Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Hayward, WI to City of Janesville, 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
5h 54m
Distance
314 mi
505 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$46
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 42m
★
6 AM
5h 55m
8 AM
6h 21m
10 AM
6h 4m
12 PM
6h 1m
3 PM
6h 5m
5 PM
6h 20m
8 PM
5h 47m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hayward, WI
Wikimedia Commons
City of Janesville, WI
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
Spanning 314.6 miles, this journey from Hayward to Janesville takes you across the heart of Wisconsin. You should budget roughly 4 hours and 53 minutes of drive time, making this a challenging but manageable day trip for those who prefer to keep moving. With a fuel estimate of $48, it is an affordable way to traverse the state from the north woods down toward the southern border. Since this route functions as a turn-heavy local drive rather than a straight interstate shot, expect to stay engaged behind the wheel for the duration. Whether you are traveling for business or a visit, this trip is best tackled in a single day, though you will certainly be ready for a break once you arrive in Janesville.
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
157 miles from Hayward, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 1m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 167.8 mi | 2h 59m |
| US 53 | 84.6 mi | 1h 35m |
| I 39 | 33.1 mi | 35m |
| US 63 | 24.4 mi | 34m |
| Milton Avenue | 2.3 mi | 5m |
| North Garfield Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| East Court Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| East Memorial Drive | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 167.8 mi, about 2h 59m
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 Hayward, WI and City of Janesville, WI.
1
Start on US 63
21 mi
·
29 min
·
US 63
Use the straight lane.
2
Enter roundabout onto US 63
132 ft
·
7 sec
·
US 63
3
Continue on US 63
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
US 63
4
Enter roundabout onto US 63
17 ft
·
1 sec
·
US 63
Toward US 53 South, US 63 South,
5
Continue on US 63
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
US 63
Toward US 53 South, US 63 South,
6
Keep slight left at fork onto US 53
84 mi
·
1 hr 34 min
·
US 53
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
Turn straight onto US 53
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
US 53
Toward US 53 South: Brackett
8
Enter roundabout onto US 53
378 ft
·
5 sec
·
US 53
9
Continue on US 53
441 ft
·
8 sec
·
US 53
10
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
11
Merge onto I 94
168 mi
·
2 hr 59 min
·
I 94
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; I 90
33 mi
·
35 min
·
I 39; I 90
Toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 171A
Toward WI 26: State Highway 26
15
Keep slight right at fork
414 ft
·
10 sec
Toward WI 26 South: Janesville
16
Turn slight right onto WI 26
2.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Milton Avenue
17
Turn left onto East Memorial Drive
261 ft
·
11 sec
·
East Memorial Drive
18
Continue on North Garfield Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Garfield Avenue
19
Turn right onto East Court Street
467 ft
·
15 sec
·
East Court Street
20
Arrive at destination
East Court Street
Trip Plan
Aim to depart Hayward early in the morning to account for the winding nature of these local roads and the nearly five-hour drive time. With only one recommended stop planned, you should look for a midpoint opportunity to stretch your legs and refuel your vehicle. Keep in mind that the turn-heavy nature of this path can be more fatiguing than highway driving, so prioritize hydration and frequent adjustments to your seating position. Since you are navigating local routes rather than major interstates, keep a close eye on your GPS to ensure you stay on track through the various turns. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, allowing you to choose exactly when you want to take your break.
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 157 miles from Hayward, WI, or about 3h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 167.8 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 69 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 157 miles or 3h 1m 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 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near City of Janesville, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hayward, 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 Hayward, WI
This is one driving day of about 314 miles and 5h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 miles from Hayward, 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 167.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
157 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 69 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 157 miles from Hayward, 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 167.8 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.
Lyndon Station Rest Area 9
0 mi from route
Millston Rest Area 53
0 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Portage Rest Area 11
0.1 mi from route
Poynette Rest Area 12
0.1 mi from route
Janesville Rest Area 17
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Chetek Rest Area 34
0.1 mi from route
Rest area
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
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
Mauston Rest Area 10
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
1 mi from route
Rest Area
1.5 mi from route
Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
Hayward, Wisconsin
Hours: 9:30 am–4 pm
+17156344440
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 20.9 and 310.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
20.9 mi into trip
|
~29m in
|
US 63
Enter roundabout onto US 63 toward US 53 South, US 63 South,
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 53 South, US 63 South,
6
24.4 mi into trip
|
~34m in
|
US 53
Keep slight left at fork onto US 53
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
8
277.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 10m in
|
I 39; I 90
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; I 90 toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
7
310.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 46m in
Keep slight right at fork toward WI 26: State Highway 26
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 171A
Toward WI 26: State Highway 26
6
310.9 mi into trip
|
~5h 47m in
Keep slight right at fork toward WI 26 South: Janesville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward WI 26 South: Janesville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.37 one way
$92.74 round trip
$3.75/gal
25.4 MPG avg
110 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.14 | $51.19 | $102.38 |
| premium | $4.72 | $58.30 | $116.60 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $59.29 | $118.58 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 109.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 94.2 | 1 | $32.97 | $15.07 |
| Efficient EV | 78.5 | 0 | $27.48 | $12.56 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 125.6 | 1 | $43.96 | $20.10 |
Gas CO2
110 kg
EV CO2
37 kg (66% 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.
Origin
Hayward, WI
Evening in Hayward on Saturday
Local time
8:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 10 mph
6% chance
Live forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 10:54AM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 10:54AM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
Destination
City of Janesville, WI
Evening in City of Janesville on Saturday
Local time
8:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 5 to 10 mph
15% chance
Live forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 10:54AM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 10:54AM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
58°F
Hale, WI
157 mi in
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
2 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 54m 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 216.5
Park Closure: Janesville Segment — Partial Trail Closure
Caution: General Advisory — Flooding Possible
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Prepare for a drive that prioritizes local roads over monotonous interstate cruising. You will navigate via US 63 and US 53 South, focusing on a turn-heavy profile that requires your constant attention. Because this route lacks a high highway share, the pace is more rhythmic and variable than a typical high-speed sprint. You won't find long, uninterrupted stretches here, meaning the road keeps you active as you transition through the Wisconsin landscape. It is a practical drive that favors back-road navigation, so expect a more hands-on experience than you would get on a major freeway.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 167.8 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and US 53. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 20.9 miles in near US 63.
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 314 miles you will encounter 14 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 20.9 miles (US 63): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24.4 miles (US 53): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 277.4 miles (I 39; I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,193 ft
816 ft
Total Climb
487 ft
Total Descent
826 ft
Highest Point
1,193 ft
Elevation Range
376 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Hayward, WI
Full guide →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 54m. Total distance: 314 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 167.8 miles on I 94. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 25 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 City of Janesville, 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 25 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 20.9 miles (US 63): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24.4 miles (US 53): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 277.4 miles (I 39; I 90): 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at City of Janesville, 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, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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