This 166.9-mile drive from Kronenwetter to the City of Janesville, Wisconsin, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 3 hours and 9 minutes on the road, with the bulk of your travel occurring on I-39. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $26, making it an economical option. This route sticks to the Midwest region, offering a consistent feel throughout. It's a practical choice for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
83.5 miles from Kronenwetter, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 39
156.5 mi
2h 47m
State Highway 153
3.1 mi
4m
Milton Avenue
2.3 mi
5m
CTH X
2.3 mi
3m
Forest Road
0.8 mi
3m
North Garfield Avenue
0.5 mi
1m
Autumn Road
0.3 mi
1m
East Court Street
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 39
— 156.5 mi, about 2h 47m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kronenwetter, WI and City of Janesville, WI.
1
Start on Autumn Road
0.3 mi·1 min·Autumn Road
2
Turn right onto Forest Road
0.8 mi·3 min·Forest Road
3
At end of road, turn left onto CTH X; CTH XX
2.3 mi·3 min·CTH X; CTH XX
4
Turn right onto WI 153
3.1 mi·4 min·State Highway 153
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Turn left
0.3 mi·46 sec
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens PointUse the left lane.
6
Merge onto I 39; US 51
13 mi·14 min·I 39; US 51
7
Continue on I 39; US 10; US 51
7.4 mi·7 min·I 39; US 10; US 51
8
Continue on I 39; US 51
73 mi·1 hr 18 min·I 39; US 51
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39
30 mi·31 min·I 39
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; I 90
33 mi·35 min·I 39; I 90
Toward I 39, I 90: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 171AToward WI 26: State Highway 26
13
Keep slight right at fork
414 ft·10 sec
Toward WI 26 South: Janesville
14
Turn slight right onto WI 26
2.3 mi·5 min·Milton Avenue
15
Turn left onto East Memorial Drive
261 ft·11 sec·East Memorial Drive
16
Continue on North Garfield Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·North Garfield Avenue
17
Turn right onto East Court Street
467 ft·15 sec·East Court Street
18
Arrive at destination
East Court Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour duration and 166.9-mile distance, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip. You can depart Kronenwetter in the morning and arrive in Janesville by midday. With only one recommended stop and the longest stretch being 156.5 miles on I-39, plan your breaks accordingly, perhaps around the halfway point. The estimated fuel cost is $26, so ensure your tank is adequately full before you set off to minimize any mid-drive fuel stops. Keep an eye out for signs for Milton Avenue as you approach Janesville, as this will be your final road before reaching your destination.
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 83.5 miles from Kronenwetter, WI, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 156.5 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 37 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 83.5 miles or 1h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 32m
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 Kronenwetter, 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 Kronenwetter, WI
This is one driving day of about 166.9 miles and 3h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Kronenwetter, 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 39 for about 156.5 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 12
5 decision points cluster between mile 6.6 and 163.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
6.6 mi into trip|~12m in
Turn left toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point
6
100.7 mi into trip|~1h 53m in|I 39
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
130.3 mi into trip|~2h 25m 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
163.6 mi into trip|~3h 1m 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
163.9 mi into trip|~3h 1m 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
$26.09 one way
$52.19 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg58 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$28.65
$57.30
premium
$4.89
$32.12
$64.24
diesel
$5.61
$36.85
$73.70
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
50.1
0
$17.52
$8.01
Efficient EV
41.7
0
$14.60
$6.68
EV Truck/SUV
66.8
0
$23.37
$10.68
Gas CO2
58 kg
EV CO2
20 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 15, 2026
Origin
Kronenwetter, WI
Late night
in Kronenwetter on Sunday
Local time
2:37 AM
CDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
City of Janesville, WI
Late night
in City of Janesville on Sunday
Local time
2:37 AM
CDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
46°F
Portage, WI
83 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
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
3h 9m 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.
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 63.3
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
Caution: Skunk and Foster Lakes Segment — Storm Damage
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Predominantly a highway-focused drive, this route boasts a 96% highway share, meaning you'll be on high-speed roads for most of your 166.9-mile trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a substantial 156.5 miles primarily on I-39, offering a chance to maintain a steady pace. While the majority is interstate, you'll also encounter State Highway 153 and Milton Avenue, which may offer brief changes in scenery or speed before returning to highway travel. This drive is designed for efficient travel rather than winding scenic exploration.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 156.5 mi on I 39.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 39 and State Highway 153. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 6.6 miles in.
Driving Effort6/10
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 166.9 miles you will encounter 12 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 6.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.7 miles (I 39): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 130.3 miles (I 39; I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 9m. Total distance: 166.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 156.5 miles on I 39. 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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.7 miles (I 39): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 130.3 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.
Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at City of Janesville, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
