How far is Ames, IA from Mason City, IA?
The driving distance from Ames, IA to Mason City, IA is about 90.8 miles (146.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 80.2 miles (129.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 55m 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 27m.
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.
Human settlement in Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ames and Mason City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames and Mason City.
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1
Start on 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · 13th Street
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2
Turn left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
76.4 mi · 1 hr 22 min
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3
Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
1 mi · 2 min
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4
Merge slight left
3.6 mi · 4 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward Airport
1901 ft · 53 sec
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6
Turn left onto Mallard Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · Mallard Avenue
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7
Continue on South Eisenhower Avenue
2624 ft · 45 sec · South Eisenhower Avenue
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8
Turn right onto 19th Street Southwest
2.5 mi · 4 min · 19th Street Southwest
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9
Turn left onto South Monroe Avenue
1.3 mi · 2 min · South Monroe Avenue
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10
Turn right onto 1st Street Northwest
2017 ft · 48 sec · 1st Street Northwest
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11
Turn left onto North Federal Avenue
100 m · 16 sec · North Federal Avenue
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12
Turn right onto 2nd Street Northeast
7 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street Northeast
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street Northeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ames 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
Turn left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis
76.4 mi · 01h 22m
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.
Sunny leaving Ames and Sunny near Mason City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ames to Mason City?
The road trip is about 90.8 miles (146.1 km) and usually takes 01h 27m 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?
Dows is a useful midpoint, sitting about 45.2 miles from Ames and 45.6 miles from Mason City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 80.2 miles (129.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.6 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 3:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.07 one way or $24.13 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ames and Sunny near Mason City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ames and Mason City. Straight-line distance: 80.19 mi (129.05 km).
#1 Ames
The most populous city in Story County, Iowa.
| Population | 67,033 |
| Coordinates | 42.0347100, -93.6199400 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| 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: 146 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.07 | $24.13 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.61 | $27.22 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.89 | $29.79 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.97 | $33.95 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.