It is located 26 miles (42 km) east of Leeds railway station on the Pontefract Line, between Knottingley and Goole.

The former five trains each way per day service of the late 1980s (see British Rail National Passenger Timetables from May 1988–90) was cut in half in 1991 (due to shortage of rolling stock) and again in 2004, leaving only a residual "Parliamentary" minimum timetable in operation east of Knottingley to avoid the need for statutory closure proceedings - a situation that remains unchanged to this day.

The station had two platforms and a signal box (to supervise nearby sidings and a level crossing) until 1985, but only one platform here is now in use (and only along part of its length) following the singling of the Gowdall Junction to Goole portion of the route.

The station is unmanned, has no permanent buildings or ticketing facilities (so tickets must be purchased in advance or on the train) and minimal amenities - just a single waiting shelter, bicycle rack and timetable poster board.

[3] Snaith is served by a limited service of 3 trains per day Monday-Saturday only.