How far is Janesville, WI from La Crosse, WI?
The driving distance from Janesville, WI to La Crosse, WI is about 179.1 miles (288.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 135.9 miles (218.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 45m 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 52m.
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 Wisconsin, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Janesville and La Crosse.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Janesville and La Crosse.
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1
Start on the route
38 m · 14 sec
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2
At the end of the road, turn left onto Saint Lawrence Avenue
39 m · 11 sec · Saint Lawrence Avenue
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3
Turn left onto South Wisconsin Street
723 ft · 35 sec · South Wisconsin Street
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4
Turn right onto East Milwaukee Street
108 m · 11 sec · East Milwaukee Street
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5
Continue on Milton Avenue
3.1 mi · 7 min · Milton Avenue
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6
Take the exit slight left
1.3 km · 2 min
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7
Merge slight left
61.3 mi · 1 hr 6 min
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8
Keep slight left
63.5 mi · 1 hr 8 min
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 West: Tomah, La Crosse
39.1 mi · 42 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
1636 ft · 42 sec
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11
At the end of the road, turn left
4.9 mi · 9 min
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12
Continue on Losey Boulevard North
2575 ft · 2 min · Losey Boulevard North
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13
Turn right onto Main Street
1.1 km · 2 min · Main Street
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14
Turn left onto 16th Street South
1.3 km · 2 min · 16th Street South
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15
Turn right onto Johnson Street
1824 ft · 1 min · Johnson Street
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16
At the end of the road, turn right onto West Avenue South
99 m · 11 sec · West Avenue South
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Janesville and La Crosse.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Milton Avenue
Keep slight left
63.5 mi · 01h 08m
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 leaving Janesville and Partly Sunny near La Crosse.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Janesville to La Crosse?
The road trip is about 179.1 miles (288.3 km) and usually takes 02h 52m 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?
Wisconsin Dells is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.7 miles from Janesville and 91.4 miles from La Crosse.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 135.9 miles (218.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 43.2 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 12:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.83 one way or $47.67 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Janesville and Partly Sunny near La Crosse.
Stop Ideas Near Wisconsin Dells
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 Wisconsin Dells.
Wisconsin Dells
Portage
Westfield, WI
Madison, Wisconsin
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Janesville and La Crosse. Straight-line distance: 135.89 mi (218.69 km).
#1 Janesville
City in and county seat of Rock County, Wisconsin
| Population | 3,612 |
| Coordinates | 42.6827900, -89.0187200 |
| Altitude | 255 |
| Country | United States |
#2 La Crosse
The most populous city in La Crosse County, Wisconsin.
| Population | 51,163 |
| Coordinates | 43.8013600, -91.2395800 |
| Altitude | 204 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Avenue South (-91.239623, 43.801338)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 288 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.83 | $47.67 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.88 | $53.76 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.41 | $58.83 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.52 | $67.04 |
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 29, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.