How far is Eldridge, IA from Mason City, IA?
The driving distance from Eldridge, IA to Mason City, IA is about 219.1 miles (352.6 km), with a travel time of about 03h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 168.8 miles (271.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 53m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 26m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers
Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Eldridge and Mason City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Eldridge and Mason City.
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1
Start on North 2nd Street
22 m · 5 sec · North 2nd Street
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2
Turn right onto Donahue Street
95 m · 13 sec · Donahue Street
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3
Turn right onto North 1st Street
1315 ft · 49 sec · North 1st Street
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4
Turn left onto East Leclaire Road
1 km · 2 min · East Leclaire Road
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5
Take the ramp slight right
1937 ft · 47 sec
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6
Merge slight left
3.4 mi · 4 min
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7
Take the exit slight right
56 mi · 1 hr 2 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 380, US 218, IA 27
1850 ft · 45 sec
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9
Keep slight right to continue on I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids, Waterloo
3219 ft · 1 min
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10
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
70.8 mi · 1 hr 19 min · Avenue of the Saints
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11
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
5.6 mi · 8 min
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12
Continue on West Washington Expressway
1293 ft · 18 sec · West Washington Expressway
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13
Continue on Leo P Rooff Expressway
1.1 km · 52 sec · Leo P Rooff Expressway
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14
Continue on West Washington Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · West Washington Street
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15
Continue on Leo P Rooff Expressway
1.4 mi · 2 min · Leo P Rooff Expressway
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16
Take the exit slight right
1309 ft · 32 sec
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17
Keep slight right to continue on US 218 North, IA 27 North: Waverly
2382 ft · 58 sec
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18
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
68.6 mi · 1 hr 19 min · Avenue of the Saints
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19
Take the exit slight right toward CR S56: California Avenue
2392 ft · 1 min
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20
Turn right onto Thrush Avenue
2.4 mi · 4 min · Thrush Avenue
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21
Turn left onto 4th Street Southeast
2.7 mi · 4 min · 4th Street Southeast
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22
Turn slight right onto Maple Drive
2017 ft · 56 sec · Maple Drive
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23
Turn left onto East State Street
2988 ft · 1 min · East State Street
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24
Turn right onto 1st Street Northeast
2567 ft · 55 sec · 1st Street Northeast
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25
Turn right onto North Federal Avenue
100 m · 16 sec · North Federal Avenue
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26
Turn right onto 2nd Street Northeast
7 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street Northeast
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27
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street Northeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Eldridge 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.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
70.8 mi · 01h 19m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Rain Showers leaving Eldridge 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 Eldridge to Mason City?
The road trip is about 219.1 miles (352.6 km) and usually takes 03h 26m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Brandon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 108.9 miles from Eldridge and 110.2 miles from Mason City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 168.8 miles (271.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 50.3 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:06 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.50 one way or $65.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 68.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around Eldridge and Rain Showers near Mason City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Eldridge and Mason City. Straight-line distance: 168.79 mi (271.64 km).
#1 Eldridge
City in Scott County Iowa
| Population | 6,864 |
| Coordinates | 41.6580900, -90.5845800 |
| Altitude | 243 |
| 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: 353 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.21 | $32.50 | $65.01 |
| Mid-grade | $4.47 | $34.58 | $69.17 |
| Premium | $5.10 | $39.43 | $78.86 |
| Diesel | $6.07 | $46.93 | $93.86 |
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