How far is Wausau, WI from Eau Claire, WI?
The driving distance from Wausau, WI to Eau Claire, WI is about 101.1 miles (162.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 92 miles (148.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 18m 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 39m.
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 Clark County, Wisconsin
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Wausau and Eau Claire.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wausau and Eau Claire.
-
1
Start on the route
24 m · 6 sec
-
2
Turn straight onto North 1st Street
560 ft · 26 sec · North 1st Street
-
3
Turn left onto Scott Street
1281 ft · 44 sec · Scott Street
-
4
Continue on East Stewart Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · East Stewart Avenue
-
5
Continue on Highway 52 Parkway
1.5 mi · 3 min · Highway 52 Parkway
-
6
Merge slight left
88.9 mi · 1 hr 41 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward US 53 South: Eau Claire
2138 ft · 46 sec
-
8
Merge slight left
5.9 mi · 7 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward River Prairie Drive
1265 ft · 31 sec
-
10
Keep slight right
63 m · 7 sec
-
11
Turn straight onto River Prairie Drive
3015 ft · 1 min · River Prairie Drive
-
12
Continue on Birch Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · Birch Street
-
13
Continue on Germania Street
893 ft · 24 sec · Germania Street
-
14
Continue on East Madison Street
1086 ft · 37 sec · East Madison Street
-
15
Turn left onto North Farwell Street
2012 ft · 50 sec · North Farwell Street
-
16
Turn right onto East Grand Avenue
11 m · 1 sec · East Grand Avenue
-
17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Grand Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Wausau and Eau Claire.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Highway 52 Parkway
Merge slight left
88.9 mi · 01h 41m
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.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Wausau and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Eau Claire.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Wausau to Eau Claire?
The road trip is about 101.1 miles (162.7 km) and usually takes 01h 39m 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?
Owen is a useful midpoint, sitting about 50.5 miles from Wausau and 50.6 miles from Eau Claire.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 92 miles (148.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.1 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 3:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.46 one way or $26.92 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Wausau and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Eau Claire.
Stop Ideas Near Owen
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 Owen.
Abbotsford-Colby, WI
Stanley, WI
Chippewa Falls, WI
Wausau, Wisconsin
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Wausau and Eau Claire. Straight-line distance: 92.03 mi (148.11 km).
#1 Wausau
City in and county seat of Marathon County, Wisconsin
| Population | 2,157 |
| Coordinates | 44.9591400, -89.6301200 |
| Altitude | 367 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Eau Claire
The most populous city in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin.
| Population | 67,065 |
| Coordinates | 44.8113500, -91.4984900 |
| Altitude | 240 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Grand Avenue (-91.49848, 44.811339)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 163 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.46 | $26.92 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.18 | $30.37 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.61 | $33.23 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.94 | $37.87 |
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.