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Trip from Sanborn, 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

6h 42m

Distance

327 mi

526 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$51

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
6h 31m ★
6 AM
6h 43m
8 AM
7h 7m
10 AM
6h 51m
12 PM
6h 49m
3 PM
6h 52m
5 PM
7h 5m
8 PM
6h 36m

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 Sanborn, WI, WI

Sanborn, WI

Quang Vuong

Downtown City of Janesville, WI, WI

City of Janesville, WI

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

This 327-mile journey from Sanborn, WI, to Janesville, WI, is an efficient drive that can be completed in about 6 hours and 42 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-39, State Highway 13, and US 51, this trip is almost entirely highway, making it a straightforward option for a single-day excursion. With an estimated fuel cost of $51, it's an economical choice for travelers within the Midwest region. The drive is characterized by its highway focus, suggesting a consistent pace with minimal detours. Consider this route if you're looking for a direct and predictable drive between two points in Wisconsin.

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

163.5 miles from Sanborn, WI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 42m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 39 165.7 mi 2h 57m
State Highway 13 65.2 mi 1h 29m
US 51 46.3 mi 53m
US 8 32.2 mi 45m
State Highway 112 3.2 mi 4m
4th Avenue North 3 mi 6m
North Lake Avenue 2.4 mi 5m
Milton Avenue 2.3 mi 5m
Longest stretch: I 39 — 165.7 mi, about 2h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on CTH E

0.7 mi · 1 min · County Road E
2

Turn right onto Petrin Road

258 ft · 13 sec · Petrin Road
3

Turn straight onto WI 112

3.2 mi · 4 min · State Highway 112
4

Turn right onto WI 13

13 mi · 17 min · State Highway 13
5

Continue on WI 13

1.6 mi · 3 min · North Main Street
6

Continue on WI 13; WI 77

14 mi · 19 min · State Highway 13
7

Continue on WI 13

0.6 mi · 1 min · West Broadway
8

Continue on WI 13

8.9 mi · 12 min · State Highway 13
9

Continue on WI 13

1.1 mi · 2 min · North 5th Street
10

Continue on WI 13

4.6 mi · 6 min · State Highway 13
11

Continue on WI 13

3.0 mi · 6 min · 4th Avenue North
Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Continue on WI 13

372 ft · 5 sec · 4th Ave S
13

Continue on WI 13

2.1 mi · 2 min · State Highway 13
14

Continue on WI 13

0.8 mi · 1 min · Flambeau Avenue
15

Continue on WI 13

12 mi · 16 min · State Highway 13
16

Continue on WI 13

2.4 mi · 5 min · North Lake Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
17

Continue on WI 13

11 mi · 14 min · State Highway 13
18

Turn straight

0.2 mi · 46 sec
19

Turn left onto US 8

32 mi · 45 min · US 8
Use the straight lane.
20

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 51 sec
Use the right lane.
21

Merge onto US 51

46 mi · 53 min · US 51
Use the straight lane.
22

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
23

Continue on I 39; US 10; US 51

7.4 mi · 7 min · I 39; US 10; US 51
24

Continue on I 39; US 51

73 mi · 1 hr 18 min · I 39; US 51
25

Keep slight right at fork onto I 39

30 mi · 31 min · I 39
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; I 90

33 mi · 35 min · I 39; I 90
Toward I 39, I 90: Chicago Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
28

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 171A Toward WI 26: State Highway 26
29

Keep slight right at fork

414 ft · 10 sec
Toward WI 26 South: Janesville
30

Turn slight right onto WI 26

2.3 mi · 5 min · Milton Avenue
31

Turn left onto East Memorial Drive

261 ft · 11 sec · East Memorial Drive
32

Continue on North Garfield Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · North Garfield Avenue
33

Turn right onto East Court Street

467 ft · 15 sec · East Court Street
34

Arrive at destination

East Court Street

Trip Plan

Given the 6-hour 42-minute duration, it's feasible to tackle this 327-mile drive in one day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Plan for one strategic stop to break up the journey and refuel, especially considering the longest stretch without a break is over 165 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you navigate the mix of I-39, State Highway 13, and US 51. A good tip is to check your tire pressure before departing, as consistent highway speeds can impact efficiency and safety on longer drives.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 163.5 miles from Sanborn, WI, or about 3h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 165.7 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 72 miles or 1h 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 163.5 miles or 3h 42m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 34m

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 Sanborn, 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 Sanborn, WI

This is one driving day of about 327 miles and 6h 42m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 72 miles from Sanborn, 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 39 for about 165.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in and county seat of Lincoln County, Wisconsin, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Merrill, WI

164 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

Medford, WI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 72 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Merrill, WI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 163.5 miles from Sanborn, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 39 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 165.7 miles.

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.

Mosinee Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 163.5

Mosinee, Wisconsin

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+17156933600

Stevens Point Brewery | Tap Room & Gift Shop

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 186.9

Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+17153449310

Visit website

George Street Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 163.5

Rothschild, Wisconsin

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+17153593660

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 111.2 and 323.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
111.2 mi into trip | ~2h 42m in

Take the exit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
157.8 mi into trip | ~3h 36m 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
260.8 mi into trip | ~5h 26m in | I 39

Keep slight right at fork onto I 39

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
290.4 mi into trip | ~5h 58m in | I 39; I 90

Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; I 90 toward I 39, I 90: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 39, I 90: Chicago
7
323.8 mi into trip | ~6h 34m in

Keep slight right at fork toward WI 26: State Highway 26

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 171A Toward WI 26: State Highway 26

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$51.12 one way

$102.25 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 114 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $56.13 $112.26
premium $4.89 $62.93 $125.86
diesel $5.61 $72.20 $144.39

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$51

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$76–$101

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 114.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 98.1 1 $34.33 $15.70
Efficient EV 81.8 0 $28.61 $13.08
EV Truck/SUV 130.8 1 $45.78 $20.93

Gas CO2

114 kg

EV CO2

38 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 Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Sanborn, WI

Evening in Sanborn on Saturday

Local time

8:14 PM

CDT

Current temp

60°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

City of Janesville, WI

Evening in City of Janesville on Saturday

Local time

8:14 PM

CDT

Current temp

48°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

12 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

6h 42m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail spans 1,200 miles, traverses some of Wisconsin's finest geologic and glacial features, and passes through the ancestral lands of 15 Tribes. The Trail is built, manage...

3 mi from route ~8 min detour Free near mile 225.5
Caution: Averill–Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment — Dangerous Ford at New Wood River
Caution: Skunk and Foster Lakes Segment — Storm Damage
View on nps.gov
North Country National Scenic Trail

North Country National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

Come to the North Country. Trek the hills and valleys. Stand on the shores of lakes & streams from glaciers 10,000 years before. Clear-flowing water, red/gold of autumn, a fairyland of snow, open prai...

6 mi from route ~14 min detour Free near mile 11.3
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience on this route, with 96% of the drive taking place on major roadways. The personality of this drive is one of consistent forward motion, largely on I-39. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 165.7 miles on I-39, allowing you to settle into a rhythm. While predominantly interstate, the inclusion of State Highway 13 and US 51 might introduce slight variations in scenery and speed as you transition between them. Overall, it's a practical drive built for covering ground efficiently.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 165.7 mi on I 39.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 39 and State Highway 13. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 111.2 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

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 327 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 111.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 157.8 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 260.8 miles (I 39): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Sanborn, WI to City of Janesville, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Madison along the way.

Madison

157.8 mi in | ~3h 36m | via I 39; US 51

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 42m. Total distance: 327 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 42m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 165.7 miles on I 39. 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 City of Janesville, 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 111.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 157.8 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 260.8 miles (I 39): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Ice Age National Scenic Trail and North Country National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at City of Janesville, WI before the return drive.

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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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