Origin
Eau Claire, WI
Evening in Eau Claire on Wednesday
Local time
6:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Eau Claire, WI to River Falls, WI
Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026
Drive Time
1h 20m
Distance
63.4 mi
102 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$10
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 14m
★
6 AM
1h 20m
8 AM
1h 33m
10 AM
1h 25m
12 PM
1h 23m
3 PM
1h 25m
5 PM
1h 32m
8 PM
1h 17m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Eau Claire, WI
Wikimedia Commons
River Falls, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
If you are looking for a quick and straightforward connection between Eau Claire and River Falls, this 63.4-mile transit is an ideal candidate for a simple day trip. You can expect the journey to take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it a highly efficient route for travelers moving across the Wisconsin Midwest. Because the duration is quite short, there is no need to plan for an overnight stay or complex multi-day logistics. Budgeting around $10 for fuel should be plenty to cover the distance in a standard vehicle. This drive is designed for those who value practicality and speed over sightseeing, serving as a direct link between the two cities.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
31.7 miles from Eau Claire, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 39m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 73% of your travel time spent on major thoroughfares. You will spend the bulk of your journey navigating I-94, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 41.8 miles. The route transitions from the North Crossing in Eau Claire onto the interstate, eventually shifting to State Highway 65 as you approach your destination. Expect a consistent, fast-paced driving experience that leans more toward a functional commute than a winding scenic tour. The personality of this road is defined by its steady rhythm and efficiency, allowing you to cover the distance with minimal navigation hurdles.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 94 is the longest continuous segment at about 41.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and State Highway 65. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 1.1 miles in near Platt Street.
Route Complexity
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 1h 20m drive. You will face about 17 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.1 miles (Platt Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 49.4 miles (Exit 16): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 49.7 miles (CTH T / County Highway T): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
1.1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
Platt Street
At end of road, turn left onto Platt Street
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
5
49.4 mi into trip
|
~58m in
|
Exit 16
Take the exit onto Exit 16 toward CTH T: Hammond
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 16
Toward CTH T: Hammond
5
49.7 mi into trip
|
~59m in
|
CTH T / County Highway T
Enter roundabout onto CTH T / County Highway T
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
49.9 mi into trip
|
~59m in
|
CTH T / County Highway T
Enter roundabout onto CTH T / County Highway T
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
6
63.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 20m in
|
East Cedar Street
Turn left onto East Cedar Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Eau Claire, WI to River Falls, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Cth T: Hammond along the way.
Cth T: Hammond
49.4 mi in
|
~58m
|
via Exit 16
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 41.8 mi | 44m |
| State Highway 65 | 4.4 mi | 6m |
| North Crossing | 4 mi | 6m |
| County Highway J | 4 mi | 5m |
| County Highway N | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| County Highway T | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| North Main Street | 1.2 mi | 3m |
| 3rd Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 41.8 mi, about 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Eau Claire, WI and River Falls, WI.
1
Start on East Grand Avenue
35 ft
·
8 sec
·
East Grand Avenue
2
Turn left onto South Farwell Street
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
·
South Farwell Street
3
Turn left onto East Madison Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Madison Street
4
Turn right onto Bellinger Street
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Bellinger Street
5
At end of road, turn left onto Platt Street
490 ft
·
9 sec
·
Platt Street
6
Turn right onto 3rd Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
3rd Street
7
Turn left onto Truax Boulevard
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Truax Boulevard
8
Turn right onto CTH F
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Jeffers Road
9
Turn left onto WI 312
4.0 mi
·
6 min
·
North Crossing
10
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I-94_East
11
Merge onto I 94
42 mi
·
44 min
·
I 94
12
Take the exit onto Exit 16
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
Exit 16
Exit 16
Toward CTH T: Hammond
13
Enter roundabout onto CTH T
243 ft
·
4 sec
·
County Highway T
14
Continue on CTH T
486 ft
·
27 sec
·
County Highway T
15
Enter roundabout onto CTH T
144 ft
·
8 sec
·
County Highway T
16
Continue on CTH T
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
County Highway T
17
Turn right onto CTH N
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
County Highway N
18
At end of road, turn left onto CTH J
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
County Highway J
19
Turn left onto WI 65
4.4 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 65
20
Continue on North Main Street
1.2 mi
·
3 min
·
North Main Street
Use the straight lane.
21
Turn left onto East Cedar Street
171 ft
·
7 sec
·
East Cedar Street
Use the left lane.
22
Turn right
68 ft
·
5 sec
23
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short 1 hour and 20 minute drive, you have significant flexibility with your departure time, as there is no pressure to beat sunset or manage fatigue. You should find the lack of required stops a major convenience, though it is always smart to ensure your tank is topped off before hitting the I-94 segment to avoid unnecessary interruptions. Because the highway share is high, keep a close eye on traffic patterns during peak hours to maintain your expected travel time. A specific tip for this route: prioritize your exit timing from Eau Claire's North Crossing to ensure a smooth merge onto the interstate, as this will set the tone for the rest of your efficient journey to River Falls.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 31.7 miles from Eau Claire, WI, or about 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 41.8 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 14 miles or 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 31.7 miles or 39m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near River Falls, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Eau Claire, WI so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Eau Claire, WI
This is one driving day of about 63.4 miles and 1h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 14 miles from Eau Claire, WI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 94 for about 41.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 31.7 mi from Eau Claire, WI · 39m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
32 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 14 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 31.7 miles from Eau Claire, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in River Falls, WI
The final approach into River Falls, WI usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$9.91 one way
$19.82 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
22 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $10.88 | $21.77 |
| premium | $4.89 | $12.20 | $24.40 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $14.00 | $28.00 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$10
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$35–$60
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 22.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 19 | 0 | $6.66 | $3.04 |
| Efficient EV | 15.9 | 0 | $5.55 | $2.54 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 25.4 | 0 | $8.88 | $4.06 |
Gas CO2
22 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (68% 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.
Destination
River Falls, WI
Evening in River Falls on Wednesday
Local time
6:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
1h 20m 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 Eau Claire, WI to River Falls, WI covers 63.4 miles and takes about 1h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 94, State Highway 65, North Crossing. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 31.7 miles from Eau Claire, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $9.91 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.
This is a straightforward 1h 20m drive. You will face about 17 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.1 miles (Platt Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 49.4 miles (Exit 16): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 49.7 miles (CTH T / County Highway T): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
On the drive from Eau Claire, WI to River Falls, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Cth T: Hammond along the way.
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