The station is on Elmers End Road (A214), at the south-east corner of South Norwood Country Park.

On the opposite side a sewage works, the Croydon Council refuse destructor, Beckenham Council's refuse destructor and electric power station as well as two brick works and Crystal Palace District Cemetery were all located.

Initially 13 services each way were operated between Elmers End and Hayes with central London passengers having to change trains.

The Mid-Kent line was electrified with the (750 V DC third rail) system and electric services commenced on 28 February 1926.

In connection with the electrification the track bed between Elmers End and Clock House area was raised in an effort to reduce flooding.

[10] After World War II and following nationalisation on 1 January 1948, the station fell under the auspices of Southern Region of British Railways.

Following privatisation of British Rail on 1 April 1994 the infrastructure at Elmers End station became the responsibility of Railtrack whilst a business unit operated the train services.

On 13 October 1996 operation of the passenger services passed to Connex South Eastern who were originally due to run the franchise until 2011.

In 1997 the line to Addiscombe closed – up to this point it was generally worked by a 2-car EMU connecting to and from Hayes services.

Following a number of accidents and financial issues Railtrack plc was sold to Network Rail on 3 October 2002 who became responsible for the infrastructure.

National Rail services at Elmers End are operated by Southeastern using Class 376, 465, 466 and 707 EMUs.