Origin
Eau Claire, WI
Evening in Eau Claire on Sunday
Local time
8:03 PM
CDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Eau Claire, WI to Cross Plains, WI
Drive Time
3h 16m
Distance
167.6 mi
270 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 5m
★
6 AM
3h 17m
8 AM
3h 41m
10 AM
3h 25m
12 PM
3h 23m
3 PM
3h 26m
5 PM
3h 39m
8 PM
3h 10m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Eau Claire, WI
Tom Fisk
Cross Plains, WI
Sam McCool
Trip Overview
Connecting Eau Claire to Cross Plains, this 167.6-mile journey across Wisconsin is a straightforward trip that typically takes about 3 hours and 16 minutes behind the wheel. Because the total drive is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $25 on fuel for the trek, making this an economical choice for a weekend getaway or a quick change of scenery. The route relies heavily on major thoroughfares, including I-94, US-12, and US Highway 14, providing a consistent pace throughout the Midwest landscape. Whether you are heading out for business or leisure, this path offers a reliable connection between these two points in Wisconsin.
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
83.8 miles from Eau Claire, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 33m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 95% of your travel time will be spent on high-speed roads. The vast majority of your journey is dominated by a 122.5-mile stretch along I-94, which offers a steady, uninterrupted flow for the bulk of the trip. As you transition from the interstate onto US-12 and US Highway 14, the driving environment shifts from wide-open highway lanes to more localized corridors. This combination creates a predictable rhythm, allowing you to settle into a comfortable cruising speed for most of the 167.6 miles. While it lacks the stop-and-go nature of city driving, the transition between road types provides a slight change in pace as you approach your destination.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 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 122.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and US 12. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 5.4 miles in near US 53.
Route Complexity
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 167.6 miles you will encounter 9 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: at 5.4 miles (US 53): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 6 miles (I 94): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 128.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
5.4 mi into trip
|
~9m in
|
US 53
Enter roundabout onto US 53
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
6 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
I 94
Merge onto I 94
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
128.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 21m in
Take the exit toward US 12: Baraboo, Lake Delton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 92
Toward US 12: Baraboo, Lake Delton
5
128.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 22m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
129 mi into trip
|
~2h 22m in
|
US 12
Merge onto US 12
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Eau Claire, WI to Cross Plains, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Lake Delton along the way.
Lake Delton
128.5 mi in
|
~2h 21m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 122.5 mi | 2h 11m |
| US 12 | 22 mi | 28m |
| US Highway 14 | 6.8 mi | 9m |
| State Highway 78 | 6.5 mi | 9m |
| South Hastings Way | 2.3 mi | 2m |
| State Highway 19/78 | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| Phillips Boulevard | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Hastings Way | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 122.5 mi, about 2h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Eau Claire, WI and Cross Plains, WI.
1
Start on East Grand Avenue
35 ft
·
5 sec
·
East Grand Avenue
2
Turn right onto South Farwell Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Farwell Street
3
Turn left onto Washington Street
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
Washington Street
4
Continue on Harding Avenue
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Harding Avenue
5
Continue on Brackett Avenue
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
Brackett Avenue
6
Turn slight right
515 ft
·
18 sec
7
Turn straight onto US 53 Business
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Hastings Way
8
Take the ramp onto US 53 Business
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
South Hastings Way
9
Turn straight onto US 53
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
US 53
Toward US 53 South: Brackett
10
Enter roundabout onto US 53
378 ft
·
5 sec
·
US 53
11
Continue on US 53
441 ft
·
8 sec
·
US 53
12
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
13
Merge onto I 94
122 mi
·
2 hr 11 min
·
I 94
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 92
Toward US 12: Baraboo, Lake Delton
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
16
Merge onto US 12
22 mi
·
27 min
·
US 12
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on US 12; WI 60
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Phillips Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Continue on US 12; WI 78
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
US 12; WI 78
19
Turn right onto WI 78
6.5 mi
·
9 min
·
State Highway 78
Use the right lane.
20
Continue on WI 78; WI 19
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
State Highway 19/78
21
Turn left onto US 14; WI 78
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
US Highway 14
22
Continue on US 14; WI 78
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
State Street
23
Continue on US 14; CTH F
4.7 mi
·
6 min
·
US Highway 14
24
Continue on US 14; CTH KP
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
US 14; CTH KP
25
Arrive at destination
US 14
Trip Plan
Since this is a manageable drive, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure time, though leaving early helps ensure you arrive in Cross Plains with time to spare. Plan for at least one dedicated stop during your 3-hour and 16-minute transit to stretch your legs and refresh. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during that long 122.5-mile segment on I-94, as it is the most significant portion of your journey. Because the route is so efficient, you can easily complete the trip in one go without needing to break it up over multiple days. Utilizing the major highway connections will keep your travel time predictable, so aim to avoid peak traffic hours to maintain that steady pace.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 83.8 miles from Eau Claire, WI, or about 1h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 122.5 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 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 83.8 miles or 1h 33m 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 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cross Plains, 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.
+
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 Eau Claire, WI
This is one driving day of about 167.6 miles and 3h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Eau Claire, 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 94 for about 122.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 83.8 mi from Eau Claire, WI · 1h 33m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
84 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 83.8 miles from Eau Claire, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 122.5 miles.
Arriving in Cross Plains, WI
The final approach into Cross Plains, 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 Cross Plains, 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
$25.46 one way
$50.91 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
59 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $28.06 | $56.13 |
| premium | $4.80 | $31.64 | $63.28 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $37.23 | $74.47 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 50.3 | 0 | $17.60 | $8.04 |
| Efficient EV | 41.9 | 0 | $14.67 | $6.70 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 67 | 0 | $23.46 | $10.73 |
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (66% 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
Cross Plains, WI
Evening in Cross Plains on Sunday
Local time
8:03 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
9 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
3h 16m 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 Cross Plains, WI covers 167.6 miles and takes about 3h 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 94, US 12, US Highway 14. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 83.8 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 $25.46 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
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 167.6 miles you will encounter 9 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: at 5.4 miles (US 53): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 6 miles (I 94): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 128.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Eau Claire, WI to Cross Plains, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Lake Delton along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Cross Plains, WI
More trips to Cross Plains, WI
Explore more options from Eau Claire, WI or browse trips ending in Cross Plains, WI.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse WI road trips.
Explore maps for Eau Claire, WI or Cross Plains, WI on MapSof.net.