Towing Cost Calculator
Get an instant, no-obligation tow price by distance, vehicle type, and service. See real per-mile rates and typical costs for any tow - before you call.
Pickup & Drop-off
Enter both addresses to calculate distance automatically
Vehicle Type
Service Options
Enter your details above to get an instant estimate
Average towing costs in the US:
- • Local tow (5 miles): $75 - $125
- • Medium distance (25 miles): $125 - $200
- • Long distance (50+ miles): $200 - $400+
Already been towed and the bill looks too high?
Every state limits what a towing company can charge. If your bill breaks those rules, you can push back - our Dispute a Tow Bill tool builds a ready-to-send demand letter tailored to your state laws.
Check my tow billTowing cost per mile by vehicle
Most tows are priced as a base hook-up fee plus a per-mile rate. These are the rates our calculator uses (before flatbed, heavy-duty, or after-hours adjustments):
| Vehicle | Base fee | Per mile | Typical 10-mile local tow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car / Sedan | $75 | $3.00/mi | $89 - $121 |
| SUV | $85 | $3.50/mi | $102 - $138 |
| Pickup Truck | $95 | $4.00/mi | $136 - $184 |
| Motorcycle | $65 | $2.50/mi | $77 - $103 |
| RV / Motorhome | $150 | $5.50/mi | $217 - $293 |
Flatbed towing adds about 30%; heavy-duty or specialty equipment can double the rate; after-hours and weekends add 25-50%. See our methodology for the full formula.
How much does it cost to tow a car by distance?
Typical cost to tow a standard car during normal hours (base fee + mileage):
5 mile tow
$77-$103
10 mile tow
$89-$121
25 mile tow
$128-$173
50 mile tow
$191-$259
100 mile tow
$319-$431
Moving a car 100+ miles? Over long distances an auto-transport carrier is often cheaper than a tow truck. Compare on our long-distance car transport cost page, or see real city-to-city tow routes.
How the towing cost calculator works
1. Distance
Enter pickup and drop-off, or the distance in miles. Mileage is the biggest cost driver.
2. Vehicle
Car, SUV, truck, motorcycle, or RV. Heavier vehicles carry a higher base fee and per-mile rate.
3. Service & time
Standard, flatbed, or heavy-duty, plus time of day. We apply the right multipliers for your case.
Towing cost calculator - FAQs
How much does towing cost per mile?
Most tows run about $2.50 to $5.50 per mile after a base hook-up fee of roughly $50 to $150. Cars and motorcycles sit at the low end ($2.50-$3.00 per mile), while SUVs, trucks, and RVs cost more per mile because they need heavier equipment. Our calculator applies the right per-mile rate for your vehicle automatically.
How much does it cost to tow a car 5, 10, or 50 miles?
For a standard car during normal hours, a 5-mile tow is about $77-$103, a 10-mile tow about $89-$121, a 25-mile tow about $128-$173, a 50-mile tow about $191-$259, and a 100-mile tow about $319-$431. Long-distance tows over 100 miles are often cheaper per mile with an auto-transport carrier than a tow truck.
Is this towing estimate accurate?
The calculator combines a base fee, a per-mile rate, and multipliers for vehicle type, service type (flatbed or heavy-duty), and time of day. It is designed to land within about 10-15% of a real quote. For an exact price, get 2-3 quotes from local companies; use this estimate to know whether a quoted price is fair.
What makes a tow cost more?
Distance and per-mile rate are the biggest drivers, followed by after-hours or weekend service (adds 25-50%), flatbed towing (about 30% more than a standard hook), heavy-duty or specialty equipment (up to 2x), and add-ons like winching, a jump-start, or a tire change. Storage or impound fees are separate if your vehicle is held.
Was your car already towed and the bill looks too high?
Every state caps what a towing company can legally charge, and many bills include fees that break those rules. Check your state towing laws, and if you were overcharged you can dispute it - our Dispute a Tow Bill tool builds a ready-to-send demand letter for your state.
Estimates are for informational purposes only and typically land within 10-15% of a real quote. Actual towing prices are set by individual companies and vary by location, vehicle condition, and circumstances. Always confirm pricing with the towing company before authorizing service.
Know a fair price before you call
Check average towing costs in your state, know your rights, or dispute a bill you think is too high.