Texas to Iowa Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 918 miles from Texas to Iowa ranges from $968 to $1,593 and takes 2–7 days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to Texas car shipping guide.
Texas to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
The table below details the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Texas and Iowa. The average travel distance is about 918 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 2 to 7 days.
Cost to ship a car from Houston, TX to Iowa
| From Texas to Iowa | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA | 936 miles | $1,038–$1,547 | 2–7 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA | 1,059 miles | $1,019–$1,584 | 2–8 days |
| Dallas, TX to Davenport, IA | 1,043 miles | $1,029–$1,615 | 2–8 days |
| Austin, TX to Norwalk, IA | 918 miles | $1,008–$1,456 | 2–7 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Boone, IA | 963 miles | $1,047–$1,608 | 2–7 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Antonio, TX to Iowa
| From Texas to Iowa | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA | 1,007 miles | $990–$1,552 | 2–8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA | 1,133 miles | $1,110–$1,637 | 2–8 days |
| Dallas, TX to Davenport, IA | 1,175 miles | $1,078–$1,620 | 2–8 days |
| Austin, TX to Norwalk, IA | 993 miles | $974–$1,652 | 2–7 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Boone, IA | 1,035 miles | $1,019–$1,536 | 2–8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Dallas, TX to Iowa
| From Texas to Iowa | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA | 696 miles | $929–$1,263 | 1–6 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA | 825 miles | $939–$1,419 | 2–7 days |
| Dallas, TX to Davenport, IA | 818 miles | $992–$1,428 | 2–7 days |
| Austin, TX to Norwalk, IA | 684 miles | $938–$1,356 | 1–6 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Boone, IA | 726 miles | $974–$1,399 | 1–6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Austin, TX to Iowa
| From Texas to Iowa | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA | 928 miles | $1,048–$1,563 | 2–7 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA | 1,056 miles | $1,010–$1,568 | 2–8 days |
| Dallas, TX to Davenport, IA | 1,097 miles | $1,000–$1,663 | 2–8 days |
| Austin, TX to Norwalk, IA | 915 miles | $978–$1,456 | 2–7 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Boone, IA | 957 miles | $967–$1,577 | 2–7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fort Worth, TX to Iowa
| From Texas to Iowa | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA | 741 miles | $907–$1,316 | 1–6 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA | 867 miles | $1,023–$1,498 | 2–7 days |
| Dallas, TX to Davenport, IA | 908 miles | $988–$1,517 | 2–7 days |
| Austin, TX to Norwalk, IA | 726 miles | $907–$1,427 | 1–6 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Boone, IA | 768 miles | $936–$1,340 | 2–7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Texas to Iowa
Since vehicles like SUV, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Texas to Iowa you should expect to pay between $1,210 and $1,991.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from Texas to Iowa
When transporting your vehicle from the Lone Star State to the Hawkeye State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Iowa.
- Distance and route: The journey from Texas to Iowa spans approximately 918 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Texas, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Texas and Iowa and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Texas to Iowa should take between 2 and 7 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
The best Texas to Iowa car shipping companies
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We’ve done the research and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Texas to Iowa:
- Best for Overall Value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for Quick Pick Up: Easy Auto Ship
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Cross Country: Montway Auto Transport
Alternative ways to ship your car from Texas to Iowa
- Drive it yourself: This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 918 miles on your car going from Texas to Iowa. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs shipping it.
- Ship it with your movers: If you hire a moving company, they also work with reputable car shippers. Otherwise, there may be the option of even shipping your car with your household belongings!
- Hire a driver: Hire someone to drive the car from Texas to Iowa for you. It’s an option, but will probably be a very costly one and involve trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
- Ship by train: If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
What else should you know about shipping a car from Texas to Iowa?
- Car insurance requirements: Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Driver’s license: New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
- Additional taxes: In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist
Transporting your vehicle from Texas
Over 39 million people call Texas home. Nicknamed the Lone Star State, Although winters are mild, hurricane season during the summer months may affect your move.
Transporting your vehicle to Iowa
About 22 million people are living in the Hawkeye State of Iowa. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in Texas and when dropping off my car in Iowa?
Most companies will require someone that is at least 18 years old to be present when picking up your car in Texas and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Texas to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Texas to Iowa, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Iowa, which you should verify before loading your car in Texas.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Texas to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Texas to Iowa is about 918 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take 2-7 days to travel from Texas to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Texas, will I need one in Iowa?
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
If I bought a car in Texas, will I be required to pay sales tax in Iowa after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Texas to Iowa after purchasing it.
In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Texas and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
