Trip from Ames, IA to Mason City, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 45m

Distance

90.4 mi

145 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 23 min

4 AM

1h 38m ★

6 AM

1h 45m

8 AM

2h 1m

10 AM

1h 51m

12 PM

1h 49m

3 PM

1h 52m

5 PM

2h 0m

8 PM

1h 41m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

city in Story County, Iowa, United States

Ames, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city and the county seat of Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, United States

Mason City, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 90.4-mile drive from Ames to Mason City, Iowa, is a quick trip that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 45 minutes. It's a straightforward journey through the Midwest, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day excursion. With an estimated fuel cost of $14, this route is quite budget-friendly. The majority of your travel, 88% of it, will be on highways, so expect a relatively efficient commute. This drive is ideal if you're looking for a practical way to get from point A to point B without much fuss.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

45.2 miles from Ames, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 52m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 35 North	—	—
US 18 East	—	—
Airport	—	—
Mallard Avenue	—	—
South Eisenhower Avenue	—	—
19th Street Southwest	—	—
South Monroe Avenue	—	—
1st Street Northwest	—	—

Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.

Longest stretch: I 35 North — detailed segment metrics are refreshing.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Ames, IA and Mason City, IA.

Start on 13th Street

2.7 mi · 5 min · 13th Street

Turn left onto I 35 North: Minneapolis

76 mi · 1 hr 22 min · I 35 North: Minneapolis

Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City

1.0 mi · 1 min · US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City

Merge slight left

3.6 mi · 4 min

Take the exit slight right toward Airport

0.4 mi · 53 sec · Airport

Turn left onto Mallard Avenue

1.5 mi · 2 min · Mallard Avenue

Continue on South Eisenhower Avenue

0.5 mi · 45 sec · South Eisenhower Avenue

Turn right onto 19th Street Southwest

2.5 mi · 4 min · 19th Street Southwest

Turn left onto South Monroe Avenue

1.3 mi · 2 min · South Monroe Avenue

Turn right onto 1st Street Northwest

0.4 mi · 48 sec · 1st Street Northwest

Turn left onto North Federal Avenue

328 ft · 16 sec · North Federal Avenue

Turn right onto 2nd Street Northeast

23 ft · 1 sec · 2nd Street Northeast

Arrive at your destination

Trip Plan

Given the short duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes for this 90.4-mile trip, you have a lot of flexibility. Starting your drive in the morning or late afternoon will likely help you avoid any potential rush hour congestion in Ames. With no designated stops mentioned, plan your own breaks as needed, perhaps around the halfway point or when you feel the need to stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a break is over 76 miles on I 35 Business, and your estimated fuel cost is $14 for the entire journey.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.

The halfway point lands around 45.2 miles from Ames, IA, or about 52m into the drive.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 20 miles or 23m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 45.2 miles or 52m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 26m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mason City, IA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Ames, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Ames, IA

This is one driving day of about 90.4 miles and 1h 45m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Ames, IA.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Washington, IA

45 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Story City, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Washington, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 45.2 miles from Ames, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15159164389

Visit website

The Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

1.6 mi

Cafe Beaudelaire

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

1.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

0.8 mi

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

0.7 mi

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15159164389

Visit website

The Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15152920100

Visit website

Cafe Beaudelaire

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152927429

Visit website

Tosca

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+15152925258

Visit website

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15154505004

Visit website

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15152339004

Visit website

Provisions Lot F

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15155981783

Visit website

Business Cafe

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+15152949081

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15154602116

KaffeGeita

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 12.9

Story City, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15157332029

Visit website

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 32.3

Williams, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15155160821

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

2.7 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 90.4

Mason City, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm

+15152324032

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.13 one way

$28.27 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 32 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$15.52	$31.03
premium	$4.89	$17.40	$34.79
diesel	$5.61	$19.96	$39.92

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$14

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$39–$64

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 31.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	27.1	$9.49	$4.34
Efficient EV	22.6	$7.91	$3.62
EV Truck/SUV	36.2	$12.66	$5.79

Gas CO2

32 kg

EV CO2

11 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Ames, IA

Night in Ames on Saturday

Local time

11:23 PM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Mason City, IA

Night in Mason City on Saturday

Local time

11:23 PM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

1 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 45m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

The character of this drive is overwhelmingly highway-focused, with 88% of the route utilizing faster roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 76.4 miles on I 35 Business, which will likely be the dominant section of your journey. While primarily a highway experience, the route does incorporate sections of I 35 Business, US 18, and 13th Street, suggesting brief transitions between different types of paved surfaces. Expect a consistent pace for most of the trip, punctuated by the usual changes in speed limits and road types as you navigate between these major arteries.

Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.

13 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Main road: I 35 North.

How Hard Is This Drive?

1/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive.

Driving Effort 1/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Ames, IA to Mason City, IA is easy. At 1h 45m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Ames, IA to Mason City, IA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

1,248 ft 944 ft

Total Climb

399 ft

Total Descent

212 ft

Highest Point

1,248 ft

~58.1 mi in

Elevation Range

304 ft

About the Cities

Starting in Ames, IA

Full guide →

Ames is a pleasant college town in Central Iowa, sitting astride the Skunk River roughly 30 miles north of Des Moines. Life in Ames follows the ebb and flow of the academic year at Iowa State University, which is the city's primary draw.

Arriving in Mason City, IA

Full guide →

Mason City is a city in Iowa, renowned for its collection of architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright and other Prairie School architects, considered the most significant concentration of such architecture outside of Oak Park, Illinois.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 45m. Total distance: 90.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Ames, IA to Mason City, IA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Mason City, IA before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Ames, IA or browse trips ending in Mason City, IA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IA road trips.

Trip from Ames, IA to Mason City, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

Cafe Diem

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

The Cafe

Cafe Beaudelaire

Tosca

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

Burgie's Coffee | South Ames

Provisions Lot F

Business Cafe

Cafe Diem

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

Vinyl Cafe

KaffeGeita

Labyrinth Coffee

Bookends Cafe

Cafe Milo

Juniper & Olive Co.

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Discover Ames

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Ames, IA

Mason City, IA

Same local time

1 degrees warmer at arrival

1h 45m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Elevation Profile

About the Cities

Starting in Ames, IA

Arriving in Mason City, IA

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Mason City, IA

More from Ames, IA

More trips to Mason City, IA