Origin
Wauwatosa, WI
Late night in Wauwatosa on Sunday
Local time
5:17 AM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Wauwatosa, WI to Bridgeport, WI
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 36m
Distance
170.8 mi
275 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 24m
★
6 AM
3h 37m
8 AM
4h 2m
10 AM
3h 45m
12 PM
3h 43m
3 PM
3h 47m
5 PM
4h 0m
8 PM
3h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Wauwatosa, WI
Wikimedia Commons
Bridgeport, WI
Alec Adriano
Trip Overview
This 170.8-mile journey from Wauwatosa, WI to Bridgeport, WI is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 36 minutes. Expect a fuel cost around $27 for this drive. Primarily following US 18, this route offers a straightforward, highway-focused experience through the Midwest. With most of your time spent on major roads, it's a practical option for a quick getaway or a transit leg. The drive is designed for efficiency, making it a good choice when you want to cover ground without extensive detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
85.4 miles from Wauwatosa, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| East-West Freeway | 64.3 mi | 1h 10m |
| US 18 | 38.9 mi | 47m |
| US Highway 18 | 24.1 mi | 34m |
| Great River Road | 23.2 mi | 31m |
| South Beltline Highway | 8.2 mi | 11m |
| I 39 | 3.2 mi | 3m |
| Dodgeville Expressway | 2 mi | 3m |
| East Main Street | 1.3 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
East-West Freeway
— 64.3 mi, about 1h 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wauwatosa, WI and Bridgeport, WI.
1
Start on West State Street
137 ft
·
6 sec
·
West State Street
2
Continue on West Menomonee River Parkway
360 ft
·
22 sec
·
West Menomonee River Parkway
3
Turn left onto WI 181
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
Harmonee Avenue
Use the left lane.
4
Turn slight right onto WI 181
520 ft
·
15 sec
·
Harwood Avenue
5
Turn left onto WI 181
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Glenview Avenue
Use the left lane.
6
Continue on WI 181
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
South 84th Street
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward I 94 West
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 94 West: Madison
9
Merge onto I 94
11 mi
·
12 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 left at fork onto WI 30
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
WI 30
Exit 240
Toward I 39 South, I 90 East, WI 30 West: Janesville, Madison
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 240A
Toward I 39 South, I 90 East: Janesville
Use the slight left lane.
13
Merge onto I 39; I 90
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
I 39; I 90
14
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 142A
Toward US 12 West, US 18 West: Madison
15
Merge onto US 12; US 18
8.2 mi
·
11 min
·
South Beltline Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit onto US 18; US 151
38 mi
·
45 min
·
US 18; US 151
Exit 258
Toward US 18 West, US 151 South: Dodgeville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit onto US 18
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
US 18
Exit 47
Toward US 18 West: Dodgeville, Prairie du Chien
18
Enter roundabout onto US 18
133 ft
·
5 sec
·
Dodgeville Expressway
19
Continue on US 18
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Dodgeville Expressway
20
Continue on US 18
8.4 mi
·
11 min
·
US Highway 18
21
Continue on US 18
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
East Main Street
22
Continue on US 18; WI 80
16 mi
·
22 min
·
US Highway 18
23
Continue on US 18
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
12th Street
24
Turn right onto US 18; US 61
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Lincoln Avenue
25
Turn left onto US 18
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
·
4th Street
26
Continue on US 18
23 mi
·
31 min
·
Great River Road
27
Turn right onto WI 60
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
State Highway 60
28
Arrive at destination
WI 60
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour 36-minute duration, starting in the morning will allow you ample time to reach Bridgeport without feeling rushed. Plan for one stop along the way, perhaps midway through the 170.8 miles, to refuel or stretch your legs. The longest stretch of 64.3 miles means you can settle in for a good portion of the drive before needing to consider a break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering longer stretches on the East-West Freeway, to ensure a smooth trip with minimal interruptions.
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 85.4 miles from Wauwatosa, WI, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 64.3 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 38 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 85.4 miles or 1h 40m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bridgeport, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Wauwatosa, 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 Wauwatosa, WI
This is one driving day of about 170.8 miles and 3h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Wauwatosa, 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 East-West Freeway for about 64.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
85 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 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 85.4 miles from Wauwatosa, WI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before East-West Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 64.3 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 0.1 and 79.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
WI 181 / Harmonee Avenue
Turn left onto WI 181 / Harmonee Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
13.5 mi into trip
|
~19m 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.
7
67 mi into trip
|
~1h 16m in
|
WI 30
Keep slight left at fork onto WI 30 toward I 39 South, I 90 East, WI 30 West: Janesville, Madison
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 240
Toward I 39 South, I 90 East, WI 30 West: Janes...
9
67.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 17m in
Take the exit toward I 39 South, I 90 East: Janesville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 240A
Toward I 39 South, I 90 East: Janesville
8
79.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 33m in
|
US 18; US 151
Take the exit onto US 18; US 151 toward US 18 West, US 151 South: Dodgeville
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.
Exit 258
Toward US 18 West, US 151 South: Dodgeville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.70 one way
$53.41 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
60 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $29.32 | $58.64 |
| premium | $4.89 | $32.87 | $65.74 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.71 | $75.42 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 51.2 | 0 | $17.93 | $8.20 |
| Efficient EV | 42.7 | 0 | $14.95 | $6.83 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 68.3 | 0 | $23.91 | $10.93 |
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Bridgeport, WI
Late night in Bridgeport on Sunday
Local time
5:17 AM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
65°F
Fitchburg, WI
85 mi in
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
10 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
3h 36m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
You'll find this drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 78% of the route utilizing major roadways like the East-West Freeway and US Highway 18. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 64.3 miles on the East-West Freeway, allowing for steady progress. This highway-centric profile means you'll experience a consistent pace for much of the journey. While not a winding scenic route, it provides a reliable and predictable driving experience as you traverse Wisconsin.
78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 64.3 mi on East-West Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on East-West Freeway and US 18. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near WI 181 / Harmonee Avenue.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 15 significant decision points across 170.8 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 0.1 miles (WI 181 / Harmonee Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 13.5 miles (I 94 / East-West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 67 miles (WI 30): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Wauwatosa, WI and Bridgeport, WI, road signs point toward Madison and Prairie Du Chien.
Madison
67 mi in
|
~1h 16m
|
via WI 30
Prairie Du Chien
117.9 mi in
|
~2h 19m
|
via US 18
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 36m. Total distance: 170.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 64.3 miles on East-West Freeway. 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 Bridgeport, 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 0.1 miles (WI 181 / Harmonee Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 13.5 miles (I 94 / East-West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 67 miles (WI 30): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Bridgeport, 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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