Iowa to Texas Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 918 miles from Iowa to Texas ranges from $948 to $1,532 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 Texas to Iowa car shipping guide.
Iowa to Texas auto transport costs and transit times
The table below details the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Iowa and Texas. The average travel distance is about 918 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 2 to 7 days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Texas
| From Iowa to Texas | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX | 936 miles | $948–$1,547 | 2–7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to San Antonio, TX | 1,007 miles | $940–$1,584 | 2–8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Dallas, TX | 696 miles | $975–$1,356 | 1–6 days |
| Norwalk, IA to Austin, TX | 928 miles | $988–$1,547 | 2–7 days |
| Boone, IA to Fort Worth, TX | 741 miles | $916–$1,385 | 1–6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Texas
| From Iowa to Texas | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX | 1,059 miles | $1,029–$1,600 | 2–8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to San Antonio, TX | 1,133 miles | $1,089–$1,772 | 2–8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Dallas, TX | 825 miles | $949–$1,508 | 2–7 days |
| Norwalk, IA to Austin, TX | 1,056 miles | $990–$1,520 | 2–8 days |
| Boone, IA to Fort Worth, TX | 867 miles | $963–$1,542 | 2–7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Texas
| From Iowa to Texas | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX | 1,043 miles | $1,019–$1,600 | 2–8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to San Antonio, TX | 1,175 miles | $1,132–$1,772 | 2–8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Dallas, TX | 816 miles | $1,011–$1,428 | 2–7 days |
| Norwalk, IA to Austin, TX | 1,097 miles | $970–$1,647 | 2–8 days |
| Boone, IA to Fort Worth, TX | 908 miles | $1,008–$1,532 | 2–7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Norwalk, IA to Texas
| From Iowa to Texas | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX | 918 miles | $968–$1,609 | 2–7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to San Antonio, TX | 993 miles | $944–$1,526 | 2–7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Dallas, TX | 684 miles | $947–$1,383 | 1–6 days |
| Norwalk, IA to Austin, TX | 915 miles | $988–$1,471 | 2–7 days |
| Boone, IA to Fort Worth, TX | 726 miles | $916–$1,343 | 1–6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Boone, IA to Texas
| From Iowa to Texas | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX | 963 miles | $967–$1,623 | 2–7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to San Antonio, TX | 1,035 miles | $990–$1,663 | 2–8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Dallas, TX | 726 miles | $954–$1,316 | 1–6 days |
| Norwalk, IA to Austin, TX | 957 miles | $1,047–$1,483 | 2–7 days |
| Boone, IA to Fort Worth, TX | 768 miles | $994–$1,481 | 2–7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Texas
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 Iowa to Texas you should expect to pay between $1,185 and $1,915.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from Iowa to Texas
When transporting your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Lone Star 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 Texas.
- Distance and route: The journey from Iowa to Texas 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 Iowa, 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 Iowa and Texas 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 Iowa to Texas should take between 2 and 7 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
The best Iowa to Texas 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 Iowa to Texas:
- 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 Iowa to Texas
- Drive it yourself: This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 918 miles on your car going from Iowa to Texas. 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 Iowa to Texas 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 Iowa to Texas?
- Car insurance 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.
- Vehicle inspection: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- Driver’s license: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
- Additional taxes: New residents must pay a $90 new resident tax instead of a use tax for a vehicle they bring into Texas. This applies if the vehicle was previously registered in the new resident's name in another state or foreign country.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist
Transporting your vehicle from Iowa
Over 39 million people call Iowa home. Nicknamed the Hawkeye State, 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.
Transporting your vehicle to Texas
About 22 million people are living in the Lone Star State of Texas. Although winters are mild, hurricane season during the summer months may affect your move.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in Iowa and when dropping off my car in Texas?
Most companies will require someone that is at least 18 years old to be present when picking up your car in Iowa and when dropping it off in Texas.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Texas?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Texas, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Texas, which you should verify before loading your car in Iowa.
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.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Texas?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Texas 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 Iowa to Texas.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Texas?
New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Texas after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Texas after purchasing it.
New residents must pay a $90 new resident tax instead of a use tax for a vehicle they bring into Texas. This applies if the vehicle was previously registered in the new resident's name in another state or foreign country.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Texas to avoid any hidden costs.
