The station is the terminus of both the Derwent Valley Line from Derby and Peak Rail which operates heritage services to Rowsley South.

Crossing the river and the main A6 road, the line passes through Holt Lane Tunnel (126 yd or 115 m) before entering Matlock station.

The last day of operation beyond Matlock was Saturday 29 June 1968, two months before regular main-line steam was fully abolished.

At present, the heritage line operates for a distance of a little under 3+1⁄2 miles (5.6 km) from Rowsley South; it travels through Darley Dale and nearby Matlock Riverside, and terminates at Matlock station in the former down platform, interchanging there with National Rail services on the Derwent Valley Line.

[5] Work within the adjacent Cawdor Quarry resulted in a new superstore for Matlock being opened in 2007; several hundred new homes are planned to be located nearby.

[7] National Rail services at Matlock are operated by East Midlands Railway, using Class 170 diesel multiple units.

[8] Peak Rail services run to Rowsley South on a seasonal timetable during the year, with frequencies increased during holiday periods.

Service patterns include the Green Steam, Blue Diesel and Gold High Season timetables.