Rothley station was built as a part of the Great Central Railway's "London Extension" and opened to passengers on 15 March 1899. The station was built to the standard "London Extension" country station pattern of a single large 'island' platform between the two running lines, on which stood the station buildings, including ticket office and waiting rooms. The platform at Rothley measures long and wide at its widest point. Access is made by descending a flight of stairs from a road bridge (structure number 354) that crosses the line.