How far is Madison, WI from Wisconsin Dells, WI?
The driving distance from Madison, WI to Wisconsin Dells, WI is about 56.4 miles (90.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 42.6 miles (68.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 30m 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 15m.
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.
Human settlement in Columbia County, Wisconsin, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Madison and Wisconsin Dells.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Madison and Wisconsin Dells.
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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
2.8 mi · 9 min · West Johnson Street
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4
Continue on Pennsylvania Avenue
2791 ft · 1 min · Pennsylvania Avenue
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5
Continue on Packers Avenue
1.7 mi · 4 min · Packers Avenue
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6
Keep slight right to continue on Packers Avenue
1.4 mi · 2 min · Packers Avenue
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7
Continue on County Highway CV
2.4 mi · 4 min · County Highway CV
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8
Turn slight left
152 m · 27 sec
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9
Turn left onto US Highway 51
2827 ft · 54 sec · US Highway 51
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wis Dells
2084 ft · 51 sec
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11
Merge slight left
23.3 mi · 25 min
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12
Keep slight left
21.2 mi · 23 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward WI 13 North: Wisconsin Dells
2215 ft · 44 sec
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14
Continue straight
2072 ft · 48 sec
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15
Continue straight
2298 ft · 1 min
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16
Continue straight
3119 ft · 2 min
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Broadway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Madison and Wisconsin Dells.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 39 North
Merge slight left
23.3 mi · 00h 25m
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.
Mostly Cloudy leaving Madison and Mostly Cloudy near Wisconsin Dells.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Madison to Wisconsin Dells?
The road trip is about 56.4 miles (90.7 km) and usually takes 01h 15m 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?
Dekorra is a useful midpoint, sitting about 28.1 miles from Madison and 28.2 miles from Wisconsin Dells.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 42.6 miles (68.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.8 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 4:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.00 one way or $18.00 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Madison and Mostly Cloudy near Wisconsin Dells.
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 Madison and Wisconsin Dells. Straight-line distance: 42.58 mi (68.52 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 Wisconsin Dells
City in Wisconsin, United States
| Population | 247 |
| Coordinates | 43.6274794, -89.7709579 |
| Altitude | 277 |
| Country | United States |
End: Wisconsin Dells (-89.770958, 43.627479)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 91 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.52 | $9.00 | $18.00 |
| Mid-grade | $5.02 | $10.00 | $19.99 |
| Premium | $5.66 | $11.26 | $22.52 |
| Diesel | $6.27 | $12.48 | $24.95 |
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 · Oct 25, 2026