California to Iowa Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,849 miles from California to Iowa ranges from $1,266 to $1,954 and takes three–eleven days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to California 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 California to Iowa car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from California to Iowa:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- 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
Top local car shippers in California
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in California that can relocate your vehicle to Iowa:
- Jp Logistics & Motorsports: 3.94 out of 5 stars
- Auto Express Inc.: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- King Of The Road Transport Inc: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- A To Z Auto Shipping: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.: 3.78 out of 5 stars
Jp Logistics & Motorsports
11582 Sheldon St, Sun Valley, CA 91352 US
jplogistics.net
3.94 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise JP Logistics for their excellent communication and reliable service. While there are no significant complaints, some note that pricing is slightly higher, which is justified by the quality of service received.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1975227
Alternative Business Names
- JP Logistics
Auto Express Inc.
501 W Broadway Ste. 800, San Diego, CA 92101 US
autoexpressinc-car-shipping-san-diego.com
3.88 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3428899
King Of The Road Transport Inc
7316 Lindley Ave, Reseda, CA 91335 US
kingoftheroadtransport.com
3.86 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- Student
- Teacher
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: DOT#2248724
A To Z Auto Shipping
30101 Agoura Court, Suite 109, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 US
atozauto.com
3.86 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 675504
Alternative Business Names
- A to Z auto Shipping, Inc.
McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.
45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 US
mccollisters.com
3.78 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Heavy equipment
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 289344
Alternative Business Names
- McCollister's Transportation Group, Inc
- McCollister's Transportation
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 California to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
When moving from California to Iowa, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 1,849 miles to your car on the trip from California to Iowa. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from California to Iowa, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
California 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 California and Iowa. The average travel distance is about 1,849 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from three to eleven days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Iowa
| From California to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Des Moines, IA | $1,259 – $1,674 | 1,682 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,254 – $1,973 | 1,801 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Davenport, IA | $1,254 – $1,878 | 1,851 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Sioux City, IA | $1,210 – $1,712 | 1,582 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Iowa City, IA | $1,228 – $1,819 | 1,796 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Iowa
| From California to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Des Moines, IA | $1,191 – $1,783 | 1,749 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Diego, CA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,330 – $1,840 | 1,868 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Davenport, IA | $1,272 – $1,872 | 1,918 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Sioux City, IA | $1,187 – $1,656 | 1,649 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Diego, CA to Iowa City, IA | $1,254 – $1,935 | 1,862 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Iowa
| From California to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Des Moines, IA | $1,215 – $1,897 | 1,830 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Jose, CA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,298 – $1,971 | 1,949 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Jose, CA to Davenport, IA | $1,357 – $2,140 | 2,000 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Sioux City, IA | $1,204 – $1,855 | 1,730 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Jose, CA to Iowa City, IA | $1,233 – $1,931 | 1,944 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Iowa
| From California to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Des Moines, IA | $1,199 – $1,708 | 1,698 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,215 – $1,802 | 1,817 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Davenport, IA | $1,215 – $1,935 | 1,868 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Sioux City, IA | $1,095 – $1,630 | 1,598 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Iowa City, IA | $1,330 – $1,897 | 1,811 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Iowa
| From California to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Des Moines, IA | $1,191 – $1,873 | 1,799 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,324 – $1,951 | 1,917 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Davenport, IA | $1,324 – $1,872 | 1,968 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Sioux City, IA | $1,187 – $1,743 | 1,698 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Iowa City, IA | $1,350 – $2,069 | 1,912 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Iowa
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 California to Iowa, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,583–$2,443.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Iowa
Transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Hawkeye State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- 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: 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 Iowa.
- Distance and route: The route from California to Iowa is about 1,849 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of California in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between California and Iowa.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes three–eleven days, while expedited service costs more.
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 California
More than 39.0 million people call California home. Nicknamed the Golden State. California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
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 California 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 California and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California 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 California.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
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 California to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Iowa is about 1,849 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eleven days to travel from California to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in California, 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 California, 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 California 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 California and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California 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 California to Iowa?
Shipping a car from California to Iowa costs $1,266 to $1,954.
