Long Distance
Removal Costs UK
Prices by property size and distance band. Updated June 2026.
| Property Size | 50–80 miles | 80–150 miles | 150+ miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bed | £400 – £700 | £600 – £1,000 | £800 – £1,300 |
| 2 Bed | £600 – £1,000 | £900 – £1,400 | £1,200 – £1,800 |
| 3 Bed | £900 – £1,400 | £1,200 – £1,800 | £1,600 – £2,400 |
| 4 Bed | £1,100 – £1,800 | £1,500 – £2,200 | £2,000 – £3,000 |
| 5 Bed+ | £1,500 – £2,500 | £2,000 – £3,000 | £2,500 – £4,000 |
💡 Return load tip
Ask your removal company about return loads (also called groupage or shared loads). If another customer is moving in the opposite direction on a similar date, you share the van — saving 20–40% on long-distance moves. Popular on routes like London–Manchester and Bristol–Edinburgh.
Get your long distance estimate
Enter your property size and postcode — our calculator factors in distance, floor level and any extras.
Use the free calculator →What Makes Long Distance Moves More Expensive?
For short local moves, the main costs are labour and the van. Once you cross 50 miles, fuel, driver time and sometimes overnight stays start to dominate. Here's how it breaks down:
Fuel and mileage
A large Luton van costs roughly £0.35–£0.50 per mile in fuel. A 150-mile move means 300 miles round trip — up to £150 in fuel alone before driver wages. Most companies roll this into the total price rather than itemising it.
Driver hours
Drivers are subject to working time regulations. A move from London to Edinburgh (400+ miles) will typically require an overnight stay, adding accommodation costs of £60–£120 per driver. Two-person teams are common on long moves, doubling that cost.
Congestion and access
City-centre collection or delivery points (particularly London) add parking permit costs and congestion charge fees (currently £15/day in the ULEZ zone). Budget an extra £30–£50 if either address is in central London.
How to Save on Long Distance Removals
- Ask about return loads — share a van going in the opposite direction and save 20–40%.
- Move mid-week — Tuesday to Thursday is typically 10–20% cheaper than weekends.
- Avoid peak summer months — June, July, and August see the highest demand and prices.
- Get 3+ quotes — long-distance prices vary more than local moves. The spread between the cheapest and most expensive quote can be 40–60%.
- Pack yourself — saves £200–£600 and reduces the volume being transported.
- Declutter first — every item you don't move is money saved on volume and mileage.
Long Distance vs Local: What Changes?
| Local (< 30 miles) | Long Distance (50+ miles) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing basis | Hourly + van size | Fixed quote + mileage |
| Survey needed? | Often no | Usually yes (video or in-person) |
| Overnight stay | Never | Possible for 200+ miles |
| Return load option | No | Yes — can save 20–40% |
| Lead time to book | 2–4 weeks | 6–10 weeks |
FAQs: Long Distance Removals UK
How much does a long distance removal cost in the UK?+
Long distance removal costs (moves over 50 miles) range from £400–£700 for a 1-bed to £1,500–£2,500 for a 5-bed at the 50-mile mark. Cross-country moves of 150+ miles cost 30–50% more. Use our free calculator for an instant estimate tailored to your move.
What counts as a long distance move in the UK?+
Most removal companies treat any move over 50 miles as long distance, where mileage charges start to dominate the price. Moves over 150 miles (cross-country, e.g. London to Manchester or Edinburgh) are priced significantly higher.
Are return loads cheaper for long distance moves?+
Yes. A return load (also called a groupage or shared load) means your belongings share a van with another customer moving in the opposite direction. This can cut costs by 20–40% on long-distance moves, especially on popular routes like London to Manchester or Bristol to Edinburgh. The trade-off is a less flexible moving date.
How far in advance should I book a long distance removal?+
Book 6–10 weeks ahead for long distance moves. The best companies on popular routes get booked out quickly, especially in summer (June–August). Early booking also gives you access to midweek rates, which can save 10–20% versus weekend moves.
Do removal companies charge by distance or volume?+
Both. Short local moves are typically priced on time and volume. For longer moves, distance becomes a major factor — fuel, driver hours, and overnight stays all add up. Most companies price long-distance moves based on a survey of your belongings plus a mileage rate.