This straightforward 116.5-mile journey from Milwaukee to New London, Wisconsin, can be completed in about 2 hours and 17 minutes, making it an ideal day trip. The drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 96% of the route utilizing major roads like I-41 and US-45. You can expect a fuel cost of around $18 for this trip. Given its manageable distance and duration, no overnight stops are necessary, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. This route stays within the Midwest region, offering a consistent feel throughout.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
58.2 miles from Milwaukee, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 41
61.6 mi
1h 6m
Zoo Freeway
19.5 mi
23m
US 45
18.1 mi
21m
US Highway 45
7.1 mi
9m
East-West Freeway
6.1 mi
8m
Mill Street
1.3 mi
2m
East Beacon Avenue
0.3 mi
<1m
South Pearl Street
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 41
— 61.6 mi, about 1h 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Milwaukee, WI and New London, WI.
1
Start on US 18; WI 32
45 ft·8 sec·North Milwaukee Street
2
Turn left onto East Wisconsin Avenue
0.1 mi·25 sec·East Wisconsin Avenue
3
Turn right onto North Jackson Street
0.2 mi·29 sec·North Jackson Street
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·28 sec
Toward I 794 WestUse the straight / slight right / right lanes.
5
Merge onto I 794
0.2 mi·21 sec·East-West Freeway
6
Continue on I 794
5.8 mi·8 min·East-West Freeway
Exit 1AToward I 94 West: MadisonUse the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 305A-BToward I 41, US 45, I 894: Fond du Lac, ChicagoUse the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·49 sec
Exit 305BToward I 41 North, US 45 North: Fond du LacUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 41; US 41; US 45
20 mi·23 min·Zoo Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41
62 mi·1 hr 6 min·I 41; US 41
Toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, AppletonUse the slight left lane.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward US 45: New London, Algoma BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·58 sec
Toward US 45 North: New LondonUse the slight left lane.
13
Merge onto US 45
15 mi·17 min·US 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
2.9 mi·3 min·US 45
Exit 273Toward US 45 North: New LondonUse the straight lane.
15
Enter roundabout onto US 45
125 ft·7 sec·US Highway 45
Toward US 45 North: New London
16
Continue on US 45
7.0 mi·9 min·US Highway 45
Toward US 45 North: New LondonUse the straight / left lanes.
17
Take the exit
188 ft·5 sec
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
18
Turn left onto US 45 Bus; CTH T
1.3 mi·2 min·Mill Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
19
Turn left onto US 45 Business; CTH T
0.3 mi·35 sec·East Beacon Avenue
20
Turn right onto US 45 Business; CTH D
0.3 mi·41 sec·South Pearl Street
21
Turn left onto US 45 Business; CTH D
47 ft·0 sec·West North Water Street
22
Arrive at destination
US 45 Business; CTH D
Trip Plan
With a total distance of 116.5 miles and a duration of just over two hours, this trip offers significant flexibility. You can easily depart in the morning and return by afternoon. The estimated fuel cost is approximately $18, so plan accordingly. Since there are no designated stops in the data and the drive is relatively short, you can decide on breaks as needed. A key tip for this route is to be aware of potential traffic on I-41 around Milwaukee during peak hours, especially if you're leaving during a weekday commute.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 58.2 miles from Milwaukee, WI, or about 1h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.6 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 26 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 58.2 miles or 1h 8m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New London, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee, WI
This is one driving day of about 116.5 miles and 2h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Milwaukee, WI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 41 for about 61.6 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 6.7 and 104.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
6.7 mi into trip|~10m in
Take the exit toward I 41, US 45, I 894: Fond du Lac, Chicago
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 305A-B
Toward I 41, US 45, I 894: Fond du Lac, Chicago
9
6.9 mi into trip|~10m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 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 straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 305B
Toward I 41 North, US 45 North: Fond du Lac
8
26.8 mi into trip|~35m in|I 41; US 41
Keep slight left at fork onto I 41; US 41 toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 41 North: Fond du Lac, Appleton
7
88.4 mi into trip|~1h 41m in
Take the exit toward US 45: New London, Algoma Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 45: New London, Algoma Boulevard
8
104.6 mi into trip|~2h in|US 45
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45 toward US 45 North: New London
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Exit 273
Toward US 45 North: New London
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.21 one way
$36.43 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg41 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$20.00
$40.00
premium
$4.89
$22.42
$44.84
diesel
$5.61
$25.72
$51.44
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: 40.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
34.9
0
$12.23
$5.59
Efficient EV
29.1
0
$10.19
$4.66
EV Truck/SUV
46.6
0
$16.31
$7.46
Gas CO2
41 kg
EV CO2
14 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
Milwaukee, WI
Late night
in Milwaukee on Sunday
Local time
5:17 AM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
New London, WI
Late night
in New London on Sunday
Local time
5:17 AM
CDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live 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
4 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
2h 17m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a largely highway-focused experience on this drive, with 96% of the 116.5 miles spent on major thoroughfares such as I-41 and US-45. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 61.6 miles on I-41, so be prepared for sustained highway driving. While primarily interstate, the inclusion of Zoo Freeway and US-45 adds some variety. The road character remains consistent, prioritizing efficiency and speed for most of the 2 hour and 17 minute duration.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.6 mi on I 41.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and Zoo Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.7 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 20 significant decision points across 116.5 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 6.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.8 miles (I 41; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Milwaukee, WI and New London, WI, road signs point toward Chicago and Appleton.
Chicago
6.7 mi in|~10m
Appleton
26.8 mi in|~35m|via I 41; US 41
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 17m. Total distance: 116.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 17m 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 61.6 miles on I 41. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 London, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.8 miles (I 41; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at New London, WI before heading back.
