Arkansas to Illinois Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 471 miles from Arkansas to Illinois ranges from $637 to $866. Expect the trip to take around one–four 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 Illinois 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 Illinois car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Arkansas to Illinois:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for exact pickup dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best insurance coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- 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
- 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
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Arkansas
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Arkansas that can relocate your vehicle to Illinois:
- 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 Illinois
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Arkansas for a move to Illinois, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 471 extra miles on your car to travel from Arkansas to Illinois. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Arkansas to Illinois is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Arkansas 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 Arkansas and Illinois. The trip typically spans 471 miles and takes about one–four days.
Cost to ship a car from Little Rock, AR to Illinois
| From Arkansas to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL | $724 – $1,019 | 653 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Little Rock, AR to Aurora, IL | $731 – $969 | 617 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Little Rock, AR to Joliet, IL | $675 – $998 | 605 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Little Rock, AR to Naperville, IL | $717 – $1,008 | 620 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Little Rock, AR to Rockford, IL | $682 – $954 | 640 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fayetteville, AR to Illinois
| From Arkansas to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville, AR to Chicago, IL | $702 – $1,071 | 658 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fayetteville, AR to Aurora, IL | $739 – $994 | 638 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fayetteville, AR to Joliet, IL | $696 – $939 | 619 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fayetteville, AR to Naperville, IL | $689 – $1,055 | 634 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fayetteville, AR to Rockford, IL | $695 – $1,029 | 654 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fort Smith, AR to Illinois
| From Arkansas to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Smith, AR to Chicago, IL | $746 – $1,108 | 713 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fort Smith, AR to Aurora, IL | $714 – $1,053 | 686 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fort Smith, AR to Joliet, IL | $721 – $1,095 | 675 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fort Smith, AR to Naperville, IL | $772 – $1,095 | 690 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fort Smith, AR to Rockford, IL | $784 – $1,076 | 710 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Springdale, AR to Illinois
| From Arkansas to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springdale, AR to Chicago, IL | $687 – $1,029 | 651 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Springdale, AR to Aurora, IL | $675 – $954 | 631 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Springdale, AR to Joliet, IL | $717 – $1,018 | 612 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Springdale, AR to Naperville, IL | $718 – $964 | 627 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Springdale, AR to Rockford, IL | $675 – $964 | 647 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Jonesboro, AR to Illinois
| From Arkansas to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonesboro, AR to Chicago, IL | $640 – $819 | 513 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Jonesboro, AR to Aurora, IL | $646 – $906 | 505 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Jonesboro, AR to Joliet, IL | $587 – $875 | 486 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Jonesboro, AR to Naperville, IL | $652 – $828 | 501 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Jonesboro, AR to Rockford, IL | $596 – $871 | 521 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Arkansas to Illinois
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 Illinois, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $796–$1,083.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Arkansas to Illinois
Transporting your vehicle from the Natural State to the Land of Lincoln comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Arkansas to Illinois.
- Distance and route: The route from Arkansas to Illinois is about 471 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- 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: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Arkansas and Illinois may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within one–four days, but expedited options cost more.
Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Illinois, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- 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 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 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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas and when dropping it off in Illinois.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Arkansas to Illinois?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Arkansas 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 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.
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 Arkansas to Illinois?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Arkansas to Illinois is about 471 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Arkansas to Illinois.
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 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 Arkansas, 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 Arkansas, 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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Arkansas to Illinois?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Arkansas 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 Arkansas to Illinois?
Shipping a car from Arkansas to Illinois costs $637 to $866.
