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Trip from West Allis, WI to Baraboo, WI

Data updated 0 seconds ago

Drive Time

2h 11m

Distance

111.9 mi

180 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$17

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
2h 2m ★
6 AM
2h 12m
8 AM
2h 30m
10 AM
2h 18m
12 PM
2h 16m
3 PM
2h 19m
5 PM
2h 29m
8 PM
2h 6m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, USA

West Allis, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Baraboo, WI, WI

Baraboo, WI

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

This straightforward 111.9-mile drive from West Allis, WI to Baraboo, WI is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 11 minutes. You'll spend most of your time on the East-West Freeway and I-94 before transitioning to State Highway 33. With a highway share of 96%, this route is primarily a focused drive, making it efficient for reaching your destination. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $17. Given its relatively short length and highway-focused profile, this trip is ideal for a quick getaway or a day excursion within the Midwest region.

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

55.9 miles from West Allis, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 3m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this 111.9-mile route, with 96% of the journey taking place on major roads like the East-West Freeway and I-94. The drive features a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 63.8 miles on the East-West Freeway, allowing for consistent progress. While the initial part is all about efficient travel, the transition to State Highway 33 may offer a slight change in scenery as you approach Baraboo. This is a route where you'll cover ground quickly, with minimal need for navigating complex local roads.

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.
East-West Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 63.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on East-West Freeway and I 94. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.6 miles in.

Route Complexity 9/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 111.9 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 1.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

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

9
1.6 mi into trip | ~4m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 94: Madison, Milwaukee

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

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 94: Madison, Milwaukee
9
1.7 mi into trip | ~4m in

Take the exit toward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, Milwaukee

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 1B-A Toward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, Milwaukee
8
1.9 mi into trip | ~4m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 94 West: Madison

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Exit 1B Toward I 94 West: Madison
6
12.9 mi into trip | ~17m 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 straight / slight right lanes.
9
66.4 mi into trip | ~1h 15m in | I 94

Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells, Eau Claire

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 240 Toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wiscon...

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 West Allis, WI to Baraboo, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Eau Claire along the way.

Eau Claire

66.4 mi in | ~1h 15m | via I 94

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
East-West Freeway 63.8 mi 1h 9m
I 94 29.1 mi 31m
State Highway 33 11.6 mi 17m
I 90 3 mi 3m
West Greenfield Avenue 1.4 mi 3m
8th Street 1.2 mi 3m
South Broadway Street 0.3 mi <1m
8th Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: East-West Freeway — 63.8 mi, about 1h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between West Allis, WI and Baraboo, WI.

1

Start on WI 59

1.4 mi · 3 min · West Greenfield Avenue
Use the left lane.
2

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Toward I 894 West, US 45 North
3

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Toward I 94: Madison, Milwaukee Use the slight left lane.
4

Merge onto I 41; I 894; US 41; US 45

19 ft · 0 sec · Zoo Freeway
5

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 16 sec
Exit 1B-A Toward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, Milwaukee Use the slight right lane.
6

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 56 sec
Exit 1B Toward I 94 West: Madison Use the slight left lane.
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 11 sec
Toward I 94 West: Madison
8

Merge onto I 94

10 mi · 11 min · East-West Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94

54 mi · 57 min · East-West Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight right at fork onto I 94

29 mi · 31 min · I 94
Exit 240 Toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells, Eau Claire Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94

3.0 mi · 3 min · I 90; I 94
Use the straight lane.
12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 39 sec
Exit 106 Toward WI 33: Portage, Baraboo
13

Turn right onto WI 33

12 mi · 17 min · State Highway 33
14

Continue on WI 33

1.2 mi · 3 min · 8th Street
15

Continue on WI 33

473 ft · 15 sec · 8th Avenue
16

Turn left onto US 12 BUS; WI 113

0.3 mi · 26 sec · South Broadway Street
17

Arrive at destination

US 12 BUS; WI 113

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour duration, departing in the morning from West Allis will comfortably get you to Baraboo with plenty of daylight. The $17 fuel cost is minimal, so ensure your tank is full before you leave to avoid any unnecessary stops. The longest stretch without a major road change is 63.8 miles, so plan any quick breaks before or after this segment if needed. Since this is a highway-focused drive, you won't need to worry about extensive route planning for varied road types, allowing for a relaxed and flexible trip.

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 55.9 miles from West Allis, WI, or about 1h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 63.8 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 29m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 55.9 miles or 1h 3m 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 42m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving West Allis, 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 West Allis, WI

This is one driving day of about 111.9 miles and 2h 11m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from West Allis, 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 63.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 55.9 mi from West Allis, WI · 1h 3m into the drive

Downtown Rockford, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Rockford, IL

56 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 55.9 miles from West Allis, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before East-West Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 63.8 miles.

Arriving in Baraboo, WI

The final approach into Baraboo, 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 Baraboo, 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

$17.49 one way

$34.99 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 39 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $19.21 $38.42
premium $4.89 $21.53 $43.07
diesel $5.61 $24.71 $49.41

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 39.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 33.6 0 $11.75 $5.37
Efficient EV 28 0 $9.79 $4.48
EV Truck/SUV 44.8 0 $15.67 $7.16

Gas CO2

39 kg

EV CO2

13 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.

Forecast data refreshed 5 days ago

Origin

West Allis, WI

Morning in West Allis on Wednesday

Local time

6:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

41°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Baraboo, WI

Morning in Baraboo on Wednesday

Local time

6:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

46°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

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

2h 11m 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 West Allis, WI to Baraboo, WI covers 111.9 miles and takes about 2h 11m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are East-West Freeway, I 94, State Highway 33. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 55.9 miles from West Allis, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $17.49 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 13 significant decision points across 111.9 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 1.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from West Allis, WI to Baraboo, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Eau Claire along the way.

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