Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 195 miles, a gas price of $3.704 and a diesel price of $5.903 a gallon. Towing a car on a trailer or dolly lowers fuel economy by about 15%.
| Truck | MPG | Gallons | Fuel cost | Towing a car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo van | 16 | 12 | $45 | $53 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 18 | $66 | $77 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 22 | $80 | $94 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 24 | $90 | $106 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 28 | $103 | $121 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 24 | $144 | $169 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $58 in fuel alone, so it pays to rent only as much truck as you need.
Fuel prices at each end of the move
| Where | Gas | Diesel | Price basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX | $3.704 | $5.903 | Texas average |
| Dallas, TX | $3.704 | $5.903 | Texas average |
Prices at the two ends are within a few cents of each other, so where you fill up matters less than how fast you drive.
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 Austin, TX to Dallas, TX a one-day drive. The rental itself and any per-mile fees are charged separately from fuel.
Other moves
Going the other way? See Dallas, TX to Austin, TX.
More moves from Austin
- Austin to New York
- Austin to Los Angeles
- Austin to Chicago
- Austin to Houston
- Austin to Phoenix
- Austin to Philadelphia
- Austin to San Diego
- Austin to Charlotte
- Austin to San Francisco
- Austin to Seattle
- Austin to Denver
- Austin to Nashville
- Austin to Atlanta
- Austin to Miami
- Austin to Boston
- Austin to Las Vegas
- Austin to Orlando
- Austin to Tampa
- Austin to Raleigh
More moves to Dallas
- New York to Dallas
- Los Angeles to Dallas
- Chicago to Dallas
- Houston to Dallas
- Phoenix to Dallas
- Philadelphia to Dallas
- San Diego to Dallas
- Charlotte to Dallas
- San Francisco to Dallas
- Seattle to Dallas
- Denver to Dallas
- Nashville to Dallas
- Atlanta to Dallas
- Miami to Dallas
- Boston to Dallas
- Las Vegas to Dallas
- Orlando to Dallas
- Tampa to Dallas
- Raleigh to Dallas