The station was opened by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway on 1 October 1888.

The track is not electrified, so only diesel or steam trains can run.

The station has passenger help points and covered seating areas available on its platform.

[1] All services at Cowden are operated by Southern using Class 171 DMUs.

Other alternative routes from London to Dartford via Sidcup and via Bexleyheath.