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Trip from Kenosha, WI to Bridgeport, 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 25m

Distance

209.7 mi

338 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 13m ★
6 AM
4h 26m
8 AM
4h 53m
10 AM
4h 35m
12 PM
4h 33m
3 PM
4h 37m
5 PM
4h 51m
8 PM
4h 18m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

city in and county seat of Kenosha County, Wisconsin and part of the Chicago metropolitan area, known as Chicagoland

Kenosha, WI

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Bridgeport, WI, WI

Bridgeport, WI

Alec Adriano

Trip Overview

This 209.7-mile journey from Kenosha, WI, to Bridgeport, WI, is a manageable one-day trip taking approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes. Primarily following the East-West Freeway and US 18 before merging onto I-41, this route offers a straightforward drive through the Midwest. With a projected fuel cost of around $33, it's an economical option for a day excursion. The drive is characterized by its highway focus, making it efficient for covering ground. You'll spend about 79% of your time on major roadways, so expect a steady pace.

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

104.9 miles from Kenosha, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 4m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
East-West Freeway 63.8 mi 1h 9m
US 18 38.9 mi 47m
I 41 28.5 mi 33m
US Highway 18 24.1 mi 34m
Great River Road 23.2 mi 31m
South Beltline Highway 8.2 mi 11m
Airport Freeway 4.6 mi 6m
Burlington Road 3.7 mi 6m
Longest stretch: East-West Freeway — 63.8 mi, about 1h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Kenosha, WI and Bridgeport, WI.

1

Start on 56th Street

265 ft · 11 sec · 56th Street
2

Turn right onto WI 32

1.0 mi · 2 min · Sheridan Road
3

Turn left onto CTH S

3.0 mi · 6 min · Washington Road
Use the straight lane.
4

Continue on Burlington Road

3.7 mi · 6 min · Burlington Road
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward I 41 North, I 94 West
6

Merge onto I 41; I 94; US 41

23 mi · 24 min · I 41; I 94; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 94; US 41

0.6 mi · 49 sec · I 41; I 94; US 41
Exit 317 Toward I 41 North, I 43 South, I 894 Bypass: Madison, Fond du Lac Use the slight right lane.
8

Continue on I 41; US 41

1.1 mi · 1 min · I 41; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Merge onto I 41; I 43; I 894; US 41

4.6 mi · 6 min · Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 894; US 41

4.2 mi · 5 min · I 41; I 894; US 41
Toward I 41 North, I 894 North, US 41 North, US 45 North: Fond du Lac Use the slight right lane.
11

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 16 sec
Exit 1B-A Toward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, Milwaukee Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 56 sec
Exit 1B Toward I 94 West: Madison Use the slight left lane.
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 11 sec
Toward I 94 West: Madison
14

Merge onto I 94

10 mi · 11 min · East-West Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94

54 mi · 57 min · East-West Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight left at fork onto WI 30

0.2 mi · 15 sec · WI 30
Exit 240 Toward I 39 South, I 90 East, WI 30 West: Janesville, Madison
17

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 23 sec
Exit 240A Toward I 39 South, I 90 East: Janesville Use the slight left lane.
18

Merge onto I 39; I 90

3.2 mi · 3 min · I 39; I 90
19

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 142A Toward US 12 West, US 18 West: Madison
20

Merge onto US 12; US 18

8.2 mi · 11 min · South Beltline Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Take the exit onto US 18; US 151

38 mi · 45 min · US 18; US 151
Exit 258 Toward US 18 West, US 151 South: Dodgeville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Take the exit onto US 18

0.8 mi · 1 min · US 18
Exit 47 Toward US 18 West: Dodgeville, Prairie du Chien
23

Enter roundabout onto US 18

133 ft · 5 sec · Dodgeville Expressway
24

Continue on US 18

2.0 mi · 3 min · Dodgeville Expressway
25

Continue on US 18

8.4 mi · 11 min · US Highway 18
26

Continue on US 18

1.3 mi · 2 min · East Main Street
27

Continue on US 18; WI 80

16 mi · 22 min · US Highway 18
28

Continue on US 18

0.5 mi · 1 min · 12th Street
29

Turn right onto US 18; US 61

0.5 mi · 1 min · Lincoln Avenue
30

Turn left onto US 18

0.4 mi · 56 sec · 4th Street
31

Continue on US 18

23 mi · 31 min · Great River Road
32

Turn right onto WI 60

0.1 mi · 19 sec · State Highway 60
33

Arrive at destination

WI 60

Trip Plan

Given the 4 hours and 25-minute duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip from Kenosha to Bridgeport. Consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic, especially if you encounter any on the East-West Freeway. With only one recommended stop, plan your breaks strategically. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, particularly during the 63.8-mile stretch on the East-West Freeway, as services might be less frequent in certain 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 104.9 miles from Kenosha, WI, or about 2h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 63.8 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 46 miles or 1h 1m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 104.9 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 31m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bridgeport, WI than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Kenosha, 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 Kenosha, WI

This is one driving day of about 209.7 miles and 4h 25m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Kenosha, 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 East-West Freeway for about 63.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown McFarland, WI, WI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

McFarland, WI

105 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

West Allis, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cottage Grove, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 104.9 miles from Kenosha, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before East-West Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 63.8 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 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 30.8 and 106.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

9
30.8 mi into trip | ~40m in | I 41; I 94; US 41

Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 94; US 41 toward I 41 North, I 43 South, I 894 Bypass: Madison, Fond du Lac

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 317 Toward I 41 North, I 43 South, I 894 Bypass: Ma...
8
37 mi into trip | ~49m in | I 41; I 894; US 41

Keep slight right at fork onto I 41; I 894; US 41 toward I 41 North, I 894 North, US 41 North, US 45 North: Fond du Lac

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 41 North, I 894 North, US 41 North, US...
8
41.2 mi into trip | ~55m in

Take the exit toward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, Milwaukee

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 1B-A Toward I 94 West, I 94 East: Madison, Milwaukee
8
41.4 mi into trip | ~55m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 94 West: Madison

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Exit 1B Toward I 94 West: Madison
9
106.2 mi into trip | ~2h 6m in

Take the exit toward I 39 South, I 90 East: Janesville

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Exit 240A Toward I 39 South, I 90 East: Janesville

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$32.78 one way

$65.57 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 73 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $36.00 $71.99
premium $4.89 $40.35 $80.71
diesel $5.61 $46.30 $92.60

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: 73.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 62.9 0 $22.02 $10.07
Efficient EV 52.4 0 $18.35 $8.39
EV Truck/SUV 83.9 1 $29.36 $13.42

Gas CO2

73 kg

EV CO2

25 kg (66% 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

Kenosha, WI

Night in Kenosha on Saturday

Local time

9:50 PM

CDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Bridgeport, WI

Night in Bridgeport on Saturday

Local time

9:50 PM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

66°F

McFarland, WI

105 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

1 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

4h 25m 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?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive on this route, with 79% of your travel on major roads like the East-West Freeway and I-41. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 63.8 miles on the East-West Freeway, allowing for extended periods of consistent speed. While the route emphasizes efficiency, US 18 may offer a slight change of pace before rejoining the interstate. This is a drive where you'll cover a significant distance smoothly, making it ideal for those who prefer to keep moving.

79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 63.8 mi on East-West Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on East-West Freeway and US 18. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 30.8 miles in near I 41; I 94; US 41.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 21 significant decision points across 209.7 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 30.8 miles (I 41; I 94; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37 miles (I 41; I 894; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.2 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.

Between Kenosha, WI and Bridgeport, WI, road signs point toward Fond Du Lac, Milwaukee, Madison and Prairie Du Chien.

Fond Du Lac

30.8 mi in | ~40m | via I 41; I 94; US 41

Milwaukee

41.2 mi in | ~55m

Madison

105.9 mi in | ~2h 6m | via WI 30

Prairie Du Chien

156.8 mi in | ~3h 8m | via US 18

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 25m. Total distance: 209.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 63.8 miles on East-West Freeway. 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 Bridgeport, 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 30.8 miles (I 41; I 94; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37 miles (I 41; I 894; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Bridgeport, 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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