It is 10 miles 34 chains (16.8 km) measured from London Victoria.

It is in Travelcard Zone 4, and the station and all trains are operated by Thameslink.

Opened in 1892 by the London, Chatham and Dover Railway as part of their new Catford Loop line, the station retains its Victorian air of a quiet country station although its roadside booking office was rebuilt after a fire in 1988.

The typical off-peak service in trains per hour is:[3] During the peak hours, additional services between Orpington, Kentish Town and Luton call at the station.

In addition, the service to London Blackfriars is extended to and from Welwyn Garden City via Finsbury Park.