How far is La Crosse, WI from Buena Vista, WI?
The driving distance from La Crosse, WI to Buena Vista, WI is about 98.9 miles (159.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 80.2 miles (129 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 55m 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 27m.
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.
Village in Crawford County, Wisconsin, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Mostly Clear then Widespread Frost
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between La Crosse and Buena Vista.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Crosse and Buena Vista.
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1
Start on West Avenue South
12 m · 9 sec · West Avenue South
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2
Continue on West Avenue South
1.2 km · 2 min · West Avenue South
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward South Avenue
68 m · 7 sec · South Avenue
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4
Exit the roundabout onto South Avenue
2829 ft · 1 min · South Avenue
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5
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward South Avenue
39 m · 4 sec · South Avenue
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6
Exit the roundabout onto South Avenue
928 ft · 26 sec · South Avenue
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7
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Mormon Coulee Road
41 m · 4 sec · Mormon Coulee Road
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8
Exit the roundabout onto Mormon Coulee Road
2.6 mi · 5 min · Mormon Coulee Road
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9
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
64 m · 5 sec
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10
Exit the roundabout
21.3 mi · 30 min
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11
Turn straight onto North Main Street
10.2 mi · 18 min · North Main Street
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12
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward US Highway 14
32 m · 2 sec · US Highway 14
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13
Exit the roundabout onto US Highway 14
7.3 mi · 10 min · US Highway 14
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14
Continue on West Kickapoo Street
1484 ft · 32 sec · West Kickapoo Street
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15
Turn right onto Soldiers Grove Road
1.6 mi · 2 min · Soldiers Grove Road
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16
Continue on US Highway 61
21.4 mi · 30 min · US Highway 61
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17
Turn left
22 mi · 33 min
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18
Turn left onto State Highway 129
2.7 mi · 4 min · State Highway 129
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19
At the end of the road, turn left onto US Highway 61
1.3 km · 1 min · US Highway 61
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20
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward US Highway 61
23 m · 1 sec · US Highway 61
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21
Exit the roundabout onto US Highway 61
7.1 mi · 10 min · US Highway 61
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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 La Crosse and Buena Vista.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Longest stretch
Turn left
22 mi · 00h 33m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving La Crosse and Mostly Clear then Widespread Frost near Buena Vista.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from La Crosse to Buena Vista?
The road trip is about 98.9 miles (159.2 km) and usually takes 02h 27m 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?
Soldiers Grove is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.5 miles from La Crosse and 49.5 miles from Buena Vista.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 80.2 miles (129 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.7 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 1:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.16 one way or $26.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Rain And Snow Showers around La Crosse and Mostly Clear then Widespread Frost near Buena Vista.
Stop Ideas Near Soldiers Grove
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 Soldiers Grove.
La Crosse
Tomah
Wisconsin Dells
Winona station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between La Crosse and Buena Vista. Straight-line distance: 80.14 mi (128.97 km).
#1 La Crosse
The most populous city in La Crosse County, Wisconsin.
| Population | 51,163 |
| Coordinates | 43.8013600, -91.2395800 |
| Altitude | 204 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Buena Vista
Unincorporated community in the Town of Delafield, Waukesha County, Wisconsin
| Population | 1,820 |
| Coordinates | 42.7133300, -90.6879000 |
| Altitude | 270 |
| Country | United States |
End: Buena Vista (-90.6879, 42.71333)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 159 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 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 | $13.16 | $26.32 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.84 | $29.69 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.24 | $32.48 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.51 | $37.02 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.