Eastern Railway (NER). 

The 'North Tyneside loop' (railway circuit from Newcastle & around the coast) was electrified in stages, from February 1904 onwards, and was one of the earliest suburban electric rail networks. The 'Tyneside Electrics' proved very popular and reversed declining passenger numbers on the rail network, due to increased competition with trams.

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The 'North Tynseide loop' railway line was de-electrified in June 1967 - the 'Tyneside Electrics' were replaced by diesel locomotives. Costs for the Tyneside Electrics increased significantly in the 1960's, as the electric infrastructure and rolling stock were old and needed renewing. British Rail took the decision to convert to diesel operation.

< an early diesel railcar at Benton Station

Benton Station was closed on the 23rd of January 1978 as part of the railway line's conversion to Metro.

The first section of the Tyne and Wear Metro from Tynemouth to Haymarket (in Newcastle City Centre) via Benton, was opened on the 11th of August 1980. At this time, Tynemouth served as the terminus with all trains using the present Platform 2. The first Metro left Tynemouth Station at 5.27am, bound for Haymarket, with fares starting at 8p.

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