How far is Mason City, IA from Sheldon, IA?
The driving distance from Mason City, IA to Sheldon, IA is about 142.1 miles (228.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 133.8 miles (215.3 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.
Human settlement in Palo Alto County, Iowa, United States of America
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 Mason City and Sheldon.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mason City and Sheldon.
-
1
Start on 2nd Street Northeast
7 m · 6 sec · 2nd Street Northeast
-
2
Turn left onto North Federal Avenue
100 m · 17 sec · North Federal Avenue
-
3
Turn right onto 1st Street Northwest
1.2 mi · 2 min · 1st Street Northwest
-
4
Continue on Winnebago Way
2360 ft · 1 min · Winnebago Way
-
5
Turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
67.6 mi · 1 hr 35 min · 4th Street Southwest
-
6
Turn slight right onto Main Street
17 m · 1 sec · Main Street
-
7
Turn slight right onto 525th Avenue
1.6 mi · 2 min · 525th Avenue
-
8
Keep slight left to continue on 525th Avenue
596 ft · 10 sec · 525th Avenue
-
9
Continue on 370th Street
5.9 mi · 9 min · 370th Street
-
10
Continue on Main Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · Main Street
-
11
Continue on 450th Avenue
1.6 km · 2 min · 450th Avenue
-
12
Continue on 360th Street
20.8 mi · 31 min · 360th Street
-
13
Continue on 11th Street Southeast
2.5 mi · 4 min · 11th Street Southeast
-
14
Continue on 360th Street
1.6 mi · 2 min · 360th Street
-
15
Turn right onto 200th Avenue
1.5 km · 1 min · 200th Avenue
-
16
Continue on 32nd Avenue West
1341 ft · 33 sec · 32nd Avenue West
-
17
Turn left onto West 4th Street
1 mi · 1 min · West 4th Street
-
18
Continue on County Road B24
1 mi · 1 min · County Road B24
-
19
Turn right onto 180th Avenue
2.8 mi · 4 min · 180th Avenue
-
20
Turn left onto 320th Street
21.3 mi · 30 min · 320th Street
-
21
Continue on US-18
1 km · 1 min · US-18
-
22
Continue on 320th Street
8.5 mi · 12 min · 320th Street
-
23
Continue on Park Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · Park Street
-
24
Turn left onto 2nd Avenue
1797 ft · 56 sec · 2nd Avenue
-
25
Turn left onto 9th Street
8 m · 1 sec · 9th Street
-
26
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 9th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mason City and Sheldon.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
4th Street Southwest
Turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
67.6 mi · 01h 35m
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 Rain Showers near Sheldon.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mason City to Sheldon?
The road trip is about 142.1 miles (228.7 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?
Cylinder is a useful midpoint, sitting about 70.8 miles from Mason City and 71.3 miles from Sheldon.
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 8.3 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 $21.07 one way or $42.13 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around Mason City and Rain Showers near Sheldon.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mason City and Sheldon. Straight-line distance: 133.81 mi (215.34 km).
#1 Mason City
City in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
| Population | 26,931 |
| Coordinates | 43.1535700, -93.2010400 |
| Altitude | 344 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sheldon
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,071 |
| Coordinates | 43.1810900, -95.8561300 |
| Altitude | 435 |
| Country | United States |
End: Sheldon (-95.85613, 43.18109)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 229 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 46m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.21 | $21.07 | $42.13 |
| Mid-grade | $4.47 | $22.41 | $44.83 |
| Premium | $5.10 | $25.56 | $51.11 |
| Diesel | $6.07 | $30.42 | $60.83 |
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