How far is La Crosse, WI from South Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance from La Crosse, WI to South Milwaukee, WI is about 220.3 miles (354.6 km), with a travel time of about 03h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 180.6 miles (290.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 03m 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 31m.
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.
Human settlement in Columbia County, Wisconsin, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between La Crosse and South Milwaukee.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Crosse and South Milwaukee.
-
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
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
1.2 mi · 2 min · East-West Freeway
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10
Continue on Lake Freeway
2 mi · 3 min · Lake Freeway
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11
Continue on John R. Plewa Memorial Lake Parkway
4.3 mi · 7 min · John R. Plewa Memorial Lake Parkway
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12
Continue on South Pennsylvania Avenue
1.5 mi · 3 min · South Pennsylvania Avenue
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13
Turn left onto East College Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · East College Avenue
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14
Turn right onto North Chicago Avenue
1.1 mi · 3 min · North Chicago Avenue
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15
Continue on 10th Avenue
1645 ft · 1 min · 10th Avenue
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 10th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between La Crosse and South 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 Partly Sunny near South Milwaukee.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from La Crosse to South Milwaukee?
The road trip is about 220.3 miles (354.6 km) and usually takes 03h 31m 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?
Dekorra is a useful midpoint, sitting about 109.9 miles from La Crosse and 110.5 miles from South Milwaukee.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 180.6 miles (290.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 39.7 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:56 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $29.30 one way or $58.60 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 69.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around La Crosse and Partly Sunny near South Milwaukee.
Stop Ideas Near Dekorra
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 Dekorra.
Portage
Wisconsin Dells
Columbus
Madison, Wisconsin
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between La Crosse and South Milwaukee. Straight-line distance: 180.55 mi (290.56 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 South Milwaukee
City in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
| Population | 20,673 |
| Coordinates | 42.9105700, -87.8606400 |
| Altitude | 204 |
| Country | United States |
End: 10th Avenue (-87.860719, 42.910573)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 355 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $29.30 | $58.60 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $33.05 | $66.09 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $36.16 | $72.32 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $41.21 | $82.42 |
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 · May 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.