Rhinelander to New Berlin is 244.8 miles and takes about 4h 49m via I 41, US 10, and US 51, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Midwest, connecting two points in Wisconsin. It's primarily a highway route, meaning you'll spend most of your time on faster roads, making it a straightforward trip. Given the relatively short duration, it's well-suited for a single day's travel without feeling rushed. Plan for a smooth 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
122.4 miles from Rhinelander, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 26m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 41
83.1 mi
1h 32m
US 10
51.3 mi
1h 1m
US 51
46.3 mi
53m
I 39
29.8 mi
32m
US 45
12.3 mi
14m
US 8
11.6 mi
15m
West National Avenue
3.3 mi
7m
US Highway 8
2.9 mi
4m
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 Rhinelander, WI and New Berlin, WI.
1
Start on West King Street
200 ft·11 sec·West King Street
2
Turn right onto South Stevens Street
356 ft·9 sec·South Stevens Street
3
Continue on South Petham Street
0.2 mi·40 sec·South Petham Street
4
Continue on Arbutus Street
476 ft·17 sec·Arbutus Street
5
Turn right onto CTH P
1.2 mi·2 min·West Kemp Street
Use the right lane.
6
Enter roundabout onto US 8
134 ft·7 sec·US Highway 8
7
Continue on US 8
2.8 mi·4 min·US Highway 8
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on US 8
12 mi·15 min·US 8
Use the straight lane.
9
Turn left
0.4 mi·53 sec
Use the left lane.
10
Merge onto US 51
46 mi·53 min·US 51
Use the straight lane.
11
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
12
Continue on I 39; US 10; US 51
7.4 mi·7 min·I 39; US 10; US 51
13
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
14
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.
15
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.
16
Take the exit
1.1 mi·1 min
Toward I 41 South: Milwaukee
17
Merge onto I 41; US 41
83 mi·1 hr 32 min·I 41; US 41
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 2AToward National AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn right onto West National Avenue
1.1 mi·2 min·West National Avenue
20
Continue on West Oklahoma Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·West Oklahoma Avenue
21
Continue on West National Avenue
2.3 mi·4 min·West National Avenue
22
Arrive at destination
West National Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4 hour and 49 minute drive, consider departing in the morning to allow ample daylight for the entire journey. With a fuel cost estimated around $37, it's wise to ensure your tank is full before you leave Rhinelander, as there's only one recommended stop. The longest stretch on I 41 is over 83 miles, so plan your personal breaks accordingly. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your schedule.
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 122.4 miles from Rhinelander, WI, or about 2h 26m 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 54 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.4 miles or 2h 26m 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 55m
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 Rhinelander, 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 Rhinelander, WI
This is one driving day of about 244.8 miles and 4h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Rhinelander, 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 240.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.4 mi into trip|~1m in|CTH P / West Kemp Street
Turn right onto CTH P / West Kemp Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
62.8 mi into trip|~1h 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,...
8
93 mi into trip|~1h 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
143.9 mi into trip|~2h 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
240.5 mi into trip|~4h 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
$36.15 one way
$72.30 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg86 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$39.91
$79.82
premium
$4.72
$45.45
$90.90
diesel
$4.80
$46.22
$92.45
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.4
0
$25.70
$11.75
Efficient EV
61.2
0
$21.42
$9.79
EV Truck/SUV
97.9
1
$34.27
$15.67
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Rhinelander, WI
Late night
in Rhinelander on Sunday
Local time
3:16 AM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Smoke
NNW 12 mph0% chanceLive forecast
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
Late night
in New Berlin on Sunday
Local time
3:16 AM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny
NW 5 to 10 mph16% chanceLive forecast
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
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
4h 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 trip is mostly highway, with 97% of the 244.8 miles on faster roads like I 41. You'll experience a longest stretch of 83.1 miles on I 41 before transitioning to surface roads closer to your destination. Expect a consistent cruising speed for the majority of your travel time. The transition to surface roads will occur as you approach New Berlin.
97% 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: 83.1 mi on I 41.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 0.4 miles in near CTH P / West Kemp Street.
Driving Effort9/10
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 13 significant decision points across 244.8 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 0.4 miles (CTH P / West Kemp Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 62.8 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 93 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,549 ft758 ft
Total Climb
498 ft
Total Descent
1,125 ft
Highest Point
1,549 ft
Elevation Range
791 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Rhinelander, WI and New Berlin, WI, road signs point toward Madison, Waupaca and Appleton.
Madison
62.8 mi in|~1h 18m|via I 39; US 51
Waupaca
92.6 mi in|~1h 50m|via US 10; WI 66
Appleton
92.6 mi in|~1h 50m|via US 10; WI 66
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Rhinelander is a town in North Central Wisconsin that is a commercial, industrial, and recreation hub for the Northwoods area of Wisconsin. Because of the forests, lakes, and trails in the area, it is both a summer and winter vacation destination. Its population was 8,300 in 2020.
Top landmarks
•Oneida County Courthouse — county courthouse in Rhinelander, Wisconsin
•First National Bank — historic bank building in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 49m. Total distance: 244.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). 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 0.4 miles (CTH P / West Kemp Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 62.8 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 93 miles (US 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at New Berlin, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
