Service on the line is operated by Northern, with a few additional workings by London North Eastern Railway starting and terminating at Harrogate.

The 39-mile (62 km) line is composed of all or part of the following Network Rail routes: Currently open stations are shown in bold font.

[8] In July 2014, the Tour de France Grand Depart 2014 was held in Yorkshire with stage 1 from Leeds to Harrogate and thousands of spectators were expected.

In addition to the local trains which were run at increased capacity,[9][10] two locomotive hauled services ran between Leeds and Harrogate during the day.

[11][12] In July 2011, Harrogate Chamber of Commerce proposed electrifying the line with 750 V DC third rail, using D Stock of the London Underground, to substantially increase capacity.

However, the proposal to re-open Goldsborough railway station to serve a new housing estate, would jeopardise reliable timings on the train service.

[19] Since 1 March 2020 services have been directly operated by the Department for Transport (DfT) under the brand name Northern Trains, with an objective of "stabilising performance and restoring reliability for passengers".

[21] Reports suggest the reopening of a line between Ripon and Harrogate railway station would be economically viable, costing £40 million and could initially attract 1,200 passengers a day, rising to 2,700.

This would enable 125 mph (201 km/h) running, reduce journey times and provide an alternative route when the current Leeds to York to Northallerton section is closed.