In 1932 the electrified District line of the London Underground was extended to Upminster through Dagenham with stations opened as Dagenham and Heathway and today called Dagenham East and Dagenham Heathway.
The station was constructed and initially operated by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway with services provided by the District line from the outset. The station changed to its present name in 1949.
Services on the London Tilbury & Southend line at Dagenham East were withdrawn in 1962.