Moving truck gas cost from Richmond, VA to Louisville, KY

The drive is about 562 miles. In a 15 to 17 ft rental truck getting around 9 MPG, fuel comes to roughly $250 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$250Likely $227 to $278

Compare

  • 10 to 12 ft truck$204save $45
  • 20 to 22 ft truck$281+$31
  • Towing a car$294+$44
  • Round trip$500+$250

562 miles at 9 MPG: 62.4 gallons, $0.44 a mile. The likely range allows for fuel economy 10% better or worse.

RichmondLouisville

Routes from OSRM using© OpenStreetMap contributors data

Distance
562 miles
Driving days
2 at 450 mi a day
Behind the wheel
About 10 hours
Gas price used
$4.002 a gallon

Fuel cost by truck size

Based on 562 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 van1635$141$165
10 to 12 ft truck1151$204$241
15 to 17 ft truck962$250$294
20 to 22 ft truck870$281$331
26 ft truck780$321$378
26 ft truck (diesel)870$425$500

The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $181 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
Richmond, VA$3.860$5.740Lower Atlantic average
Louisville, KY$4.145$6.352Midwest average

Gas runs about $0.28 a gallon cheaper around Richmond, VA. Fill the tank before you leave Richmond 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 Richmond, VA to Louisville, KY 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 Louisville, KY to Richmond, VA.