How far is Mason City, IA from Denison, IA?
The driving distance from Mason City, IA to Denison, IA is about 181.6 miles (292.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 134.8 miles (216.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 20m 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 40m.
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.
Human settlement in Webster County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mason City and Denison.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mason City and Denison.
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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 · 17 sec · North Federal Avenue
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3
Turn right onto 1st Street Northwest
2017 ft · 48 sec · 1st Street Northwest
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4
Turn left onto North Monroe Avenue
1.3 mi · 3 min · North Monroe Avenue
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5
Turn right onto 19th Street Southwest
2.5 mi · 4 min · 19th Street Southwest
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6
Turn left onto South Eisenhower Avenue
2624 ft · 41 sec · South Eisenhower Avenue
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7
Continue on Mallard Avenue
1.4 mi · 2 min · Mallard Avenue
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8
Take the ramp right
2217 ft · 54 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
3.5 mi · 4 min · Avenue of the Saints
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10
Take the exit slight left toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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11
Continue on I 35 South: Des Moines
2643 ft · 32 sec
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12
Merge slight left
47.4 mi · 51 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
3250 ft · 1 min
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14
Merge slight left
86.1 mi · 1 hr 39 min
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15
Turn left onto Fox Avenue
11.3 mi · 16 min · Fox Avenue
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16
Continue on Des Moines Street
2648 ft · 1 min · Des Moines Street
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17
Continue on Fox Avenue
5.9 mi · 8 min · Fox Avenue
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18
Continue on 400th Street
1.2 km · 1 min · 400th Street
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19
Continue on State Highway 39
16.9 mi · 23 min · State Highway 39
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20
Turn left onto Avenue C
1.1 km · 2 min · Avenue C
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21
Turn left onto 1st Avenue North
75 m · 13 sec · 1st Avenue North
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22
Turn right onto North Main Street
10 m · 2 sec · North Main Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mason City and Denison.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 20 West
Merge slight left
86.1 mi · 01h 39m
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 Mason City and Showers And Thunderstorms near Denison.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mason City to Denison?
The road trip is about 181.6 miles (292.3 km) and usually takes 03h 40m 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?
Otho is a useful midpoint, sitting about 90.7 miles from Mason City and 91 miles from Denison.
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 46.8 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 9:40 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.95 one way or $53.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around Mason City and Showers And Thunderstorms near Denison.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mason City and Denison. Straight-line distance: 134.78 mi (216.91 km).
#1 Mason City
City in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
| Population | 26,931 |
| Coordinates | 43.1535700, -93.2010400 |
| Altitude | 344 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Denison
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 8,249 |
| Coordinates | 42.0177700, -95.3552800 |
| Altitude | 391 |
| Country | United States |
End: Denison (-95.35528, 42.01777)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 292 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 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.21 | $26.95 | $53.91 |
| Mid-grade | $4.47 | $28.68 | $57.36 |
| Premium | $5.10 | $32.70 | $65.39 |
| Diesel | $6.07 | $38.92 | $77.83 |
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