Origin
Amherst, WI
Late night in Amherst on Tuesday
Local time
4:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Amherst, WI to La Crosse, WI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 7m
Distance
141 mi
227 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 56m
★
6 AM
3h 8m
8 AM
3h 31m
10 AM
3h 16m
12 PM
3h 13m
3 PM
3h 17m
5 PM
3h 30m
8 PM
3h 1m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Amherst, WI
Tom Fisk
La Crosse, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 141-mile journey from Amherst to La Crosse, Wisconsin, is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take around 3 hours and 7 minutes. Primarily a highway-focused drive, you'll spend about 61% of your time on interstates, with I-90 and I-39 being your main arteries. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is $22, making it an economical option. Given its relatively short duration, this route is perfect for a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. Both your origin and destination are within the Midwest region, offering a consistent regional experience throughout your drive.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
70.5 miles from Amherst, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 38.1 mi | 40m |
| I 39 | 28.6 mi | 30m |
| West Follett Drive | 28.1 mi | 39m |
| State Highway 21 | 11.1 mi | 15m |
| East 3rd Street | 10.9 mi | 15m |
| County Road B | 8.7 mi | 15m |
| WI 16 | 4.9 mi | 8m |
| I 94 | 2.8 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 38.1 mi, about 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Amherst, WI and La Crosse, WI.
1
Start on South Main Street
27 ft
·
7 sec
·
South Main Street
2
Turn left onto Wilson Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Wilson Street
3
Continue on Western Way
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Western Way
4
Continue on CTH B
8.7 mi
·
15 min
·
County Road B
5
Continue on CTH B
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Plover Road
6
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
7
Merge onto I 39; US 51
29 mi
·
30 min
·
I 39; US 51
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward WI 21: Coloma, Necedah
9
Keep slight right at fork
121 ft
·
3 sec
10
Merge onto WI 21
28 mi
·
39 min
·
West Follett Drive
11
Continue on WI 21
11 mi
·
15 min
·
East 3rd Street
12
Continue on WI 21; CTH H
11 mi
·
15 min
·
State Highway 21
13
Continue on WI 21
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
East McCoy Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on WI 21
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
State Highway 21
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
16
Merge onto I 94
2.8 mi
·
2 min
·
I 94
17
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
51 sec
Exit 147
Toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
18
Merge onto I 90
38 mi
·
40 min
·
I 90
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 5
Toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
20
At end of road, turn left onto WI 16
4.9 mi
·
8 min
·
WI 16
21
Continue on Losey Boulevard North
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Losey Boulevard North
22
Turn right onto CTH F
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
23
Turn left onto 16th Street South
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
16th Street South
24
Turn right onto Johnson Street
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Johnson Street
25
At end of road, turn right onto WI 35
326 ft
·
11 sec
·
West Avenue South
26
Arrive at destination
WI 35
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour, 7-minute drive, leaving in the morning is ideal to maximize your day. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of around $22, planning ahead for fuel is simple. The 141-mile distance means you have flexibility; however, be mindful of the longest stretch of 38.1 miles on I-90, where opportunities for immediate services might be less frequent. Consider topping off your tank before departing Amherst or during your single planned stop to ensure a smooth journey to La Crosse. This route's manageable length means you can easily complete it in one go.
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 70.5 miles from Amherst, WI, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 38.1 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 31 miles or 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 70.5 miles or 1h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near La Crosse, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Amherst, 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 Amherst, WI
This is one driving day of about 141 miles and 3h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Amherst, 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 38.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
71 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 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 70.5 miles from Amherst, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 141 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Wilson Street
Turn left onto Wilson Street
Navigation decision point
5
40.8 mi into trip
|
~54m in
Take the exit toward WI 21: Coloma, Necedah
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward WI 21: Coloma, Necedah
6
94.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 9m in
Take the exit toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 147
Toward I 90 West: La Crosse, Albert Lea
6
133.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 51m in
Take the exit toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 5
Toward WI 16: La Crosse, Onalaska
5
141 mi into trip
|
~3h 7m in
|
WI 35 / West Avenue South
At end of road, turn right onto WI 35 / West Avenue South
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.04 one way
$44.09 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
49 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $24.20 | $48.41 |
| premium | $4.89 | $27.13 | $54.27 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $31.13 | $62.26 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 49.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 42.3 | 0 | $14.80 | $6.77 |
| Efficient EV | 35.3 | 0 | $12.34 | $5.64 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 56.4 | 0 | $19.74 | $9.02 |
Gas CO2
49 kg
EV CO2
16 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
La Crosse, WI
Late night in La Crosse on Tuesday
Local time
4:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
59°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 7m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-centric experience for most of this 141-mile drive, with 61% of the route utilizing interstate highways. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 38.1 miles on I-90, providing a good opportunity to settle into a consistent pace. While the majority of the drive is on faster roads, the inclusion of West Follett Drive suggests a potential shift to more local or scenic roads as you approach your destination. This mix offers a varied driving experience, moving from efficient interstate travel to potentially more winding or community-focused segments.
61% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 38.1 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 39. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Wilson Street.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 141 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: near the start (Wilson Street): Navigation decision point; at 40.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 94.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Amherst, WI and La Crosse, WI, road signs point toward Necedah, Albert Lea and Onalaska.
Necedah
40.8 mi in
|
~54m
Albert Lea
94.7 mi in
|
~2h 9m
Onalaska
133.5 mi in
|
~2h 51m
About the Cities
Arriving in La Crosse, WI
Full guide →Founded 1842
La Crosse is a city in the Coulee Region of Southwest Wisconsin on the Mississippi River. It is the county seat of La Crosse County. It's nestled between the river and picturesque bluffs that rise behind it. With a city population of around 50,000 and the metropolitan area just under 100,000, La Crosse offers visitors plenty of activities to do and sights to see, without the overwhelming hustle and bustle of bigger cities.
Top landmarks
- • St. Rose of Viterbo Convent — historic church in Wisconsin, United States
- • La Crosse station — train station in La Crosse, Wisconsin, US
- • Christ Episcopal Church — church building in Wisconsin, United States of America
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 7m. Total distance: 141 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 38.1 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.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at La Crosse, WI before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
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: near the start (Wilson Street): Navigation decision point; at 40.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 94.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at La Crosse, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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