How far is Altoona, IA from Mason City, IA?
The driving distance from Altoona, IA to Mason City, IA is about 122.2 miles (196.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.1 miles (169.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 54m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 57m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Hamilton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Altoona and Mason City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Altoona and Mason City.
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1
Start on 1st Avenue South
15 m · 3 sec · 1st Avenue South
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2
Turn right onto 8th Street Southwest
2.3 mi · 4 min · 8th Street Southwest
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3
Take the ramp right
1546 ft · 40 sec
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4
Continue straight
1997 ft · 49 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
1023 ft · 13 sec · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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6
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
1.2 mi · 1 min
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7
Merge slight left
1.4 km · 1 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 north: Minneapolis
2714 ft · 1 min
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9
Continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1758 ft · 43 sec
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10
Continue on I-35 North: Minneapolis
2751 ft · 52 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
102.4 mi · 1 hr 51 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
1 mi · 2 min
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13
Merge slight left
3.6 mi · 4 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward Airport
1901 ft · 53 sec
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15
Turn left onto Mallard Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · Mallard Avenue
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16
Continue on South Eisenhower Avenue
2624 ft · 45 sec · South Eisenhower Avenue
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17
Turn right onto 19th Street Southwest
2.5 mi · 4 min · 19th Street Southwest
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18
Turn left onto South Monroe Avenue
1.3 mi · 2 min · South Monroe Avenue
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19
Turn right onto 1st Street Northwest
2017 ft · 48 sec · 1st Street Northwest
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20
Turn left onto North Federal Avenue
100 m · 16 sec · North Federal Avenue
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21
Turn right onto 2nd Street Northeast
7 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street Northeast
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street Northeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Altoona and Mason City.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 35 North
Merge slight left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
102 mi · 01h 51m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Altoona and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Mason City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Altoona to Mason City?
The road trip is about 122.2 miles (196.6 km) and usually takes 01h 57m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Williams is a useful midpoint, sitting about 60.2 miles from Altoona and 62 miles from Mason City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.1 miles (169.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.1 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.25 one way or $32.51 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Altoona and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Mason City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Altoona and Mason City. Straight-line distance: 105.15 mi (169.23 km).
#1 Altoona
City in Polk County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 19,503 |
| Coordinates | 41.6441600, -93.4646600 |
| Altitude | 291 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Mason City
City in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
| Population | 26,931 |
| Coordinates | 43.1535700, -93.2010400 |
| Altitude | 344 |
| Country | United States |
End: 2nd Street Northeast (-93.201041, 43.153613)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 197 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.25 | $32.51 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.33 | $36.66 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.06 | $40.12 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.86 | $45.72 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Iowa · Apr 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.