How far is La Crosse, WI from Madison, WI?
The driving distance from La Crosse, WI to Madison, WI is about 142.2 miles (228.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.1 miles (169.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 42m 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 51m.
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.
Town in Juneau County, Wisconsin, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between La Crosse and Madison.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Crosse and Madison.
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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
125.5 mi · 2 hr 15 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US-51: Madison, De Forest
1781 ft · 44 sec
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9
Keep slight right to continue on US-51 SOUTH
770 ft · 19 sec
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10
Turn straight onto US Highway 51
1222 ft · 23 sec · US Highway 51
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11
Turn right onto County Highway CV
2.5 mi · 5 min · County Highway CV
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12
Continue on Packers Avenue
1.5 mi · 3 min · Packers Avenue
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13
Turn straight onto State Highway 113
824 ft · 20 sec · State Highway 113
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14
Continue on Packers Avenue
1.4 mi · 3 min · Packers Avenue
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15
Continue on Pennsylvania Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · Pennsylvania Avenue
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16
Continue on East Johnson Street
2345 ft · 1 min · East Johnson Street
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17
Continue on East Gorham Street
1.7 mi · 5 min · East Gorham Street
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18
Continue on University Avenue
1949 ft · 1 min · University Avenue
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between La Crosse and Madison.
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
126 mi · 02h 15m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving La Crosse and Partly Sunny near Madison.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from La Crosse to Madison?
The road trip is about 142.2 miles (228.8 km) and usually takes 02h 51m 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?
Lemonweir is a useful midpoint, sitting about 71 miles from La Crosse and 71.2 miles from Madison.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.1 miles (169.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 37.1 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 12:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.93 one way or $37.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around La Crosse and Partly Sunny near Madison.
Stop Ideas Near Lemonweir
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 Lemonweir.
Wisconsin Dells
Westfield, WI
Tomah
Portage
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between La Crosse and Madison. Straight-line distance: 105.06 mi (169.08 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 Madison
City in and county seat of Dane County, Wisconsin, United States, and the capital city of Wisconsin
| Population | 6,667 |
| Coordinates | 43.0730500, -89.4012300 |
| Altitude | 267 |
| Country | United States |
End: Madison (-89.40123, 43.07305)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 229 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 46m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.93 | $37.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.35 | $42.70 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.36 | $46.73 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.63 | $53.25 |
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.