Origin
West Allis, WI
Evening in West Allis on Sunday
Local time
5:37 PM
CDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from West Allis, WI to Cross Plains, WI
Drive Time
1h 54m
Distance
93.8 mi
151 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 46m
★
6 AM
1h 55m
8 AM
2h 11m
10 AM
2h 1m
12 PM
1h 59m
3 PM
2h 1m
5 PM
2h 11m
8 PM
1h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
West Allis, WI
Tom Fisk
Cross Plains, WI
Sam McCool
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from West Allis to Cross Plains, you are looking at a manageable 93.8-mile drive that typically takes about 1 hour and 54 minutes. This Midwestern route is ideal for a one-day excursion, as the distance is short enough to avoid the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $14 for fuel to cover the journey. Navigating this path involves transitioning from the East-West Freeway onto the South Beltline Highway and finally University Avenue. Because the drive is straightforward and efficient, it serves as a reliable connection between these two Wisconsin locations without requiring complex logistics.
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
46.9 miles from West Allis, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 54m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is heavily focused on highway travel, with 72% of your time spent on major thoroughfares. You will face your longest uninterrupted segment early on, covering 63.8 miles along the East-West Freeway. As you transition toward the South Beltline Highway and eventually University Avenue, the character of the road shifts from high-speed interstate driving to more localized traffic patterns. Expect a consistent, highway-focused experience that prioritizes speed and directness over winding backroads. Staying alert is key during those long freeway stretches where the pace remains steady and predictable for the majority of the trip.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 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 South Beltline Highway. 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
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 93.8 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 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 20 key pointsThese 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
9
66.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 15m 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
66.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 15m 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
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from West Allis, WI to Cross Plains, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Madison along the way.
Madison
66.4 mi in
|
~1h 15m
|
via WI 30
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| East-West Freeway | 63.8 mi | 1h 9m |
| South Beltline Highway | 14.5 mi | 19m |
| University Avenue | 6.4 mi | 9m |
| I 39 | 3.2 mi | 3m |
| West Greenfield Avenue | 1.4 mi | 3m |
| Main Street | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| John Q Hammons Drive | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Deming Way | 0.3 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 Cross Plains, WI.
1
Start on WI 59
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
West Greenfield Avenue
Use the none 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
Use the none lane.
8
Merge onto I 94
10 mi
·
11 min
·
East-West Freeway
Use the none / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
54 mi
·
57 min
·
East-West Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
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.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 240A
Toward I 39 South, I 90 East: Janesville
Use the slight left lane.
12
Merge onto I 39; I 90
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
I 39; I 90
13
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 142A
Toward US 12 West, US 18 West: Madison
14
Merge onto US 12; US 18
14 mi
·
19 min
·
South Beltline Highway
Use the none lane.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 252
Toward Greenway Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn left onto Greenway Boulevard
0.2 mi
·
48 sec
·
Greenway Boulevard
17
Turn right onto John Q Hammons Drive
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
John Q Hammons Drive
Use the right lane.
18
Enter roundabout onto Deming Way
20 ft
·
0 sec
·
Deming Way
19
Continue on Deming Way
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
Deming Way
20
Turn left onto US 14
6.4 mi
·
9 min
·
University Avenue
Use the left lane.
21
Continue on US 14
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
22
Arrive at destination
US 14
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule best without needing to worry about mid-route overnight stops. However, keep in mind that the route is designed for efficiency rather than leisure, so plan your fuel stops before you hit the road to keep your $14 budget on track. Because you will be utilizing a mix of freeways and local arterial roads like University Avenue, keep an eye on traffic patterns as you approach the final stretch of your drive. Taking advantage of the shorter duration allows you to arrive at your destination in Cross Plains refreshed. Remember that since you have no planned stops, you should ensure your vehicle is ready for the full 93.8-mile haul before leaving West Allis.
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 46.9 miles from West Allis, WI, or about 54m 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 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 46.9 miles or 54m 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 28m
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 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 93.8 miles and 1h 54m.
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 46.9 mi from West Allis, WI · 54m 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 46.9 miles from West Allis, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before East-West Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 63.8 miles.
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
$14.25 one way
$28.49 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
33 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $15.71 | $31.41 |
| premium | $4.80 | $17.71 | $35.42 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $20.84 | $41.68 |
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: 32.8 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 | 28.1 | 0 | $9.85 | $4.50 |
| Efficient EV | 23.5 | 0 | $8.21 | $3.75 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 37.5 | 0 | $13.13 | $6.00 |
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
5:37 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
1h 54m 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 Cross Plains, WI covers 93.8 miles and takes about 1h 54m 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 46.9 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 $14.25 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 20 significant decision points across 93.8 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 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 Cross Plains, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Madison along the way.
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