For many in Southeast Wisconsin, the Sturtevant Depot is more than just a train station—it’s a gateway to adventure. Whether catching an Amtrak train or heading to the airport, this station can be the first step of your journey—and even help you save money on parking when you fly.
My first Amtrak adventure started at Sturtevant, so this station holds a special place in my travel heart. That’s why I dedicated an entire article to it!
Most of my trips start here no matter how I travel—by train, plane, or a mix of both. Sturtevant isn’t just a stop; it’s a connection to endless possibilities.
Editorial note: I use the terms depot and station interchangeably in this article; both conductors and riders use both terms. The information was accurate at the time of publishing, but the info can change at any time.
A Little Video On The Sturtevant Depot
The Village of Sturtevant (WI) built the depot in the Renaissance Business Park. The new 2006 depot is a mile north by rail of the original 1901 Milwaukee Road depot.
On August 14, 2006, the new depot opened with ADA-compliant facilities, improved safety, and more parking. The new depot kept the trademark Victorian-inspired octagon tower complete and the decorative brackets of the former depot’s design.
The original Milwaukee Road Depot resides in a park in Caledonia, WI.
Where To Find The Sturtevant Depot
The Sturtevant Depot Location
9900 East Exploration Court
Sturtevant, WI 53177-1764
Fun Depot Facts
- Amtrak station code: SVT
- Annual station revenue FY 2024 $1,275,158*
- Annual station ridership FY 2024 55,896*
- Amtrak’s official station webpage
- The Village of Sturtevant owns and maintains the station and parking lot.
- Canadian Pacific Kansas City Southern/Soo Line owns the tracks and platform.
- The first Amtrak station Kev used!
The trains that use the Sturtevant Depot
The Hiawatha and the Borealis serve this depot and run 14 daily Trains (Monday through Saturday), 7 in each direction; trains 329 and 330 do not run on Sunday.
Hiawatha: Chicago and Milwaukee.
Borealis: Chicago and St Paul, MN.
Amtrak’s Empire Builder passes through but does not serve this depot. To catch the Empire Builder, take the Hiawatha to Milwaukee or Chicago.
Services You Can & Cannot Find At The Sturtevant Depot
Not all train stations offer the same amenities. Since Sturtevant is unstaffed, it offers fewer services than Milwaukee and Chicago.
Services The Sturtevant Depot Does NOT Offer
- Checked bag service
- You can use Amtrak’s generous carry-on policy.
- Ticket agent
- Wifi
- Coffee and snacks
Train Services Offered from This Depot
- You can check golf bags (fee and policy)
- Check when booking; space could be limited.
- Carry on pets (fee and procedure)
- Check when booking; space could be limited.
- A Quik-Trak machine to purchase tickets
- Conductors provided trackside assistance to help you get on and off the train.
- Short and long-term parking
Amenities of the Sturtevant Depot
- ADA compliant
- The depot is climate-controlled.
- Benches are available in and outside the depot
- Trackside outdoor seating and shelters are available
- Vending machines for soft drinks and snacks
- Bubblers, aka drinking fountains
- Bathrooms
- The bridge and towers help passengers to get safely over the tracks below.
- The towers are climate-controlled, with both stairs and elevators.
- Payphone, no, really, there are some there!
Sturtevant Depot Parking
Parking at the Sturtevant Depot costs $7 per visit and lasts up to 30 days; I checked that price in 2024. For frequent travelers, the Village of Sturtevant offers convenient monthly, six-month, and yearly parking passes.
As you approach the long-term parking area, you’ll notice two payment kiosks available. These kiosks accept both cards and cash, making it easy to pay for your parking.
How To Pay For Parking At The Sturtevant Depot
- Hit the top button on the right panel; the “Make Selection To Park” is a silver button with a blue ring to light.
- Paying with cash
- The machine only accepts bills in denominations ranging from $1 to $20.
- It does not give change.
- The machine only accepts bills in denominations ranging from $1 to $20.
- Paying with card
- For cards, the machine accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, debit, and credit cards.
- When “dipping” your card in the machine, you have the strip up and to the left.
- For cards, the machine accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, debit, and credit cards.
- A receipt will appear, and the gate will rise.
- You can choose any location that makes you happy or at least one available.
I usually place the recipe in the window, but I don’t think that is necessary. I do this because parking enforcement knows I have been there for less than 30 days.
Before your train arrives in Sturtevant
Typically, the northbound trains (to Milwaukee) operate on Track One, which is the farthest from the station. Passengers must use the bridge to cross this track. The southbound train to Chicago usually arrives on Track Two, closest to the station.
However, CPKS Railroad’s dispatch decisions may require Hiawatha and Borealis trains to use either track.
Conductors will announce the track of the arriving train over the depot’s PA system, so it is essential to stay alert. Remove your headphones and pay close attention as the train’s scheduled arrival time approaches.
Be aware that northbound and southbound trains may arrive at the same time. Listen carefully to ensure you are on the correct platform.
For orientation, if you face away from the depot (toward the windmill), northbound trains from Chicago will approach from the right, and southbound trains from Milwaukee will approach from the left.
Once your train arrives at the Sturtevant Depot
After the train arrives, conductors open doors in two locations, usually a third from each end.
Conductors regularly scan tickets after the train departs Sturtevant and heads to Chicago. They may also lift tickets for Milwaukee-bound travelers before passengers board the train. (When in doubt, ask the conductor.) All of this can change, so always be ready.
Seating is not reserved nor assigned on this train, so any open seat is available.
If you find a packed car, try another; there are four to six cars.
How to get tickets to ride
You cannot buy a ticket from an agent at the unstaffed Sturtevant Depot, but you can use the ticket machine. You can buy a ticket to leave from this station in other ways.
Where you can purchase tickets via:
- Amtrak.com
- The Amtrak app
- Calling 1-800-USA-RAIL
- At the depot, use the Quik-Trak ticket machine; cards are only allowed.
- There is a fee for using cash onboard, which may be unavailable.
After you buy tickets over the phone, online, or with the app, Amtrak emails you an eticket and receipt.
You can print out or scan the eticket from an electronic device.
Ways to get to and from the Sturtevant Depot
- Taxies (phone numbers posted in the station)
- Uber/Lyft
- Public transportation (buses)
- Friends and family
- Airport shuttle companies
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How I benefit from this depot
I learned long ago that this station has many advantages—you can start your world travels from this small community.
As a Wisconsinite who frequently travels using intermodal services, I often rely on the Hiawatha service from this depot to connect to trains, buses, or planes. It saves me the hassle of driving into larger cities and can even reduce parking costs! While it may take a bit longer, the convenience makes it worthwhile.
Connecting the Hiawatha & Borealis to Other Transportation Options
Milwaukee Airport (MKA Station)
When I fly out of Milwaukee, I try to book a flight that allows me to take the train to the airport. Amtrak and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport make this an easy option.
How It Works:
- The Hiawatha and Borealis leave Sturtevant, and the next stop is at Milwaukee Airport Station (MKA).
- From there, take the free airport shuttle to the terminal.
- The train ride is very short—so don’t get too comfortable!
Things to Keep in Mind:
✅ Plan extra time. Trains can get delayed, and you still need to take the shuttle.
✅ Handle your luggage. MKA does not offer checked baggage service.
With some planning, taking the train to the airport can be a smooth and stress-free experience!
Connecting to Bus Services
If you need a bus connection, take the Hiawatha to Milwaukee Intermodal Station, where you can access:
- Greyhound and other intercity bus services.
- Parking at Milwaukee Intermodal costs $11 per day.
You can connect to Amtrak’s I-41 Connecting Service at Milwaukee’s Intermodal Station. For more information about this service, visit the bottom of my Hiawatha page.
Taking the Train to Chicago for More Transportation Options
Chicago Airports
The Hiawatha and Borealis take you to Chicago Union Station, from where you can reach:
- Midway Airport (Orange Line)
- O’Hare Airport (Blue Line or Metra)
Getting to Midway Airport
- Walk 0.3 miles to Quincy Station (past the Sears “Willis” Tower).
- Take the Orange Line (inner (eastern) track).
- The ride is around 25 minutes to the Midway CTA Station.
- Cost: ~$2.50 (CTA)
Upon arriving at the station, you must walk approximately a third of a mile to reach the airport baggage area.
Getting to O’Hare Airport
Option 1: CTA Blue Line
- Walk 900 feet to Clinton Station (underground).
- Take the Blue Line directly to O’Hare (~45 minutes).
- The Blue Line ends at Terminal 2 station.
- From there, you can walk or take transportation to other terminals at the airport.
- Cost: ~$2.50.
Option 2: Metra North Central Service (Weekdays Only)
- Board at Chicago Union Station (North Gate).
- Arrives at O’Hare Transfer Station (~33 minutes)
- When you arrive, please walk to the airport transportation building.
- From there, take the free Airport Transit System to your terminal.
- Cost: ~$3.75.
Chicago Bus Services
If you’re catching a bus from Chicago:
- The Chicago Bus Terminal is 0.4 miles from Union Station.
- Greyhound and other intercity services operate from there.
Final Thoughts
The Sturtevant Depot is a hidden gem for connecting to Amtrak, airports, and bus services. Planning allows you to maximize convenience while minimizing hassle and parking costs!
Safe Travels!
Kev
* http://www.greatamericanstations.com/stations/sturtevant-wi-svt/
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