[4] The Grade II listed signal box at the station was dismantled in October 2021 to allow for platform extensions.

The typical off-peak service is two trains per hour to and from London Liverpool Street via Tottenham Hale which start and terminate at Hertford East.

Additional services, including trains to and from Stratford run to and from the station during the peak hours.

Some options of the proposed East West Rail involve reopening a route between Hertford East railway station and Hertford North railway station; however a 2009 discussion paper noted that while "the new connection appears technically feasible, doubts must be cast over its public acceptability and deliverability".

[7] Hertford East doubles as Yeovil Railway Station in the 1960 film School for Scoundrels, seen in the opening titles and closing credits.