Trip from Denmark, WI to Kenosha, WI

Drive Time

2h 44m

Distance

137.6 mi

221 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 33m ★
6 AM
2h 44m
8 AM
3h 6m
10 AM
2h 52m
12 PM
2h 49m
3 PM
2h 53m
5 PM
3h 5m
8 PM
2h 38m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Denmark, WI, WI

Denmark, WI

Christian Himmel

Downtown Kenosha, WI, WI

Kenosha, WI

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip from Denmark to Kenosha, you can expect a straightforward 137.6-mile journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 44 minutes. Because this route is entirely within the Midwest, you will experience a consistent regional feel as you head south through Wisconsin. You can comfortably complete this drive in a single day, making it an efficient choice for those looking to reach their destination without an overnight stay. With fuel costs estimated at around $21, it is a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or families. While one stop is recommended to break up the travel time, the trip is short enough that you won't need to over-plan your itinerary to make it work.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

68.8 miles from Denmark, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 19m into the drive .

Drive Character

This drive is heavily highway-focused, with 93% of the journey spent on major thoroughfares like I-43, the North-South Freeway, and Burlington Road. You will settle into a steady rhythm on I-43, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 103.6 miles. Because you spend the vast majority of your time on these high-speed roads, you can anticipate a fairly consistent driving experience without the technical challenges of winding local backroads. Expect a smooth, efficient commute that prioritizes speed and directness over scenic detours. As you transition between the various highways, the road maintains a predictable character that is well-suited for those who prefer steady interstate cruising.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 43 is the longest continuous segment at about 103.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 43 and North-South Freeway. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near CTH KB / Main Street.

Route Complexity 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 137.6 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (CTH KB / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.7 miles (CTH KB / Depere Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 1.3 miles (I 43): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | CTH KB / Main Street

Turn left onto CTH KB / Main Street

Navigation decision point

5
0.7 mi into trip | ~2m in | CTH KB / Depere Road

Enter roundabout onto CTH KB / Depere Road

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

5
1.3 mi into trip | ~3m in | I 43

Merge onto I 43

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.
8
129.4 mi into trip | ~2h 27m in

Take the exit toward WI 142, CTH S: Kenosha, Burlington

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 340 Toward WI 142, CTH S: Kenosha, Burlington
7
129.6 mi into trip | ~2h 28m in

Keep slight left at fork toward CTH S East: Gateway Technical College, Kenosha

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward CTH S East: Gateway Technical College, K...

Towns Along This Route

Between Denmark, WI and Kenosha, WI, road signs point toward Wis 94 East, Chicago, Cth S: Kenosha, Burlington and Cth S East: Gateway Technical College.

Wis 94 East

105.1 mi in | ~2h | via I 94

Chicago

105.1 mi in | ~2h | via I 94

Cth S: Kenosha

129.4 mi in | ~2h 27m

Burlington

129.4 mi in | ~2h 27m

Cth S East: Gateway Technical College

129.6 mi in | ~2h 28m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 43 103.6 mi 1h 56m
North-South Freeway 24.5 mi 27m
Burlington Road 3.6 mi 6m
Washington Road 3.3 mi 7m
Sheridan Road 0.9 mi 1m
Depere Road 0.7 mi 1m
Main Street 0.1 mi <1m
WI 96 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 43 — 103.6 mi, about 1h 56m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Denmark, WI and Kenosha, WI.

1

Start on this road

63 ft · 10 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto CTH KB

0.1 mi · 24 sec · Main Street
3

Continue on CTH KB

0.5 mi · 1 min · Depere Road
4

Enter roundabout onto CTH KB

133 ft · 7 sec · Depere Road
5

Continue on CTH KB

0.1 mi · 15 sec · Depere Road
6

Continue on WI 96

0.1 mi · 20 sec · WI 96
7

Turn left

0.3 mi · 41 sec
8

Merge onto I 43

104 mi · 1 hr 56 min · I 43
Use the none lane.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94

0.2 mi · 16 sec · North-South Freeway
10

Continue on I 94

24 mi · 27 min · North-South Freeway
Exit 316-319 Toward WIS 94 East, US 41: Layton Ave, College Ave, Chicago Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Exit 340 Toward WI 142, CTH S: Kenosha, Burlington Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight left at fork

199 ft · 6 sec
Toward CTH S East: Gateway Technical College, Kenosha
13

Turn left onto WI 142

3.6 mi · 6 min · Burlington Road
Use the straight lane.
14

Continue on CTH S

3.3 mi · 7 min · Washington Road
Use the none lane.
15

Turn right onto WI 32

0.9 mi · 1 min · Sheridan Road
16

Turn left onto 54th Street

305 ft · 14 sec · 54th Street
17

Turn right onto 8th Avenue

0.1 mi · 31 sec · 8th Avenue
18

Turn right onto 56th Street

43 ft · 1 sec · 56th Street
19

Arrive at destination

56th Street

Trip Plan

To keep your drive smooth, aim to depart early in the morning to avoid potential traffic congestion as you approach the more populated southern regions of the state. Since the total trip is under three hours, you have plenty of flexibility, but planning for at least one stop will help you stay alert during the long 103.6-mile stretch on I-43. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Denmark, as your $21 estimated cost assumes steady highway speeds. If you find yourself needing a break, use the final leg of the drive on Burlington Road to transition out of highway mode and into your destination. This route’s simplicity is its greatest strength, so don't feel pressured to over-schedule your transit time.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 68.8 miles from Denmark, WI, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.6 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 80 miles or 1h 31m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 68.8 miles or 1h 19m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 8m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kenosha, WI than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Denmark, WI so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Denmark, WI

This is one driving day of about 137.6 miles and 2h 44m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Denmark, WI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 43 for about 103.6 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 68.8 mi from Denmark, WI · 1h 19m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Waukegan, IL

69 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Waukegan, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Waukegan, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 68.8 miles from Denmark, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 43 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 103.6 miles.

Arriving in Kenosha, WI

The final approach into Kenosha, WI usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Kenosha, WI.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.90 one way

$41.80 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 48 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.25 $23.04 $46.08
premium $4.80 $25.98 $51.95
diesel $5.64 $30.57 $61.14

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$21

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 48.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 41.3 0 $14.45 $6.60
Efficient EV 34.4 0 $12.04 $5.50
EV Truck/SUV 55 0 $19.26 $8.81

Gas CO2

48 kg

EV CO2

16 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Denmark, WI

Afternoon in Denmark on Sunday

Local time

3:03 PM

CDT

Current temp

42°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Kenosha, WI

Afternoon in Kenosha on Sunday

Local time

3:03 PM

CDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

5 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 44m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Denmark, WI to Kenosha, WI covers 137.6 miles and takes about 2h 44m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 43, North-South Freeway, Burlington Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 68.8 miles from Denmark, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.90 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 137.6 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (CTH KB / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.7 miles (CTH KB / Depere Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 1.3 miles (I 43): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Denmark, WI and Kenosha, WI, road signs point toward Wis 94 East, Chicago, Cth S: Kenosha, Burlington and Cth S East: Gateway Technical College.

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Return Trip

Kenosha, WI to Denmark, WI

Plan the drive back the other way.

137.2 mi 2h 43m

Explore more options from Denmark, WI or browse trips ending in Kenosha, WI.

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