Abstract: We present energy calculations of a C80 molecule with D5d symmetry encapsulated in a carbon nanotube. The approximation of a continuous tube rather than a rolled-up graphene sheet, justified by comparison with atomistic calculations, allows an expansion of the energy field into symmetry-adapted rotator functions. For a given tube radius R, we observe a strong dependence of the interaction energy on the molecular tilt angle and on the molecules lateral position in the tube. We observe a transition from on-axis lying orientations to tilted orientations at R1≈6.95 Å and a subsequent transition to standing orientations at R2≈7.6 Å. For tube radii larger than R3≈8.0 Å, the molecule starts to occupy off-axis positions and assumes a lying orientation. Results are compared to the case of C70 molecules, with D5h symmetry. Our findings are consistent with recent high-resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements and are relevant for the design of new materials with tunable electronic properties.