Arkansas to South Dakota Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 898 miles from Arkansas to South Dakota typically falls between $749 and $1,237. The process usually takes two–seven 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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  • Refundable deposit
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our South Dakota 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
  • 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
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The best Arkansas to South Dakota 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 South Dakota:

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 Exact Pickup Dates
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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
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
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Get a quote (866) 563-0804

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 South Dakota:

  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 South Dakota

Ship it with your movers

If you’re relocating from Arkansas to South Dakota, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.

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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
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 898 extra miles on your car to travel from Arkansas to South Dakota. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.

Hire a driver

Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Arkansas to South Dakota. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.

Ship by train

Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.

Arkansas to South Dakota auto transport costs and transit times

Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Arkansas and South Dakota. The typical distance is about 898 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and seven days.

Cost to ship a car from Little Rock, AR to South Dakota

From Arkansas to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Little Rock, AR to Sioux Falls, SD $756 – $1,113 788 miles 2 – 7 days
Little Rock, AR to Rapid City, SD $879 – $1,363 1,131 miles 2 – 8 days
Little Rock, AR to Aberdeen, SD $779 – $1,196 987 miles 2 – 7 days
Little Rock, AR to Brookings, SD $814 – $1,229 841 miles 2 – 7 days
Little Rock, AR to Watertown, SD $781 – $1,201 888 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Fayetteville, AR to South Dakota

From Arkansas to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Fayetteville, AR to Sioux Falls, SD $696 – $998 600 miles 1 – 6 days
Fayetteville, AR to Rapid City, SD $830 – $1,238 943 miles 2 – 7 days
Fayetteville, AR to Aberdeen, SD $787 – $1,125 799 miles 2 – 7 days
Fayetteville, AR to Brookings, SD $687 – $1,029 653 miles 1 – 6 days
Fayetteville, AR to Watertown, SD $731 – $1,054 700 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Fort Smith, AR to South Dakota

From Arkansas to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Fort Smith, AR to Sioux Falls, SD $702 – $988 656 miles 1 – 6 days
Fort Smith, AR to Rapid City, SD $795 – $1,296 999 miles 2 – 7 days
Fort Smith, AR to Aberdeen, SD $747 – $1,151 855 miles 2 – 7 days
Fort Smith, AR to Brookings, SD $739 – $1,097 709 miles 1 – 6 days
Fort Smith, AR to Watertown, SD $772 – $1,173 756 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Springdale, AR to South Dakota

From Arkansas to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Springdale, AR to Sioux Falls, SD $715 – $942 593 miles 1 – 6 days
Springdale, AR to Rapid City, SD $798 – $1,177 936 miles 2 – 7 days
Springdale, AR to Aberdeen, SD $803 – $1,091 792 miles 2 – 7 days
Springdale, AR to Brookings, SD $739 – $1,025 646 miles 1 – 6 days
Springdale, AR to Watertown, SD $721 – $1,106 693 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Jonesboro, AR to South Dakota

From Arkansas to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Jonesboro, AR to Sioux Falls, SD $718 – $1,152 744 miles 1 – 6 days
Jonesboro, AR to Rapid City, SD $800 – $1,217 1,087 miles 2 – 8 days
Jonesboro, AR to Aberdeen, SD $775 – $1,287 943 miles 2 – 7 days
Jonesboro, AR to Brookings, SD $741 – $1,182 797 miles 2 – 7 days
Jonesboro, AR to Watertown, SD $798 – $1,136 843 miles 2 – 7 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Arkansas to South Dakota

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 South Dakota, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $936–$1,546.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Arkansas to South Dakota

When arranging car transport from the Natural State to the Mount Rushmore State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:

  • 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: 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 South Dakota.
  • Distance and route: The journey from Arkansas to South Dakota spans approximately 898 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
  • Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Arkansas, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
  • Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Arkansas and South Dakota.
  • Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is two–seven days, but you can pay for expedited service.

South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know

Moving to South Dakota means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.

  • Car insurance requirements: In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
  • Vehicle inspection: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
  • Driver’s license: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
  • Additional taxes: When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.

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 South Dakota

About 919,318 people are living in the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

FAQ

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

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 South Dakota.

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

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Arkansas to South Dakota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to South Dakota, 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.

In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.

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

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Arkansas to South Dakota is about 898 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Arkansas to South Dakota.

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.

South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.

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

If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.

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

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

When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.

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

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

The cheapest way to ship a car from Arkansas to South Dakota 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 South Dakota?

Shipping a car from Arkansas to South Dakota costs $749 to $1,237.

Helpful Arkansas resources