Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 226 miles, a gas price of $4.281 and a diesel price of $6.508 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 | 14 | $60 | $71 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 21 | $88 | $103 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 25 | $108 | $126 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 28 | $121 | $142 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 32 | $138 | $163 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 28 | $184 | $216 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $78 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 |
| Washington, DC | $4.312 | $6.508 | Central Atlantic 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 Washington, DC a one-day drive. The rental itself and any per-mile fees are charged separately from fuel.
Other moves
Going the other way? See Washington, DC to New York, NY.
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More moves to Washington
- Los Angeles to Washington
- Chicago to Washington
- Houston to Washington
- Phoenix to Washington
- Philadelphia to Washington
- San Diego to Washington
- Dallas to Washington
- Austin to Washington
- Charlotte to Washington
- San Francisco to Washington
- Seattle to Washington
- Denver to Washington
- Nashville to Washington
- Atlanta to Washington
- Miami to Washington
- Boston to Washington
- Las Vegas to Washington
- Orlando to Washington
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- San Antonio to Washington
- Jacksonville to Washington
- Columbus to Washington
- Indianapolis to Washington
- Sacramento to Washington
- Oklahoma City to Washington
- Portland to Washington
- Louisville to Washington
- Memphis to Washington
- Baltimore to Washington
- Milwaukee to Washington
- Albuquerque to Washington
- Tucson to Washington
- Kansas City to Washington
- Salt Lake City to Washington
- Minneapolis to Washington
- Detroit to Washington
- Cleveland to Washington
- Pittsburgh to Washington
- St. Louis to Washington
- Cincinnati to Washington
- New Orleans to Washington
- Boise to Washington
- Richmond to Washington
- Birmingham to Washington
- Omaha to Washington
- Charleston to Washington
- El Paso to Washington