Origin
North La Crosse, WI
Afternoon in North La Crosse on Sunday
Local time
3:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from North La Crosse, WI to Augusta, WI
Drive Time
1h 51m
Distance
75.8 mi
122 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$12
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 43m
★
6 AM
1h 52m
8 AM
2h 8m
10 AM
1h 57m
12 PM
1h 56m
3 PM
1h 58m
5 PM
2h 7m
8 PM
1h 47m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
North La Crosse, WI
Tom Fisk
Augusta, WI
Egor Komarov
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from North La Crosse to Augusta, Wisconsin, expect a straightforward journey covering 75.8 miles. You should budget approximately 1 hour and 51 minutes for your drive, making this a perfect candidate for a single-day excursion. With fuel costs estimated at around $12, it is an affordable route for those traveling across the Midwest. Because the duration is relatively short, there is no need to split this into an overnight trip. Whether you are traveling for business or a quick getaway, the route offers a convenient connection between these two Wisconsin locations without requiring extensive travel time.
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
37.9 miles from North La Crosse, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 52m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a mixed driving experience as you transition from local roads to more open highways. You will spend roughly 43% of your time on the highway, balancing out the slower, more deliberate segments of the trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is 24.2 miles on South Main Street, which serves as the backbone of the initial leg. As you navigate the transition onto US 53 and US Highway 53, the character of the road shifts from neighborhood thoroughfares to a more consistent highway pace. This combination keeps the drive engaging, as you move through varied road types rather than sticking to a single, monotonous interstate grind.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
South Main Street is the longest continuous segment at about 24.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 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 75.8 miles you will encounter 8 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 1.2 miles (US 53): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 2.6 miles (US 53): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.8 miles (US 53): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 8 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
3
1.2 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
US 53
Take the exit onto US 53
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
5
2.6 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
US 53
Take the exit onto US 53 toward US 53 North, WI 157: La Crosse, Onalaska
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 53 North, WI 157: La Crosse, Onalaska
4
2.8 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
US 53
Keep slight left at fork onto US 53
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
4
45.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 3m in
|
US 53; WI 121; CTH D / Main Street
Turn right onto US 53; WI 121; CTH D / Main Street
Navigation decision point
4
74.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 48m in
|
US 12; WI 27
At end of road, turn right onto US 12; WI 27
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| South Main Street | 24.2 mi | 34m |
| US 53 | 19.5 mi | 24m |
| US Highway 53 | 10.5 mi | 14m |
| Main Street | 7.7 mi | 11m |
| County Highway R | 6.8 mi | 11m |
| 10th Street | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| US 12 | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| Rose Street | 1.2 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
South Main Street
— 24.2 mi, about 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North La Crosse, WI and Augusta, WI.
1
Start on US 53; CTH B
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Rose Street
2
Take the exit onto US 53
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
US 53
3
Take the exit onto US 53
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
US 53
Toward US 53 North, WI 157: La Crosse, Onalaska
4
Keep slight left at fork onto US 53
18 mi
·
22 min
·
US 53
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
6
Turn straight onto US 53
24 mi
·
34 min
·
South Main Street
7
Continue on US 53
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Ervin Street
8
Turn right onto US 53; WI 121; CTH D
7.7 mi
·
11 min
·
Main Street
9
Continue on US 53
11 mi
·
14 min
·
US Highway 53
10
Continue on US 53
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Harmony Street
11
Turn right onto US 10
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
10th Street
12
Continue on US 10
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
US Highway 10
13
Turn left onto CTH R
0.5 mi
·
53 sec
·
County Road R
14
Continue on CTH R
6.8 mi
·
11 min
·
County Highway R
15
At end of road, turn right onto US 12; WI 27
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
US 12; WI 27
16
Turn left onto CTH G
198 ft
·
5 sec
·
County Highway G
17
Arrive at destination
CTH G
Trip Plan
Because this is a relatively short 1 hour and 51 minute trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule best. While the 75.8-mile distance is easily manageable in one go, keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving North La Crosse to ensure you stay within your $12 budget for the duration of the drive. Since there are no designated stops required by the route data, you have the freedom to pace yourself and pull over wherever you feel most comfortable. A helpful tip for this specific drive is to monitor the transition points between South Main Street and US 53 carefully, as road signage can change quickly. Taking advantage of the route's simplicity allows for a stress-free transit across the region.
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 37.9 miles from North La Crosse, WI, or about 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 24.2 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 75.8 miles or 1h 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 37.9 miles or 52m 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 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Augusta, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving North La Crosse, 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 North La Crosse, WI
This is one driving day of about 75.8 miles and 1h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from North La Crosse, 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 South Main Street for about 24.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 37.9 mi from North La Crosse, WI · 52m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
38 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 75.8 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 37.9 miles from North La Crosse, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Augusta, WI
The final approach into Augusta, 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 Augusta, 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
$11.51 one way
$23.03 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
27 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $12.69 | $25.38 |
| premium | $4.80 | $14.31 | $28.62 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $16.84 | $33.68 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 26.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 22.7 | 0 | $7.96 | $3.64 |
| Efficient EV | 19 | 0 | $6.63 | $3.03 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 30.3 | 0 | $10.61 | $4.85 |
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 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
Augusta, WI
Afternoon in Augusta on Sunday
Local time
3:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
36°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
3 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 51m 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 North La Crosse, WI to Augusta, WI covers 75.8 miles and takes about 1h 51m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are South Main Street, US 53, US Highway 53. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 37.9 miles from North La Crosse, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $11.51 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 75.8 miles you will encounter 8 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 1.2 miles (US 53): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 2.6 miles (US 53): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.8 miles (US 53): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
The route from North La Crosse, WI to Augusta, WI does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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