As the station is next to the racecourse it handles heavy traffic and additional trains on race days.

Otherwise, the station is served by local services operated by Great Western Railway between Reading and Newbury.

During race meets or large events at Newbury Racecourse additional trains serve the station.

The platform on the south side also included station buildings and a roof through which passengers passed to access the racecourse.

There was also a turntable at the station used for turning steam locomotives that had brought specials at the start of the race day so they could make the return journey.

In January 2021 GWR announced a temporary timetable change, in effect from February, which would mean an additional 17 trains stopped at Newbury Racecourse station daily.

[citation needed] It also prevents such trains from blocking the main line or a platform at Newbury.