It acts as the interchange between the branches to Kirkby and Ormskirk; these lines diverge just north of the station.

To the west lies a cluster of three very short tunnels, running under a road.

The third tunnel is disused, but was in use until 1968 as the fast line for expresses to Yorkshire and Manchester.

This section of line was used from 1879 to 1979; however, trains running on it never called at Kirkdale station.

The station (as is usual for most on Merseyrail) is fully staffed throughout the hours of service all week.