The station opened in 1903 with the intention to stimulate suburban growth, but was closed in October 1908 due to lack of custom. It eventually reopened in 1930.

With a descent of just 0.67 metres, Hainault’s lift is the shallowest on the London Underground network.

 The name Hainault was recorded as ‘Hyneholt’ in 1239, and means ‘monastic woodland’.