Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 711 miles, a gas price of $4.197 and a diesel price of $6.430 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 | 44 | $187 | $219 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 65 | $271 | $319 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 79 | $332 | $390 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 89 | $373 | $439 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 102 | $426 | $502 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 89 | $571 | $672 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $240 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $4.249 | $6.508 | New York 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 New York, NY to Indianapolis, IN a 2-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 New York, NY.
More moves from New York
- New York to Los Angeles
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More moves to Indianapolis
- Los Angeles to Indianapolis
- Chicago to Indianapolis
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- San Diego to Indianapolis
- Dallas to Indianapolis
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- Seattle to Indianapolis
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- Portland to Indianapolis
- Louisville to Indianapolis
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- Baltimore to Indianapolis
- Washington to Indianapolis
- Milwaukee to Indianapolis
- Albuquerque to Indianapolis
- Tucson to Indianapolis
- Kansas City to Indianapolis
- Salt Lake City to Indianapolis
- Minneapolis to Indianapolis
- Detroit to Indianapolis
- Cleveland to Indianapolis
- Pittsburgh to Indianapolis
- St. Louis to Indianapolis
- Cincinnati to Indianapolis
- New Orleans to Indianapolis
- Boise to Indianapolis
- Richmond to Indianapolis
- Birmingham to Indianapolis
- Omaha to Indianapolis
- Charleston to Indianapolis
- El Paso to Indianapolis