Origin
Sussex, WI
Morning in Sussex on Sunday
Local time
7:03 AM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Sussex, WI to Eau Claire, WI
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 21m
Distance
235.7 mi
379 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 8m
★
6 AM
4h 22m
8 AM
4h 48m
10 AM
4h 31m
12 PM
4h 28m
3 PM
4h 32m
5 PM
4h 47m
8 PM
4h 14m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Sussex, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Eau Claire, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 235.7-mile drive from Sussex, Wisconsin, to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is a straightforward journey through the Midwest, easily manageable as a single-day trip. Expect to be on the road for about 4 hours and 21 minutes, with the majority of your travel on major highways like I-94 and I-90. With a fuel cost estimated at $37, this route offers an efficient way to get from one part of the state to another. The drive is primarily highway-focused, making it a practical option for those looking to reach their destination without significant detours. You'll find this route to be a good choice for a quick getaway or an essential leg of a larger Wisconsin adventure.
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
117.8 miles from Sussex, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 11m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 105.2 mi | 1h 52m |
| I 90 | 63.5 mi | 1h 8m |
| East-West Freeway | 54.8 mi | 58m |
| Redford Boulevard | 4.4 mi | 6m |
| South Hastings Way | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| US 53 | 1.3 mi | 1m |
| Waukesha Avenue | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Harding Avenue | 0.7 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 105.2 mi, about 1h 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sussex, WI and Eau Claire, WI.
1
Start on this road
199 ft
·
19 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto Elmwood Avenue
171 ft
·
12 sec
·
Elmwood Avenue
3
Turn left onto CTH VV
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
County Highway VV
4
Continue on CTH VV
368 ft
·
16 sec
·
Main Street
5
Turn right onto CTH VV
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Silver Spring Drive
6
Turn right onto CTH F
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Waukesha Avenue
7
Continue on CTH F
4.4 mi
·
6 min
·
Redford Boulevard
8
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
9
Merge onto I 94; WI 164
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
East-West Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
54 mi
·
57 min
·
East-West Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94
29 mi
·
31 min
·
I 94
Exit 240
Toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells, Eau Claire
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
63 mi
·
1 hr 8 min
·
I 90; I 94
Use the straight lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94
76 mi
·
1 hr 21 min
·
I 94
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Toward US 53: Eau Claire, Superior
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
36 sec
Toward US 53 North: Eau Claire, Superior
16
Merge onto US 53
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
US 53
17
Take the exit onto US 53 Business
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
South Hastings Way
Toward US 53 Business: Hastings Way
18
Turn left onto Brackett Avenue
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
·
Brackett Avenue
19
Continue on Harding Avenue
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Harding Avenue
20
Continue on Washington Street
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
Washington Street
21
Turn right onto South Farwell Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Farwell Street
22
Turn left onto East Grand Avenue
35 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Grand Avenue
23
Arrive at destination
East Grand Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour, 21-minute duration, this trip is perfectly suited for a single-day adventure. Consider departing in the morning to maximize your time upon arrival in Eau Claire, and keep the estimated fuel cost of $37 in mind. You'll encounter one recommended stop, but with the longest stretch being over 100 miles, plan your breaks accordingly. A good tip is to fill up your tank before leaving Sussex, as the majority of the drive is on high-speed interstates where service areas can be spaced out. The flexibility of a single-day drive allows you to adjust your schedule as needed.
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 117.8 miles from Sussex, WI, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 105.2 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 52 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117.8 miles or 2h 11m 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 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Eau Claire, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Sussex, 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 Sussex, WI
This is one driving day of about 235.7 miles and 4h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Sussex, 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 94 for about 105.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
118 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 117.8 miles from Sussex, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 105.2 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 8 and 230.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
8 mi into trip
|
~13m in
|
I 94 / East-West Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 / East-West Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
61.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 11m in
|
I 94
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wisconsin Dells, Eau Claire
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 240
Toward I 39 North, I 90 West, I 94 West: Wiscon...
6
90.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 42m in
|
I 90; I 94
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
154.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 50m in
|
I 94
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 94 West: Eau Claire, Saint Paul
6
230.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 53 North: Eau Claire, Superior
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 53 North: Eau Claire, Superior
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.85 one way
$73.70 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
83 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $40.46 | $80.92 |
| premium | $4.89 | $45.36 | $90.72 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $52.04 | $104.08 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 70.7 | 0 | $24.75 | $11.31 |
| Efficient EV | 58.9 | 0 | $20.62 | $9.43 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 94.3 | 1 | $33.00 | $15.08 |
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
28 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.
Destination
Eau Claire, WI
Morning in Eau Claire on Sunday
Local time
7:03 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Sunny
S 0 to 10 mph
2% chance
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
29 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 21m 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 is a highway-focused drive, with 95% of the 235.7 miles spent on interstates and major freeways, including I-94 and the East-West Freeway. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 105.2 miles on I-94, which means consistent speed and minimal traffic lights. The character of the road remains largely consistent throughout the 4-hour journey, offering a predictable driving experience. While not known for winding country roads, this route prioritizes efficient travel, allowing you to cover ground quickly and smoothly.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 105.2 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and I 90. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8 miles in near I 94 / East-West Freeway.
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 15 significant decision points across 235.7 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 8 miles (I 94 / East-West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 61.6 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.7 miles (I 90; I 94): 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.
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 Sussex, WI to Eau Claire, WI, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Paul along the way.
Saint Paul
154.1 mi in
|
~2h 50m
|
via I 94
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 21m. Total distance: 235.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 105.2 miles on I 94. 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 Eau Claire, 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 8 miles (I 94 / East-West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 61.6 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.7 miles (I 90; I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Eau Claire, WI, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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