Arkansas to Kentucky Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 544 miles from Arkansas to Kentucky usually costs between $640 and $849. 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky:
- 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
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Arkansas can deliver your vehicle to Kentucky:
- 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 Kentucky
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Arkansas to Kentucky, 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
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 544 extra miles on your car to travel from Arkansas to Kentucky. 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky. The trip typically spans 544 miles and takes about one–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 | $627 – $871 | 521 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Little Rock, AR to Lexington, KY | $631 – $886 | 558 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Little Rock, AR to Bowling Green, KY | $571 – $751 | 411 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Little Rock, AR to Owensboro, KY | $575 – $772 | 438 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Little Rock, AR to Covington, KY | $661 – $969 | 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 | $689 – $1,008 | 621 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fayetteville, AR to Lexington, KY | $743 – $1,064 | 697 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fayetteville, AR to Bowling Green, KY | $708 – $904 | 591 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fayetteville, AR to Owensboro, KY | $657 – $950 | 570 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fayetteville, AR to Covington, KY | $709 – $1,119 | 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 | $709 – $1,019 | 670 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fort Smith, AR to Lexington, KY | $754 – $1,054 | 707 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fort Smith, AR to Bowling Green, KY | $631 – $941 | 560 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fort Smith, AR to Owensboro, KY | $657 – $941 | 564 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fort Smith, AR to Covington, KY | $734 – $1,151 | 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 | $675 – $939 | 613 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Springdale, AR to Lexington, KY | $743 – $1,043 | 690 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Springdale, AR to Bowling Green, KY | $608 – $845 | 509 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Springdale, AR to Owensboro, KY | $637 – $932 | 563 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Springdale, AR to Covington, KY | $784 – $1,022 | 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 | $547 – $787 | 392 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Jonesboro, AR to Lexington, KY | $617 – $854 | 429 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Jonesboro, AR to Bowling Green, KY | $470 – $648 | 324 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Jonesboro, AR to Owensboro, KY | $475 – $648 | 302 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Jonesboro, AR to Covington, KY | $600 – $849 | 487 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Arkansas to Kentucky
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 Kentucky you should expect to pay between $800 and $1,061.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Arkansas to Kentucky
When arranging car transport from the Natural State to the Bluegrass State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- 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: 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 Kentucky.
- 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: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Arkansas to Kentucky, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Arkansas to Kentucky should take between one and six days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
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 $640 to $849.
