Arizona to Iowa Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,365 miles from Arizona to Iowa usually costs between $941 and $1,466. Transit time is about three–eight 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 Iowa to Arizona 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 Arizona to Iowa 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 Arizona to Iowa:
- 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
- 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 Arizona
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Arizona can deliver your vehicle to Iowa:
- Car Go Auto Transport: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Autogo Auto Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Tucson Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Ready Logistics Llc: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Phoenix Auto Shipping Group: 3.56 out of 5 stars
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 Arizona to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Arizona to Iowa, 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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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 1,365 miles to your vehicle on the route from Arizona to Iowa. 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 Arizona to Iowa. 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.
Arizona to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Arizona and Iowa. The average travel distance is about 1,365 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from three to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Phoenix, AZ to Iowa
| From Arizona to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ to Des Moines, IA | $961 – $1,526 | 1,399 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Phoenix, AZ to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,111 – $1,572 | 1,518 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Phoenix, AZ to Davenport, IA | $1,056 – $1,556 | 1,569 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Phoenix, AZ to Sioux City, IA | $991 – $1,481 | 1,393 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Phoenix, AZ to Iowa City, IA | $1,089 – $1,651 | 1,513 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Tucson, AZ to Iowa
| From Arizona to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson, AZ to Des Moines, IA | $991 – $1,571 | 1,396 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Tucson, AZ to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,078 – $1,556 | 1,523 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Tucson, AZ to Davenport, IA | $1,167 – $1,651 | 1,566 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Tucson, AZ to Sioux City, IA | $1,087 – $1,618 | 1,428 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Tucson, AZ to Iowa City, IA | $1,067 – $1,603 | 1,509 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Mesa, AZ to Iowa
| From Arizona to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa, AZ to Des Moines, IA | $971 – $1,481 | 1,387 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Mesa, AZ to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,111 – $1,603 | 1,514 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Mesa, AZ to Davenport, IA | $1,089 – $1,572 | 1,556 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Mesa, AZ to Sioux City, IA | $981 – $1,541 | 1,380 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Mesa, AZ to Iowa City, IA | $1,111 – $1,556 | 1,500 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Chandler, AZ to Iowa
| From Arizona to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chandler, AZ to Des Moines, IA | $981 – $1,541 | 1,399 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Chandler, AZ to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,122 – $1,524 | 1,526 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Chandler, AZ to Davenport, IA | $1,100 – $1,524 | 1,568 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Chandler, AZ to Sioux City, IA | $1,030 – $1,421 | 1,392 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Chandler, AZ to Iowa City, IA | $1,156 – $1,540 | 1,512 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Gilbert, AZ to Iowa
| From Arizona to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gilbert, AZ to Des Moines, IA | $961 – $1,421 | 1,389 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Gilbert, AZ to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,122 – $1,524 | 1,508 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Gilbert, AZ to Davenport, IA | $1,067 – $1,556 | 1,558 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Gilbert, AZ to Sioux City, IA | $991 – $1,526 | 1,382 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Gilbert, AZ to Iowa City, IA | $1,156 – $1,508 | 1,502 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Arizona to Iowa
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 Arizona to Iowa you should expect to pay between $1,176 and $1,833.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Arizona to Iowa
If you’re shipping a car from the Grand Canyon State to the Hawkeye State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- 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 vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Iowa.
- Distance and route: The trip from Arizona to Iowa covers roughly 1,365 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Arizona in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Arizona and Iowa and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is three–eight days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Iowa, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Driver’s license: New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
- Additional taxes: In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Arizona
More than 7.4 million people call Arizona home. Nicknamed the Grand Canyon State. Arizona may be on of the top states where your move is least likely to be affected by climate due to the unlikelihood of extremely cold days and natural disasters.
Transporting your vehicle to Iowa
About 3.2 million people are living in the Hawkeye State. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Arizona and delivery in Iowa?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Arizona and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Arizona to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Arizona to Iowa, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Iowa, which you should verify before loading your car in Arizona.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. The mandated liability insurance minimums in Arizona are as follows: $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person per accident $30,000 for bodily injury liability for two or more people per accident $10,000 for property damage liability per accident
Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Arizona to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Arizona to Iowa is about 1,365 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from Arizona to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Emissions testing is mandatory in Phoenix and Tucson, but not in the rest of Arizona. If you reside in either Phoenix or Tucson, you are required to undergo an emissions test every two years while renewing your vehicle registration. On the other hand, car safety inspections are not mandatory in the state of Arizona.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Arizona, will I need one in Iowa?
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
If I bought a car in Arizona, will I be required to pay sales tax in Iowa after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Arizona to Iowa after purchasing it.
In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Arizona and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Arizona to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Arizona to Iowa 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 Arizona to Iowa?
Shipping a car from Arizona to Iowa costs $941 to $1,466.
17232 N 63rd Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308 US
1661 N Swan Rd # 140, Tucson, AZ 85712 US
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