Arkansas to Kentucky Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 544 miles from Arkansas to Kentucky typically falls between $644 and $964. The process usually takes one–six days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

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

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
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The best Arkansas to Kentucky 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 Kentucky:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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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
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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
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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
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Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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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

Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Arkansas ready to move your vehicle to Kentucky:

  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 Kentucky

Ship it with your movers

If you need to ship your car from Arkansas for a move to Kentucky, 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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  • Certified crews
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  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 544 miles to your vehicle on the route from Arkansas to Kentucky. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.

Hire a driver

You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Arkansas to Kentucky. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.

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 Kentucky auto transport costs and transit times

The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Arkansas and Kentucky. The average travel distance is about 544 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from one to six days.

Cost to ship a car from Little Rock, AR to Kentucky

From Arkansas to Kentucky Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Little Rock, AR to Louisville, KY $638 – $850 521 miles 1 – 6 days
Little Rock, AR to Lexington, KY $661 – $948 558 miles 1 – 6 days
Little Rock, AR to Bowling Green, KY $623 – $853 411 miles 1 – 4 days
Little Rock, AR to Owensboro, KY $597 – $843 438 miles 1 – 4 days
Little Rock, AR to Covington, KY $715 – $1,025 616 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Fayetteville, AR to Kentucky

From Arkansas to Kentucky Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Fayetteville, AR to Louisville, KY $701 – $1,066 621 miles 1 – 6 days
Fayetteville, AR to Lexington, KY $733 – $1,071 697 miles 1 – 6 days
Fayetteville, AR to Bowling Green, KY $699 – $977 591 miles 1 – 6 days
Fayetteville, AR to Owensboro, KY $703 – $977 570 miles 1 – 6 days
Fayetteville, AR to Covington, KY $751 – $1,071 711 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Fort Smith, AR to Kentucky

From Arkansas to Kentucky Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Fort Smith, AR to Louisville, KY $781 – $1,015 670 miles 1 – 6 days
Fort Smith, AR to Lexington, KY $782 – $1,094 707 miles 1 – 6 days
Fort Smith, AR to Bowling Green, KY $661 – $929 560 miles 1 – 6 days
Fort Smith, AR to Owensboro, KY $696 – $977 564 miles 1 – 6 days
Fort Smith, AR to Covington, KY $801 – $1,148 765 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Springdale, AR to Kentucky

From Arkansas to Kentucky Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Springdale, AR to Louisville, KY $693 – $1,025 613 miles 1 – 6 days
Springdale, AR to Lexington, KY $801 – $1,060 690 miles 1 – 6 days
Springdale, AR to Bowling Green, KY $625 – $859 509 miles 1 – 6 days
Springdale, AR to Owensboro, KY $655 – $910 563 miles 1 – 6 days
Springdale, AR to Covington, KY $751 – $1,116 704 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Jonesboro, AR to Kentucky

From Arkansas to Kentucky Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Jonesboro, AR to Louisville, KY $597 – $833 392 miles 1 – 4 days
Jonesboro, AR to Lexington, KY $628 – $818 429 miles 1 – 4 days
Jonesboro, AR to Bowling Green, KY $528 – $714 324 miles 1 – 4 days
Jonesboro, AR to Owensboro, KY $533 – $665 302 miles 1 – 4 days
Jonesboro, AR to Covington, KY $629 – $872 487 miles 1 – 4 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Arkansas to Kentucky

Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.

If you’re moving one from Arkansas to Kentucky, expect costs to range from $805 to $1,205.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Arkansas to Kentucky

If you’re shipping a car from the Natural State to the Bluegrass State, keep these cost factors in mind:

  • 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: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Kentucky than smaller ones.
  • Distance and route: The journey from Arkansas to Kentucky spans approximately 544 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
  • 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: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Arkansas and Kentucky and the varying gas prices across the country.
  • Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Arkansas to Kentucky takes one–six days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.

Kentucky vehicle regulations you need to know

To drive legally after your move to Kentucky, 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 insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
  • Vehicle inspection: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
  • Driver’s license: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
  • Additional taxes: In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.

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 Kentucky

About 4.5 million people are living in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kentucky rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South.

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Arkansas and delivery in Kentucky?

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 Kentucky.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Arkansas to Kentucky?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Arkansas to Kentucky, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Kentucky, 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 insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.

How long does it take to ship a car from Arkansas to Kentucky?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Arkansas to Kentucky is about 544 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 Kentucky.

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.

When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.

If I have a driver’s license in Arkansas, will I need one in Kentucky?

New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.

If I bought a car in Arkansas, will I be required to pay sales tax in Kentucky after shipping it there?

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Arkansas to Kentucky after purchasing it.

In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Arkansas and Kentucky to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Arkansas to Kentucky?

The cheapest way to ship a car from Arkansas to Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

Shipping a car from Arkansas to Kentucky costs $644 to $964.

Helpful Arkansas resources