The station is 41 miles 2 chains (66.0 km) from Charing Cross, and has two platforms, which can each accommodate a six-coach train.

[1] In 1940, Shalford was a sub-control centre coordinating the evacuation trains dispersing the soldiers brought back from Dunkirk.

Leaks from the damaged wagons caused a major fire which was eventually brought under control by the fire brigade, with assistance of members of the local police and Home Guard volunteers, who used sandbags to contain the spread of the burning fuel.

Nearby properties, including a potato and vegetable store, were badly damaged as was the steel road bridge over the railway that was buckled by the heat.

The typical off-peak service is one train per hour in each direction between Reading via Guildford and Gatwick Airport.