Origin
Ellsworth, WI
Late night in Ellsworth on Friday
Local time
2:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ellsworth, WI to Milwaukee, WI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Sep 4, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 45m
Distance
292.1 mi
470 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$45
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 32m
★
6 AM
5h 45m
8 AM
6h 12m
10 AM
5h 54m
12 PM
5h 52m
3 PM
5h 56m
5 PM
6h 10m
8 PM
5h 37m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ellsworth, WI
Google DeepMind
Milwaukee, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Ellsworth, WI to Milwaukee, WI is 292.1 miles and takes about 5h 45m via Highway 10, with a fuel budget near $46 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Wisconsin, crossing the Midwest region on a route that primarily uses surface roads. You'll find this drive to be a straightforward option for getting between these two points, offering a less highway-intensive experience. It's a solid choice if you prefer to see more of the towns and countryside you pass through, rather than sticking to the interstate.
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
146.1 miles from Ellsworth, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 4m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 221.2 mi | 4h |
| US Highway 10 | 61.4 mi | 1h 25m |
| West Main Street | 3.7 mi | 8m |
| 10th Street | 3.3 mi | 5m |
| East-West Freeway | 1 mi | 1m |
| Mondovi Street West | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| North Milwaukee Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| United States Highway 10 | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 221.2 mi, about 4h
Traffic on I-94
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 256 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,380 veh/hr typical · worst 4,048
Quietest
2 AM
~212 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 104 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 Ellsworth, WI and Milwaukee, WI.
1
Start on US 10; US 63
1.5 mi
·
4 min
·
West Main Street
2
Continue on US 10; US 63
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
US Highway 10
3
Take the exit onto US 10
28 mi
·
39 min
·
US Highway 10
4
Continue on US 10
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
United States Highway 10
5
Turn straight onto US 10
14 mi
·
19 min
·
US Highway 10
6
Continue on US 10
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
West Main Street
7
Continue on US 10
8.9 mi
·
12 min
·
US Highway 10
8
Continue on US 10
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Mondovi Street West
9
Continue on US 10
10 mi
·
13 min
·
US Highway 10
10
Continue on US 10; US 53
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
10th Street
11
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
12
Merge onto I 94
151 mi
·
2 hr 41 min
·
I 94
Use the straight lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
71 mi
·
1 hr 18 min
·
I 94
Exit 138A
Toward I 94: Milwaukee
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 794
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
East-West Freeway
Exit 310C
Toward I 794 East: Lakefront, Port of Milwaukee
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 1E
Toward Jackson Street, Van Buren Street
16
Turn slight right
309 ft
·
14 sec
Toward Jackson Street South
Use the right lane.
17
Turn right onto East Saint Paul Avenue
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
·
East Saint Paul Avenue
18
Turn right onto WI 32
0.3 mi
·
47 sec
·
North Milwaukee Street
19
Arrive at destination
US 18; WI 32
Trip Plan
With a drive time of under 6 hours, this trip is best tackled in a single day, allowing for flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning will give you ample daylight to complete the 292.1 miles. Plan for one stop to break up the journey, which should be sufficient given the duration and the fact that you'll be on surface roads. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is around $46, and it's always wise to top off before heading out, especially when not on major highways where services can be more spaced out.
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 146.1 miles from Ellsworth, WI, or about 3h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 221.2 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 64 miles or 1h 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 146.1 miles or 3h 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 4h 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Milwaukee, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ellsworth, 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 Ellsworth, WI
This is one driving day of about 292.1 miles and 5h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Ellsworth, 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 221.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
146 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 64 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 146.1 miles from Ellsworth, 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 221.2 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 95 decision points cluster between mile 69.3 and 291.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
69.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 41m in
|
I 94
Merge onto I 94
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
219.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 23m 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
9
290.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 41m in
|
I 794 / East-West Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 794 / East-West Freeway toward I 794 East: Lakefront, Port of Milwaukee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 310C
Toward I 794 East: Lakefront, Port of Milwaukee
6
291.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 43m in
Take the exit toward Jackson Street, Van Buren Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 1E
Toward Jackson Street, Van Buren Street
5
291.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 43m in
Turn slight right toward Jackson Street South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward Jackson Street South
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.29 one way
$90.57 round trip
$3.94/gal
25.4 MPG avg
102 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.32 | $49.66 | $99.31 |
| premium | $4.93 | $56.67 | $113.34 |
| diesel | $5.60 | $64.39 | $128.78 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 87.6 | 1 | $30.67 | $14.02 |
| Efficient EV | 73 | 0 | $25.56 | $11.68 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 116.8 | 1 | $40.89 | $18.69 |
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Milwaukee, WI
Late night in Milwaukee on Friday
Local time
2:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
67°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
12 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 45m 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 almost entirely surface roads, with 0% highway driving. You'll begin on West Main Street and Mondovi Street West, then transition onto Highway 10 for the bulk of the trip. The longest stretch without a significant break is not specified, but given the mostly surface road profile, expect frequent opportunities to pull over in towns. You'll notice a more consistent pace, with the potential for more traffic signals and lower speed limits than you'd find on an interstate.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 221.2 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and US Highway 10. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 69.3 miles in near I 94.
Driving Effort
5/10
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 292.1 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 69.3 miles (I 94): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 219.8 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 290.5 miles (I 794 / East-West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,209 ft
615 ft
Total Climb
464 ft
Total Descent
1,058 ft
Highest Point
1,209 ft
Elevation Range
594 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Ellsworth, WI
Full guide →Ellsworth is a village in Northwest Wisconsin.
Arriving in Milwaukee, WI
Full guide →“Mil Town” · Founded 1846
Milwaukee is the largest city in the state of Wisconsin, United States. The city celebrates its heritage as a major center for beer-brewing, and of it German and Polish communities. It is now known for its many festivals. The city's population is about 600,000 with about 1.6 million in the metropolitan area (2019). It is in the southeastern portion of the state on the western shore of Lake Michigan.
Top landmarks
- • Milwaukee Art Museum — art museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- • Milwaukee City Hall — municipal office in E. Wells St. Milwaukee, United States
- • Basilica of St. Josaphat — church building in Milwaukee, 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 5h 45m. Total distance: 292.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 221.2 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.
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 69.3 miles (I 94): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 219.8 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 290.5 miles (I 794 / East-West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Milwaukee, WI before the return drive.
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, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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