Origin
Wauwatosa, WI
Evening in Wauwatosa on Sunday
Local time
5:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Wauwatosa, WI to Barton, WI
Drive Time
46m
Distance
33.9 mi
55 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$5
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 42m
★
6 AM
0h 46m
8 AM
0h 54m
10 AM
0h 49m
12 PM
0h 48m
3 PM
0h 49m
5 PM
0h 53m
8 PM
0h 44m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Wauwatosa, WI
Tom Fisk
Barton, WI
Egor Komarov
Trip Overview
If you are looking for a quick excursion within Wisconsin, this 33.9-mile trip from Wauwatosa to Barton is a straightforward, efficient drive. You can easily complete the journey in about 46 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a one-day outing that requires no overnight stay. Budgeting about $5 for fuel should cover your needs for the trip. Since both locations are situated in the Midwest, you will experience a consistent regional feel throughout the drive. This route is highly practical for those who prioritize efficiency over a scenic, winding journey.
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
16.9 miles from Wauwatosa, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 23m into the drive .
Drive Character
This drive is heavily highway-focused, with 86% of your time spent on major thoroughfares. You will begin by navigating the Zoo Freeway, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of the trip at 18.2 miles. As you progress, the route transitions onto the West Bend Freeway before finishing with a stretch on West Washington Street. Expect a consistent, fast-paced experience rather than a slow, technical road. The character of the drive is utilitarian, designed to get you from point A to point B with minimal fuss.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Zoo Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 18.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Zoo Freeway and West Bend Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near WI 181 / Harmonee Avenue.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 33.9 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: at 0.1 miles (WI 181 / Harmonee Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.1 miles (I 41; US 41; US 45 / Zoo Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
WI 181 / Harmonee Avenue
Turn left onto WI 181 / Harmonee Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
1.6 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 41, US 45 North: Fond du Lac
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 41, US 45 North: Fond du Lac
7
2.1 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
I 41; US 41; US 45 / Zoo Freeway
Merge onto I 41; US 41; US 45 / Zoo Freeway toward Appleton, Green Bay
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward Appleton, Green Bay
8
20.2 mi into trip
|
~26m in
|
US 45 / West Bend Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45 / West Bend Freeway toward US 45 North: West Bend
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 59
Toward US 45 North: West Bend
8
31.3 mi into trip
|
~38m in
Take the exit toward WI 33, WI 144: Washington Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 71
Toward WI 33, WI 144: Washington Street
Towns Along This Route
Between Wauwatosa, WI and Barton, WI, road signs point toward Appleton and Green Bay.
Appleton
2.1 mi in
|
~5m
|
via I 41; US 41; US 45
Green Bay
2.1 mi in
|
~5m
|
via I 41; US 41; US 45
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Zoo Freeway | 18.2 mi | 21m |
| West Bend Freeway | 11.1 mi | 11m |
| West Washington Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| West Watertown Plank Road | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| North Main Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Barton Avenue | 0.3 mi | 1m |
| Harwood Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| North 8th Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Zoo Freeway
— 18.2 mi, about 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wauwatosa, WI and Barton, WI.
1
Start on West State Street
137 ft
·
6 sec
·
West State Street
2
Continue on West Menomonee River Parkway
360 ft
·
22 sec
·
West Menomonee River Parkway
3
Turn left onto WI 181
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
Harmonee Avenue
Use the left lane.
4
Turn slight right onto WI 181
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
Harwood Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Continue on West Watertown Plank Road
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
West Watertown Plank Road
6
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Toward I 41 South, US 45 South: Milwaukee, Beloit, Madison, Appleton
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 41, US 45 North: Fond du Lac
Use the slight left lane.
8
Merge onto I 41; US 41; US 45
18 mi
·
21 min
·
Zoo Freeway
Toward Appleton, Green Bay
Use the none lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
11 mi
·
11 min
·
West Bend Freeway
Exit 59
Toward US 45 North: West Bend
Use the slight right lane.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 71
Toward WI 33, WI 144: Washington Street
Use the slight right lane.
11
Turn right onto WI 33; WI 144
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
West Washington Street
12
Turn left onto North 8th Avenue
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
·
North 8th Avenue
13
At end of road, turn left onto WI 144
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North Main Street
14
Turn right onto WI 144
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Barton Avenue
15
Turn left onto Commerce Street
369 ft
·
16 sec
·
Commerce Street
16
Turn right onto Monroe Street
259 ft
·
11 sec
·
Monroe Street
17
Arrive at destination
Monroe Street
Trip Plan
Because this is a short trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though avoiding peak traffic hours on the freeways is always a smart move. Since there are no designated stops planned for this 46-minute route, ensure you are fueled up and ready to go before leaving Wauwatosa. You won't need to worry about complex pacing or overnight logistics given the quick travel time. Keep a close eye on your navigation as you transition from the West Bend Freeway onto West Washington Street to ensure a smooth arrival in Barton.
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 16.9 miles from Wauwatosa, WI, or about 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 18.2 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 33.9 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 16.9 miles or 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 36m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Barton, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Wauwatosa, 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 Wauwatosa, WI
This is one driving day of about 33.9 miles and 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Wauwatosa, 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 Zoo Freeway for about 18.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 16.9 mi from Wauwatosa, WI · 23m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
17 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 33.9 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 16.9 miles from Wauwatosa, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Barton, WI
The final approach into Barton, 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 Barton, 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
$5.15 one way
$10.30 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
12 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $5.68 | $11.35 |
| premium | $4.80 | $6.40 | $12.80 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $7.53 | $15.06 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$30–$55
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 11.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 10.2 | 0 | $3.56 | $1.63 |
| Efficient EV | 8.5 | 0 | $2.97 | $1.36 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 13.6 | 0 | $4.75 | $2.17 |
Gas CO2
12 kg
EV CO2
4 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
Barton, WI
Evening in Barton on Sunday
Local time
5:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
45°F
Addison, WI
17 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
5 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
46m 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 Wauwatosa, WI to Barton, WI covers 33.9 miles and takes about 46m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Zoo Freeway, West Bend Freeway, West Washington Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 16.9 miles from Wauwatosa, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $5.15 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 11 significant decision points across 33.9 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (WI 181 / Harmonee Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.1 miles (I 41; US 41; US 45 / Zoo Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Wauwatosa, WI and Barton, WI, road signs point toward Appleton and Green Bay.
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