Moving truck gas cost from Albuquerque, NM to Indianapolis, IN

The drive is about 1,284 miles. In a 15 to 17 ft rental truck getting around 9 MPG, fuel comes to roughly $566 at this week’s prices.

miles
Trip
$/ gallon

Average of Gulf Coast and Midwest prices from EIA for the week of October 19, 2026.

More options: MPG, towing
MPG

Loaded rental trucks usually get 6 to 12 MPG. If the rental paperwork lists a figure for your truck, use that.

Fuel cost$566Likely $514 to $628

Compare

  • 10 to 12 ft truck$463save $103
  • 20 to 22 ft truck$636+$71
  • Towing a car$665+$100
  • Round trip$1,131+$566

1,284 miles at 9 MPG: 142.7 gallons, $0.44 a mile. The likely range allows for fuel economy 10% better or worse.

AlbuquerqueIndianapolis

Routes from OSRM using© OpenStreetMap contributors data

Distance
1,284 miles
Driving days
3 at 450 mi a day
Behind the wheel
About 23 hours
Gas price used
$3.964 a gallon

Fuel cost by truck size

Based on 1,284 miles, a gas price of $3.964 and a diesel price of $6.127 a gallon. Towing a car on a trailer or dolly lowers fuel economy by about 15%.

TruckMPGGallonsFuel costTowing a car
Cargo van1680$318$374
10 to 12 ft truck11117$463$544
15 to 17 ft truck9143$566$665
20 to 22 ft truck8161$636$748
26 ft truck7183$727$855
26 ft truck (diesel)8161$983$1,157

The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $409 in fuel alone, so it pays to rent only as much truck as you need.

Fuel prices at each end of the move

WhereGasDieselPrice basis
Albuquerque, NM$3.784$5.903Gulf Coast average
Indianapolis, IN$4.145$6.352Midwest average

Gas runs about $0.36 a gallon cheaper around Albuquerque, NM. Fill the tank before you leave Albuquerque and stretch it as far as you safely can.

Weekly retail averages from the U.S. Energy Information Administration for the week of October 19, 2026. Prices along the way will vary. EIA source

Planning the drive

A loaded box truck is slower than a car on hills and safest at moderate speeds, and most drivers find 450 miles a comfortable day. That makes Albuquerque, NM to Indianapolis, IN a 3-day drive, so budget for hotel nights and meals on top of fuel. The rental itself and any per-mile fees are charged separately from fuel.

Other moves

Going the other way? See Indianapolis, IN to Albuquerque, NM.