Moving from DC to Boston, MA
Washington, DC → Boston · cost, distance and planning
Your planning guide for a long-distance move from DC, Maryland or Virginia to Boston: cost, road miles and delivery timing.
Photo: King of Hearts / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer: Boston, MA is about 436 road miles from Washington, DC (about 7–8 hours of driving). A studio or 1-bedroom move from DC, Bethesda, Rockville or Northern Virginia to Boston is a ballpark $2,250–$3,100 with Next Generation Movers, and a household move usually has a delivery window of roughly 2–5 days. The main thing to plan on this route: street-occupancy permits and September 1 lease turnover.
Route facts
| Distance | About 436 road miles from Washington, DC |
|---|---|
| Drive time | About 7–8 hours without stops |
| Typical delivery window | Roughly 2–5 days after pickup (your written estimate sets the exact window) |
| Origins we serve | Washington, DC; Montgomery County, MD (Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring); Northern Virginia |
| Main thing to plan | Street-occupancy permits and september 1 lease turnover |
Ballpark prices: DC area to Boston
| Home size | Typical volume | Ballpark range |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or 1 bedroom | about 450 cu ft | $2,250–$3,100 |
| 2 bedrooms | about 750 cu ft | $3,600–$5,000 |
| 3 bedrooms | about 1,100 cu ft | $5,000–$6,950 |
| 4+ bedrooms | about 1,500 cu ft and up | $6,400–$8,850 |
These are ballpark ranges from our own pricing, not a binding or non-binding estimate. They include line haul, fuel and standard origin and destination service. They do not include packing, stairs, long carries, a shuttle truck, storage or specialty items like pianos. Your price is confirmed in a written estimate after a free in-home or video survey.
How this route differs
Boston is about twice the distance of DC to New York and has the same kind of dense-city access problems.
Access and building rules in Boston
- Boston and Cambridge require permits to reserve street space for a moving truck. Apply early.
- Many triple-deckers and older buildings have narrow stairs.
- Tell the estimator the floor and if there is an elevator.
Timing and season
September 1 is the biggest move day in Boston because many leases end then. Avoid it if you can.
If your new home is not ready when the truck arrives, ask about storage-in-transit. Set lease and closing dates by the end of the delivery window, not the first day.
Tips for a DC to Boston move
- Apply for the street-occupancy permit as soon as you have a date.
- Avoid late August and early September.
- Read our full DC to Boston guide for more details.
What changes the price
- Volume (cubic feet) after you declutter
- Full packing and unpacking
- Stairs, long walks and elevators
- A shuttle truck when a large truck cannot reach the home
- Storage-in-transit
- Specialty items like pianos, safes and motorcycles
- Guaranteed delivery dates (optional)
See how to read a long-distance moving estimate.
Licensed interstate mover
Next Generation Movers, Rockville, MD. USDOT 3764697 · MC 1341637. Check any mover on FMCSA Protect Your Move and Search for a Registered Mover.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a moving permit in Boston?
To reserve street space for a truck, Boston and nearby cities require a permit. Apply early, especially in summer.
What is Boston's September 1 move day?
Many leases in Boston end on August 31, so September 1 is extremely busy. Trucks and crews are hard to book that week.
How much does it cost to move from DC to Boston?
Our ballpark range for a studio or 1-bedroom move from the DC area to Boston is $2,250–$3,100, and $3,600–$5,000 for 2 bedrooms. These are estimates from our own pricing, not a binding price. Your written estimate after a free survey confirms the price.
How long is the delivery window from DC to Boston?
The drive is about 7–8 hours (436 road miles). For a household move, plan for a delivery window of roughly 2–5 days after pickup. Your written estimate states the exact window.
Is Next Generation Movers licensed for interstate moves?
Yes. Next Generation Movers is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation: USDOT 3764697, MC 1341637. You can check this on the FMCSA website.
Get your ballpark quote
Request an estimate, call our voice line at (240) 905-4429 for an instant ballpark quote, 24/7, or our office line at (240) 422-2243.
Related: Long-distance moves from DC, Maryland & Virginia · How to move long distance