[4] In 1947 a train crash about 550 yards (500 m) south of the station killed 32 people, the worst accident in the history of the Southern Railway.

On 1 August 2011, a landslide caused by a burst water main occurred approximately 200 yards (180 m) north of the station, blocking the railway for 24 hours.

Platform 5 is used by down trains to Caterham, Tattenham Corner and Three Bridges Ticket gates became operational in April 2009.

[citation needed] Services at South Croydon are operated by Southern and Thameslink using Class 377 and 700 EMUs.

The typical off-peak service in trains per hour is:[7] London Buses route 403, 412 and 433 serve the station.