The Oxted line was opened in stages by different companies; Riddlesdown lies on the portion between South Croydon and Crowhurst Junction (to the south of Hurst Green), which was authorised in 1878 and opened on 10 March 1884 by the Croydon and Oxted Joint Railway.

Riddlesdown was not one of the original stations on the line – it was opened by the Southern Railway on 5 June 1927.

On the London-bound platform 1, there is a staffed ticket office (open for only part of the day) and waiting room.

To the south of the station is the northern portal of Riddlesdown Tunnel, which is 837 yards (765 m) long.

During the peak hours, there are also Thameslink operated services between East Grinstead, London Bridge and Bedford.