Baton Rouge, LA to Madison, WI

State capital to state capital route

20h 43m
Drive Time
1140
Miles
$133
Gas Cost
9
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Baton Rouge, LA to Madison, WI?

The drive from Baton Rouge, LA to Madison, WI takes approximately 20h 43m, covering 1140 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $133 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 28–29+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
17h 37m
🔵 Typical
20h 43m
🔴 Heavy traffic
30h 2m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance1140 miles
Drive Time20h 43min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$133
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$148-$183

Route Tips: I-95

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 2 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Baton Rouge, LA to Madison, WI

For a long drive like Baton Rouge, LA to Madison, WI, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.

🟢 Best: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Approximate route shown. Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions.

Open in Google Maps ⚡ View EV Route

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
20h 43m
~$133 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 47m
~$171–$399 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 17m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
20h 43m
~$133
🚌 Bus
25h 20m
~$91–$205
🚂 Train
20h 44m
~$137–$342

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Baton Rouge, LA to Madison, WI?
The drive takes approximately 20 hours and 43 minutes covering 1140 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 38 gallons of gas, costing approximately $133 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic in both cities.

Driving Tips: Baton Rouge LA to Madison WI

The journey from Baton Rouge LA to Madison WI stretches 1140 miles along the highway and typically takes 20h 43m to complete. At today's fuel prices, expect to spend around $133 on gas. Departing during early morning gives you the best chance of avoiding congestion along the way.

This 1140-mile trek is a true American road trip. Stock up on audiobooks or podcasts, rotate drivers if possible, and build in time for roadside attractions. The journey itself is part of the adventure.

Related Routes

Baton Rouge, LA → Jackson, MS · 3h 18mBaton Rouge, LA → Little Rock, AR · 7h 9mBaton Rouge, LA → Montgomery, AL · 7h 29mBaton Rouge, LA → Austin, TX · 9h 14mBaton Rouge, LA → Tallahassee, FL · 9h 42mBaton Rouge, LA → Atlanta, GA · 10h 49mChicago → Madison, WI · 2h 53mDes Moines, IA → Madison, WI · 5h 38mLansing, MI → Madison, WI · 5h 49mMinneapolis → Madison, WI · 5h 29mSaint Paul, MN → Madison, WI · 5h 18mSpringfield, IL → Madison, WI · 5h 22m