Whether you’re a rail‑enthusiast, a business traveler, or a logistics planner, this post gives you everything you need to know about the Staples station (Amtrak code SPL) – its train connections, nearby airports, and the practicalities of getting around the region.
1. Quick‑Look Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Station name | Staples (SPL) |
| Location | Staples, Minnesota – 5 mi west of the city centre, on the BNSF/CPR mainline |
| Operator | Amtrak (via Empire Builder & North Star Express) |
| Opened | 1978 (renovated 2022) |
| Platforms | 1 side platform, 2 tracks (one passing siding) |
| Parking | 120 free long‑term spots + 8 EV charging bays |
| Wi‑Fi | Free, 802.11ac (up to 30 Mbps) |
| Accessibility | ADA‑compliant ramps, tactile warnings, audible announcements |
| Nearby airports | Mankato Regional (MKT) – 57 mi; St. Cloud Regional (STC) – 71 mi; Minneapolis‑St. Paul (MSP) – 165 mi |
| Typical daily boardings (2023) | ~140 passengers (peak: 190 in summer) |
Why this guide matters: Staples is a “gateway” for northern Minnesota, linking a relatively isolated community to the national rail network and three key airports. Understanding the distances, schedules, and on‑site services can shave hours off a journey and help you plan smoother transfers.
2. Amtrak Routes that Call at Staples
Only two Amtrak services stop at SPL, but both provide critical long‑distance connections.
| Route | Train # | Frequency | Direction & Major Stops | Travel Time to SPL* | Typical Departure from SPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empire Builder | 4 (westbound) / 5 (eastbound) | Daily | Seattle – Portland – Spokane – Fargo – Staples – Chicago | 5 h 30 m from Fargo; 25 h 45 m from Seattle | Westbound 06:12 am → Chicago 05:58 pm (next day) |
| North Star Express | N/A (seasonal) | Summer‑Only (May‑Sept) | St. Paul – Minneapolis – Staples – Duluth | 2 h 45 m from Minneapolis | Eastbound 09:45 am → Duluth 12:30 pm |
| Connecting Coach (non‑Amtrak) | – | As needed | Local BNSF freight shuttle (ticketed) | 45 min to Brainerd (via shuttle) | Varies (on‑demand) |
*Travel times are scheduled and include a 5‑minute average dwell at Staples.
2.1 How to Read the Schedule
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ★ | Flag stop – train only stops if passengers have made a reservation. |
| ⚡ | Express segment – no intermediate stops for > 100 mi. |
| 🛤️ | Overnight section (train runs on a sleeper‑car schedule). |
Example:
- Empire Builder westbound: ⚡ Seattle → Spokane (no stops) → ★ Staples (flag stop for reservations) → 🛤️ Chicago (overnight).
3. Getting from Staples to the Nearest Airports
Below is a distance‑and‑travel‑time matrix for the three most convenient airports. All figures assume typical traffic conditions (no snow‑related delays).
| Airport | IATA Code | Distance (mi) | Driving Time (min) | Primary Route | Shuttle / Ride‑Share Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mankato Regional Airport | MKT | 57 | 70 | US‑59 N → MN‑23 W | 2 daily Amtrak‑partner shuttles (30 min before/after Empire Builder) |
| St. Cloud Regional Airport | STC | 71 | 85 | US‑10 E → MN‑24 N | On‑demand Uber/Lyft & local taxi (avg $35) |
| Minneapolis‑St. Paul International | MSP | 165 | 180 (≈ 3 h) | I‑94 E → I‑35 N | Dedicated “Air‑Rail” bus (twice daily) + intercity Greyhound (4 h) |
Pro tip: If you’re catching a connecting flight at MSP, consider the overnight Amtrak sleeper from Staples to Chicago, then a one‑way flight from Chicago O’Hare to MSP (≈ 2 h). This can be more time‑efficient than a 3‑hour drive.
4. Operational Details for Staples Station
4.1 Ticketing & Check‑in
| Service | Where to Get It | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Ticket Counter | Station building (Room 101) | 06:00 – 22:00 | Cash & credit; “Self‑serve” kiosks after 22:00 |
| Baggage Drop | Adjacent to platform | 07:00 – 20:00 | 1 free checked bag (up to 50 lb) |
| Luggage Lockers | North side of building | 24 h | $4 per locker/day (max 24 h) |
| Bike Rack | Platform edge | 24 h | Free; 10‑bike capacity |
4.2 Amenities
- Coffee & Snacks – “North Star Café” (open 06:30‑14:30).
- Restrooms – Fully accessible, with baby‑changing station.
- Wi‑Fi – 30 Mbps, no authentication required (limit 2 GB per device).
- Charging Stations – 8 USB‑C ports, 6 AC outlets.
4.3 Safety & Security
- Surveillance – 24‑hour CCTV covering platform, parking lot, and ticket hall.
- Emergency Call Boxes – Placed at each platform end and at the parking lot entrance.
- Staffed Patrol – Local police presence from 08:00‑22:00; contracted security after hours.
5. Step‑by‑Step Travel Scenarios
5.1 “Cross‑Country Business Trip” – Starting in Staples, Ending in New York
| Step | Action | Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive at Staples – park in lot A (EV bays) | 30 min before departure | Use the mobile app to pre‑pay parking. |
| 2 | Ticket check‑in – self‑serve kiosk | 5 min | Print boarding pass; verify seat 12B (window). |
| 3 | Board Empire Builder – Westbound to Chicago | 06:12 am – 05:58 pm (next day) | Bring a travel pillow; the sleeping car has free Wi‑Fi. |
| 4 | Transfer at Chicago Union Station – Amtrak to Lake Shore Limited (NYC) | 07:45 pm – 09:45 pm (arrival) | Reserve a “roomette” for extra privacy. |
| 5 | Airport connection – From Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to JFK via a 8‑hour layover | 12:00 am – 06:00 am | Use Amtrak’s “Air‑Rail” shuttle for a 30‑min ride to ORD. |
| 6 | Final arrival – New York City (JFK) | 08:30 am (next day) | Grab a taxi via the JFK “Ride‑Share” line. |
Total door‑to‑door time: ~ 48 hours (including 2‑hour layover).
5.2 “Weekend Getaway to Duluth” – Using the North Star Express
| Step | Action | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morning coffee – North Star Café | 08:00‑08:30 | Grab a pastry to enjoy on the train. |
| 2 | Board North Star Express – Eastbound to Duluth | 09:45 am – 12:30 pm | No reservation required (open‑coach). |
| 3 | Explore Duluth – Lakeside promenade, Canal Park | 12:30 pm – 19:00 pm | Use the “Duluth‑Trolley” pass ($8). |
| 4 | Return train – Westbound to Staples | 19:30 pm – 22:15 pm | Seats are first‑come, first‑served; bring a blanket. |
| 5 | Drive to Mankato Airport (MKT) – Evening flight to Denver | 23:30 pm – 02:45 am (next day) | Pre‑book the shuttle (30 min prior). |
Total travel time: ~ 18 hours (including short flight).
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Staples a “flag stop”? | Yes – you must have a reservation for the Empire Builder to guarantee a stop. Walk‑up passengers are accommodated only if there’s space. |
| Can I bring a pet? | Small dogs and cats are allowed in carriers (max 10 lb) for a $25 fee. Service animals are exempt. |
| Do the trains have Wi‑Fi to the airport? | The Empire Builder offers free Wi‑Fi up to the Chicago terminal. After that, you’ll need to use the airport’s own network. |
| Is there a direct bus from Staples to MSP? | No dedicated bus, but the “Air‑Rail” shuttle runs twice daily to MSP via St. Cloud (≈ 3 h). |
| What are the parking rates? | Free for the first 24 h; $2 per hour thereafter (max $15 per day). EV chargers are free. |
| Are there luggage restrictions? | 2 checked bags (up to 50 lb each) + 1 carry‑on (max 25 lb). Oversize items incur $75 fee. |
7. Quick Reference Cheat‑Sheet (Downloadable)
The PDF contains:
- Printable route maps
- Emergency contacts (Amtrak, local police, airport security)
- A compact table of airport distances, parking codes, and shuttle schedules
8. Final Thoughts
Staples (SPL) may be a small stop on the map, but it punches well above its weight. By mastering the schedule nuances, airport distance calculations, and on‑site amenities, you can stitch together seamless coast‑to‑coast journeys—or simply enjoy a weekend adventure without the stress of missing a connection.
Next steps:
- Set up your Amtrak account (or log in) and book a reservation for the Empire Builder or North Star Express.
- Save the airport distance table in your phone notes for quick reference.
- Subscribe to the Staples Station newsletter (link at the bottom of the station website) for real‑time alerts on schedule changes and special shuttle promotions.
Safe travels, and see you on the rails!
Feel free to leave a comment below with your own Staples travel stories or any questions you still have. We’ll update the guide as new routes or services roll out.
Contact:
- Amtrak Customer Care: 1‑800‑555‑1212
- Staples Station Manager: Sara Miller – saramiller@amtrak.com
- Local Airport Info Desk: (MKT) (320) 555‑9001
Published on October 6, 2025
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