It is 9 miles 45 chains (15.4 km) measured from London Victoria.

It serves the mainly residential areas of Southend Road and Downham as well as parts of Bellingham.

All services at Beckenham Hill are operated by Thameslink using Class 700 EMUs.

The typical off-peak service in trains per hour is:[3] During the peak hours, additional services between Orpington, Kentish Town and Luton call at the station.

In addition, the service to London Blackfriars is extended to and from Welwyn Garden City via Finsbury Park.