How far is Mason City, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Mason City, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 166.1 miles (267.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 133.8 miles (215.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 24m 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 42m.
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.
The most populous city in Black Hawk County, Iowa.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mason City and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mason City and Iowa City.
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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
64.7 mi · 1 hr 12 min · Avenue of the Saints
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16
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
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17
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1.2 mi · 3 min
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18
Merge slight left
4.2 mi · 5 min
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19
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
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20
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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21
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
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22
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mason City and Iowa 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
69.1 mi · 01h 20m
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.
Mostly Cloudy leaving Mason City and Partly Sunny near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mason City to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 166.1 miles (267.3 km) and usually takes 02h 42m 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?
Waterloo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 82.4 miles from Mason City and 83.7 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 133.8 miles (215.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.3 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.10 one way or $44.20 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Mason City and Partly Sunny near Iowa City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mason City and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 133.78 mi (215.3 km).
#1 Mason City
City in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
| Population | 26,931 |
| Coordinates | 43.1535700, -93.2010400 |
| Altitude | 344 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Iowa City
The most populous city in Johnson County, Iowa.
| Population | 75,130 |
| Coordinates | 41.6611300, -91.5301700 |
| Altitude | 204 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Gilbert Street (-91.530165, 41.661126)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 267 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.10 | $44.20 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.92 | $49.85 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.27 | $54.54 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.08 | $62.16 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.