How far is La Crosse, WI from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance from La Crosse, WI to Milwaukee, WI is about 210.8 miles (339.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 175.4 miles (282.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 21m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 10m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Fourth-class city in Columbia County, Wisconsin
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between La Crosse and Milwaukee.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Crosse and Milwaukee.
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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
-
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
-
6
Take the ramp slight right
2171 ft · 53 sec
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7
Merge slight left
131 mi · 2 hr 20 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 94: Milwaukee
70.7 mi · 1 hr 19 min
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9
Keep slight left to continue on East-West Freeway
1.5 km · 1 min · East-West Freeway
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10
Take the exit slight left toward Jackson Street, Van Buren Street
1312 ft · 25 sec
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11
Turn slight right onto Jackson Street South
94 m · 15 sec
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12
Turn right onto East Saint Paul Avenue
671 ft · 24 sec · East Saint Paul Avenue
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13
Turn right onto North Milwaukee Street
1381 ft · 47 sec · North Milwaukee Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Milwaukee Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between La Crosse and Milwaukee.
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
131 mi · 02h 20m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving La Crosse and Sunny near Milwaukee.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from La Crosse to Milwaukee?
The road trip is about 210.8 miles (339.2 km) and usually takes 03h 10m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Portage is a useful midpoint, sitting about 105 miles from La Crosse and 105.8 miles from Milwaukee.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 175.4 miles (282.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 35.4 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:38 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $28.06 one way or $56.11 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 66.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around La Crosse and Sunny near Milwaukee.
Stop Ideas Near Portage
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 Portage.
Portage
Wisconsin Dells
Westfield, WI
Columbus
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between La Crosse and Milwaukee. Straight-line distance: 175.36 mi (282.21 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 Milwaukee
The thirtieth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Milwaukee metropolitan area.
| Population | 589,067 |
| Coordinates | 43.0389000, -87.9064700 |
| Altitude | 188 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Milwaukee Street (-87.906566, 43.038895)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 339 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $28.06 | $56.11 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $31.64 | $63.28 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $34.63 | $69.25 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $39.46 | $78.92 |
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.