Arkansas to Illinois Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 471 miles from Arkansas to Illinois falls between $598 and $855. Delivery typically takes one–four days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Illinois to Arkansas car shipping guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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

After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Arkansas to Illinois:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Arkansas

Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Arkansas who can get your vehicle to Illinois:

  1. Mt. Olive Auto & Freight Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  2. Nationwide Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Mt. Olive Auto & Freight Transport

605 E German Ln, Conway, AR 72032 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 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.

Get a Quote (501) 358-4982

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Brian Martin DBA Mt. Olive Auto Transport

Nationwide Auto Transport

10800 Financial Centre Pkwy #205, Little Rock, AR 72211

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (501) 819-8050

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

Global Auto Transportation

5500 Patterson Rd, Little Rock, AR 72209 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (888) 803-0501

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

Additional Information

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 your move takes you from Arkansas to Illinois, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 471 miles on your car to travel between Arkansas and Illinois. 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 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.

Arkansas to Illinois auto transport costs and transit times

The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Arkansas and Illinois. Average distances are close to 471 miles, with delivery usually taking 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 $743 – $1,079 653 miles 1 – 6 days
Little Rock, AR to Aurora, IL $715 – $985 617 miles 1 – 6 days
Little Rock, AR to Joliet, IL $715 – $995 605 miles 1 – 6 days
Little Rock, AR to Naperville, IL $693 – $1,015 620 miles 1 – 6 days
Little Rock, AR to Rockford, IL $737 – $1,073 640 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 $781 – $1,100 658 miles 1 – 6 days
Fayetteville, AR to Aurora, IL $715 – $1,000 638 miles 1 – 6 days
Fayetteville, AR to Joliet, IL $686 – $995 619 miles 1 – 6 days
Fayetteville, AR to Naperville, IL $708 – $1,042 634 miles 1 – 6 days
Fayetteville, AR to Rockford, IL $736 – $1,111 654 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 $790 – $1,105 713 miles 1 – 6 days
Fort Smith, AR to Aurora, IL $801 – $1,082 686 miles 1 – 6 days
Fort Smith, AR to Joliet, IL $771 – $1,049 675 miles 1 – 6 days
Fort Smith, AR to Naperville, IL $748 – $1,049 690 miles 1 – 6 days
Fort Smith, AR to Rockford, IL $782 – $1,071 710 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 $721 – $1,079 651 miles 1 – 6 days
Springdale, AR to Aurora, IL $730 – $1,084 631 miles 1 – 6 days
Springdale, AR to Joliet, IL $737 – $975 612 miles 1 – 6 days
Springdale, AR to Naperville, IL $745 – $1,053 627 miles 1 – 6 days
Springdale, AR to Rockford, IL $745 – $1,000 647 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 $651 – $922 513 miles 1 – 6 days
Jonesboro, AR to Aurora, IL $625 – $931 505 miles 1 – 6 days
Jonesboro, AR to Joliet, IL $641 – $881 486 miles 1 – 4 days
Jonesboro, AR to Naperville, IL $670 – $939 501 miles 1 – 6 days
Jonesboro, AR to Rockford, IL $670 – $877 521 miles 1 – 6 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Arkansas 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 Arkansas to Illinois you should expect to pay between $748 and $1,069.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Arkansas to Illinois

When arranging car transport from the Natural State to the Land of Lincoln, the following factors will determine your overall cost:

  • Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
  • 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: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Arkansas more expensive during these times.
  • Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Arkansas and Illinois.
  • Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–four days, but you can pay for expedited service.

Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know

To drive legally after your move to Illinois, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.

  • 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 $598 to $855.

Helpful Arkansas resources