Origin
Whitewater, WI
Evening in Whitewater on Wednesday
Local time
7:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Whitewater, WI to West Allis, WI
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
1h 5m
Distance
46.7 mi
75 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$7
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 0m
★
6 AM
1h 6m
8 AM
1h 16m
10 AM
1h 9m
12 PM
1h 8m
3 PM
1h 10m
5 PM
1h 16m
8 PM
1h 2m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Whitewater, WI
Aleksei Mzhachev
West Allis, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 46.7-mile drive from Whitewater to West Allis, Wisconsin, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 5 minutes. It's a perfect candidate for a day trip, so no overnight stays are necessary. The route is primarily highway-focused, with about 73% of the journey on major roads like I-43 and State Highway 20. With an estimated fuel cost of $7, this is an economical option for getting between these two Midwest locations. You'll find it to be a practical and efficient way to travel within the state.
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
23.3 miles from Whitewater, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 36m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this 46.7-mile journey. With 73% of the drive on major roads, you'll spend most of your time on I-43 and the Iron Brigade Memorial Highway, covering a significant 21.8-mile stretch on I-43 without interruption. While primarily on faster routes, you will also navigate segments of State Highway 20. The character of the drive is consistent, prioritizing direct travel over winding scenic byways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 43 is the longest continuous segment at about 21.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 43 and Iron Brigade Memorial Highway. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in near WI 59; US 12 Business.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 46.7 miles you will encounter 12 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 (WI 59; US 12 Business): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 2.1 miles (US 12 / Iron Brigade Memorial Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 19.5 miles (I 43): 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.
5
1.2 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
WI 59; US 12 Business
Enter roundabout onto WI 59; US 12 Business
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
2.1 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
US 12 / Iron Brigade Memorial Highway
Turn left onto US 12 / Iron Brigade Memorial Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
19.5 mi into trip
|
~32m in
|
I 43
Merge onto I 43
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
41.3 mi into trip
|
~56m in
|
US 45
Take the exit onto US 45 toward I 41 North, US 45 North, I 894 West: Fond du Lac, Madison
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 61
Toward I 41 North, US 45 North, I 894 West: Fon...
7
45 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
Take the exit toward WI 59: Greenfield Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1D
Toward WI 59: Greenfield Avenue
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 Whitewater, WI to West Allis, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Madison along the way.
Madison
41.3 mi in
|
~56m
|
via US 45
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 43 | 21.8 mi | 23m |
| Iron Brigade Memorial Highway | 7.4 mi | 10m |
| State Highway 20 | 7.4 mi | 10m |
| Zoo Freeway | 3.1 mi | 4m |
| North Street | 2.1 mi | 4m |
| West Greenfield Avenue | 1.5 mi | 3m |
| WI 59 | 1 mi | 2m |
| East Milwaukee Street | 0.9 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 43
— 21.8 mi, about 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Whitewater, WI and West Allis, WI.
1
Start on West Center Street
411 ft
·
14 sec
·
West Center Street
2
Turn left onto West Whitewater Street
254 ft
·
11 sec
·
West Whitewater Street
3
Turn right onto US 12 Business
0.1 mi
·
32 sec
·
West Main Street
4
Continue on US 12 Business
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
East Milwaukee Street
5
Turn slight right onto WI 59; US 12 Business
171 ft
·
8 sec
·
WI 59; US 12 Business
6
Enter roundabout onto WI 59; US 12 Business
95 ft
·
5 sec
·
WI 59; US 12 Business
7
Continue on WI 59; US 12 Business
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
WI 59; US 12 Business
Use the straight lane.
8
Turn left onto US 12
7.4 mi
·
10 min
·
Iron Brigade Memorial Highway
Use the left lane.
9
Turn left onto WI 20
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
State Highway 20
10
Continue on WI 20
5.9 mi
·
8 min
·
State Highway 20
11
Continue on WI 20
2.1 mi
·
4 min
·
North Street
12
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 43 North
13
Merge onto I 43
22 mi
·
23 min
·
I 43
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit onto US 45
0.6 mi
·
55 sec
·
US 45
Exit 61
Toward I 41 North, US 45 North, I 894 West: Fond du Lac, Madison
15
Merge onto I 41; I 894; US 41; US 45
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Zoo Freeway
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 1D
Toward WI 59: Greenfield Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
17
Turn right onto WI 59
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
West Greenfield Avenue
Use the left lane.
18
Arrive at destination
WI 59
Trip Plan
Given the short 1 hour and 5 minute duration for this 46.7-mile trip, you have a lot of flexibility. Consider leaving mid-morning to avoid the peak rush hour, especially as you approach West Allis. The estimated fuel cost of $7 means you likely won't need to worry about frequent refueling stops, though it's always wise to start with a full tank. A key consideration for this route is the 21.8-mile stretch on I-43; be prepared for highway speeds and potential traffic as you get closer to your destination.
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 23.3 miles from Whitewater, WI, or about 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 21.8 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 10 miles or 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 23.3 miles or 36m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near West Allis, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Whitewater, WI so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Whitewater, WI
This is one driving day of about 46.7 miles and 1h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 10 miles from Whitewater, WI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 43 for about 21.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 23.3 mi from Whitewater, WI · 36m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
23 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 10 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 23.3 miles from Whitewater, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in West Allis, WI
The final approach into West Allis, WI usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$7.30 one way
$14.60 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
16 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $8.02 | $16.03 |
| premium | $4.89 | $8.99 | $17.97 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $10.31 | $20.62 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$32–$57
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 16.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 69% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 14 | 0 | $4.90 | $2.24 |
| Efficient EV | 11.7 | 0 | $4.09 | $1.87 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 18.7 | 0 | $6.54 | $2.99 |
Gas CO2
16 kg
EV CO2
5 kg (69% 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
West Allis, WI
Evening in West Allis on Wednesday
Local time
7:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
1h 5m 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 Whitewater, WI to West Allis, WI covers 46.7 miles and takes about 1h 5m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 43, Iron Brigade Memorial Highway, State Highway 20. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 23.3 miles from Whitewater, WI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $7.30 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 46.7 miles you will encounter 12 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 (WI 59; US 12 Business): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 2.1 miles (US 12 / Iron Brigade Memorial Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 19.5 miles (I 43): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Whitewater, WI to West Allis, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Madison along the way.
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