Madison, Wisconsin to Rochester, Minnesota: Road Trip Guide & Distance

167 miles 268.8 km · straight line
208.8 miles estimated 336 km · driving distance
4h 12min estimated drive time
$20 - $25 estimated fuel cost
~50min flight time
294° WNW bearing direction

How far is Madison, Wisconsin from Rochester, Minnesota?

The distance from Madison, Wisconsin to Rochester, Minnesota is 167 miles (268.8 km) as the crow flies. Rochester, Minnesota is located WNW of Madison, Wisconsin. By car, the driving distance is approximately 208.8 miles, taking about 4h 12min. A direct flight would take roughly 50min. Both are located in United States — Madison, Wisconsin in Wisconsin and Rochester, Minnesota in Minnesota.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Madison, Wisconsin and Rochester, Minnesota. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Madison, Wisconsin to Rochester, Minnesota

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 4h 12min $20 - $25 Flexible stops
Fly ~50min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~5h 2min $17–$31* Budget
Train ~3h 59min $25–$73* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Madison, Wisconsin & Rochester, Minnesota

Quick Facts

Madison, Wisconsin
43.07°N, 89.40°W
America/Chicago
266m elevation
Rochester, Minnesota
44.02°N, 92.47°W
America/Chicago
312m elevation
Explore more routes from Rochester, Minnesota

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 56 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 14 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 149.1 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients