It is sited 224 miles 74 chains (362.0 kilometres) from Carlisle via Perth, on the Dundee to Aberdeen line, and is situated between Laurencekirk and Portlethen.

There is a crossover at the southern end of the station, which can be used to facilitate trains turning back if the line towards Aberdeen is blocked.

The North British Railway began serving it in 1883, with the opening of the line from Arbroath to Kinnaber Junction via Montrose – this has been the only route south since the closure of the original main line to Perth via Coupar Angus in September 1967.

The Caledonian Sleeper also operates to London Euston six days per week (not on Saturday nights).

[8] Service frequencies to the station were improved in 2018 as part of a revised timetable funded by Transport Scotland.