Spanning 239.5 miles across the heart of Iowa, this route connects Mason City to Burlington in roughly 4 hours and 41 minutes. It is a straightforward trip that fits comfortably into a single day, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to traverse the Midwest without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $36 for fuel, though keep in mind that local fluctuations may impact your final expenses. The journey relies on a blend of major corridors and local connections, offering a balanced pace that feels manageable for most drivers. Whether you are heading south for business or a change of scenery, this path provides a reliable link between these two Iowa hubs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
119.7 miles from Mason City, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 23m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Avenue of the Saints
188.4 mi
3h 34m
US 34
27 mi
32m
Leo P Rooff Expressway
6.7 mi
8m
I 380
6.5 mi
7m
4th Street Southeast
2.7 mi
4m
Thrush Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
Washington Street
2.4 mi
3m
East State Street
0.6 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Avenue of the Saints
— 188.4 mi, about 3h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mason City, IA and Burlington, IA.
1
Start on 2nd Street Northeast
24 ft·6 sec·2nd Street Northeast
2
Turn left onto North Federal Avenue
328 ft·19 sec·North Federal Avenue
3
Turn left onto 1st Street Northeast
0.5 mi·56 sec·1st Street Northeast
4
At end of road, turn left onto East State Street
0.6 mi·59 sec·East State Street
5
Turn slight right onto Maple Drive
0.4 mi·57 sec·Maple Drive
6
Turn left onto IA 122
2.7 mi·4 min·4th Street Southeast
7
Turn right onto CR S56
2.6 mi·3 min·Thrush Avenue
8
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·54 sec
9
Merge onto US 18; IA 27
69 mi·1 hr 19 min·Avenue of the Saints
10
Take the exit
317 ft·7 sec
Toward US 218 south: Waterloo
11
Continue on US 218
0.3 mi·39 sec·US 218
Toward US 218 south: Waterloo
12
Merge onto US 218
6.7 mi·8 min·Leo P Rooff Expressway
13
Continue on US 218
2.4 mi·3 min·Washington Street
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
6.5 mi·7 min·I 380
Toward I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380; IA 27
116 mi·2 hr 10 min·Avenue of the Saints
Toward I 380 South, IA 27 South: Cedar Rapids
16
Keep slight left at fork onto US 218; IA 27
3.6 mi·4 min·Avenue of the Saints
17
Take the exit onto US 34; IA 163
0.3 mi·32 sec·US 34; IA 163
Exit 42Toward US 34 East, 163 East: Mount Pleasant, Burlington
18
Keep slight right at fork onto US 34; IA 163
27 mi·31 min·US 34; IA 163
Exit 42Toward US 34 East, IA 163 East: Burlington
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 262BToward Central Ave
20
Turn right onto North Central Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·North Central Avenue
21
Arrive at destination
South Central Avenue
Trip Plan
To keep your drive smooth, plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the nearly five-hour transit time. Leaving in the morning gives you the best chance to navigate the turn-heavy local stretches during daylight hours, which is particularly helpful for visibility. Since the majority of your mileage is concentrated on the Avenue of the Saints, utilize that stretch for steady progress before you reach the more winding portions of the route. Remember that your $36 fuel estimate is a baseline, so check your tank before leaving Mason City to avoid unnecessary stops on more rural segments. Staying flexible with your departure time is a major advantage on this route, allowing you to bypass potential localized congestion on the smaller roads near your destination.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 119.7 miles from Mason City, IA, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 188.4 miles.
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 53 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119.7 miles or 2h 23m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Burlington, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Mason City, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Mason City, IA
This is one driving day of about 239.5 miles and 4h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Mason City, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Avenue of the Saints for about 188.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 211.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|North Federal Avenue
Turn left onto North Federal Avenue
Navigation decision point
6
85.7 mi into trip|~1h 44m in|I 380
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380 toward I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids,...
6
92.3 mi into trip|~1h 52m in|I 380; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints toward I 380 South, IA 27 South: Cedar Rapids
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 380 South, IA 27 South: Cedar Rapids
6
211.6 mi into trip|~4h 7m in|US 34; IA 163
Take the exit onto US 34; IA 163 toward US 34 East, 163 East: Mount Pleasant, Burlington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 42
Toward US 34 East, 163 East: Mount Pleasant, Bu...
7
211.9 mi into trip|~4h 7m in|US 34; IA 163
Keep slight right at fork onto US 34; IA 163 toward US 34 East, IA 163 East: Burlington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 42
Toward US 34 East, IA 163 East: Burlington
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.44 one way
$74.89 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg84 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$41.11
$82.22
premium
$4.89
$46.09
$92.18
diesel
$5.61
$52.88
$105.76
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
71.9
0
$25.15
$11.50
Efficient EV
59.9
0
$20.96
$9.58
EV Truck/SUV
95.8
1
$33.53
$15.33
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 13, 2026
Origin
Mason City, IA
Late night
in Mason City on Sunday
Local time
5:03 AM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Partly Cloudy
SW 5 to 12 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:52PM CDT until April 13 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:52PM CDT until April 14 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Destination
Burlington, IA
Late night
in Burlington on Sunday
Local time
5:03 AM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Mostly Cloudy
SW 10 to 15 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:52PM CDT until April 13 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:52PM CDT until April 14 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
49°F
Vinton, IA
120 mi in
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
6 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
4h 41m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a trip defined by a distinct shift in road dynamics, as only 17 percent of your journey is spent on major highways. You will spend the bulk of your time on the Avenue of the Saints, which serves as the longest uninterrupted stretch at 188.4 miles. Because the remaining sections are turn-heavy local roads, you should prepare for a more hands-on driving experience rather than a passive interstate cruise. Navigating the Leo P Rooff Expressway and US 34 adds variety to the terrain, shifting the feel of the drive from high-speed transit to more technical local maneuvering. Stay alert as you transition between these segments, as the road personality changes significantly once you exit the primary corridors.
Only 17% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 188.4 mi on Avenue of the Saints.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near North Federal Avenue.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 239.5 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (North Federal Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 85.7 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 92.3 miles (I 380; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,132 ft607 ft
Total Climb
50 ft
Total Descent
574 ft
Highest Point
1,132 ft
Elevation Range
524 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Mason City, IA and Burlington, IA, road signs point toward Dubuque, Cedar Falls and 163 East: Mount Pleasant.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 41m. Total distance: 239.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 188.4 miles on Avenue of the Saints. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Burlington, IA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (North Federal Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 85.7 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 92.3 miles (I 380; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Burlington, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.
