How far is La Crosse, WI from Clifton, WI?
The driving distance from La Crosse, WI to Clifton, WI is about 54.2 miles (87.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 44.3 miles (71.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 35m 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 01h 17m.
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 and county seat of Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between La Crosse and Clifton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Crosse and Clifton.
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1
Start on West Avenue South
1.1 km · 2 min · West Avenue South
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2
Turn right
107 m · 12 sec
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3
Turn straight onto Main Street
1.5 km · 2 min · Main Street
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4
Turn left onto Losey Boulevard North
2555 ft · 1 min · Losey Boulevard North
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5
Continue straight
4.5 mi · 8 min
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6
Take the ramp slight right
2171 ft · 53 sec
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7
Merge slight left
35 mi · 38 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward WI 131: Tomah, Wilton
1140 ft · 28 sec
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9
Keep slight right
42 m · 4 sec
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10
Turn right onto State Highway 131
4.2 mi · 6 min · State Highway 131
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11
Turn left onto County Highway A
7.7 mi · 19 min · County Highway A
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · County Highway A
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between La Crosse and Clifton.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Losey Boulevard North
Merge slight left
35 mi · 00h 38m
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.
Sunny leaving La Crosse and Sunny near Clifton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from La Crosse to Clifton?
The road trip is about 54.2 miles (87.3 km) and usually takes 01h 17m 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?
Sparta is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27 miles from La Crosse and 27.2 miles from Clifton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 44.3 miles (71.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.9 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 3:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.20 one way or $14.41 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around La Crosse and Sunny near Clifton.
Stop Ideas Near Sparta
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 Sparta.
Tomah
La Crosse
Winona station
Wisconsin Dells
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between La Crosse and Clifton. Straight-line distance: 44.32 mi (71.33 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 Clifton
Town in Wisconsin, United States
| Population | 2,097 |
| Coordinates | 43.8791300, -90.3568000 |
| Altitude | 299 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clifton (-90.3568, 43.87913)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 87 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.20 | $14.41 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.12 | $16.25 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.89 | $17.78 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.13 | $20.26 |
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.