On 2 March 1868 a new station was opened south of the original on completion of the cut-off to Tonbridge.

Beyond Elmstead Woods station (opened in 1904) to the north of Chislehurst lie the Chislehurst Tunnels, a tunnel each on the slow lines 649 yards (593 m) and fast lines 591 yards (540 m).

When engineering work takes place on the South Eastern Main Line, services from London to Ashford International or Hastings call additionally at Chislehurst, using Class 375 units.

These services are diverted onto the Chatham Main Line and run via Swanley and Otford.

The station is very close to Chislehurst Caves, former mines that were used as an air raid shelter during World War II.