Origin
Newbold, WI
Morning in Newbold on Friday
Local time
11:03 AM
CDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Newbold, WI to Eau Claire, WI
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 16m
Distance
162.8 mi
262 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
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.
Newbold, WI
Tom Fisk
Eau Claire, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 162.8-mile drive from Newbold to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 16 minutes. With 97% of the journey on highways, it’s a predominantly fast-paced route designed for efficiency. The estimated fuel cost for this Midwest to Midwest journey is around $25. You'll primarily be on WI 29, US 51, and US 8, offering a straightforward path across the state. Given its manageable length and highway focus, this trip is ideal for a single day of travel without the need for an overnight stop.
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
81.4 miles from Newbold, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 16m. Total distance: 162.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of your 162.8-mile trip, with 97% of the route utilizing major roads. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 89.2 miles on WI 29, meaning you can cover significant ground without frequent turns. This profile suggests a consistent pace, allowing you to maintain momentum as you travel from Newbold to Eau Claire. The primary roads guiding you, WI 29, US 51, and US 8, are designed for efficiency, making for a predictable driving experience.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
WI 29 is the longest continuous segment at about 89.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on WI 29 and US 51. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.5 miles in near US 8 / US Highway 8.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 162.8 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 6.5 miles (US 8 / US Highway 8): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 21 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 21.4 miles (US 51): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
6.5 mi into trip
|
~9m in
|
US 8 / US Highway 8
Enter roundabout onto US 8 / US Highway 8
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
21 mi into trip
|
~30m in
Turn left
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
21.4 mi into trip
|
~30m in
|
US 51
Merge onto US 51
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
63.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 19m in
|
191A
Take the exit onto 191A toward WI 29 West: Abbotsford, Chippewa Falls
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward WI 29 West: Abbotsford, Chippewa Falls
7
159.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 11m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right 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 Newbold, WI to Eau Claire, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Chippewa Falls along the way.
Chippewa Falls
63.3 mi in
|
~1h 19m
|
via 191A
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| WI 29 | 89.2 mi | 1h 41m |
| US 51 | 41.9 mi | 48m |
| US 8 | 11.6 mi | 15m |
| US 53 | 5.9 mi | 6m |
| State Highway 47 | 5.6 mi | 8m |
| US Highway 8 | 2.8 mi | 4m |
| Birch Street | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| Country Drive | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
WI 29
— 89.2 mi, about 1h 41m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Newbold, WI and Eau Claire, WI.
1
Start on WI 47
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 47
2
Continue on WI 47
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Country Drive
3
Continue on WI 47
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
State Highway 47
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Enter roundabout onto US 8
26 ft
·
1 sec
·
US Highway 8
5
Continue on US 8
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
US Highway 8
Use the straight lane.
6
Continue on US 8
12 mi
·
15 min
·
US 8
Use the straight lane.
7
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Use the left lane.
8
Merge onto US 51
42 mi
·
48 min
·
US 51
Use the straight lane.
9
Take the exit onto 191A
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
191A
Toward WI 29 West: Abbotsford, Chippewa Falls
10
Continue on WI 29
89 mi
·
1 hr 41 min
·
WI 29
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
Toward US 53 South: Eau Claire
12
Merge onto US 53
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
US 53
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward River Prairie Drive
14
Keep slight right at fork
207 ft
·
6 sec
Use the slight right lane.
15
Turn straight onto River Prairie Drive
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
River Prairie Drive
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on Birch Street
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Birch Street
17
Continue on Germania Street
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Germania Street
18
Continue on East Madison Street
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
·
East Madison Street
19
Turn left onto North Farwell Street
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
·
North Farwell Street
20
Turn right onto East Grand Avenue
35 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Grand Avenue
21
Arrive at destination
East Grand Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 3-hour and 16-minute drive, consider an early morning departure to enjoy ample daylight and fewer fellow travelers. With a fuel cost estimated at $25 and only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the 89.2-mile stretch on WI 29, to ensure you have enough to reach your destination or a service area. Planning around this longest uninterrupted segment will help you manage your fuel and rest stops efficiently on this straightforward highway journey.
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 81.4 miles from Newbold, WI, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.2 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 36 miles or 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 81.4 miles or 1h 40m 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Eau Claire, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Newbold, 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 Newbold, WI
This is one driving day of about 162.8 miles and 3h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Newbold, 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 WI 29 for about 89.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 81.4 mi from Newbold, WI · 1h 40m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
81 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 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 81.4 miles from Newbold, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before WI 29 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 89.2 miles.
Arriving in Eau Claire, WI
The final approach into Eau Claire, 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 Eau Claire, 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
$25.45 one way
$50.90 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
57 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $27.95 | $55.89 |
| premium | $4.89 | $31.33 | $62.66 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $35.94 | $71.89 |
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: 57 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 48.8 | 0 | $17.09 | $7.81 |
| Efficient EV | 40.7 | 0 | $14.25 | $6.51 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 65.1 | 0 | $22.79 | $10.42 |
Gas CO2
57 kg
EV CO2
19 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
Eau Claire, WI
Morning in Eau Claire on Friday
Local time
11:03 AM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
64°F
Marathon, WI
81 mi in
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
25 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 Newbold, WI to Eau Claire, WI covers 162.8 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 WI 29, US 51, US 8. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 81.4 miles from Newbold, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.45 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 is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 162.8 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 6.5 miles (US 8 / US Highway 8): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 21 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 21.4 miles (US 51): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Newbold, WI to Eau Claire, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Chippewa Falls along the way.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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