How far is Eau Claire, WI from Wausau, WI?
The driving distance from Eau Claire, WI to Wausau, WI is about 99.8 miles (160.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 92 miles (148.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 04m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 02m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Clark County, Wisconsin
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Eau Claire and Wausau.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Eau Claire and Wausau.
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1
Start on East Grand Avenue
11 m · 8 sec · East Grand Avenue
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2
Turn left onto South Farwell Street
2012 ft · 49 sec · South Farwell Street
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3
Turn right onto East Madison Street
1102 ft · 31 sec · East Madison Street
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4
Continue on Germania Street
884 ft · 23 sec · Germania Street
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5
Continue on Birch Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · Birch Street
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6
Continue on River Prairie Drive
1.1 km · 2 min · River Prairie Drive
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7
Turn left
1444 ft · 37 sec
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8
Merge slight left
5.1 mi · 6 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward WI 29 East: Green Bay
3008 ft · 1 min
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10
Merge slight left
87.7 mi · 1 hr 40 min
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11
Keep slight right to continue on US 51 North, US 52 North: Wausau, Merill
1750 ft · 43 sec
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12
Keep slight left to continue on WI 52: Wausau
1167 ft · 29 sec
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13
Keep slight left to continue on WI 52: Wausau
2.1 mi · 5 min
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14
Continue on Slough Bridge
1599 ft · 55 sec · Slough Bridge
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15
Keep slight left to continue on Slough Bridge
51 m · 14 sec · Slough Bridge
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16
Turn left onto North 1st Street
92 m · 12 sec · North 1st Street
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17
Turn right onto Jefferson Street
49 m · 9 sec · Jefferson Street
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18
Turn right
22 m · 11 sec
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19
Turn left
18 m · 6 sec
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20
Turn right
68 m · 18 sec
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21
At the end of the road, turn right onto Washington Street
50 m · 7 sec · Washington Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Eau Claire and Wausau.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
WI 29 East
Merge slight left
87.7 mi · 01h 40m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Eau Claire and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Wausau.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Eau Claire to Wausau?
The road trip is about 99.8 miles (160.6 km) and usually takes 02h 02m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Owen is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.8 miles from Eau Claire and 50 miles from Wausau.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 92 miles (148.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.8 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.27 one way or $26.55 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Eau Claire and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Wausau.
Stop Ideas Near Owen
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Owen.
Abbotsford-Colby, WI
Stanley, WI
Chippewa Falls, WI
Wausau, Wisconsin
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Eau Claire and Wausau. Straight-line distance: 92.03 mi (148.11 km).
#1 Eau Claire
The most populous city in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin.
| Population | 67,065 |
| Coordinates | 44.8113500, -91.4984900 |
| Altitude | 240 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Wausau
City in and county seat of Marathon County, Wisconsin
| Population | 2,157 |
| Coordinates | 44.9591400, -89.6301200 |
| Altitude | 367 |
| Country | United States |
End: Wausau (-89.63012, 44.95914)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 161 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.27 | $26.55 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.97 | $29.94 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.38 | $32.76 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.67 | $37.34 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Wisconsin · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.