How far is Madison, WI from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance from Madison, WI to Milwaukee, WI is about 84.3 miles (135.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 75.5 miles (121.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 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 01h 21m.
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 Jefferson County, Wisconsin, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Madison and Milwaukee.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Madison and Milwaukee.
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1
Start on University Avenue
97 m · 18 sec · University Avenue
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2
Turn left onto North Brooks Street
132 m · 26 sec · North Brooks Street
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3
Turn left onto West Johnson Street
2.2 mi · 7 min · West Johnson Street
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4
Turn right onto North Baldwin Street
1058 ft · 40 sec · North Baldwin Street
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5
Turn left onto East Washington Avenue
1.8 mi · 4 min · East Washington Avenue
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6
Take the ramp slight right toward WI 30 East
1304 ft · 32 sec
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7
Merge slight left
3.2 mi · 4 min
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8
Merge slight left
69.8 mi · 1 hr 18 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 Madison 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.
WI 30 East
Merge slight left
69.8 mi · 01h 18m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Madison and Mostly Sunny near Milwaukee.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Madison to Milwaukee?
The road trip is about 84.3 miles (135.6 km) and usually takes 01h 21m 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?
Farmington is a useful midpoint, sitting about 39.5 miles from Madison and 44.7 miles from Milwaukee.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 75.5 miles (121.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.8 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.20 one way or $22.40 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Madison and Mostly Sunny near Milwaukee.
Stop Ideas Near Farmington
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 Farmington.
Columbus
Beaver Dam, WI
Janesville, Wisconsin
Madison (South), Wisconsin
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Madison and Milwaukee. Straight-line distance: 75.5 mi (121.51 km).
#1 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 |
#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: 136 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.20 | $22.40 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.63 | $25.26 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.82 | $27.64 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.75 | $31.51 |
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.