Poynette Rest Area 12
0 mi from route
Trip from City of Janesville, WI to Lima, WI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 21m
Distance
224.1 mi
361 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 9m
★
6 AM
4h 22m
8 AM
4h 48m
10 AM
4h 31m
12 PM
4h 28m
3 PM
4h 32m
5 PM
4h 47m
8 PM
4h 14m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
City of Janesville, WI
Tom Fisk
Lima, WI
Erick Ortega
Trip Overview
Janesville to Lima is 224.1 miles and takes about 4h 21m via I 90, I 39, and I 94, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays entirely within Wisconsin, connecting two points in the Midwest region. The route is predominantly highway driving, making it a straightforward trip for those looking to cover ground efficiently. With just one recommended stop, you can easily complete this drive in a single day, making it a practical option for a quick getaway or transit.
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
112 miles from City of Janesville, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 4m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 63.5 mi | 1h 8m |
| I 39 | 61.3 mi | 1h 5m |
| I 94 | 58.5 mi | 1h 2m |
| US Highway 10 | 28.6 mi | 39m |
| 10th Street | 3.5 mi | 6m |
| Milton Avenue | 3.1 mi | 6m |
| East Main Street | 2.2 mi | 4m |
| County Highway V | 1.5 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 63.5 mi, about 1h 8m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 30 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,585 veh/hr typical · worst 2,364
Quietest
2 AM
~199 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
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 City of Janesville, WI and Lima, WI.
1
Start on East Court Street
148 ft
·
6 sec
·
East Court Street
2
Turn right onto Harrison Street
513 ft
·
26 sec
·
Harrison Street
3
Turn left onto East Milwaukee Street
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
East Milwaukee Street
4
Turn sharp right onto Milton Avenue
3.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Milton Avenue
5
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
6
Merge onto I 39; I 90
61 mi
·
1 hr 5 min
·
I 39; I 90
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
63 mi
·
1 hr 8 min
·
I 90; I 94
Use the straight lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94
59 mi
·
1 hr 2 min
·
I 94
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Use the straight lane.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 88
Toward US 10, CTH R: Osseo, Augusta
10
Keep slight left at fork
182 ft
·
6 sec
11
Turn left onto US 10
3.5 mi
·
6 min
·
10th Street
12
Continue on US 10
10 mi
·
13 min
·
US Highway 10
13
Continue on US 10
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Mondovi Street East
14
Continue on US 10
8.9 mi
·
12 min
·
US Highway 10
15
Continue on US 10
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
East Main Street
16
Continue on US 10
9.7 mi
·
13 min
·
US Highway 10
17
Turn right onto CTH V
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
County Highway V
18
Arrive at destination
CTH V
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 21m duration, leaving Janesville in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight and arrive well before evening. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing, but consider a break around the halfway point to stretch your legs. The fuel cost is estimated at $35, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before departing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 63.5-mile stretch on I 90, as services can be spread out in some rural interstate sections.
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 112 miles from City of Janesville, WI, or about 2h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 63.5 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 49 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112 miles or 2h 4m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lima, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving City of Janesville, 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 City of Janesville, WI
This is one driving day of about 224.1 miles and 4h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from City of Janesville, 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 63.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
112 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 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 112 miles from City of Janesville, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 63.5 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Rest Area
0 mi from route
Rest Area
0 mi from route
Rest area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Portage Rest Area 11
0.1 mi from route
Janesville Rest Area 17
0.1 mi from route
Lyndon Station Rest Area 9
0.1 mi from route
Millston Rest Area 53
0.1 mi from route
Mauston Rest Area 10
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Black River Falls Rest Area 54
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Pleasant Springs Travel Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
1 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 decision points cluster between mile 4.2 and 187.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
4.2 mi into trip
|
~9m in
|
I 39; I 90
Merge onto I 39; I 90
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
6
65.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 15m in
|
I 90; I 94
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
129 mi into trip
|
~2h 23m in
|
I 94
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
6
187.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 25m in
Take the exit toward US 10, CTH R: Osseo, Augusta
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 88
Toward US 10, CTH R: Osseo, Augusta
5
187.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 26m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.09 one way
$66.19 round trip
$3.75/gal
25.4 MPG avg
78 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.14 | $36.54 | $73.07 |
| premium | $4.72 | $41.61 | $83.22 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $42.31 | $84.63 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 67.2 | 0 | $23.53 | $10.76 |
| Efficient EV | 56 | 0 | $19.61 | $8.96 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 89.6 | 1 | $31.37 | $14.34 |
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 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.
Origin
City of Janesville, WI
Late night in City of Janesville on Sunday
Local time
5:46 AM
CDT
Current temp
88°F
Mostly Sunny
N 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 12:48PM CDT until July 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Destination
Lima, WI
Late night in Lima on Sunday
Local time
5:46 AM
CDT
Current temp
88°F
Sunny
N 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 12:48PM CDT until July 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
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
4h 21m 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 92.7
Caution: General Advisory — Flooding Possible
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 95% highway, meaning you'll spend most of your time on the interstate. The longest continuous stretch without a major change in direction is 63.5 miles on I 90. You'll experience consistent cruising speeds for the majority of the trip, with minimal time on surface roads as you approach your destination. Expect frequent exits and merges as you navigate the interstate system.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 63.5 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and I 39. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 4.2 miles in near I 39; I 90.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 224.1 miles you will encounter 10 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 4.2 miles (I 39; I 90): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 65.5 miles (I 90; I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 129 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,081 ft
825 ft
Total Climb
495 ft
Total Descent
486 ft
Highest Point
1,081 ft
~176 mi in
Elevation Range
256 ft
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 City of Janesville, WI and Lima, WI, road signs point toward Saint Paul, Cth R: Osseo and Augusta.
Saint Paul
129 mi in
|
~2h 23m
|
via I 94
Cth R: Osseo
187.5 mi in
|
~3h 25m
Augusta
187.5 mi in
|
~3h 25m
About the Cities
Arriving in Lima, WI
Full guide →Founded 1535
Top landmarks
- • National University of San Marcos — public research university in Lima, Peru
- • Pachacámac — archaeological site in Peru
- • Cathedral of Lima — 16th century Roman Catholic cathedral in Lima, Peru
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 4h 21m. Total distance: 224.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 63.5 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 22 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Lima, 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. There are 22 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.2 miles (I 39; I 90): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 65.5 miles (I 90; I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 129 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Lima, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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