West Allis, WI to Conover, WI is 248.9 miles and takes about 5h 34m via I 41 and US 45, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, taking you from one Wisconsin locale to another. Given the relatively short distance and duration, it's a manageable one-day excursion. You'll primarily be on major highways, making for a straightforward drive north.
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
124.5 miles from West Allis, WI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 28m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 41
61.6 mi
1h 6m
US 45
53.1 mi
1h 11m
US Highway 45
40.3 mi
55m
Neva Road
30.1 mi
44m
Zoo Freeway
20.4 mi
24m
West Madison Street
17.8 mi
25m
North Railroad Street
9.6 mi
15m
County Highway J
7.1 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
I 41
— 61.6 mi, about 1h 6m
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 West Allis, WI and Conover, WI.
1
Start on WI 59
1.4 mi·3 min·West Greenfield Avenue
Use the left lane.
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward I 894 West, US 45 North
3
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward I 94: Madison, MilwaukeeUse the slight left lane.
4
Merge onto I 41; I 894; US 41; US 45
20 mi·24 min·Zoo Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
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.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward US 45: New London, Algoma BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·58 sec
Toward US 45 North: New LondonUse the slight left lane.
8
Merge onto US 45
15 mi·17 min·US 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
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.
10
Enter roundabout onto US 45
125 ft·7 sec·US Highway 45
Toward US 45 North: New London
11
Continue on US 45
24 mi·32 min·US Highway 45
Toward US 45 North: New LondonUse the straight / left lanes.
12
Continue on US 45; WI 22; CTH D
0.8 mi·1 min·South Main Street
13
Turn left onto US 45
18 mi·25 min·West Madison Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
14
Continue on US 45; CTH J
7.1 mi·9 min·County Highway J
15
Turn left onto US 45
2.3 mi·3 min·US 45
16
Take the exit onto US 45
0.3 mi·35 sec·US 45
Toward US 45 North, CTH M, WI 29 Business: Antigo, Wittenberg
17
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
23 mi·33 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
18
Turn left onto 10th Avenue
0.1 mi·16 sec·10th Avenue
19
Turn right onto Clermont Street
2.0 mi·4 min·Clermont Street
20
Turn right onto WI 64
0.3 mi·24 sec·Century Avenue
21
Turn left onto US 45; WI 47
30 mi·44 min·Neva Road
22
At end of road, turn right onto US 8; US 45
0.8 mi·1 min·US 8; US 45
23
Turn left onto US 45
16 mi·22 min·US Highway 45
24
Continue on US 45; WI 32
0.8 mi·2 min·Superior Street
25
Turn right onto US 45; WI 32
8.8 mi·12 min·US 45; WI 32
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Turn left onto US 45; WI 32; WI 70
1.2 mi·3 min·East Pine Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Turn right onto South Railroad Street
0.3 mi·52 sec·South Railroad Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Take the ramp onto US 45; WI 17; WI 32
362 ft·13 sec·Bridge Street
29
Continue on US 45; WI 17; WI 32
9.6 mi·15 min·North Railroad Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Continue on US 45; WI 32; CTH K
0.4 mi·39 sec·US 45; WI 32; CTH K
31
Arrive at destination
US 45; WI 32
Trip Plan
For this 5.5-hour drive, leaving in the morning will give you ample time to reach Conover before evening. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in how you pace yourself. Consider fueling up before you leave West Allis, as the $44 fuel estimate is based on average prices. The longest stretch without an exit is over 60 miles on I 41, so ensure you're comfortable before that segment begins.
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 124.5 miles from West Allis, WI, or about 2h 28m 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 55 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 124.5 miles or 2h 28m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Conover, WI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving West Allis, 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 West Allis, WI
This is one driving day of about 248.9 miles and 5h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from West Allis, 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 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.6 and 99.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
1.6 mi into trip|~4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 94: Madison, Milwaukee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 94: Madison, Milwaukee
8
22.1 mi into trip|~29m 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
83.7 mi into trip|~1h 35m 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
7
83.9 mi into trip|~1h 35m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 45 North: New London
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 45 North: New London
8
99.9 mi into trip|~1h 54m 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
$36.76 one way
$73.51 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg87 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$40.58
$81.16
premium
$4.72
$46.21
$92.43
diesel
$4.80
$47.00
$93.99
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: 87.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
74.7
0
$26.13
$11.95
Efficient EV
62.2
0
$21.78
$9.96
EV Truck/SUV
99.6
1
$34.85
$15.93
Gas CO2
87 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% 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
West Allis, WI
Late night
in West Allis on Sunday
Local time
3:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
87°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny
NW 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
Destination
Conover, WI
Late night
in Conover on Sunday
Local time
3:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Smoke
NNW 8 to 12 mph1% 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
10 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
5h 34m 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 route is mostly highway, with 71% of the drive on high-speed roads like I 41 and US 45. You'll encounter a stretch of 61.6 miles on I 41 without needing to exit. Expect the highway portion to conclude around the time you transition to US Highway 45, leading you into more local cruising as you approach Conover.
71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 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?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 41 and US 45. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.6 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 248.9 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 1.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.1 miles (I 41; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 83.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,693 ft729 ft
Total Climb
1,375 ft
Total Descent
448 ft
Highest Point
1,693 ft
~195.6 mi in
Elevation Range
964 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between West Allis, WI and Conover, WI, road signs point toward Appleton, Cth M and Wittenberg.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 34m. Total distance: 248.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (71%). 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.
Yes — we found about 7 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Conover, 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. There are 7 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.1 miles (I 41; US 41): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 83.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Conover, WI before the return drive.
