Mercer, WI to New Berlin, WI is 285.9 miles and takes about 5h 49m via I 41 and US 10, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Wisconsin, moving from the Midwest region to the Midwest region. The route is mostly highway, making it a straightforward drive for a single day. You'll find it's a practical option for getting between these two points without much fuss. Consider this if you're looking for an efficient way to cover ground within the state.
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
143 miles from Mercer, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 1m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 41
83.1 mi
1h 32m
Oneida Street
71.1 mi
1h 29m
US 10
51.3 mi
1h 1m
US 51
32.8 mi
48m
I 39
29.8 mi
32m
US 45
12.3 mi
14m
West National Avenue
3.3 mi
7m
West Oklahoma Avenue
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 41
— 83.1 mi, about 1h 32m
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
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Mercer, WI and New Berlin, WI.
1
Start on US 51
33 mi·48 min·US 51
Use the straight lane.
2
Continue on US 51
71 mi·1 hr 29 min·Oneida Street
Use the straight lane.
3
Keep slight left at fork onto I 39; US 51
22 mi·24 min·I 39; US 51
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point, Madison
4
Continue on I 39; US 10; US 51
7.4 mi·7 min·I 39; US 10; US 51
5
Take the exit onto US 10; WI 66
0.4 mi·57 sec·US 10; WI 66
Exit 158Toward US 10 East, WI 66 West: Stevens Point, Waupaca, Appleton
6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10
51 mi·1 hr·US 10
Toward US 10 East: Appleton, WaupacaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
12 mi·14 min·US 45
Exit 276Toward US 45 South: OshkoshUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
1.1 mi·1 min
Toward I 41 South: Milwaukee
9
Merge onto I 41; US 41
83 mi·1 hr 32 min·I 41; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 2AToward National AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Turn right onto West National Avenue
1.1 mi·2 min·West National Avenue
12
Continue on West Oklahoma Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·West Oklahoma Avenue
13
Continue on West National Avenue
2.3 mi·4 min·West National Avenue
14
Arrive at destination
West National Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 5h 49m drive, leaving in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and avoid any potential evening traffic. The route is manageable in a single day, so you have flexibility with your stops. You'll cover 285.9 miles, with the longest stretch on I 41 being 83.1 miles, so plan a break before or after that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel; with an estimated cost of $44, it's wise to top up before you leave Mercer or as you approach larger towns. The transition from highway to surface roads around the end of the drive will require your attention.
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 143 miles from Mercer, WI, or about 3h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 83.1 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 63 miles or 1h 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 143 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 47m
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 Mercer, 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 Mercer, WI
This is one driving day of about 285.9 miles and 5h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Mercer, 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 41 for about 83.1 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 8
5 decision points cluster between mile 103.9 and 281.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
103.9 mi into trip|~2h 18m in|I 39; US 51
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
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Stevens Point,...
6
133.8 mi into trip|~2h 50m in|US 10; WI 66
Take the exit onto US 10; WI 66 toward US 10 East, WI 66 West: Stevens Point, Waupaca, Appleton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 158
Toward US 10 East, WI 66 West: Stevens Point, W...
8
134.1 mi into trip|~2h 51m in|US 10
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
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 10 East: Appleton, Waupaca
8
185.1 mi into trip|~3h 52m in|US 45
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45 toward US 45 South: Oshkosh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 276
Toward US 45 South: Oshkosh
7
281.7 mi into trip|~5h 40m in
Take the exit toward National Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 2A
Toward National Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.22 one way
$84.44 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg100 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$46.61
$93.22
premium
$4.72
$53.08
$106.17
diesel
$4.80
$53.98
$107.97
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
85.8
1
$30.02
$13.72
Efficient EV
71.5
0
$25.02
$11.44
EV Truck/SUV
114.4
1
$40.03
$18.30
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% 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.
Forecast as of Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Mercer, WI
Late night
in Mercer on Sunday
Local time
3:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Smoke
SE 5 mph16% chanceLive forecast
Destination
New Berlin, WI
Late night
in New Berlin on Sunday
Local time
3:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Smoke
E 0 to 5 mph4% chanceLive forecast
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
5h 49m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 73% of the 285.9 miles on major roadways. You'll experience a long stretch of 83.1 miles on I 41, which means extended periods of consistent cruising. After the highway segments, you'll transition to roads like Oneida Street and US 10, which will likely have more frequent exits and a different pace. Expect a mostly rural feel as you pass through the state.
73% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 83.1 mi on I 41.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and Oneida Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 103.9 miles in near I 39; US 51.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 8 significant decision points across 285.9 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 103.9 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133.8 miles (US 10; WI 66): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 134.1 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,668 ft783 ft
Total Climb
314 ft
Total Descent
995 ft
Highest Point
1,668 ft
~20.4 mi in
Elevation Range
885 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Mercer, WI and New Berlin, WI, road signs point toward Madison, Waupaca and Appleton.
North Central Wisconsin is in Wisconsin. The region’s numerous lakes and forests make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts during the summer season.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 49m. Total distance: 285.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 83.1 miles on I 41. 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 New Berlin, 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 103.9 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133.8 miles (US 10; WI 66): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 134.1 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at New Berlin, WI before the return drive.
