Rail service through Emerson began on March 4, 1870, with the opening of the Hackensack and New York Extension Railroad from Anderson Street station in Hackensack to Hillsdale station in the eponymous borough. At the time of opening, the station was known as Kinderkamack. The area of Kinderkamack changed its name to Etna in 1877 when the post office changed. This changed in 1909 to Emerson.
Station layout
Emerson station, when it was known as Etna, c. 1907–1912
The station has one track and one low-level side platform. Permit parking is operated by the Borough of Emerson. Three permit parking lots area available, with 38, 20 and 44 spots, respectively.