Detroit, MI to Indianapolis, IN Moving Truck Gas Cost

Fuel cost by truck size

Based on 278 miles, a gas price of $4.145 and a diesel price of $6.352 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	17	$72	$85
10 to 12 ft truck	11	25	$105	$123
15 to 17 ft truck	9	31	$128	$151
20 to 22 ft truck	8	35	$144	$169
26 ft truck	7	40	$165	$194
26 ft truck (diesel)	8	35	$221	$260

The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $93 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
Detroit, MI	$4.145	$6.352	Midwest average
Indianapolis, IN	$4.145	$6.352	Midwest 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 Detroit, MI to Indianapolis, IN a one-day drive. The rental itself and any per-mile fees are charged separately from fuel.

Other moves

Going the other way? See Indianapolis, IN to Detroit, MI.

Moving truck gas cost from Detroit, MI to Indianapolis, IN