Trip from Medford, WI to New Berlin, 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
4h 37m
Distance
231.5 mi
373 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Medford, WI
Tom Fisk
New Berlin, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Medford, WI to New Berlin, WI is 231.5 miles and takes about 4h 37m via I 41, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Wisconsin, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. It's a straightforward trip focused on getting you from point A to point B efficiently. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, making it a practical choice for a single-day journey. Consider this route if your priority is a predictable and relatively quick transit between these two Wisconsin locations.
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
115.8 miles from Medford, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 22m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 41 | 83.1 mi | 1h 32m |
| US 10 | 51.3 mi | 1h 1m |
| WI 29 | 33.9 mi | 40m |
| I 39 | 29.8 mi | 32m |
| US 45 | 12.3 mi | 14m |
| State Highway 13 | 11.8 mi | 17m |
| West National Avenue | 3.3 mi | 7m |
| WI 29 Business | 1.4 mi | 2m |
Traffic on I-41
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 57 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,802 veh/hr typical · worst 3,336
Quietest
1 AM
~167 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
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 Medford, WI and New Berlin, WI.
Start on South 4th Street
Turn left onto East Perkins Street
Turn slight right
Turn straight onto WI 13
Continue on WI 13
Continue on WI 13
Turn left onto WI 29 Business
Take the ramp
Merge onto WI 29
Keep slight left at fork onto WI 29
Keep slight left at fork onto I 39; US 51
Continue on I 39; US 10; US 51
Take the exit onto US 10; WI 66
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
Take the exit
Merge onto I 41; US 41
Take the exit
Turn right onto West National Avenue
Continue on West Oklahoma Avenue
Continue on West National Avenue
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour 37 minute duration, this route is easily manageable in a single day. Leaving in the morning will give you ample daylight to complete the 231.5-mile trip. You'll encounter one recommended stop, which is likely sufficient for a break on this relatively short drive. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest 83.1-mile stretch on I 41, as services might be less frequent in certain segments. A good tip is to ensure you have a full tank before departing Medford to maximize your initial range.
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.
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 51 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 115.8 miles or 2h 22m 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 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New Berlin, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
Open the route before leaving Medford, 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 Medford, WI
This is one driving day of about 231.5 miles and 4h 37m.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
116 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
A short stop after about 51 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 115.8 miles from Medford, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 41 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 83.1 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.
Love's Travel Stop
Theresa Rest Area 64
64
Service Plaza
Service Plaza
Service Plaza
George Street Park
Early in the drive, short detour
Rothschild, Wisconsin
Hours: 6 am–11 pm
+17153593660
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 125 decision points cluster between mile 45 and 227.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Keep slight left at fork onto WI 29 toward US 51 South: Green Bay, Madison
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight left at fork onto I 39; US 51 toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point, Madison
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10 toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45 toward US 45 South: Oshkosh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward National Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.19 one way
$68.37 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.14 | $37.74 | $75.48 |
| premium | $4.72 | $42.98 | $85.96 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $43.71 | $87.42 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 69.5 | 0 | $24.31 | $11.11 |
| Efficient EV | 57.9 | 0 | $20.26 | $9.26 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 92.6 | 1 | $32.41 | $14.82 |
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Medford, WI
Afternoon in Medford on Sunday
Local time
12:41 PM
CDT
Current temp
81°F
Sunny then Patchy Smoke
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 2:04AM CDT until July 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Destination
New Berlin, WI
Afternoon in New Berlin on Sunday
Local time
12:41 PM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 2:04AM CDT until July 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
81°F
Metz, WI
116 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
5 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
4h 37m 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?
This route is overwhelmingly a highway-focused drive, with 97% of the journey on major roads like I 41, US 10, and WI 29. Expect a consistent pace for the majority of your travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch on I 41 spans 83.1 miles, so you'll have extended periods of highway cruising. While the primary roads are interstates, the transition between them offers a slight variation. Overall, the feel is one of steady progress on well-maintained, high-speed roadways designed for efficient travel across the state.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and US 10. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 45 miles in near WI 29.
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 231.5 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 45 miles (WI 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 49.5 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 79.7 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
Total Climb
540 ft
Total Descent
1,091 ft
Highest Point
1,472 ft
Elevation Range
689 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Medford, WI and New Berlin, WI, road signs point toward Madison, Waupaca and Appleton.
Madison
Waupaca
Appleton
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Uncommon Ground
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
Rocky's Cozy Kitchen
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
The Flame
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
Medford Cafe
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
Starbucks
Cafe
Early in the drive, short detour
Stevens Point, WI
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Visit websiteBoBabes Bubble Tea
Cafe
Early in the drive, short detour
Cuisine: bubble_tea
Hours: Mo-Sa 11:00-21:00; Tu off
Visit websiteArby's
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
Medford, WI
Cuisine: sandwich
Hours: Mo-Th 10:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 10:00-23:00; Su...
Visit websiteSubway
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
Medford, WI
Cuisine: sandwich
Hours: Mo-Fr 07:00-21:00; Sa 08:00-20:00; Su 09...
Visit websiteMcDonald's
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
Cuisine: burger
Visit websiteKFC/Taco Bell
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
Medford, WI
Visit websiteSubway
Fast_food
Near the end, right off the route
Richfield, WI
Cuisine: sandwich
Hours: Mo-Fr 07:30-21:00; Sa 09:00-21:00; Su 09...
Visit websiteCoby Dogs
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
Viewing deck and swing
Viewpoint
Early in the drive, right off the route
Fishing Pier
Viewpoint
Early in the drive, right off the route
Camp Onaway
Camp_site
Around the midpoint, short detour
Boy Scouts of America: Camp Fletcher
Camp_site
Early in the drive, short detour
Jordan Park Campground
Camp_site
Early in the drive, short detour
Stevens Point, WI
Visit websiteTaylor County Historical Society
Museum
Near the start, right off the route
Circle of the Seasons Chairs
Artwork
Early in the drive, right off the route
John Joanis Memorial
Memorial
Early in the drive, short detour
Pinecones
Artwork
Early in the drive, short detour
Point Sculpture
Artwork
Early in the drive, short detour
Student Memorial
Memorial
Early in the drive, short detour
AmericInn
Hotel
Near the start, right off the route
Medford Inn
Hotel
Near the start, right off the route
Woodlands Inn & Suites
Hotel
Near the start, right off the route
Comfort Inn & Suites
Hotel
Around the midpoint, short detour
Waupaca, WI
Visit websiteWelcome Inn and Apartments
Hotel
Near the start, right off the route
Camp Onaway
Camp_site
Around the midpoint, short detour
Points of interest from OpenStreetMap contributors. Listings may not reflect current hours or availability.
About the Cities
Starting in Medford, WI
Full guide →Medford is a town of about 4,300 in North Central Wisconsin, just at the border between farm country and the beginning of the northwoods.
Top landmarks
- • Taylor County Courthouse — courthouse in Wisconsin, United States
Arriving in New Berlin, WI
Full guide →Founded 1840
New Berlin is in Wisconsin.
Top landmarks
- • Freewill Baptist Church — church building in Wisconsin, United States of America
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 4h 37m. Total distance: 231.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
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, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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