How far is Mason City, IA from Waterloo, IA?
The driving distance from Mason City, IA to Waterloo, IA is about 84 miles (135.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 63.1 miles (101.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 45m 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 01h 22m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Chickasaw and Floyd counties in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mason City and Waterloo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mason City and Waterloo.
-
1
Start on 2nd Street Northeast
7 m · 6 sec · 2nd Street Northeast
-
2
Turn left onto North Federal Avenue
100 m · 20 sec · North Federal Avenue
-
3
Turn left onto 1st Street Northeast
2567 ft · 57 sec · 1st Street Northeast
-
4
At the end of the road, turn left onto East State Street
2988 ft · 60 sec · East State Street
-
5
Turn slight right onto Maple Drive
2017 ft · 57 sec · Maple Drive
-
6
Turn left onto 4th Street Southeast
2.7 mi · 4 min · 4th Street Southeast
-
7
Turn right onto Thrush Avenue
2.6 mi · 4 min · Thrush Avenue
-
8
Take the ramp left
2241 ft · 55 sec
-
9
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
69.1 mi · 1 hr 20 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward US 218 south: Waterloo
97 m · 8 sec
-
11
Continue on US 218 south: Waterloo
1625 ft · 40 sec
-
12
Merge slight left onto Leo P Rooff Expressway
5.8 mi · 7 min · Leo P Rooff Expressway
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown Riverfront, Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
2120 ft · 52 sec
-
14
Turn straight onto Washington Street
876 ft · 21 sec · Washington Street
-
15
Turn right onto West 4th Street
23 m · 2 sec · West 4th Street
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mason City and Waterloo.
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 Sunny leaving Mason City and Mostly Sunny near Waterloo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mason City to Waterloo?
The road trip is about 84 miles (135.2 km) and usually takes 01h 22m 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?
Nashua is a useful midpoint, sitting about 41.4 miles from Mason City and 42.5 miles from Waterloo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 63.1 miles (101.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.9 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 3:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.16 one way or $22.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Mason City and Mostly Sunny near Waterloo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mason City and Waterloo. Straight-line distance: 63.05 mi (101.47 km).
#1 Mason City
City in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
| Population | 26,931 |
| Coordinates | 43.1535700, -93.2010400 |
| Altitude | 344 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Waterloo
The most populous city in Black Hawk County, Iowa.
| Population | 67,292 |
| Coordinates | 42.4927600, -92.3429600 |
| Altitude | 261 |
| Country | United States |
End: West 4th Street (-92.342752, 42.492625)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 135 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.16 | $22.32 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.59 | $25.18 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.78 | $27.55 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.70 | $31.40 |
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 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.