Most local and rapid services are driver-only operated; only some trains in the morning are staffed by a conductor.

After the timetable change in March 2017, the shortest interval between trains on the line is 6 minutes, at Kiire Station.

The Ibusuki no Tamatebako limited express and Nanohana (なのはな) rapid services operate on this section.

The Nanohana DX (なのはなDX) rapid service was discontinued from the start of the revised timetable on March 12, 2011.

A Kagoshima-bound limited express train rode onto the debris caused by the collapse, resulting in the derailment of the first car.

In July 2014, JR Kyushu raised the possibility of partially closing the Ibusuki Makurazaki Line due to consistent financial loss.