The station on opening in 1869 as part of the West Cheshire Railway′s line from Northwich to Helsby & Alvanley was called Hartford & Greenbank. The West Cheshire Railway formed part of the Cheshire Lines Committee. In 1973 the station was renamed Greenbank so as to distinguish it from Hartford station which is on the West Coast Main Line.

The station building on the Manchester bound platform has been sensitively redeveloped in recent years and is now home to Christ Church, Greenbank.

Both Northwich and Winnington Park Rugby Clubs and Northwich Cricket Club are only 5 minutes walk from the station at Moss Farm.