How far is Mason City, IA from Burlington, IA?
The driving distance from Mason City, IA to Burlington, IA is about 239.5 miles (385.4 km), with a travel time of about 04h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 194.4 miles (312.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 22m 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 04h 41m.
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mason City and Burlington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mason City and Burlington.
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1
Start on 2nd Street Northeast
7 m · 6 sec · 2nd Street Northeast
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2
Turn left onto North Federal Avenue
100 m · 20 sec · North Federal Avenue
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3
Turn left onto 1st Street Northeast
2567 ft · 57 sec · 1st Street Northeast
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4
At the end of the road, turn left onto East State Street
2988 ft · 60 sec · East State Street
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5
Turn slight right onto Maple Drive
2017 ft · 57 sec · Maple Drive
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6
Turn left onto 4th Street Southeast
2.7 mi · 4 min · 4th Street Southeast
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7
Turn right onto Thrush Avenue
2.6 mi · 4 min · Thrush Avenue
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8
Take the ramp left
2241 ft · 55 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
69.1 mi · 1 hr 20 min · Avenue of the Saints
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 218 south: Waterloo
97 m · 8 sec
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11
Continue on US 218 south: Waterloo
1625 ft · 40 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto Leo P Rooff Expressway
6.7 mi · 8 min · Leo P Rooff Expressway
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13
Continue on Washington Street
2.4 mi · 4 min · Washington Street
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14
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls
6.5 mi · 8 min
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15
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
115.8 mi · 2 hr 11 min · Avenue of the Saints
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16
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
3.6 mi · 4 min · Avenue of the Saints
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17
Take the exit slight right toward US 34 East, 163 East: Mount Pleasant, Burlington
1341 ft · 33 sec
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18
Keep slight right to continue on US 34 East, IA 163 East: Burlington
26.8 mi · 32 min
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19
Take the exit slight right toward Central Ave
1413 ft · 38 sec
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20
Turn right onto North Central Avenue
2899 ft · 1 min · North Central Avenue
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mason City and Burlington.
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
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
116 mi · 02h 11m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Mason City and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Burlington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mason City to Burlington?
The road trip is about 239.5 miles (385.4 km) and usually takes 04h 41m 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?
Center Point is a useful midpoint, sitting about 119.7 miles from Mason City and 119.8 miles from Burlington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 194.4 miles (312.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 45.1 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:38 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.86 one way or $63.73 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 75.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Mason City and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Burlington.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mason City and Burlington. Straight-line distance: 194.35 mi (312.77 km).
#1 Mason City
City in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
| Population | 26,931 |
| Coordinates | 43.1535700, -93.2010400 |
| Altitude | 344 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Burlington
City in Des Moines County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 24,516 |
| Coordinates | 40.8075400, -91.1129200 |
| Altitude | 185 |
| Country | United States |
End: Burlington (-91.11292, 40.80754)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 385 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $31.86 | $63.73 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $35.94 | $71.88 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $39.33 | $78.65 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $44.82 | $89.64 |
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.