- Survey of 3,105 drivers.
- Eau Claire to La Crosse (via US-53 and I-90) + Madison to Milwaukee (via I-94) also featured.
- Infographic showing the country’s top 130 dream drives.
Everyone’s heard the horror stories about America’s worst commutes – think of the bumper-to-bumper crawl along LA’s I-405, the never-ending snarl of Atlanta’s I-285, or the daily grind on New York’s Cross Bronx Expressway. Those drives can turn a few miles into a test of patience, with delays and stress piling up fast. But what about the flipside? The commutes that people actually look forward to? Not many folks have stopped to consider the drives that turn the daily slog into something special – routes with jaw-dropping views and roads that flow like a dream.
Take the stretch from Sausalito to San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge, where you’re treated to sweeping shots of the bay, Alcatraz, and the city’s skyline gleaming in the distance. Or the ride from Bellevue to Seattle, rolling past Lake Washington, wooded hills, and a grand entrance into downtown. Those are the kinds of trips that make you forget you’re even “commuting.”
To figure out which suburban-to-city drives really stand out, Quantrell Volvo asked 3,105 commuters to share the routes they love the most – the ones where the journey itself is worth the price of gas.
Here are the top 3 dream commutes in Wisconsin (with national positions):
#75 Green Bay to Appleton (via I-41)
A peaceful and scenic drive, this route takes commuters past green fields, tree-lined highways, and the occasional farmstead. The approach into Appleton features the winding Fox River, which adds to the charm of this Midwestern commute.
#85 Eau Claire to La Crosse (via US-53 and I-90)
Nestled in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region, this drive follows rolling bluffs, dense forests, and scenic river valleys. The changing seasons make for an ever-evolving landscape, from spring’s lush greenery to winter’s picturesque snowfall.
#106 Madison to Milwaukee (via I-94)
This commute begins in Wisconsin’s capital, with views of the domed State Capitol building before transitioning into rolling farmland and dairy country. The drive offers a smooth, open road with occasional glimpses of Lake Michigan before reaching the vibrant city of Milwaukee, known for its riverfront and brewery-lined streets.
Nationally, the top 10 were as follows:
#1 Kailua to Honolulu (via Pali Highway, HI-61), Hawaii
The first-placed dream drive starts on Oahu’s lush Windward side, pulling you through the Ko’olau Mountains, where the scenery feels like something out of a postcard. As you wind down toward Honolulu, the road opens up to killer views of the city and the Pacific stretching out forever. Misty cliffs, thick rainforests, and shimmering ocean waves make it less of a commute and more of a mini-vacation every day.
#2 Buffalo to Niagara Falls (via I-190), New York
It’s a quick trip, but does it pack a punch. You’re cruising along the Niagara River, and every now and then, you catch the mist rising off Niagara Falls in the distance. Old factories mix with natural beauty, giving this drive a vibe all its own.
#3 Boulder to Denver (via US-36), Colorado
Kicking off with Boulder’s famous Flatirons – those rugged, jagged rocks that loom over the town – this route eases into wide-open grasslands on the way to Denver. The Rockies tower in the background while the city skyline creeps closer, making every mile a feast for the eyes. Eagle River to Anchorage (via Glenn Highway), Alaska
#4 Eagle River to Anchorage (via Glenn Highway), Alaska
Tucked between mountains and the Cook Inlet, this one’s a stunner. Snowy peaks, twisting rivers, and the occasional moose or bald eagle keep things wild. With wide-open roads and that crisp Alaskan air, it’s less of a commute and more of a morning adventure.
#5 Sausalito to San Francisco (via US-101 and the Golden Gate Bridge), California
In fifth place, this one’s a classic for a reason. You start in quaint Sausalito, gazing out at the bay with boats bobbing along and fog creeping over the hills. Then comes the Golden Gate Bridge, where Alcatraz and San Francisco’s skyline pop into view. It’s the kind of drive you don’t forget.
#6 Kapolei to Honolulu (via H-1 Freeway), Hawaii
Sure, the H-1 can get a little clogged, but the payoff is worth it. You’ve got the Pacific sparkling on one side, green valleys cutting through the land, and Diamond Head rising up ahead. Add a Hawaiian sunset into the mix, and it’s tough to beat.
#7 Asheville to Hendersonville (via I-26), North Carolina
Winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains, this drive is all about peace and quiet. Rolling hills and thick forests line the road, offering a calm way to kick off or wind down the day.
#8 Norfolk to Virginia Beach (via I-264 and US-58), Virginia
Chesapeake Bay steals the show here, with sunlight bouncing off the water and birds gliding overhead. You roll over scenic bridges and through the buzzing Oceanfront area before hitting Virginia Beach’s sandy shores. The sea breeze alone makes it a win.
#9 Palmer to Anchorage (via Glenn Highway), Alaska
Starting in the Matanuska Valley’s green fields, this route shifts gears fast – soon you’re flanked by the Chugach Mountains, with rivers and cliffs hugging the road. By the time Anchorage comes into view, you’ve seen it all: golden fall leaves or snow-dusted peaks, depending on the season. It’s a drive that keeps you guessing.
#10 Golden to Denver (via US-6), Colorado
Rounding up the top 10, Golden is a gem of a starting point, with the Rocky Mountain foothills framing the scene. You trace Clear Creek along US-6, spotting cyclists and hikers soaking up the day. As Denver’s skyline rises against the plains, it’s a perfect mash-up of wild and city vibes.
Infographic showing the country’s top 130 dream drives
“These drives show there’s more to a commute than just getting from point A to point B,” said Brentley Jones of Quantrell Volvo “They’re reminders of how a great route can turn your day around – suddenly, you’re not just heading to work, you’re taking the scenic way there.”
