How far is Milwaukee, WI from Portage, WI?
The driving distance from Milwaukee, WI to Portage, WI is about 105.6 miles (170 km), with a travel time of about 01h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 85.6 miles (137.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 57m 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 58m.
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.
City in Iowa, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Milwaukee and Portage.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Milwaukee and Portage.
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1
Start on North Milwaukee Street
14 m · 9 sec · North Milwaukee Street
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2
Turn left onto East Wisconsin Avenue
671 ft · 25 sec · East Wisconsin Avenue
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3
Turn right onto North Jackson Street
894 ft · 29 sec · North Jackson Street
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4
Take the ramp slight right toward I 794 West
1550 ft · 28 sec
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5
Merge slight right onto East-West Freeway
1269 ft · 22 sec · East-West Freeway
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6
Continue on East-West Freeway
17.1 mi · 22 min · East-West Freeway
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7
Keep slight left to continue on East-West Freeway
53.5 mi · 57 min · East-West Freeway
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells, Eau Claire
29.1 mi · 31 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on WI 78 South, I 39 North: Merrimac, Portage, Wausau
1128 ft · 15 sec
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10
Continue on I 39 North: Portage, Wausau
2.8 mi · 3 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward WI 33, I 90 Alternate: Portage
1373 ft · 34 sec
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12
Turn right onto State Highway 33
1.8 mi · 3 min · State Highway 33
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Cook Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Milwaukee and Portage.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
East-West Freeway
Keep slight left to continue on East-West Freeway
53.5 mi · 00h 57m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Milwaukee and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Portage.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Milwaukee to Portage?
The road trip is about 105.6 miles (170 km) and usually takes 01h 58m 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?
Lake Mills is a useful midpoint, sitting about 52.8 miles from Milwaukee and 52.9 miles from Portage.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 85.6 miles (137.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 20 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 2:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.07 one way or $28.13 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Milwaukee and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Portage.
Stop Ideas Near Lake Mills
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 Lake Mills.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Milwaukee and Portage. Straight-line distance: 85.56 mi (137.69 km).
#1 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 |
#2 Portage
Fourth-class city in Columbia County, Wisconsin
| Population | 10,381 |
| Coordinates | 43.5391500, -89.4626200 |
| Altitude | 241 |
| Country | United States |
End: Portage (-89.46262, 43.53915)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 170 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.07 | $28.13 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.86 | $31.73 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.36 | $34.72 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.78 | $39.57 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.