If you’re planning to travel from Madison to Milwaukee by car, you’ll be delighted to know that this journey promises to be a scenic drive through Wisconsin’s countryside. The drive from Madison to Milwaukee covers approximately 80 miles, with plenty of interesting sights and stops to check out along the way.
In this ultimate road trip guide, we will discuss everything you need to know before embarking on your journey, including the best route to take, the distance between the two cities, drive hours, stops, and tips to make your road trip enjoyable.
Madison to Milwaukee Drive
Driving from Madison to Milwaukee should take you approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes via I-94 E. This route will take you past cities such as Sun Prairie, Oconomowoc, and Waukesha. If you take this route, you will cover approximately 79.6 miles (128.1 km) in 1 hour and 18 minutes, depending on traffic.
While taking the I-94 E highway is the fastest way to get from Madison to Milwaukee, you may want to take a few detours to see some of the best sights along the way. There are some scenic routes listed below that will help you explore the cities and the countryside between Madison and Milwaukee.
Madison to Milwaukee: How Far is the Distance?
The distance between Madison and Milwaukee is approximately 79.6 miles (128.1 km), and it should take you approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes to cover that distance by car, depending on traffic.
How Far is Madison to Milwaukee by Plane?
The flight distance from Madison to Milwaukee is approximately 76 miles (122.3 km). The flight time from Madison to Milwaukee is approximately 45 minutes, and there are several flights available daily from Dane County Regional Airport to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.
What is the Time Difference Between Madison and Milwaukee?
Madison and Milwaukee are both located in the same time zone, which is Central Standard Time (CST).
This means that they share the same standard time, which is six hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-6). Therefore, there is no time difference between the two cities, and travelers do not have to worry about adjusting their watches or dealing with jet lag.
Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure, or simply passing through, you can enjoy a seamless transition between Madison and Milwaukee without having to worry about time zone changes. This can make travel planning and coordination much easier and less stressful, allowing you to focus on enjoying your journey and all the sights and attractions that these two great cities have to offer.
The Cheapest Way to Get from Madison to Milwaukee
The cheapest way to get from Madison to Milwaukee is by taking the bus. Several bus companies, including Greyhound and Badger Bus, operate services between the two cities daily. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and can cost as little as $10, depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book.
Madison to Milwaukee Drive – Rent A Car In Madison
If you prefer to drive, there are several rental car companies in Madison where you can rent a car. Here are some of the top companies to consider:
- Avis: starts at $60 per day
- Budget: starts at $48 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $56 per day
- Hertz: starts at $54 per day
Gas prices will also vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $50 for a full tank of gas, based on an average of $3.357 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 15 gallons of gas.
Madison to Milwaukee – Driving Stops Along The Way
If you’re up for some adventure, there are several exciting stops to check out along the way from Madison to Milwaukee. Here are some of the best stops you can make:
The House on the Rock
The House on the Rock is a unique attraction that features a bizarre collection of eclectic artifacts, including a giant carousel, an infinity room, and a massive sea creature. The attraction is located in Spring Green, Wisconsin, and is open year-round.
The Wisconsin State Capitol
The Wisconsin State Capitol is located in Madison and is a great stop for those interested in history and architecture. The building features a beautiful dome and impressive murals and is open for tours.
The National Mustard Museum
The National Mustard Museum is located in Middleton, Wisconsin, and is a unique museum that celebrates all things mustard. The museum features over 5,000 jars of mustard from around the world and offers visitors the chance to taste different types of mustard.
Milwaukee Art Museum
The Milwaukee Art Museum is a must-visit attraction for art lovers. The museum features over 30,000 works of art, including works by Picasso, Rembrandt, and Warhol.
The Harley-Davidson Museum
The Harley-Davidson Museum is located in Milwaukee and is a great stop for motorcycle enthusiasts. The museum features exhibits on the history of Harley-Davidson, including vintage motorcycles and interactive displays.
Best Driving Route from Madison to Milwaukee As mentioned earlier, the fastest and most direct route from Madison to Milwaukee is via I-94 E.
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
* With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars.
Tips for Driving from Madison to Milwaukee
Here are some tips to make your road trip from Madison to Milwaukee enjoyable:
- Check traffic conditions before you leave and plan accordingly
- Bring a map or use a GPS navigation system
- Take breaks and stretch your legs every hour or so
- Pack snacks and drinks for the journey
- Fill up your gas tank before you leave
- Observe speed limits and traffic rules
- Bring a camera to capture the scenic views along the way.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, driving from Madison to Milwaukee promises to be a memorable experience, with plenty of interesting sights and stops along the way. Whether you choose to take the fastest route on I-94 E or take a few detours to explore the countryside and cities in between, this road trip is sure to be enjoyable. Additionally, if you’re looking for a cheaper or faster alternative, you can also consider taking the bus or flying. With this ultimate road trip guide, you have all the information you need to plan your trip from Madison to Milwaukee, including the distance, drive hours, stops, and best driving route.
