How far is Waunakee, WI from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance from Waunakee, WI to Milwaukee, WI is about 84.6 miles (136.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 78.9 miles (126.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 37m 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 18m.
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.
Town in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, United States
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 Waunakee and Milwaukee.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waunakee and Milwaukee.
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1
Start on West Main Street
1.2 km · 2 min · West Main Street
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2
Continue on State Highway 19
1.5 mi · 2 min · State Highway 19
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward State Highway 19
42 m · 8 sec · State Highway 19
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4
Exit the roundabout onto State Highway 19
2.4 mi · 3 min · State Highway 19
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5
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
44 m · 8 sec
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6
Exit the roundabout
1.5 km · 2 min
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7
Take the ramp right toward I 39 South, I 90 East, I 94 East: Madison
2508 ft · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
6.3 mi · 7 min
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 94: Milwaukee
70.7 mi · 1 hr 19 min
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10
Keep slight left to continue on East-West Freeway
1.5 km · 1 min · East-West Freeway
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11
Take the exit slight left toward Jackson Street, Van Buren Street
1312 ft · 25 sec
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12
Turn slight right onto Jackson Street South
94 m · 15 sec
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13
Turn right onto East Saint Paul Avenue
671 ft · 24 sec · East Saint Paul Avenue
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14
Turn right onto North Milwaukee Street
1381 ft · 47 sec · North Milwaukee Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Milwaukee Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waunakee and Milwaukee.
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 94
Keep slight left to continue on I 94: Milwaukee
70.7 mi · 01h 19m
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.
Sunny leaving Waunakee and Sunny near Milwaukee.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waunakee to Milwaukee?
The road trip is about 84.6 miles (136.2 km) and usually takes 01h 18m 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?
Farmington is a useful midpoint, sitting about 42.3 miles from Waunakee and 42.4 miles from Milwaukee.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 78.9 miles (126.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.7 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 3:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.28 one way or $22.55 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Waunakee and Sunny near Milwaukee.
Stop Ideas Near Farmington
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 Farmington.
Columbus
Beaver Dam, WI
Janesville, Wisconsin
Madison (South), Wisconsin
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waunakee and Milwaukee. Straight-line distance: 78.85 mi (126.89 km).
#1 Waunakee
Village in Dane County, Wisconsin
| Population | 14,188 |
| Coordinates | 43.1919400, -89.4556700 |
| Altitude | 283 |
| 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: 136 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.28 | $22.55 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.72 | $25.43 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.92 | $27.83 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.86 | $31.72 |
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.