How far is Onalaska, WI from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance from Onalaska, WI to Milwaukee, WI is about 207.2 miles (333.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 176.8 miles (284.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 23m 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 11m.
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.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Onalaska and Milwaukee.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Onalaska and Milwaukee.
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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
70.7 mi · 1 hr 19 min
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4
Keep slight left to continue on East-West Freeway
1.5 km · 1 min · East-West Freeway
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5
Take the exit slight left toward Jackson Street, Van Buren Street
1312 ft · 25 sec
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6
Turn slight right onto Jackson Street South
94 m · 13 sec
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7
Turn right onto East Saint Paul Avenue
671 ft · 22 sec · East Saint Paul Avenue
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8
Turn right onto North Milwaukee Street
1381 ft · 47 sec · North Milwaukee Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Milwaukee Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Onalaska 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.
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.
Sunny leaving Onalaska and Sunny near Milwaukee.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Onalaska to Milwaukee?
The road trip is about 207.2 miles (333.4 km) and usually takes 03h 11m 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 103.9 miles from Onalaska and 103.3 miles from Milwaukee.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 176.8 miles (284.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 30.4 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:36 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.57 one way or $55.13 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 65 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Onalaska and Sunny near Milwaukee.
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 Milwaukee. Straight-line distance: 176.84 mi (284.6 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 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: 333 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 54m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 57m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $27.57 | $55.13 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $31.09 | $62.18 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $34.02 | $68.04 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $38.77 | $77.54 |
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.