The line was extended to Addiscombe in 1864 and Elmers End (the future junction for the Hayes branch) was opened that year.

As suburban development gained pace, the station was modernised in 1933 with shops being incorporated into the entrance and the goods yard extended in anticipation of more coal traffic.

[7] The goods yard closed on 19 April 1965 although the station continued to handle greyhound dogs travelling between Catford and training kennels in Ireland.

During the 1960s passenger numbers fell as many commuters were driving to Bromley South and Beckenham Junction to take advantage of faster services.

[9] Following privatisation of British Rail on 1 April 1994 the infrastructure at Hayes 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.

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.

In 2014, Transport for London began investigating a possible extension of the Bakerloo line from Elephant & Castle tube station through Southwark towards Lewisham, Bromley and Hayes.