Alabama to Illinois Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 727 miles from Alabama to Illinois usually costs between $818 and $1,117. Transit time is about one–six days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Illinois to Alabama car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Alabama to Illinois car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Alabama to Illinois:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Alabama
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Alabama that can relocate your vehicle to Illinois:
- US AutoLogistics: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Vehicle Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars
US AutoLogistics
3101 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35203 US
usal.com
3.52 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 357779
Global Auto Transportation
1101 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 US
globalautotransportation.com/birmingham-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
The company generally provides responsive service with competitive pricing and timely vehicle deliveries, though some customers experienced issues with customer service and communication during the process.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
Vehicle Transport Services
2700 Corporate Dr Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35242 US
vehicletransportservices.co/birmingham-alabama-companies
3.5 / 5.0
Vehicle Transport Services Birmingham has garnered positive feedback for their excellent shipping service and overall customer satisfaction. However, there are notable concerns about their customer support being unhelpful and lacking adequate time to address customer inquiries regarding future shipments.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2249744
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Alabama to Illinois
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Alabama to Illinois, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 727 miles on your car going from Alabama to Illinois. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Alabama to Illinois. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
Alabama to Illinois auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Alabama and Illinois. The trip typically spans 727 miles and takes about one–six days.
Cost to ship a car from Huntsville, AL to Illinois
| From Alabama to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL to Chicago, IL | $729 – $1,049 | 581 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Aurora, IL | $694 – $1,058 | 615 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Joliet, IL | $750 – $1,039 | 588 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Naperville, IL | $760 – $997 | 602 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Rockford, IL | $729 – $1,038 | 666 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Montgomery, AL to Illinois
| From Alabama to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL to Chicago, IL | $835 – $1,114 | 750 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Aurora, IL | $851 – $1,205 | 784 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Joliet, IL | $827 – $1,232 | 757 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Naperville, IL | $835 – $1,126 | 771 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Rockford, IL | $797 – $1,278 | 835 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to Illinois
| From Alabama to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL | $752 – $1,102 | 661 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Aurora, IL | $811 – $1,095 | 695 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Joliet, IL | $729 – $1,135 | 669 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Naperville, IL | $757 – $1,062 | 683 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Rockford, IL | $778 – $1,175 | 746 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Mobile, AL to Illinois
| From Alabama to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile, AL to Chicago, IL | $830 – $1,325 | 916 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Mobile, AL to Aurora, IL | $812 – $1,246 | 951 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Mobile, AL to Joliet, IL | $788 – $1,287 | 924 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Mobile, AL to Naperville, IL | $855 – $1,325 | 938 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Mobile, AL to Rockford, IL | $871 – $1,338 | 935 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Tuscaloosa, AL to Illinois
| From Alabama to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Chicago, IL | $776 – $1,096 | 717 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Aurora, IL | $803 – $1,197 | 751 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Joliet, IL | $799 – $1,096 | 724 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Naperville, IL | $794 – $1,106 | 738 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Rockford, IL | $808 – $1,260 | 802 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Alabama to Illinois
Since vehicles like SUVs, 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 Alabama to Illinois you should expect to pay between $1,023 and $1,396.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Alabama to Illinois
If you’re shipping a car from the Heart of Dixie to the Land of Lincoln, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed 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 Illinois.
- Distance and route: The journey from Alabama to Illinois spans approximately 727 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 Alabama, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Alabama and Illinois may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes one–six days, while expedited service costs more.
Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Illinois, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance requirements: The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
- Driver’s license: Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
- Additional taxes: According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Alabama
More than 5.1 million people call Alabama home. Nicknamed the Heart of Dixie. Alabama has one of the hottest summers in the US and mild winters with copious amounts of precipitation throughout the year. Areas around the Gulf in Alabama are prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. Alabama also has tornado activity, which typically occurs in the spring It would be a good idea to check for tornado activity in the area you are looking to move to Alabama.
Transporting your vehicle to Illinois
About 12.5 million people are living in the Land of Lincoln. Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Alabama and delivery in Illinois?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Alabama and when dropping it off in Illinois.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Alabama to Illinois?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Alabama to Illinois, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Illinois, which you should verify before loading your car in Alabama.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.
The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Alabama to Illinois?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Alabama to Illinois is about 727 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Alabama to Illinois.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.
In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
If I have a driver’s license in Alabama, will I need one in Illinois?
Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
If I bought a car in Alabama, will I be required to pay sales tax in Illinois after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Alabama to Illinois after purchasing it.
According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Alabama and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Alabama to Illinois?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Alabama to Illinois is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Alabama to Illinois?
Shipping a car from Alabama to Illinois costs $818 to $1,117.
