How far is Mason City, IA from Grinnell, IA?
The driving distance from Mason City, IA to Grinnell, IA is about 152.5 miles (245.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 100.5 miles (161.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 04m 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 02m.
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.
Mostly Sunny
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mason City and Grinnell.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mason City and Grinnell.
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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
78.6 mi · 1 hr 24 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 East: Nevada
1254 ft · 43 sec
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14
Merge slight left
40.3 mi · 47 min
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15
Take the exit slight right
1978 ft · 58 sec
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16
Turn right onto Zeller Avenue
1596 ft · 33 sec · Zeller Avenue
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17
Continue on Beane Street
2601 ft · 52 sec · Beane Street
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18
Continue on Zeller Avenue
8 mi · 11 min · Zeller Avenue
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19
Continue on Pleasant View
1558 ft · 39 sec · Pleasant View
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20
Continue on South Elm Street
1239 ft · 35 sec · South Elm Street
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21
Continue on East Strait Street
810 ft · 18 sec · East Strait Street
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22
Continue on 330th Street
1.2 km · 1 min · 330th Street
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23
Continue on State Highway 146
9.6 mi · 13 min · State Highway 146
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24
Continue on West Avenue
803 ft · 12 sec · West Avenue
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25
Continue on West Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · West Street
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26
Turn left onto 4th Avenue
1329 ft · 32 sec · 4th Avenue
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27
Turn right onto Park Street
21 m · 3 sec · Park Street
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28
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Park Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mason City and Grinnell.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 35 South
Merge slight left
78.6 mi · 01h 24m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Mason City and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Grinnell.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mason City to Grinnell?
The road trip is about 152.5 miles (245.4 km) and usually takes 03h 02m 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?
Story City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 76.2 miles from Mason City and 76.3 miles from Grinnell.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 100.5 miles (161.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 52 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 10:56 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.29 one way or $40.58 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Mason City and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Grinnell.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mason City and Grinnell. Straight-line distance: 100.46 mi (161.68 km).
#1 Mason City
City in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
| Population | 26,931 |
| Coordinates | 43.1535700, -93.2010400 |
| Altitude | 344 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Grinnell
City in Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 9,096 |
| Coordinates | 41.7430500, -92.7224100 |
| Altitude | 309 |
| Country | United States |
End: Grinnell (-92.72241, 41.74305)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 245 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 10m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.29 | $40.58 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.88 | $45.76 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.04 | $50.08 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.54 | $57.07 |
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 · May 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.