Its opening coincided with the introduction by the SECR of push-pull trains, initially worked by H class 0-4-4Ts with ex-South Eastern Railway 4 wheel coaches, running between Swanley Junction and Gravesend West Street.

[4] Although ultimately never successful, the line began to suffer in the face of competition from local bus services following the Second World War, and freight dropped off.

In 1959, the line was singled and the platform buildings at Longfield Halt were demolished along with those at neighbouring Southfleet.

Works on the CTRL commenced in 1998 with the lifting of the remaining track on the Gravesend Branch and the excavation of a new trackbed.

[7] CTRL services followed the alignment of the Gravesend Branch as far as Fawkham Junction where they joined the Chatham Main Line to proceed to Waterloo.