Moving truck gas cost from Raleigh, NC to Indianapolis, IN

The drive is about 615 miles. In a 15 to 17 ft rental truck getting around 9 MPG, fuel comes to roughly $273 at this week’s prices.

miles
Trip
$/ gallon

Average of Lower Atlantic and Midwest prices from EIA for the week of October 19, 2026.

More options: MPG, towing
MPG

Loaded rental trucks usually get 6 to 12 MPG. If the rental paperwork lists a figure for your truck, use that.

Fuel cost$273Likely $249 to $304

Compare

  • 10 to 12 ft truck$224save $50
  • 20 to 22 ft truck$308+$34
  • Towing a car$322+$48
  • Round trip$547+$273

615 miles at 9 MPG: 68.3 gallons, $0.44 a mile. The likely range allows for fuel economy 10% better or worse.

RaleighIndianapolis

Routes from OSRM using© OpenStreetMap contributors data

Distance
615 miles
Driving days
2 at 450 mi a day
Behind the wheel
About 12 hours
Gas price used
$4.002 a gallon

Fuel cost by truck size

Based on 615 miles, a gas price of $4.002 and a diesel price of $6.046 a gallon. Towing a car on a trailer or dolly lowers fuel economy by about 15%.

TruckMPGGallonsFuel costTowing a car
Cargo van1638$154$181
10 to 12 ft truck1156$224$263
15 to 17 ft truck968$273$322
20 to 22 ft truck877$308$362
26 ft truck788$352$414
26 ft truck (diesel)877$465$547

The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $198 in fuel alone, so it pays to rent only as much truck as you need.

Fuel prices at each end of the move

WhereGasDieselPrice basis
Raleigh, NC$3.860$5.740Lower Atlantic average
Indianapolis, IN$4.145$6.352Midwest average

Gas runs about $0.28 a gallon cheaper around Raleigh, NC. Fill the tank before you leave Raleigh and stretch it as far as you safely can.

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 Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC.