Amtrak's Sturtevant Depot: All You Need To Know

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, regardless of how I travel—by train, plane, or a combination 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, as both conductors and riders commonly use these terms. The information was accurate at the time of publication; however, it is subject to change without notice.

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 of the original 1901 Milwaukee Road depot, as the crow flies.

On August 14, 2006, the new depot opened, featuring ADA-compliant facilities, enhanced safety, and additional parking. The new depot retained the trademark Victorian-inspired octagonal tower and the decorative brackets from the former depot’s design.

The original Milwaukee Road Depot resides in a park in Caledonia, WI.

Where To Find The Sturtevant Depot

The trains that use the Sturtevant Depot

The Hiawatha and the Borealis serve this depot and run 14 daily Trains (Monday through Saturday), with seven trains in each direction; trains 329 and 330 do not run on Sundays.

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.

Amenities of the Sturtevant Depot

• ADA compliant
• The depot is climate-controlled.
• Benches are available inside 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 cross the tracks safely.
  • The towers are climate-controlled and have both stairs and elevators.
• Pay phone? Yes, but it doesn’t work; however, it is still there.

Sturtevant Depot Parking

Parking at the Sturtevant Depot costs $10 per visit (the price increased in February 2025) and remains valid for up to 30 days; I confirmed this price in summer 2025. 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 see two payment kiosks. These kiosks accept both credit and debit cards, making it easy to pay for your parking.

How To Pay For Parking At The Sturtevant Depot

1. Press the top button on the right panel; the “Make Selection To Park” button is silver with a blue ring that lights up.
2. Paying with cash
   • The machine accepts only bills in denominations of $1 to $20.
     • It does not give change.
3. Paying with a card
   • The parking kiosk accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and most debit cards.
     • When inserting your card, position the strip to the left and upward.
4. A receipt will appear, and the gate will rise.
5. You can select any location that brings you joy or at least one of the available options.

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

Normally, northbound trains (to Milwaukee) use Track 1, the farthest from the depot, while southbound trains (to Chicago) use Track 2, closest to the building. However, CPKC dispatchers may assign either track, so always verify via PA announcements.

Take off your headphones and listen carefully as train arrival times approach—multiple trains may arrive simultaneously, making it easy to board the wrong one if you’re on the incorrect platform.

For orientation: Face away from the depot towards the windmill. 

• Northbound trains from Chicago will approach from the right
• Southbound trains from Milwaukee will approach from the left.

Once your train arrives at the Sturtevant Depot

After the train arrives, conductors open the doors at two locations, typically one at 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. (When in doubt, ask the conductor.) All of this can change, so always be ready.

Seating is not reserved or 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; however, you can use the ticket machine. You can also buy a ticket to leave this station.

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 only).
• There is a fee for using cash on board, which may be unavailable.

After you purchase tickets by phone, online, or through the app, Amtrak emails you an e-ticket and a receipt.

You can print out or scan the eticket from an electronic device.

Ways to get to and from the Sturtevant Depot

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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 right here in this small community.

As a Wisconsin resident and frequent train traveler, I often use the Hiawatha Service from this depot on my intermodal trips. It’s a convenient way to connect with other trains, buses, or flights without the headache of city traffic or parking costs. The trip may take a bit longer, but smooth connections make it a smart, comfortable choice.

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 depart from Sturtevant, and the next stop is 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.
  • If you are traveling between the airport and the train station, you will need to handle your luggage.

With some planning, taking the train to the airport can be a smooth, 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.

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 North Central Service

Getting to Midway Airport

1. Walk 0.3 miles to Quincy Station (past the Sears “Willis” Tower).
2. Take the Orange Line (inner [eastern] track).
3. The ride is around 25 minutes to the Midway CTA Station.
4. Cost: $2.50 (CTA)

When you arrive at the station, you must walk about a third of a mile to 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 the Terminal 2 station.
  • From there, you can walk or take transportation to other terminals.
• Cost: $2.50.

Option 2: Metra North Central Service (Weekdays Only & Limited Times)

• Board at Chicago Union Station (North Gate).
• Arrives at O’Hare Transfer Station (~33 minutes)
  • When you arrive, proceed to the airport transportation building.
• From there, take the free Airport Transit System to your terminal.
• Cost: $3.75.

The prices were last checked in September 2025, but the CTA can change fares at any time. You can verify current CTA “L” and Metra fares, and note that the North Central Service from Union Station to O’Hare is classified as a zone 1-2 ticket.

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 accessing Amtrak, airports, and bus services. With some planning, you can maximize convenience while minimizing hassle and parking costs! I’ve visited this station more than any other, and if I can do it, you can too!

Safe Travels!

Kev

* http://www.greatamericanstations.com/stations/sturtevant-wi-svt/

The official SVT Amtrak site