How far is Dubuque, IA from Mason City, IA?
The driving distance from Dubuque, IA to Mason City, IA is about 174.2 miles (280.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 136.2 miles (219.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 39m 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 49m.
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 Black Hawk County, 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 Dubuque and Mason City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dubuque and Mason City.
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1
Start on Central Avenue
929 ft · 34 sec · Central Avenue
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2
Take the ramp straight toward US 61 South, US 151 South
1248 ft · 32 sec
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3
Turn right onto Locust Street Conn
1166 ft · 35 sec · Locust Street Conn
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4
Turn right onto Dodge Street
87 mi · 1 hr 43 min · Dodge Street
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5
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
5.6 mi · 8 min
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6
Continue on West Washington Expressway
1293 ft · 18 sec · West Washington Expressway
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7
Continue on Leo P Rooff Expressway
1.1 km · 52 sec · Leo P Rooff Expressway
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8
Continue on West Washington Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · West Washington Street
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9
Continue on Leo P Rooff Expressway
1.4 mi · 2 min · Leo P Rooff Expressway
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10
Take the exit slight right
1309 ft · 32 sec
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11
Keep slight right to continue on US 218 North, IA 27 North: Waverly
2382 ft · 58 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
68.6 mi · 1 hr 19 min · Avenue of the Saints
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13
Take the exit slight right toward CR S56: California Avenue
2392 ft · 1 min
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14
Turn right onto Thrush Avenue
2.4 mi · 4 min · Thrush Avenue
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15
Turn left onto 4th Street Southeast
2.7 mi · 4 min · 4th Street Southeast
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16
Turn slight right onto Maple Drive
2017 ft · 56 sec · Maple Drive
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17
Turn left onto East State Street
2988 ft · 1 min · East State Street
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18
Turn right onto 1st Street Northeast
2567 ft · 55 sec · 1st Street Northeast
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19
Turn right onto North Federal Avenue
100 m · 16 sec · North Federal Avenue
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20
Turn right onto 2nd Street Northeast
7 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street Northeast
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street Northeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dubuque and Mason City.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Dodge Street
Turn right onto Dodge Street
87 mi · 01h 43m
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 Dubuque 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 Dubuque to Mason City?
The road trip is about 174.2 miles (280.3 km) and usually takes 02h 49m 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?
Evansdale is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.5 miles from Dubuque and 87.7 miles from Mason City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 136.2 miles (219.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 38 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 12:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.19 one way or $46.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Dubuque and Sunny near Mason City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dubuque and Mason City. Straight-line distance: 136.22 mi (219.22 km).
#1 Dubuque
The most populous city in Dubuque County, Iowa.
| Population | 57,781 |
| Coordinates | 42.5005600, -90.6645700 |
| Altitude | 189 |
| 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: 280 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.19 | $46.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.16 | $52.31 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.62 | $57.24 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.62 | $65.24 |
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.