How far is Denison, IA from Mason City, IA?
The driving distance from Denison, IA to Mason City, IA is about 182 miles (292.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 134.8 miles (216.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 57m 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 02h 58m.
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 Webster County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Denison and Mason City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Denison and Mason City.
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1
Start on North Main Street
10 m · 7 sec · North Main Street
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2
Turn left onto 1st Avenue North
75 m · 11 sec · 1st Avenue North
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3
Turn right onto Avenue C
1.1 km · 2 min · Avenue C
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4
Turn right onto State Highway 39
16.9 mi · 23 min · State Highway 39
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5
Continue on 400th Street
1.2 km · 1 min · 400th Street
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6
Continue on Fox Avenue
5.9 mi · 8 min · Fox Avenue
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7
Continue on South Des Moines Street
2648 ft · 1 min · South Des Moines Street
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8
Continue on Fox Avenue
11.3 mi · 16 min · Fox Avenue
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9
Turn right onto 220th Street
86.6 mi · 1 hr 40 min · 220th Street
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Mason City
1647 ft · 56 sec
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11
Merge slight left
47.4 mi · 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 Denison and Mason City.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
220th Street
Turn right onto 220th Street
86.6 mi · 01h 40m
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 Denison and 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 Denison to Mason City?
The road trip is about 182 miles (292.9 km) and usually takes 02h 58m 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?
Otho is a useful midpoint, sitting about 90.7 miles from Denison and 91.3 miles from Mason City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 134.8 miles (216.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 47.2 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 12:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.00 one way or $53.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Denison and Rain Showers near Mason City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Denison and Mason City. Straight-line distance: 134.78 mi (216.91 km).
#1 Denison
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 8,249 |
| Coordinates | 42.0177700, -95.3552800 |
| Altitude | 391 |
| 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: 293 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.21 | $27.00 | $53.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.47 | $28.72 | $57.45 |
| Premium | $5.10 | $32.75 | $65.50 |
| Diesel | $6.07 | $38.98 | $77.95 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026