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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX | $3.704 | $5.903 | Texas average |
| Austin, 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 Dallas, TX to Austin, 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 Austin, TX to Dallas, TX.
More moves from Dallas
- Dallas to New York
- Dallas to Los Angeles
- Dallas to Chicago
- Dallas to Houston
- Dallas to Phoenix
- Dallas to Philadelphia
- Dallas to San Diego
- Dallas to Charlotte
- Dallas to San Francisco
- Dallas to Seattle
- Dallas to Denver
- Dallas to Nashville
- Dallas to Atlanta
- Dallas to Miami
- Dallas to Boston
- Dallas to Las Vegas
- Dallas to Orlando
- Dallas to Tampa
- Dallas to Raleigh
More moves to Austin
- New York to Austin
- Los Angeles to Austin
- Chicago to Austin
- Houston to Austin
- Phoenix to Austin
- Philadelphia to Austin
- San Diego to Austin
- Charlotte to Austin
- San Francisco to Austin
- Seattle to Austin
- Denver to Austin
- Nashville to Austin
- Atlanta to Austin
- Miami to Austin
- Boston to Austin
- Las Vegas to Austin
- Orlando to Austin
- Tampa to Austin
- Raleigh to Austin