Origin
Clinton, WI
Late night in Clinton on Sunday
Local time
5:10 AM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clinton, WI to Eau Claire, WI
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 11m
Distance
224.3 mi
361 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 58m
★
6 AM
4h 11m
8 AM
4h 38m
10 AM
4h 21m
12 PM
4h 18m
3 PM
4h 22m
5 PM
4h 36m
8 PM
4h 4m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clinton, WI
Tom Fisk
Eau Claire, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from Clinton to Eau Claire, you are looking at a 224.3-mile journey across the heart of Wisconsin. Expect to spend about 4 hours and 11 minutes behind the wheel, making this a very manageable day trip that does not require an overnight stay. You will rely heavily on major thoroughfares, specifically I-94, I-39, and I-90, to make your way through the Midwest. Budget roughly $34 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Because this route is straightforward and efficient, it is a great option for travelers who prefer a direct path over winding backroads. Whether you are heading north for business or a quick getaway, the trip is well-suited for a single day of driving.
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
112.1 miles from Clinton, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 7m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 76.1 mi | 1h 21m |
| I 39 | 65.8 mi | 1h 10m |
| I 90 | 63.5 mi | 1h 8m |
| South State Road 140 | 6.2 mi | 10m |
| US 14 | 4.7 mi | 6m |
| South Hastings Way | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| East Racine Street | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| US 53 | 1.3 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 76.1 mi, about 1h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clinton, WI and Eau Claire, WI.
1
Start on CTH J; CTH X
21 ft
·
3 sec
·
Milwaukee Street
2
Turn right onto WI 140
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Church Street
3
Continue on WI 140
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
South State Highway 140
4
Continue on WI 140
6.2 mi
·
10 min
·
South State Road 140
5
At end of road, turn left onto US 14; WI 11
4.7 mi
·
6 min
·
US 14; WI 11
6
Turn left onto WI 11
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
East Racine Street
7
Enter roundabout
10 ft
·
0 sec
Toward I-90 WEST, I-39 NORTH: Madison
8
Continue
0.3 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I-90 WEST, I-39 NORTH: Madison
9
Merge onto I 39; I 90
66 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
I 39; I 90
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
63 mi
·
1 hr 8 min
·
I 90; I 94
Use the straight lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94
76 mi
·
1 hr 21 min
·
I 94
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Toward US 53: Eau Claire, Superior
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
36 sec
Toward US 53 North: Eau Claire, Superior
14
Merge onto US 53
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
US 53
15
Take the exit onto US 53 Business
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
South Hastings Way
Toward US 53 Business: Hastings Way
16
Turn left onto Brackett Avenue
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
·
Brackett Avenue
17
Continue on Harding Avenue
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Harding Avenue
18
Continue on Washington Street
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
Washington Street
19
Turn right onto South Farwell Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Farwell Street
20
Turn left onto East Grand Avenue
35 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Grand Avenue
21
Arrive at destination
East Grand Avenue
Trip Plan
For the smoothest experience, plan your departure to avoid peak traffic hours, as the heavy reliance on interstates can lead to congestion. You should aim for at least one planned stop to break up the four-hour drive, which helps maintain focus during the longer interstate segments. Since your fuel budget is estimated at $34, filling up before you hit the longest 76.1-mile stretch on I-94 is a smart way to ensure you aren't searching for stations when you're deep into the drive. The flexibility of a four-hour trip means you can easily adjust your pace to suit your schedule, so don't feel rushed to reach Eau Claire in one go. Keep a close watch on signage as you transition between I-90, I-39, and I-94 to ensure you stay on the most efficient path.
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 112.1 miles from Clinton, WI, or about 2h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.1 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 49 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112.1 miles or 2h 7m 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 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Eau Claire, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Clinton, 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 Clinton, WI
This is one driving day of about 224.3 miles and 4h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Clinton, 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 94 for about 76.1 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 112.1 miles from Clinton, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 76.1 miles.
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 135 decision points cluster between mile 7 and 219 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
7 mi into trip
|
~12m in
|
US 14; WI 11
At end of road, turn left onto US 14; WI 11
Navigation decision point
6
13.2 mi into trip
|
~21m in
Enter roundabout toward I-90 WEST, I-39 NORTH: Madison
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I-90 WEST, I-39 NORTH: Madison
6
79.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 32m 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
142.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 40m 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
219 mi into trip
|
~4h 2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 53 North: Eau Claire, Superior
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 53 North: Eau Claire, Superior
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.07 one way
$70.13 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
79 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $38.50 | $77.00 |
| premium | $4.89 | $43.16 | $86.33 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $49.52 | $99.05 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 67.3 | 0 | $23.55 | $10.77 |
| Efficient EV | 56.1 | 0 | $19.63 | $8.97 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 89.7 | 1 | $31.40 | $14.36 |
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.
Destination
Eau Claire, WI
Late night in Eau Claire on Sunday
Local time
5:10 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Sunny
S 0 to 10 mph
2% chance
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
4h 11m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is a quintessential highway-focused drive, with 94% of your journey spent on high-speed interstates. You will settle into a steady rhythm as you navigate the primary network of Wisconsin’s major roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 76.1 miles on I-94, which allows for consistent travel speeds once you clear the initial departure area. While you won't encounter technical mountain passes or tight local turns, the interstate environment demands alertness as you transition between the three main highways. Expect a predictable experience that prioritizes speed and efficiency over scenic detours, keeping you moving steadily toward your destination in Eau Claire.
94% 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: 76.1 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and I 39. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7 miles in near US 14; WI 11.
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 13 significant decision points across 224.3 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 7 miles (US 14; WI 11): Navigation decision point; at 13.2 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 79.3 miles (I 90; I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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.
On the drive from Clinton, WI to Eau Claire, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Paul along the way.
Saint Paul
142.7 mi in
|
~2h 40m
|
via I 94
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 11m. Total distance: 224.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 76.1 miles on I 94. 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 Eau Claire, 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: at 7 miles (US 14; WI 11): Navigation decision point; at 13.2 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 79.3 miles (I 90; I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Eau Claire, 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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