Trip from Franklin, WI to Algoma, WI

Drive Time

2h 58m

Distance

135.9 mi

219 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min

4 AM

2h 47m ★

6 AM

2h 58m

8 AM

3h 21m

10 AM

3h 6m

12 PM

3h 4m

3 PM

3h 7m

5 PM

3h 20m

8 PM

2h 52m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Franklin, WI

Tom Fisk

Algoma, WI

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

Spanning 135.9 miles, this drive from Franklin to Algoma is a straightforward journey that takes approximately 2 hours and 58 minutes to complete. Because the trip is relatively short, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend about $18 on fuel for the trip, making it an affordable regional getaway. The route connects two points within the Midwest, keeping you firmly in the Wisconsin landscape for the duration of your travel. Whether you are heading out for a weekend change of pace or a quick visit, the manageable timeframe makes this a highly practical route for most drivers. It is a reliable option if you prefer to spend less time behind the wheel and more time at your final destination.

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 miles from Franklin, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 23m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. While your path includes segments of I-43 North, the Airport Freeway, and West Loomis Road, the route relies heavily on local navigation rather than long, uninterrupted highway stretches. In fact, there is no single long stretch on West Loomis Road, meaning you will be navigating frequent transitions throughout the 135.9-mile trek. The road's personality is defined by these constant changes, shifting from faster freeway sections to more technical local roads as you progress. You should be prepared for a drive that requires active steering and constant adjustments, as the lack of long highway segments keeps the pace varied and engaging.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 30 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 56.4 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 43 and State Highway 42. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near WI 36 / West Loomis Road.

Route Complexity 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 135.9 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (WI 36 / West Loomis Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 6.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.3 miles (I 43): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 17 key points

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

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | WI 36 / West Loomis Road

Turn right onto WI 36 / West Loomis Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

6.3 mi into trip | ~10m in

Take the ramp toward I 43 North, I 894 East, I 41 South

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward I 43 North, I 894 East, I 41 South

7.3 mi into trip | ~12m in | I 43

Keep slight right at fork onto I 43 toward I 43, I 94: Milwaukee

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 10A Toward I 43, I 94: Milwaukee

90.2 mi into trip | ~1h 47m in

Take the exit toward US 151, WI 42 Business, LMCT: Manitowoc, Fond du Lac

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

Exit 149 Toward US 151, WI 42 Business, LMCT: Manitowoc,...

92.8 mi into trip | ~1h 51m in | South 21st Street

Turn left onto South 21st Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Towns Along This Route

Between Franklin, WI and Algoma, WI, road signs point toward Lmct: Manitowoc and Fond Du Lac.

Lmct: Manitowoc

90.2 mi in | ~1h 47m

Fond Du Lac

90.2 mi in | ~1h 47m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 43	56.4 mi	1h
State Highway 42	28.2 mi	41m
North-South Freeway	26.5 mi	33m
West Loomis Road	6.2 mi	10m
Memorial Drive	4.6 mi	7m
Calumet Avenue	2 mi	3m
Lincoln Avenue	2 mi	2m
Milwaukee Street	1.9 mi	2m

Longest stretch: I 43 — 56.4 mi, about 1h

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Franklin, WI and Algoma, WI.

Start on this road

141 ft · 11 sec · this road

Turn right

80 ft · 10 sec

Turn right onto WI 36

6.2 mi · 10 min · West Loomis Road

Use the right lane.

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 34 sec

Toward I 43 North, I 894 East, I 41 South Use the right lane.

Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41

0.8 mi · 1 min · Airport Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 43

1.1 mi · 1 min · I 43

Exit 10A Toward I 43, I 94: Milwaukee Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 94

27 mi · 33 min · North-South Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 43; WI 57

55 mi · 59 min · I 43; WI 57

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec

Exit 149 Toward US 151, WI 42 Business, LMCT: Manitowoc, Fond du Lac

Keep slight right at fork

169 ft · 4 sec

Turn straight onto WI 42

2.0 mi · 3 min · Calumet Avenue

Use the straight lane.

Continue on WI 42

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Washington Street

Turn left onto South 21st Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · South 21st Street

Use the left lane.

Continue on Revere Drive

0.4 mi · 38 sec · Revere Drive

Continue on CTH Q

0.4 mi · 51 sec · North 18th Street

Turn right onto US 10

1.3 mi · 3 min · Waldo Boulevard

Use the straight lane.

Enter roundabout onto Memorial Drive

130 ft · 7 sec · Memorial Drive

Continue on Memorial Drive

4.6 mi · 6 min · Memorial Drive

Use the straight lane.

Continue on WI 42

0.7 mi · 1 min · Washington Street

Turn right onto WI 42

0.4 mi · 43 sec · 22nd Street

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto WI 42

2.0 mi · 2 min · Lincoln Avenue

Use the left lane.

Continue on WI 42

19 mi · 28 min · State Highway 42

Continue on WI 42

1.9 mi · 2 min · Milwaukee Street

Continue on WI 42

1.0 mi · 1 min · Main Street

Continue on WI 42

9.0 mi · 13 min · State Highway 42

Continue on WI 42

1.2 mi · 1 min · Lake Street

Keep slight right at fork onto Lake Street

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Lake Street

Continue on Lake Street

0.2 mi · 43 sec · Lake Street

At end of road, turn right onto Steele Street

189 ft · 11 sec · Steele Street

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 2 hour and 58 minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility when planning your departure time. Since the trip involves only one recommended stop, you can easily pace the drive to suit your schedule without feeling rushed. Keep in mind that the route is turn-heavy, so ensuring your GPS is clear and your navigation is set before leaving Franklin will save you from unnecessary stress on local roads. With a fuel budget of $18, it is wise to check your levels before heading out to avoid stopping for gas in busier, high-traffic areas. Because this is a relatively short trip, taking that single planned break midway will help you stay refreshed for the more technical, turn-filled portions of the road.

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 miles from Franklin, WI, or about 1h 23m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 56.4 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 36m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 68 miles or 1h 23m 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 21m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Franklin, 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 Franklin, WI

This is one driving day of about 135.9 miles and 2h 58m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Franklin, 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 56.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 68 mi from Franklin, WI · 1h 23m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Waukegan, IL

68 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 miles from Franklin, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Algoma, WI

The final approach into Algoma, 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 Algoma, WI.

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.64 one way

$41.28 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 48 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$22.76	$45.51
premium	$4.80	$25.66	$51.31
diesel	$5.64	$30.19	$60.38

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: 47.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

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

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	40.8	$14.27	$6.52
Efficient EV	34	$11.89	$5.44
EV Truck/SUV	54.4	$19.03	$8.70

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

Franklin, WI

Evening in Franklin on Sunday

Local time

7:50 PM

CDT

Current temp

41°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Algoma, WI

Evening in Algoma on Sunday

Local time

7:50 PM

CDT

Current temp

55°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

14 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 58m 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 Franklin, WI to Algoma, WI covers 135.9 miles and takes about 2h 58m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 43, State Highway 42, North-South Freeway. 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 miles from Franklin, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.64 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.

Between Franklin, WI and Algoma, WI, road signs point toward Lmct: Manitowoc and Fond Du Lac.

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Trip from Franklin, WI to Algoma, WI

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Algoma, WI

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Franklin, WI

Algoma, WI

Same local time

14 degrees warmer at arrival

2h 58m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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