How much does a tow cost in Houston?
Distance-based estimates for every tow type in the Houston metro. The operator confirms your total before the truck rolls.
A light-duty tow in Houston is a hookup fee plus a per-mile rate. The price depends on distance, vehicle type, truck required, and hookup difficulty, and the operator confirms your full price before the truck rolls. For reference, the City of Houston's own non-consent tow rate (Municipal Code Ch. 8, effective Jan 1, 2026) is $232 for the first 20 miles plus $4.64 a mile after that.
How much does towing cost by distance?
Light-duty covers most cars, SUVs, and pickups under 10,000 lb GVWR. Heavy-duty covers box trucks, RVs, and commercial vehicles.
| Distance | Wheel-lift | Flatbed | Heavy-duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 miles | Hookup plus mileage | Hookup plus mileage | Priced per job | Most common local tow |
| 5 - 10 miles | Hookup plus mileage | Hookup plus mileage | Priced per job | Common local tow |
| 10 - 25 miles | Hookup plus mileage | Hookup plus mileage | Priced per job | Common local tow |
| 25 - 50 miles | Hookup plus mileage | Hookup plus mileage | Priced per job | Call for a number on this distance |
| 50 - 100 miles | Hookup plus mileage | Hookup plus mileage | Priced per job | Call for a number on this distance |
| 100+ miles | Hookup plus mileage | Hookup plus mileage | Priced per job | Long-distance - call for a number |
How much does it cost to tow a car long-distance from Houston?
Common routes from Houston. Long-distance jobs are priced per job - call for a number on any of these.
| Route | Distance | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Houston → Galveston | ~50 mi | Call for this route |
| Houston → Beaumont | ~85 mi | Call for this route |
| Houston → Austin | ~165 mi | Call for this route |
| Houston → San Antonio | ~200 mi | Call for this route |
| Houston → Dallas | ~240 mi | Call for this route |
What do specialty towing and roadside services cost?
Motorcycles, EVs, accident recovery, lockouts, jump starts, and more.
| Service | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle tow | Operator confirms on the call | Low-deck flatbed with wheel chock and soft straps |
| EV tow (Tesla, Rivian, etc.) | Operator confirms on the call | Requires a flatbed. Wheel-lift can damage the drive motor |
| Accident / collision recovery | Priced on scene | Includes debris cleanup and fluid containment |
| Winch-out (stuck vehicle) | Priced on scene | Depends on difficulty and terrain, including flood-stranded vehicles |
| Lockout service | Operator confirms on the call | Non-destructive entry, most vehicles |
| Jump start | Operator confirms on the call | Battery test included |
| Tire change | Operator confirms on the call | Using your spare; does not include tire purchase |
| Fuel delivery | Operator confirms on the call | Fuel to reach the nearest station |
What factors affect how much a tow costs?
Vehicle size and weight
Cars and pickups under 10,000 lb are light-duty (a hookup fee plus a per-mile rate). Larger vehicles - box trucks, RVs, motorhomes - are heavy-duty, priced per job.
Distance
The per-mile rate applies across the full distance, on top of the hookup fee. Long-distance (50+ miles) is priced per job, so call for a number.
Truck type required
Flatbed costs more to operate than wheel-lift. AWD, 4WD, EVs, lowered cars, and damaged vehicles require flatbed - non-negotiable.
Hookup difficulty
A driveway pickup and a car flooded to the doors after a heavy rain are not the same job. Difficulty shows as a line item, and the operator confirms it before rolling.
What do Houston drivers ask about tow pricing?
How much does it cost to tow a car 10 miles in Houston?
The operator taking the call confirms the exact price for your pickup and drop-off before we dispatch. For reference, Houston's non-consent tow rate is $232 for the first 20 miles, but a private tow you call for is priced by the operator on the job.
How much does it cost to tow a car 50 miles?
Longer local tows run on a per-mile rate on top of the hookup. Call with your pickup and destination and we'll give you the exact price before the truck rolls.
How much does it cost to tow a car 100 miles?
Long-distance tows are priced per job rather than a simple mileage rate. Call with your pickup and destination and we'll get you an exact number.
Why does a flatbed tow cost more than wheel-lift?
Flatbed trucks cost more to operate - higher fuel consumption, more expensive equipment, and slower loading. AWD, 4WD, EVs, lowered cars, and damaged vehicles require flatbed to avoid drivetrain damage.
Do you charge extra at night or on weekends?
Ask the operator whether any night, weekend, or holiday charge applies, and get the full price confirmed before the truck rolls.
How do I get the cheapest tow possible?
Two ways to save: use your insurance or motor club roadside coverage if you have it - many plans cover local tows at no cost. And if your car can safely roll, wheel-lift may cost less than flatbed. We'll tell you honestly which truck your vehicle needs.
How does Quick Tow Houston price a tow?
A light-duty tow is a hookup fee plus a per-mile rate. Heavy-duty, long-distance, and specialty jobs are priced per job. Call and the operator confirms your full price before the truck rolls. If you're stalled on a Houston freeway, Tow and Go offers a free tow to a safe spot - call (713) 881-3333.
Need an exact quote right now?
Call us. We route you to a licensed local operator, who confirms the price before the truck rolls.