How far is North La Crosse, WI from Rio, WI?
The driving distance from North La Crosse, WI to Rio, WI is about 122.5 miles (197.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 104.1 miles (167.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 45m 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 02h 22m.
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 Juneau County, Wisconsin
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between North La Crosse and Rio.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North La Crosse and Rio.
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1
Start on Rose Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · Rose Street
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2
Take the exit slight right
14 mi · 15 min
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3
Continue straight
88.9 mi · 1 hr 35 min
-
4
Take the exit slight right toward WI 33: Portage, Baraboo
926 ft · 32 sec
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5
Keep slight right
53 m · 4 sec
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6
Turn straight
4 mi · 6 min
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7
Turn right onto West Wisconsin Street
1.6 mi · 4 min · West Wisconsin Street
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8
Continue on US Highway 51 & State Highway 16
2.8 mi · 5 min · US Highway 51 & State Highway 16
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9
Turn left onto State Highway 16
9.3 mi · 13 min · State Highway 16
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10
Turn left onto Rio Street
119 m · 17 sec · Rio Street
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11
Turn right onto Cemetery Road
930 ft · 41 sec · Cemetery Road
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12
Continue on West Harvey Street
1311 ft · 58 sec · West Harvey Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Harvey Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between North La Crosse and Rio.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Rose Street
Continue straight
88.9 mi · 01h 35m
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 Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving North La Crosse and Mostly Sunny near Rio.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from North La Crosse to Rio?
The road trip is about 122.5 miles (197.2 km) and usually takes 02h 22m 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?
New Lisbon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 61.1 miles from North La Crosse and 61.4 miles from Rio.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 104.1 miles (167.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.4 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 1:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.29 one way or $32.58 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around North La Crosse and Mostly Sunny near Rio.
Stop Ideas Near New Lisbon
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 New Lisbon.
Tomah
Wisconsin Dells
Westfield, WI
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between North La Crosse and Rio. Straight-line distance: 104.12 mi (167.56 km).
#1 North La Crosse
A city in La Crosse County, Wisconsin.
| Population | 50,470 |
| Coordinates | 43.8463500, -91.2481900 |
| Altitude | 197 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Rio
Village in Columbia County, Wisconsin
| Population | 1,047 |
| Coordinates | 43.4477600, -89.2398400 |
| Altitude | 284 |
| Country | United States |
End: Rio (-89.23984, 43.44776)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 197 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.29 | $32.58 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.37 | $36.75 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.11 | $40.21 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.91 | $45.83 |
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.