Origin
Menomonee Falls, WI
Evening in Menomonee Falls on Sunday
Local time
6:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Menomonee Falls, WI to Cross Plains, WI
Drive Time
2h 1m
Distance
94.6 mi
152 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 53m
★
6 AM
2h 2m
8 AM
2h 19m
10 AM
2h 8m
12 PM
2h 6m
3 PM
2h 9m
5 PM
2h 18m
8 PM
1h 56m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Menomonee Falls, WI
Tom Fisk
Cross Plains, WI
Sam McCool
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from Menomonee Falls to Cross Plains, expect a straightforward journey covering 94.6 miles across the Wisconsin landscape. This drive typically takes about 2 hours and 1 minute, making it an ideal day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via the East-West Freeway, the South Beltline Highway, and University Avenue. Budget roughly $14 for fuel to complete the transit between these two Midwest locations. Because the route is compact and efficient, it serves as a reliable connection for travelers looking to move quickly between these points without needing to plan for multiple stops.
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
47.3 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 62% of your journey is spent on major thoroughfares. You will spend a significant portion of your time on the East-West Freeway, which features the route’s longest uninterrupted stretch of 54.8 miles. While the beginning of the trip emphasizes high-speed transit, the character of the road shifts as you transition onto the South Beltline Highway and eventually University Avenue. This mix of freeway travel and local arterial roads keeps the drive feeling productive rather than monotonous. You can anticipate a consistent, steady pace throughout the entire 94.6-mile trek.
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.
East-West Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 54.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on East-West Freeway and South Beltline Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.8 miles in near I 94 / East-West Freeway.
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 94.6 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 13.8 miles (I 94 / East-West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 67.3 miles (WI 30): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
13.8 mi into trip
|
~24m in
|
I 94 / East-West Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 / East-West Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
9
67.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 21m in
|
WI 30
Keep slight left at fork onto WI 30 toward I 39 South, I 90 East, WI 30 West: Janesville, Madison
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Exit 240
Toward I 39 South, I 90 East, WI 30 West: Janes...
9
67.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 22m in
Take the exit toward I 39 South, I 90 East: Janesville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 240A
Toward I 39 South, I 90 East: Janesville
6
71 mi into trip
|
~1h 26m in
Take the exit toward US 12 West, US 18 West: Madison
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 142A
Toward US 12 West, US 18 West: Madison
7
86.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 47m in
Take the exit toward Greenway Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 252
Toward Greenway Boulevard
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Menomonee Falls, WI to Cross Plains, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Madison along the way.
Madison
67.3 mi in
|
~1h 21m
|
via WI 30
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| East-West Freeway | 54.8 mi | 58m |
| South Beltline Highway | 14.5 mi | 19m |
| University Avenue | 6.4 mi | 9m |
| Redford Boulevard | 4.4 mi | 6m |
| Main Street | 4.3 mi | 10m |
| I 39 | 3.2 mi | 3m |
| West Main Street | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| Waukesha Avenue | 1.5 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
East-West Freeway
— 54.8 mi, about 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Menomonee Falls, WI and Cross Plains, WI.
1
Start on WI 175
21 ft
·
7 sec
·
Appleton Avenue
2
Turn right onto Main Street
2.1 mi
·
5 min
·
Main Street
3
Continue on CTH F
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
West Main Street
Use the none lane.
4
Enter roundabout onto CTH F; CTH V
127 ft
·
7 sec
·
Town Line Road
5
Continue on CTH F; CTH V
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
Town Line Road
6
Turn right onto CTH F
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
Use the none lane.
7
Turn left onto CTH F
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Waukesha Avenue
8
Continue on CTH F
4.4 mi
·
6 min
·
Redford Boulevard
9
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
10
Merge onto I 94; WI 164
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
East-West Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
54 mi
·
57 min
·
East-West Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto WI 30
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
WI 30
Exit 240
Toward I 39 South, I 90 East, WI 30 West: Janesville, Madison
Use the none lane.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 240A
Toward I 39 South, I 90 East: Janesville
Use the slight left lane.
14
Merge onto I 39; I 90
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
I 39; I 90
15
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 142A
Toward US 12 West, US 18 West: Madison
16
Merge onto US 12; US 18
14 mi
·
19 min
·
South Beltline Highway
Use the none lane.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 252
Toward Greenway Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
18
Turn left onto Greenway Boulevard
0.2 mi
·
48 sec
·
Greenway Boulevard
19
Turn right onto John Q Hammons Drive
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
John Q Hammons Drive
Use the right lane.
20
Enter roundabout onto Deming Way
20 ft
·
0 sec
·
Deming Way
21
Continue on Deming Way
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
Deming Way
22
Turn left onto US 14
6.4 mi
·
9 min
·
University Avenue
Use the left lane.
23
Continue on US 14
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
24
Arrive at destination
US 14
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short drive, you have the flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule best. Keep in mind that with no official stops required for this 2-hour-and-1-minute trip, you can easily complete the journey in a single stretch. If you prefer to pace yourself, use the transition from the East-West Freeway to the South Beltline Highway as a natural point to check your fuel levels or stretch your legs. Given the $14 estimated fuel cost, it is wise to fill up before you leave Menomonee Falls to avoid any mid-trip inconveniences. Prioritize steady driving on the highway segments to ensure you reach Cross Plains efficiently and comfortably.
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 47.3 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI, or about 1h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.8 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 80 miles or 1h 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 47.3 miles or 1h 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 35m
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 Menomonee Falls, 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 Menomonee Falls, WI
This is one driving day of about 94.6 miles and 2h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on East-West Freeway for about 54.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 47.3 mi from Menomonee Falls, WI · 1h into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
47 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 47.3 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.37 one way
$28.74 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
33 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $15.84 | $31.68 |
| premium | $4.80 | $17.86 | $35.72 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $21.02 | $42.03 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 33.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 28.4 | 0 | $9.93 | $4.54 |
| Efficient EV | 23.7 | 0 | $8.28 | $3.78 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 37.8 | 0 | $13.24 | $6.05 |
Gas CO2
33 kg
EV CO2
11 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.
Destination
Cross Plains, WI
Evening in Cross Plains on Sunday
Local time
6:45 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
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
2h 1m 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 Menomonee Falls, WI to Cross Plains, WI covers 94.6 miles and takes about 2h 1m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are East-West Freeway, South Beltline Highway, University Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 47.3 miles from Menomonee Falls, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.37 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 demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 94.6 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 13.8 miles (I 94 / East-West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 67.3 miles (WI 30): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Menomonee Falls, WI to Cross Plains, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Madison along the way.
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Return Trip
Cross Plains, WI to Menomonee Falls, WIPlan the drive back the other way.
95.5 mi
2h 1m
Continue From Cross Plains, WI
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