The route has a loading gauge of W8, except between Lowestoft and Oulton Broad North where it is W6; there is a maximum line speed of 60 miles per hour (97 km/h).

The line between Reedham and Great Yarmouth was closed from 20 October 2018 and was scheduled to open again in April 2019; a bus replacement service was available during the works.

[6] In January 2019, it was reported that the project was overrunning and that the line between Reedham and Great Yarmouth would not reopen in April 2019 as scheduled.

In 2015, the train operator introduced DRS Class 37 locomotive-hauled services due to a shortage of rolling stock as the route is not electrified.

On Mondays to Saturdays from 2018, one service in each direction between Norwich and Lowestoft was operated by East Midlands Railway's Class 158 Express Sprinter units.