How far is Onalaska, WI from Franklin, WI?
The driving distance from Onalaska, WI to Franklin, WI is about 210.8 miles (339.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 174.6 miles (281 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 52m 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 56m.
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.
Fourth-class city in Columbia County, Wisconsin
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Onalaska and Franklin.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Onalaska and Franklin.
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1
Start on 2nd Avenue North
1.6 mi · 4 min · 2nd Avenue North
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2
Turn left
134.2 mi · 2 hr 24 min
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3
Keep slight left to continue on I 94: Milwaukee
64.2 mi · 1 hr 10 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward I 41, I 894, US 45: Chicago, Fond du Lac
3167 ft · 1 min
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5
Keep slight left to continue on I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago
1991 ft · 38 sec
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6
Continue on I 41 South, I 894 East, US 41 South, US 45 South: Chicago
1477 ft · 30 sec
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 41, I 894, US 45 South: Chicago
1177 ft · 29 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Zoo Freeway
3.5 mi · 5 min · Zoo Freeway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 43 South, US 45 South: Beloit
1.4 km · 1 min
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10
Take the exit slight left toward US 45, WI 100: 108th Street
934 ft · 22 sec
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11
Keep slight right to continue on WI 100 South, US 45 South
4.8 mi · 9 min
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12
Turn right
26 m · 8 sec
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13
Turn right
49 m · 12 sec
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Onalaska and Franklin.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Turn left
134 mi · 02h 24m
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.
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Onalaska and Showers And Thunderstorms near Franklin.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Onalaska to Franklin?
The road trip is about 210.8 miles (339.3 km) and usually takes 03h 56m 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?
Portage is a useful midpoint, sitting about 105.3 miles from Onalaska and 105.6 miles from Franklin.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 174.6 miles (281 km), while the road route adds roughly 36.2 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 9:08 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $28.06 one way or $56.11 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 66.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers then Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Onalaska and Showers And Thunderstorms near Franklin.
Stop Ideas Near Portage
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 Portage.
Portage
Wisconsin Dells
Westfield, WI
Columbus
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Onalaska and Franklin. Straight-line distance: 174.62 mi (281.03 km).
#1 Onalaska
Fourth-class city in La Crosse County, Wisconsin
| Population | 5,766 |
| Coordinates | 43.8844100, -91.2351400 |
| Altitude | 216 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Franklin
Third-class city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
| Population | 36,222 |
| Coordinates | 42.8886300, -88.0384200 |
| Altitude | 244 |
| Country | United States |
End: Franklin (-88.03842, 42.88863)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 339 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $28.06 | $56.11 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $31.64 | $63.28 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $34.63 | $69.25 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $39.46 | $78.92 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.