Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC Moving Truck Gas Cost

Fuel cost by truck size

Based on 136 miles, a gas price of $4.312 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	9	$37	$43
10 to 12 ft truck	11	12	$53	$63
15 to 17 ft truck	9	15	$65	$77
20 to 22 ft truck	8	17	$73	$86
26 ft truck	7	19	$84	$99
26 ft truck (diesel)	8	17	$111	$130

The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $47 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
Philadelphia, PA	$4.312	$6.508	Central Atlantic 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 Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA.

Moving truck gas cost from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC