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Trip from Lancaster, WI to City of Janesville, WI

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 37m

Distance

112.2 mi

181 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 27m ★
6 AM
2h 37m
8 AM
2h 58m
10 AM
2h 45m
12 PM
2h 43m
3 PM
2h 46m
5 PM
2h 57m
8 PM
2h 31m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Lancaster, WI, WI

Lancaster, WI

Tom Fisk

Downtown City of Janesville, WI, WI

City of Janesville, WI

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

This 112.2-mile drive from Lancaster, WI, to the City of Janesville, WI, will take you about 2 hours and 37 minutes. It's a straightforward, highway-focused trip primarily using US 18 and US Highway 14, with 78% of the journey on these main roads. Given its manageable length, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip. The estimated fuel cost is around $18, making it an economical option for exploring the Midwest. You'll encounter one designated stop along the way, offering a chance to break up the drive. This route offers a practical and efficient way to travel between these two Wisconsin communities.

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

56.1 miles from Lancaster, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 18m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 18 32.3 mi 37m
US Highway 18 24.1 mi 34m
US Highway 14 17 mi 23m
Lincoln Avenue 9.2 mi 13m
County Highway M 8.7 mi 13m
US 14 7.1 mi 9m
US 51 3.4 mi 6m
Dodgeville Expressway 2.4 mi 3m
Longest stretch: US 18 — 32.3 mi, about 37m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lancaster, WI and City of Janesville, WI.

1

Start on WI 35; WI 81

182 ft · 11 sec · South Jefferson Street
2

Turn left onto WI 35; WI 81

317 ft · 16 sec · West Cherry Street
3

Turn left onto US 61; WI 35; WI 81

0.2 mi · 37 sec · North Madison Street
4

Turn right onto CTH A

0.1 mi · 11 sec · County Road A
5

Continue on CTH A

0.7 mi · 1 min · East Elm Street
6

Continue on CTH A

0.5 mi · 56 sec · County Road A
7

Turn left onto WI 129; US 61 Truck

1.0 mi · 1 min · State Highway 129
8

Turn right onto US 61

9.2 mi · 13 min · Lincoln Avenue
9

Turn right onto US 18

0.5 mi · 1 min · 12th Street
10

Continue on US 18

16 mi · 22 min · US Highway 18
11

Continue on US 18; WI 80

1.3 mi · 2 min · West Main Street
12

Continue on US 18

8.4 mi · 11 min · US Highway 18
13

Continue on US 18

2.0 mi · 3 min · Dodgeville Expressway
14

Enter roundabout onto US 18

147 ft · 6 sec · Dodgeville Expressway
15

Continue on US 18

0.3 mi · 26 sec · Dodgeville Expressway
16

Keep slight left at fork onto US 18

32 mi · 37 min · US 18
17

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 58 sec
Toward CTH PB: Military Ridge State Trail, Ice Age National Scenic Trail Use the slight right lane.
18

Keep slight right at fork

142 ft · 3 sec
19

Turn straight onto CTH PB

0.2 mi · 28 sec · County Highway PB
20

Turn left onto CTH M

7.1 mi · 10 min · County Highway M
Use the left lane.
21

Turn straight onto CTH MM

101 ft · 2 sec · CTH MM
22

Turn slight left onto CTH MM

414 ft · 10 sec · CTH MM
23

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 50 sec
24

Merge onto US 14

7.1 mi · 9 min · US 14
25

Enter roundabout onto US 14

115 ft · 9 sec · US Highway 14
26

Continue on US 14

3.9 mi · 5 min · US Highway 14
27

Turn left onto West Bullard Road

1.5 mi · 2 min · West Bullard Road
28

Turn right onto North Tupper Road

0.6 mi · 50 sec · North Tupper Road
29

Turn right onto CTH M

1.6 mi · 2 min · County Highway M
30

Turn left onto US 14

13 mi · 18 min · US Highway 14
31

Turn right onto US 51; CTH F

3.4 mi · 6 min · US 51; CTH F
32

Turn left onto East Court Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · East Court Street
33

Arrive at destination

East Court Street

Trip Plan

This 2-hour and 37-minute drive is easily accomplished in a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. With a fuel cost estimated at $18 and a longest stretch of 32.3 miles, you can plan your stops accordingly. Consider departing in the morning to make the most of daylight. The route has one recommended stop, which is a good point to stretch your legs or refuel if needed. Since the majority of the drive is on US 18 and US Highway 14, pay attention to road signage, especially as you approach Janesville.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 56.1 miles from Lancaster, WI, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 32.3 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 25 miles or 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 56.1 miles or 1h 18m 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 6m

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 Lancaster, 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 Lancaster, WI

This is one driving day of about 112.2 miles and 2h 37m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from Lancaster, 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 US 18 for about 32.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Fitchburg, WI

56 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

Platteville, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 25 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cross Plains, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 56.1 miles from Lancaster, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Friederick's Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 8

Fennimore, Wisconsin

Hours: 5:30 am–8 pm

+16088227070

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 72.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | WI 35; WI 81 / West Cherry Street

Turn left onto WI 35; WI 81 / West Cherry Street

Navigation decision point

4
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 61; WI 35; WI 81 / North Madison Street

Turn left onto US 61; WI 35; WI 81 / North Madison Street

Navigation decision point

4
0.3 mi into trip | ~1m in | CTH A / County Road A

Turn right onto CTH A / County Road A

Navigation decision point

7
72.2 mi into trip | ~1h 37m in

Take the exit toward CTH PB: Military Ridge State Trail, Ice Age National Scenic Trail

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward CTH PB: Military Ridge State Trail, Ice...
6
72.9 mi into trip | ~1h 39m in | CTH M / County Highway M

Turn left onto CTH M / County Highway M

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$17.54 one way

$35.08 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 39 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $19.26 $38.52
premium $4.89 $21.59 $43.18
diesel $5.61 $24.77 $49.54

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 39.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 33.7 0 $11.78 $5.39
Efficient EV 28.1 0 $9.82 $4.49
EV Truck/SUV 44.9 0 $15.71 $7.18

Gas CO2

39 kg

EV CO2

13 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 15, 2026

Origin

Lancaster, WI

Late night in Lancaster on Sunday

Local time

5:58 AM

CDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

City of Janesville, WI

Late night in City of Janesville on Sunday

Local time

5:58 AM

CDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

65°F

Fitchburg, WI

56 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 warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 37m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 112.2-mile journey. With 78% of the drive utilizing major highways like US 18 and US Highway 14, you'll find a consistent pace for much of the trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 32.3 miles, which occurs on US 18. This means you'll have extended periods of steady driving before reaching any major intersections or town centers. The road generally maintains a straightforward character, allowing for efficient travel across the Wisconsin landscape.

78% 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: 32.3 mi on US 18.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 18 and US Highway 18. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near WI 35; WI 81 / West Cherry Street.

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 112.2 miles you will encounter 18 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: near the start (WI 35; WI 81 / West Cherry Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (US 61; WI 35; WI 81 / North Madison Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (CTH A / County Road A): Navigation decision point.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 37m. Total distance: 112.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 32.3 miles on US 18. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (WI 35; WI 81 / West Cherry Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (US 61; WI 35; WI 81 / North Madison Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (CTH A / County Road A): Navigation decision point.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at City of Janesville, WI before heading back.

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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