Los Angeles to Madison

39h 25m
Drive Time
2168
Miles
$252
Gas Cost
18
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Los Angeles to Madison Wi?

The drive from Los Angeles to Madison Wi takes approximately 39h 25m, covering 2168 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $252 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 55–56+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
33h 30m
🔵 Typical
39h 25m
🔴 Heavy traffic
57h 9m

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

Route Details

Distance2168 mi
Drive Time39h 25min
Avg Speed55 mph

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$252
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Total$267-$302

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 6 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Los Angeles to Madison Wi

For a long drive like Los Angeles 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)

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
39h 25m
~$252 gas
✈️ Flying
6h 50m
~$325–$759 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~4h 20m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
39h 25m
~$252
🚌 Bus
48h 11m
~$173–$390
🚂 Train
39h 25m
~$260–$650

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 Los Angeles to Madison?
The drive takes approximately 39 hours and 25 minutes covering 2168 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 72 gallons of gas, costing approximately $252 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic.