Arkansas to Iowa Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 598 miles from Arkansas to Iowa ranges from $742 to $1,007. Expect the trip to take around one–six days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to Arkansas 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 Arkansas to Iowa car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Arkansas to Iowa:
- 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 Arkansas
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Arkansas that can transport your vehicle to Iowa:
- Mt. Olive Auto & Freight Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Nationwide Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Mt. Olive Auto & Freight Transport
605 E German Ln, Conway, AR 72032 US
mtoliveautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Mt. Olive Auto Transport is praised for exceptional customer service, reliable and timely deliveries, and competitive pricing, making it a preferred choice for many clients. However, there are significant complaints regarding unprofessional behavior, unexpected price increases, and poor communication that led to frustrating experiences for some customers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 89327
Alternative Business Names
- Brian Martin DBA Mt. Olive Auto Transport
Nationwide Auto Transport
10800 Financial Centre Pkwy #205, Little Rock, AR 72211
nationwidetransports.com/city/little-rock-arkansas
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2248682
Global Auto Transportation
5500 Patterson Rd, Little Rock, AR 72209 US
globalautotransportation.com/little-rock-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
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 Arkansas to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Arkansas to Iowa, 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 option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 598 miles on your car to travel between Arkansas and Iowa. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Arkansas to Iowa. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
Arkansas to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Arkansas and Iowa. The average journey covers about 598 miles and takes roughly one to six days.
Cost to ship a car from Little Rock, AR to Iowa
| From Arkansas to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock, AR to Des Moines, IA | $693 – $964 | 616 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Little Rock, AR to Cedar Rapids, IA | $744 – $964 | 618 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Little Rock, AR to Davenport, IA | $701 – $1,015 | 612 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Little Rock, AR to Sioux City, IA | $782 – $1,161 | 703 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Little Rock, AR to Iowa City, IA | $742 – $977 | 594 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fayetteville, AR to Iowa
| From Arkansas to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville, AR to Des Moines, IA | $597 – $810 | 428 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Fayetteville, AR to Cedar Rapids, IA | $697 – $964 | 547 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fayetteville, AR to Davenport, IA | $685 – $987 | 598 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fayetteville, AR to Sioux City, IA | $638 – $904 | 515 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fayetteville, AR to Iowa City, IA | $704 – $917 | 542 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fort Smith, AR to Iowa
| From Arkansas to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Smith, AR to Des Moines, IA | $648 – $854 | 484 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Fort Smith, AR to Cedar Rapids, IA | $693 – $1,046 | 603 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fort Smith, AR to Davenport, IA | $713 – $1,015 | 654 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fort Smith, AR to Sioux City, IA | $723 – $996 | 571 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fort Smith, AR to Iowa City, IA | $692 – $947 | 598 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Springdale, AR to Iowa
| From Arkansas to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springdale, AR to Des Moines, IA | $599 – $861 | 421 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Springdale, AR to Cedar Rapids, IA | $664 – $973 | 540 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Springdale, AR to Davenport, IA | $727 – $1,026 | 591 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Springdale, AR to Sioux City, IA | $651 – $931 | 508 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Springdale, AR to Iowa City, IA | $637 – $890 | 535 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Jonesboro, AR to Iowa
| From Arkansas to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonesboro, AR to Des Moines, IA | $675 – $948 | 572 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Jonesboro, AR to Cedar Rapids, IA | $673 – $846 | 499 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Jonesboro, AR to Davenport, IA | $654 – $837 | 493 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Jonesboro, AR to Sioux City, IA | $743 – $1,121 | 659 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Jonesboro, AR to Iowa City, IA | $648 – $837 | 475 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Arkansas to Iowa
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Arkansas to Iowa, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $928–$1,259.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Arkansas to Iowa
If you’re shipping a car from the Natural State to the Hawkeye State, 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: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Iowa.
- Distance and route: The trip from Arkansas to Iowa covers roughly 598 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Arkansas in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Arkansas and Iowa.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Arkansas to Iowa takes one–six days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Iowa, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- 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 Arkansas
More than 3.1 million people call Arkansas home. Nicknamed the Natural State. Arkansas has hot, humid summers and slightly drier, mild to cool winters. Arkansas is known for extreme weather and frequent storms. A typical year brings thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, snow, and ice storms. Between both the Great Plains and the Gulf States, Arkansas receives around 60 days of thunderstorms. Movers should check their local weather station to make sure they are not being caught in any of these storms.
Transporting your vehicle to Iowa
About 3.2 million people are living in 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.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Arkansas and delivery in Iowa?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Arkansas and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Arkansas to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Arkansas 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 Arkansas.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In Arkansas, all drivers must maintain liability insurance that meets the state's minimum requirements, which are $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death in one accident, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage caused by an auto accident.
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 Arkansas to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Arkansas to Iowa is about 598 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Arkansas to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Arkansas does not require mandatory safety or emissions inspections, but the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality encourages voluntary emissions testing for the benefit of the environment. This means that while getting your car tested for emissions is optional, it is strongly encouraged.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Arkansas, 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 Arkansas, 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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Arkansas to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Arkansas to Iowa 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 Arkansas to Iowa?
Shipping a car from Arkansas to Iowa costs $742 to $1,007.
