Trip from Medford, WI to Wauwatosa, WI

Drive Time

4h 29m

Distance

226.1 mi

364 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$34

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 16m ★

6 AM

4h 30m

8 AM

4h 56m

10 AM

4h 39m

12 PM

4h 36m

3 PM

4h 40m

5 PM

4h 55m

8 PM

4h 22m

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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Wauwatosa, WI

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

Connecting Medford to Wauwatosa takes you on a 226.1-mile journey across Wisconsin, typically requiring about 4 hours and 29 minutes of travel time. Because this is a straightforward, highway-focused drive, it works perfectly as a single-day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You should expect to spend roughly $34 on fuel for the trek, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. Navigating primarily via WI 29, US 10, and I 41, you will transition from the central part of the state toward the more densely populated areas near Milwaukee. It is a practical, efficient route that keeps you moving steadily toward your destination in the Midwest.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

113.1 miles from Medford, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 19m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a trip dominated by high-speed travel, as 97% of this route consists of highway driving. You will spend a significant portion of your time on major corridors, including a longest uninterrupted stretch of 79.5 miles on I 41. The personality of this drive is consistent and functional, focusing on getting you from point A to point B with minimal local road navigation. While you traverse different stretches of Wisconsin, the experience remains largely focused on maintaining steady highway speeds. It is an ideal route for those who prefer predictable, fast-paced driving conditions over winding backroads.

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

There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 41 is the longest continuous segment at about 79.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and US 10. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 45 miles in near WI 29.

Route Complexity 9/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 226.1 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: at 45 miles (WI 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 79.7 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 130.7 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

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

45 mi into trip | ~1h in | WI 29

Keep slight left at fork onto WI 29 toward US 51 South: Green Bay, Madison

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 51 South: Green Bay, Madison

79.7 mi into trip | ~1h 39m in | US 10

Keep slight right at fork onto US 10 toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca

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

Use the none lane. Toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca

130.7 mi into trip | ~2h 40m in | US 45

Keep slight right at fork onto US 45 toward US 45 South: Oshkosh

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 276 Toward US 45 South: Oshkosh

223.7 mi into trip | ~4h 23m in

Take the exit toward Watertown Plank Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 40A-B Toward Watertown Plank Road

223.9 mi into trip | ~4h 24m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Watertown Plank Road East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 40A Toward Watertown Plank Road East

Towns Along This Route

Between Medford, WI and Wauwatosa, WI, road signs point toward Madison, Waupaca and Appleton.

Madison

45 mi in | ~1h | via WI 29

Waupaca

79.4 mi in | ~1h 38m | via US 10; WI 66

Appleton

79.4 mi in | ~1h 38m | via US 10; WI 66

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 41	79.5 mi	1h 27m
US 10	51.3 mi	1h 1m
WI 29	33.9 mi	40m
I 39	29.8 mi	32m
US 45	12.3 mi	14m
State Highway 13	11.8 mi	17m
WI 29 Business	1.4 mi	2m
West Watertown Plank Road	1.1 mi	2m

Longest stretch: I 41 — 79.5 mi, about 1h 27m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Medford, WI and Wauwatosa, WI.

Start on South 4th Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · South 4th Street

Turn left onto East Perkins Street

0.2 mi · 47 sec · East Perkins Street

Turn slight right

259 ft · 9 sec

Turn straight onto WI 13

0.9 mi · 2 min · South 8th Street

Continue on WI 13

12 mi · 17 min · State Highway 13

Continue on WI 13

0.6 mi · 1 min · North 4th Street

Turn left onto WI 29 Business

1.4 mi · 2 min · WI 29 Business

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 49 sec

Merge onto WI 29

29 mi · 33 min · WI 29

Keep slight left at fork onto WI 29

4.5 mi · 6 min · WI 29

Toward US 51 South: Green Bay, Madison Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 39; US 51

22 mi · 24 min · I 39; US 51

Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point, Madison

Continue on I 39; US 10; US 51

7.4 mi · 7 min · I 39; US 10; US 51

Take the exit onto US 10; WI 66

0.4 mi · 57 sec · US 10; WI 66

Exit 158 Toward US 10 East, WI 66 West: Stevens Point, Waupaca, Appleton

Keep slight right at fork onto US 10

51 mi · 1 hr · US 10

Toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca Use the none lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto US 45

12 mi · 14 min · US 45

Exit 276 Toward US 45 South: Oshkosh Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 1 min

Toward I 41 South: Milwaukee

Merge onto I 41; US 41

80 mi · 1 hr 27 min · I 41; US 41

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec

Exit 40A-B Toward Watertown Plank Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min

Exit 40A Toward Watertown Plank Road East Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Turn straight onto West Watertown Plank Road

1.1 mi · 2 min · West Watertown Plank Road

Use the left / none lanes.

Continue on Harwood Avenue

0.3 mi · 51 sec · Harwood Avenue

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn left onto WI 181

0.2 mi · 32 sec · Harmonee Avenue

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn right onto West Menomonee River Parkway

498 ft · 21 sec · West Menomonee River Parkway

Arrive at destination

West State Street

Trip Plan

Since this trip takes under five hours, you have plenty of flexibility to depart when it best suits your schedule. Planning for at least one stop is recommended to break up the drive and keep you refreshed behind the wheel. Watch your fuel gauge as you transition between the various highway segments to ensure you stay within your estimated $34 budget. Because the majority of your time is spent on major roads like I 41, keep an eye on traffic reports, as congestion can fluctuate near larger population centers. Using your one planned stop to stretch your legs during the transition between major highways will make the 226.1-mile journey feel significantly more manageable.

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 113.1 miles from Medford, WI, or about 2h 19m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 79.5 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 39m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 113.1 miles or 2h 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 3h 41m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Medford, 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 Medford, WI

This is one driving day of about 226.1 miles and 4h 29m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Medford, 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 41 for about 79.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 113.1 mi from Medford, WI · 2h 19m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Rockford, IL

113 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

Rockford, IL

Fuel and coffee

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

Rockford, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 113.1 miles from Medford, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 41 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 79.5 miles.

Arriving in Wauwatosa, WI

The final approach into Wauwatosa, 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 Wauwatosa, 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

$34.34 one way

$68.68 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 79 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$37.86	$75.72
premium	$4.80	$42.68	$85.37
diesel	$5.64	$50.23	$100.46

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$34

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$59–$84

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 79.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	67.8	0	$23.74	$10.85
Efficient EV	56.5	0	$19.78	$9.04
EV Truck/SUV	90.4	1	$31.65	$14.47

Gas CO2

79 kg

EV CO2

26 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 2 days ago

Origin

Medford, WI

Afternoon in Medford on Sunday

Local time

3:27 PM

CDT

Current temp

35°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Wauwatosa, WI

Afternoon in Wauwatosa on Sunday

Local time

3:27 PM

CDT

Current temp

41°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

6 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

4h 29m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Medford, WI to Wauwatosa, WI covers 226.1 miles and takes about 4h 29m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 41, US 10, WI 29. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 113.1 miles from Medford, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $34.34 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.