Origin
Mason City, IA
Morning in Mason City on Wednesday
Local time
6:05 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Mason City, IA to Clarinda, IA
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
4h 51m
Distance
247.7 mi
399 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 38m
★
6 AM
4h 51m
8 AM
5h 18m
10 AM
5h 1m
12 PM
4h 58m
3 PM
5h 2m
5 PM
5h 17m
8 PM
4h 43m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Mason City, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Clarinda, IA
Elizabeth Celestino
Trip Overview
This 247.7-mile drive from Mason City, IA to Clarinda, IA will take you approximately 4 hours and 51 minutes, making it a feasible day trip. The route primarily utilizes major highways, with a 73% highway share, including stretches on I-35 and I-80. With an estimated fuel cost of $39, this trip offers an economical journey through the Midwest. You'll experience a straightforward drive focused on efficient travel between these two Iowa communities. Consider this route if you're looking for a direct and uncomplicated way to cover the distance.
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
123.8 miles from Mason City, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 19m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 247.7-mile journey. With 73% of the route on highways, including significant portions of I-35 and I-80, you'll experience efficient travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a substantial 117 miles on I-35, offering a chance to settle into a steady pace. While the primary roads are interstates, you will transition to local roads like 630th Street as you approach your destination, offering a slight change in scenery and speed. This drive is designed for covering ground.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 35 is the longest continuous segment at about 117 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and I 80. You will hit about 17 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near North Federal Avenue.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 247.7 miles you will encounter 17 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (North Federal Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles (North Monroe Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.4 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
North Federal Avenue
Turn left onto North Federal Avenue
Navigation decision point
6
0.4 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
North Monroe Avenue
Turn left onto North Monroe Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
11.4 mi into trip
|
~17m in
|
I 35
Merge onto I 35
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
114.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 8m in
|
I 35
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35 toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council B...
7
128.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 24m in
|
I 80
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 80 West: Omaha
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 80 West: Omaha
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 Clarinda, IA, road signs point toward Council Bluffs, Davenport and Audubon.
Council Bluffs
114.1 mi in
|
~2h 8m
|
via I 35
Davenport
114.1 mi in
|
~2h 8m
|
via I 35
Audubon
190.7 mi in
|
~3h 32m
|
via US 6
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 35 | 117 mi | 2h 7m |
| I 80 | 62.3 mi | 1h 7m |
| 630th Street | 44.6 mi | 1h |
| 650th Street | 6.5 mi | 9m |
| Avenue of the Saints | 3.5 mi | 3m |
| 19th Street Southwest | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| East 7th Street | 2 mi | 2m |
| Whitney Street | 1.7 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 117 mi, about 2h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mason City, IA and Clarinda, IA.
1
Start on 2nd Street Northeast
24 ft
·
6 sec
·
2nd Street Northeast
2
Turn left onto North Federal Avenue
328 ft
·
16 sec
·
North Federal Avenue
3
Turn right onto 1st Street Northwest
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
·
1st Street Northwest
4
Turn left onto North Monroe Avenue
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
North Monroe Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
Turn right onto 19th Street Southwest
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
19th Street Southwest
6
Turn left onto South Eisenhower Avenue
0.5 mi
·
40 sec
·
South Eisenhower Avenue
7
Continue on Mallard Avenue
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Mallard Avenue
8
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
9
Merge onto US 18; IA 27
3.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Avenue of the Saints
10
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 35 South: Des Moines
11
Continue on this road
0.5 mi
·
32 sec
·
this road
Toward I 35 South: Des Moines
12
Merge onto I 35
103 mi
·
1 hr 50 min
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35
14 mi
·
16 min
·
I 35
Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
62 mi
·
1 hr 7 min
·
I 80
Toward I 80 West: Omaha
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit onto US 6
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
·
US 6
Toward US 6, US 71: Atlantic, Audubon
16
Turn left onto US 6; US 71
6.5 mi
·
9 min
·
650th Street
17
Turn right onto US 6; US 71
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
East 7th Street
18
Turn left onto US 71
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Whitney Street
19
Continue on US 71
45 mi
·
1 hr
·
630th Street
20
Turn right onto US 71 Business
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
210 Street
21
Continue on US 71 Business
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East Washington Street
22
Turn right onto North 16th Street
193 ft
·
9 sec
·
North 16th Street
23
Turn left
36 ft
·
2 sec
24
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 51-minute duration, this 247.7-mile trip is easily manageable in a single day. Leaving Mason City in the morning will allow you to reach Clarinda with plenty of daylight remaining. You'll encounter one planned stop along the way, which is a good opportunity to stretch your legs and refuel if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 117-mile stretch on I-35, as services can be spaced out. Budgeting around $39 for fuel covers the estimated cost for this highway-centric route.
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 123.8 miles from Mason City, IA, or about 2h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117 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 80 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.8 miles or 2h 19m 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 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clarinda, 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 247.7 miles and 4h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 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 I 35 for about 117 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 123.8 mi from Mason City, IA · 2h 19m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
124 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 123.8 miles from Mason City, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 35 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 117 miles.
Arriving in Clarinda, IA
The final approach into Clarinda, IA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Clarinda, IA.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.73 one way
$77.45 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
87 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $42.52 | $85.04 |
| premium | $4.89 | $47.67 | $95.34 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $54.69 | $109.38 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 74.3 | 0 | $26.01 | $11.89 |
| Efficient EV | 61.9 | 0 | $21.67 | $9.91 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 99.1 | 1 | $34.68 | $15.85 |
Gas CO2
87 kg
EV CO2
29 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.
Destination
Clarinda, IA
Morning in Clarinda on Wednesday
Local time
6:05 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°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
4 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 51m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Mason City, IA to Clarinda, IA covers 247.7 miles and takes about 4h 51m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 35, I 80, 630th Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 123.8 miles from Mason City, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $38.73 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 247.7 miles you will encounter 17 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (North Federal Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles (North Monroe Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.4 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Mason City, IA and Clarinda, IA, road signs point toward Council Bluffs, Davenport and Audubon.
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