Iowa to Washington Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,701 miles from Iowa to Washington ranges from $1,552 to $2,078 and takes 3–9 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 Washington to Iowa car shipping guide.
Iowa to Washington 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 Washington. The average travel distance is about 1,701 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 3 to 9 days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Washington
| From Iowa to Washington | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA | 1,755 miles | $1,522–$2,057 | 3–11 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Spokane, WA | 1,478 miles | $1,382–$1,940 | 3–8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Tacoma, WA | 1,769 miles | $1,432–$2,252 | 3–11 days |
| Norwalk, IA to Kennewick, WA | 1,616 miles | $1,412–$2,178 | 3–9 days |
| Boone, IA to Pasco, WA | 1,612 miles | $1,499–$2,178 | 3–9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Washington
| From Iowa to Washington | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA | 1,828 miles | $1,461–$2,189 | 3–11 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Spokane, WA | 1,550 miles | $1,344–$2,039 | 3–9 days |
| Davenport, IA to Tacoma, WA | 1,842 miles | $1,615–$2,235 | 3–11 days |
| Norwalk, IA to Kennewick, WA | 1,690 miles | $1,384–$2,054 | 3–9 days |
| Boone, IA to Pasco, WA | 1,685 miles | $1,441–$1,992 | 3–9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Washington
| From Iowa to Washington | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA | 1,911 miles | $1,545–$2,322 | 3–11 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Spokane, WA | 1,634 miles | $1,398–$2,095 | 3–9 days |
| Davenport, IA to Tacoma, WA | 1,925 miles | $1,530–$2,441 | 3–11 days |
| Norwalk, IA to Kennewick, WA | 1,772 miles | $1,492–$2,078 | 3–11 days |
| Boone, IA to Pasco, WA | 1,768 miles | $1,522–$2,187 | 3–11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Norwalk, IA to Washington
| From Iowa to Washington | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA | 1,760 miles | $1,462–$2,078 | 3–11 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Spokane, WA | 1,483 miles | $1,290–$1,882 | 3–8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Tacoma, WA | 1,774 miles | $1,462–$2,057 | 3–11 days |
| Norwalk, IA to Kennewick, WA | 1,621 miles | $1,384–$2,033 | 3–9 days |
| Boone, IA to Pasco, WA | 1,617 miles | $1,456–$1,992 | 3–9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Boone, IA to Washington
| From Iowa to Washington | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA | 1,718 miles | $1,492–$2,208 | 3–9 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Spokane, WA | 1,440 miles | $1,251–$1,843 | 3–8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Tacoma, WA | 1,732 miles | $1,417–$2,078 | 3–9 days |
| Norwalk, IA to Kennewick, WA | 1,579 miles | $1,400–$1,920 | 3–9 days |
| Boone, IA to Pasco, WA | 1,575 miles | $1,372–$1,900 | 3–9 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Washington
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 Washington you should expect to pay between $1,940 and $2,598.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from Iowa to Washington
When transporting your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Evergreen 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 Washington.
- Distance and route: The journey from Iowa to Washington spans approximately 1,701 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 Washington 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 Washington should take between 3 and 9 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
The best Iowa to Washington 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 Washington:
- 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 Washington
- Drive it yourself: This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 1,701 miles on your car going from Iowa to Washington. 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 Washington 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 Washington?
- Car insurance requirements: Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.
- Vehicle inspection: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
- Driver’s license: To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.
- Additional taxes: If you have obtained and utilized a "private motor vehicle" in another state for more than 90 days prior to relocating to Washington, you are exempt from paying Washington's use tax.
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 Washington
About 22 million people are living in the Evergreen State of Washington. Washington state rarely experiences extreme weather to worry about. Your move should be unaffected by the weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and maybe prepare for a little rain!
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in Iowa and when dropping off my car in Washington?
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 Washington.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Washington?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Washington, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Washington, 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. Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Washington?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Washington is about 1701 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take 3-9 days to travel from Iowa to Washington.
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 the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Washington?
To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Washington after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Washington after purchasing it.
If you have obtained and utilized a "private motor vehicle" in another state for more than 90 days prior to relocating to Washington, you are exempt from paying Washington's use tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Washington to avoid any hidden costs.
