Franklin, WI to New London, WI is 119.6 miles and takes about 2h 23m via I 41 and US 45, with a fuel budget near $19 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Wisconsin, moving through the Midwest region from one point to another. It's a straightforward, highway-focused drive that's ideal for a single-day trip. Plan for a quick journey with minimal fuss, perfect for when you need to get from point A to point B efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
59.8 miles from Franklin, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 13m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 41
61.6 mi
1h 6m
Zoo Freeway
24.1 mi
29m
US 45
19.2 mi
23m
US Highway 45
7.1 mi
9m
South Lovers Lane Road
4.4 mi
8m
Mill Street
1.3 mi
2m
East Beacon Avenue
0.3 mi
<1m
South Pearl Street
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 41
— 61.6 mi, about 1h 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Franklin, WI and New London, WI.
1
Start on this road
141 ft·11 sec·this road
2
Turn right
89 ft·8 sec
3
At end of road, turn right onto US 45
384 ft·16 sec·US 45
4
Turn left onto US 45; WI 100
0.1 mi·14 sec·West Saint Martins Road
5
Continue on US 45; WI 100
4.4 mi·8 min·South Lovers Lane Road
6
Take the ramp onto US 45
0.4 mi·52 sec·US 45
Toward I 43 North, US 45 North
7
Merge onto I 43; US 45
0.2 mi·19 sec·Rock Freeway
8
Take the exit onto US 45
0.6 mi·55 sec·US 45
Exit 61Toward I 41 North, US 45 North, I 894 West: Fond du Lac, Madison
9
Merge onto I 41; I 894; US 41; US 45
24 mi·29 min·Zoo Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41
62 mi·1 hr 6 min·I 41; US 41
Toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, AppletonUse the slight left lane.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward US 45: New London, Algoma BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·58 sec
Toward US 45 North: New LondonUse the slight left lane.
13
Merge onto US 45
15 mi·17 min·US 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
2.9 mi·3 min·US 45
Exit 273Toward US 45 North: New LondonUse the straight lane.
15
Enter roundabout onto US 45
125 ft·7 sec·US Highway 45
Toward US 45 North: New London
16
Continue on US 45
7.0 mi·9 min·US Highway 45
Toward US 45 North: New LondonUse the straight / left lanes.
17
Take the exit
188 ft·5 sec
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
18
Turn left onto US 45 Bus; CTH T
1.3 mi·2 min·Mill Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
19
Turn left onto US 45 Business; CTH T
0.3 mi·35 sec·East Beacon Avenue
20
Turn right onto US 45 Business; CTH D
0.3 mi·41 sec·South Pearl Street
21
Turn left onto US 45 Business; CTH D
47 ft·0 sec·West North Water Street
22
Arrive at destination
US 45 Business; CTH D
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 2h 23m duration, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. Leaving in the morning or early afternoon will easily allow you to complete this 119.6-mile trip within daylight hours. With a fuel cost estimated at $19, it's wise to start with a full tank to avoid unnecessary stops. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as the longest stretch without a major exit is 61.6 miles on I 41.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 59.8 miles from Franklin, WI, or about 1h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.6 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 26 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 59.8 miles or 1h 13m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New London, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Franklin, 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 Franklin, WI
This is one driving day of about 119.6 miles and 2h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Franklin, WI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 41 for about 61.6 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.3 and 107.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
5.3 mi into trip|~10m in|US 45
Take the exit onto US 45 toward I 41 North, US 45 North, I 894 West: Fond du Lac, Madison
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 61
Toward I 41 North, US 45 North, I 894 West: Fon...
8
30 mi into trip|~41m in|I 41; US 41
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41 toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton
7
91.6 mi into trip|~1h 47m in
Take the exit toward US 45: New London, Algoma Boulevard
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.
Toward US 45: New London, Algoma Boulevard
7
91.7 mi into trip|~1h 47m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 45 North: New London
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 45 North: New London
8
107.8 mi into trip|~2h 6m in|US 45
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45 toward US 45 North: New London
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Exit 273
Toward US 45 North: New London
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.70 one way
$37.40 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg42 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$20.53
$41.06
premium
$4.89
$23.02
$46.03
diesel
$5.61
$26.41
$52.81
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 41.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
35.9
0
$12.56
$5.74
Efficient EV
29.9
0
$10.46
$4.78
EV Truck/SUV
47.8
0
$16.74
$7.65
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 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.
Forecast as of Apr 19, 2026
Origin
Franklin, WI
Morning
in Franklin on Sunday
Local time
6:32 AM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
New London, WI
Morning
in New London on Sunday
Local time
6:32 AM
CDT
Current temp
42°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
16 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
2h 23m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 94% of the journey on major roads like I 41 and US 45. You'll experience a highway-focused profile for most of the 119.6 miles. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 61.6 miles on I 41, offering a consistent pace. Expect a driving experience characterized by efficiency and steady progress, making it easy to maintain momentum.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.6 mi on I 41.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and Zoo Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.3 miles in near US 45.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 119.6 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 5.3 miles (US 45): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30 miles (I 41; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 91.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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.
On the drive from Franklin, WI to New London, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Appleton along the way.
Appleton
30 mi in|~41m|via I 41; US 41
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 23m. Total distance: 119.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 23m 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 61.6 miles on I 41. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 New London, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.3 miles (US 45): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30 miles (I 41; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 91.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at New London, WI before heading back.
