How far is La Crosse, WI from Waukesha, WI?
The driving distance from La Crosse, WI to Waukesha, WI is about 195.8 miles (315.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 160.6 miles (258.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 22m 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 41m.
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.
Town in Wisconsin, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between La Crosse and Waukesha.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Crosse and Waukesha.
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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
131 mi · 2 hr 20 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 94: Milwaukee
54.6 mi · 58 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward WI 164 North, CTH J South, I 41 North Alternate: Waukesha, Pewaukee
1829 ft · 45 sec
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10
Keep slight right to continue on CTH J South, I 94 Alternate East, I 41 Alternate North, US 41 Alternate North, US 45 Alternate North: Waukesha County Airport, Waukesha County Expo Center, Waukesha
63 m · 5 sec
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11
Turn straight onto Pewaukee Road
2 mi · 4 min · Pewaukee Road
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12
At the end of the road, turn right onto East North Street
114 m · 13 sec · East North Street
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13
Keep slight left to continue on East North Street
147 m · 12 sec · East North Street
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14
Turn straight onto East Saint Paul Avenue
1363 ft · 54 sec · East Saint Paul Avenue
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15
Turn left onto Northwest Barstow Street
1087 ft · 43 sec · Northwest Barstow Street
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16
Turn right onto West Main Street
673 ft · 14 sec · West Main Street
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17
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 Waukesha.
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny leaving La Crosse and Showers And Thunderstorms near Waukesha.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from La Crosse to Waukesha?
The road trip is about 195.8 miles (315.1 km) and usually takes 03h 41m 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?
Lewiston is a useful midpoint, sitting about 97.7 miles from La Crosse and 98.1 miles from Waukesha.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 160.6 miles (258.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 35.2 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 9:38 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.06 one way or $52.12 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around La Crosse and Showers And Thunderstorms near Waukesha.
Stop Ideas Near Lewiston
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 Lewiston.
Wisconsin Dells
Portage
Westfield, WI
Columbus
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between La Crosse and Waukesha. Straight-line distance: 160.54 mi (258.36 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 Waukesha
City in and county seat of Waukesha County, Wisconsin, United States
| Population | 8,939 |
| Coordinates | 43.0116800, -88.2314800 |
| Altitude | 248 |
| Country | United States |
End: Waukesha (-88.23148, 43.01168)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 315 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 53m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.06 | $52.12 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.39 | $58.78 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.16 | $64.32 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.65 | $73.30 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.