How far is Spencer, IA from Mason City, IA?
The driving distance from Spencer, IA to Mason City, IA is about 102.7 miles (165.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 98 miles (157.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 01m 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 00m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Spencer and Mason City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Spencer and Mason City.
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1
Start on East 4th Street
1.6 km · 2 min · East 4th Street
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2
Continue on 350th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · 350th Street
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3
Turn right onto 240th Avenue
1.1 mi · 2 min · 240th Avenue
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4
Turn left onto 360th Street
20.8 mi · 31 min · 360th Street
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5
Continue on 450th Avenue
1.6 km · 2 min · 450th Avenue
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6
Continue on Main Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · Main Street
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7
Continue on 370th Street
5.9 mi · 9 min · 370th Street
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8
Keep slight right to continue on 525th Avenue
1.7 mi · 3 min · 525th Avenue
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9
Turn left onto US Highway 18
65.6 mi · 1 hr 32 min · US Highway 18
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10
Continue on 4th Street Southwest
2 mi · 4 min · 4th Street Southwest
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11
Turn left onto Winnebago Way
2404 ft · 1 min · Winnebago Way
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12
Continue on 1st Street Northwest
1.2 mi · 2 min · 1st Street Northwest
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13
Turn left onto North Federal Avenue
100 m · 16 sec · North Federal Avenue
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14
Turn right onto 2nd Street Northeast
7 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street Northeast
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street Northeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Spencer and Mason City.
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 Highway 18
Turn left onto US Highway 18
65.6 mi · 01h 32m
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 Spencer and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny near Mason City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Spencer to Mason City?
The road trip is about 102.7 miles (165.2 km) and usually takes 02h 00m 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?
Algona is a useful midpoint, sitting about 51.3 miles from Spencer and 51.3 miles from Mason City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 98 miles (157.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.7 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 2:28 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.65 one way or $27.30 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Spencer and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny near Mason City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Spencer and Mason City. Straight-line distance: 97.97 mi (157.67 km).
#1 Spencer
City in the state of Iowa (United States)
| Population | 10,989 |
| Coordinates | 43.1413600, -95.1444400 |
| Altitude | 400 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Mason City
City in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
| Population | 26,931 |
| Coordinates | 43.1535700, -93.2010400 |
| Altitude | 344 |
| Country | United States |
End: 2nd Street Northeast (-93.201041, 43.153613)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 165 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.65 | $27.30 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.40 | $30.79 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.85 | $33.69 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.20 | $38.40 |
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 · May 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.