This 256-mile drive from Alma to Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 5 hours to complete. It's a primarily highway-focused journey, with about 82% of the route utilizing major interstates. You'll be on I-90 and I-94 for the bulk of your travel, with State Road 35 offering a change of pace. Budget around $40 for fuel for this trip. Given its manageable duration and highway nature, this route is well-suited for a day trip, allowing for a straightforward transition between the Midwest regions of Wisconsin. You'll find plenty of opportunities for a brief stop, making the 5-hour journey feel less taxing.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
128 miles from Alma, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 33m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
132.5 mi
2h 22m
I 94
55.6 mi
59m
State Road 35
28.7 mi
40m
US 53
14.8 mi
18m
State Highway 93
8.2 mi
11m
West Main Street
4.6 mi
9m
Redford Boulevard
4.5 mi
7m
South Main Street
2.4 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 132.5 mi, about 2h 22m
Traffic on I-94
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 44 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,563 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,040
Quietest
1 AM
~123 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
20.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
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Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alma, WI and Menomonee Falls, WI.
1
Start on WI 35
0.8 mi·1 min·South Main Street
2
Continue on WI 35
15 mi·21 min·State Road 35
3
Continue on WI 35
0.8 mi·1 min·North Shore Drive
4
Continue on WI 35
1.6 mi·2 min·South Main Street
5
Continue on WI 35
13 mi·19 min·State Road 35
6
Continue on WI 93; WI 54
8.2 mi·11 min·State Highway 93
7
Continue on US 53; WI 93
15 mi·18 min·US 53; WI 93
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
9
Merge onto I 90
133 mi·2 hr 22 min·I 90
Use the straight lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
56 mi·59 min·I 94
Exit 138AToward I 94: MilwaukeeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·31 sec
Exit 295Toward CTH F: Waukesha, SussexUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
188 ft·6 sec
Toward CTH F North: Waukesha, Sussex
13
Turn left onto CTH F
4.5 mi·7 min·Redford Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
14
Continue on CTH F
1.5 mi·2 min·Waukesha Avenue
15
Turn straight
374 ft·12 sec
16
Turn straight onto CTH F
1.2 mi·2 min·Main Street
17
At end of road, turn left onto CTH F; CTH V
0.4 mi·54 sec·Town Line Road
18
Enter roundabout onto CTH F
74 ft·4 sec·West Main Street
19
Continue on CTH F
4.6 mi·9 min·West Main Street
20
Turn left onto WI 175
21 ft·0 sec·Appleton Avenue
21
Arrive at destination
WI 175
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize your daylight and minimize traffic, especially on the interstate segments. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 132.5 miles, you can plan your breaks strategically. A quick fuel stop might be beneficial before you hit the longer stretches of I-90. The $40 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always check current prices. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility; however, staying aware of your fuel gauge on I-90 is a practical tip, as services can be more spaced out on longer highway segments.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 128 miles from Alma, WI, or about 2h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 132.5 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 56 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 128 miles or 2h 33m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 1m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Menomonee Falls, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Alma, 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 Alma, WI
This is one driving day of about 256 miles and 5h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Alma, WI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 90 for about 132.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 9
5 decision points cluster between mile 55.3 and 251 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
55.3 mi into trip|~1h 15m in|I 90
Merge onto I 90
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
187.8 mi into trip|~3h 37m in|I 94
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 toward I 94: Milwaukee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 138A
Toward I 94: Milwaukee
8
243.4 mi into trip|~4h 37m in
Take the exit toward CTH F: Waukesha, Sussex
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 295
Toward CTH F: Waukesha, Sussex
7
243.7 mi into trip|~4h 37m in
Keep slight left at fork toward CTH F North: Waukesha, Sussex
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward CTH F North: Waukesha, Sussex
5
251 mi into trip|~4h 50m in|CTH F; CTH V / Town Line Road
At end of road, turn left onto CTH F; CTH V / Town Line Road
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.81 one way
$75.61 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg90 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$41.74
$83.47
premium
$4.72
$47.53
$95.06
diesel
$4.80
$48.34
$96.68
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.8
0
$26.88
$12.29
Efficient EV
64
0
$22.40
$10.24
EV Truck/SUV
102.4
1
$35.84
$16.38
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Alma, WI
Morning
in Alma on Sunday
Local time
11:43 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Mostly Cloudy
NW 8 mph9% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 2:04AM CDT until July 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Destination
Menomonee Falls, WI
Morning
in Menomonee Falls on Sunday
Local time
11:43 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Cloudy
W 10 mph9% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 2:04AM CDT until July 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
86°F
Lodi, WI
128 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
5h on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail spans 1,200 miles, traverses some of Wisconsin's finest geologic and glacial features, and passes through the ancestral lands of 15 Tribes. The Trail is built, manage...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 132.4
Park Closure: Janesville Segment — Partial Trail Closure
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused profile for most of this 256-mile journey. With 82% of the drive on major highways like I-90 and I-94, you'll experience efficient travel for extended periods. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 132.5 miles on I-90, offering a chance to settle into a steady pace. While the majority is interstate, State Road 35 provides a brief interlude from the high-speed travel, adding a bit of variety to the driving experience. This route prioritizes directness, minimizing time spent on slower, more winding roads.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 132.5 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 94. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 55.3 miles in near I 90.
Driving Effort5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 256 miles you will encounter 9 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 55.3 miles (I 90): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 187.8 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 243.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h. Total distance: 256 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 132.5 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 55.3 miles (I 90): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 187.8 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 243.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Ice Age National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Menomonee Falls, WI before the return drive.
