Passenger service over the line is provided by the trains of the Zürich S-Bahn.

The midsection of the line, between Bülach and Eglisau, also carries the S9 and long-distance passenger trains between Zürich Hauptbahnhof and Schaffhausen.

On the western end of the line, Aargau S-Bahn S27 trains operate as far east as Bad Zurzach.

On the rest of the line, a container terminal is served at Rekingen and a gravel mine at Zweidlen station.

Most of the line is of single track with passing loops, but the busier section between Bülach and Eglisau is double-tracked.