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Initially proposed by the Eastern Counties Railway, the extension from Loughton to Ongar was completed in 1865 by the Great Eastern Railway which was later absorbed into the LNER.

Following the New Works Plan of 1935 between London Transport and the other railway companies the Central Line was eventually extended to Epping in 1949, with steam shuttle services to Ongar.

In 1957 electrification allowed 4 car London Transport "tube" trains to operate between Epping and Ongar. London Transport closed the loss-making section in 1994.

Following closure The Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Society was formed and ran train services between 2004 and 2007.

In 2008 there was a change of ownership of the railway and, as a result, an accelerated improvement program has been undertaken along with new rolling stock obtained. The line re-opened on 25 May 2012.