How far is La Crosse, WI from Watertown, WI?
The driving distance from La Crosse, WI to Watertown, WI is about 173.4 miles (279.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 132.6 miles (213.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 36m 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 18m.
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.
City in Wisconsin, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Areas Of Frost then Sunny
Areas Of Frost then Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between La Crosse and Watertown.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Crosse and Watertown.
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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
-
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
26.6 mi · 29 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward WI 26: Watertown, Johnson Creek
1200 ft · 29 sec
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10
Keep slight left
1806 ft · 55 sec
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11
Turn left
1.3 mi · 2 min
-
12
Continue straight
3.7 mi · 5 min
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward WI 26 Business, CTH Y: Watertown
612 ft · 15 sec
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14
Keep slight right to continue on WI 26 Business: Watertown
2779 ft · 58 sec
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward South Church Street
40 m · 3 sec · South Church Street
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16
Exit the roundabout onto South Church Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · South Church Street
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17
Turn left onto West Main Street
35 m · 4 sec · West Main Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between La Crosse and Watertown.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
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.
Areas Of Frost then Sunny leaving La Crosse and Areas Of Frost then Chance Rain Showers near Watertown.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from La Crosse to Watertown?
The road trip is about 173.4 miles (279.1 km) and usually takes 03h 18m 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?
Wisconsin Dells is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.6 miles from La Crosse and 86.8 miles from Watertown.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 132.6 miles (213.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 40.8 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 10:24 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.08 one way or $46.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Areas Of Frost then Sunny around La Crosse and Areas Of Frost then Chance Rain Showers near Watertown.
Stop Ideas Near Wisconsin Dells
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 Wisconsin Dells.
Wisconsin Dells
Portage
Westfield, WI
Madison, Wisconsin
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between La Crosse and Watertown. Straight-line distance: 132.62 mi (213.43 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 Watertown
City in Jefferson County, New York
| Population | 2,039 |
| Coordinates | 43.1947200, -88.7289900 |
| Altitude | 260 |
| Country | United States |
End: Watertown (-88.72899, 43.19472)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 279 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.08 | $46.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.03 | $52.06 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.48 | $56.96 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.46 | $64.92 |
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 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.