Colorado to Illinois Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,010 miles from Colorado to Illinois usually costs between $822 and $1,288. Transit time is about two–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 Illinois to Colorado 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 Colorado to Illinois car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Colorado to Illinois:
- 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
- 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 Colorado
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Colorado that can transport your vehicle to Illinois:
- Colorado Springs Auto Shipping Group: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- UZ Auto Trans INC: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Diamond Express Transportation: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Accelerated Services Llc: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Driving America Auto Transport: 3.5 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 Colorado to Illinois
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Colorado to Illinois, 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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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 1,010 miles on your car to travel between Colorado and Illinois. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Colorado to Illinois, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
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.
Colorado to Illinois auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Colorado and Illinois. The typical distance is about 1,010 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Denver, CO to Illinois
| From Colorado to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver, CO to Chicago, IL | $830 – $1,301 | 1,005 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Denver, CO to Aurora, IL | $860 – $1,334 | 969 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Denver, CO to Joliet, IL | $850 – $1,357 | 981 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Denver, CO to Naperville, IL | $850 – $1,319 | 978 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Denver, CO to Rockford, IL | $844 – $1,347 | 958 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Colorado Springs, CO to Illinois
| From Colorado to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO to Chicago, IL | $805 – $1,262 | 1,072 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Colorado Springs, CO to Aurora, IL | $813 – $1,340 | 1,037 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Colorado Springs, CO to Joliet, IL | $797 – $1,340 | 1,049 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Colorado Springs, CO to Naperville, IL | $789 – $1,236 | 1,046 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Colorado Springs, CO to Rockford, IL | $789 – $1,327 | 1,026 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aurora, CO to Illinois
| From Colorado to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL | $854 – $1,353 | 1,004 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aurora, CO to Aurora, IL | $827 – $1,321 | 968 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aurora, CO to Joliet, IL | $833 – $1,267 | 980 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aurora, CO to Naperville, IL | $825 – $1,254 | 977 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aurora, CO to Rockford, IL | $786 – $1,334 | 957 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fort Collins, CO to Illinois
| From Colorado to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Collins, CO to Chicago, IL | $801 – $1,331 | 984 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Fort Collins, CO to Aurora, IL | $804 – $1,208 | 946 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Fort Collins, CO to Joliet, IL | $778 – $1,321 | 958 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Fort Collins, CO to Naperville, IL | $778 – $1,244 | 956 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Fort Collins, CO to Rockford, IL | $812 – $1,221 | 936 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lakewood, CO to Illinois
| From Colorado to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakewood, CO to Chicago, IL | $846 – $1,236 | 1,009 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lakewood, CO to Aurora, IL | $811 – $1,244 | 974 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Lakewood, CO to Joliet, IL | $817 – $1,267 | 985 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Lakewood, CO to Naperville, IL | $801 – $1,254 | 983 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Lakewood, CO to Rockford, IL | $778 – $1,347 | 963 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Colorado to Illinois
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Colorado to Illinois, the price usually falls between $1,028 and $1,610.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Colorado to Illinois
When arranging car transport from the Centennial State to the Land of Lincoln, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car 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 Illinois.
- Distance and route: The trip from Colorado to Illinois covers roughly 1,010 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Colorado in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Colorado and Illinois may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is two–eight days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Illinois, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance requirements: The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
- Driver’s license: Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
- Additional taxes: According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Colorado
More than 5.9 million people call Colorado home. Nicknamed the Centennial State. Colorado has a relatively complex climate. Ranging from the famous mountain region of the state to desert. Therefore, keep track of the weather of your new city on move day. The most extreme weather that happens in Colorado happens in the least populated areas of the state but you may drive through these regions to get to your new home so be wary of that too.
Transporting your vehicle to Illinois
About 12.5 million people are living in the Land of Lincoln. Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Colorado and delivery in Illinois?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Colorado and when dropping it off in Illinois.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Colorado to Illinois?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Colorado to Illinois, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Illinois, which you should verify before loading your car in Colorado.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. To drive in Colorado, you must have insurance with minimum 25/50/10 liability limits, covering $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. While meeting the state's minimum requirement, it's advisable to consider factors for determining optimal coverage levels.
The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Colorado to Illinois?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Colorado to Illinois is about 1,010 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from Colorado to Illinois.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
To register and title your vehicle in Colorado within 90 days of moving, you'll need to provide the DMV with an out-of-state vehicle title, proof of a valid Colorado auto insurance policy, verifiable identification, and documentation of the vehicle's weight.
In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
If I have a driver’s license in Colorado, will I need one in Illinois?
Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
If I bought a car in Colorado, will I be required to pay sales tax in Illinois after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Colorado to Illinois after purchasing it.
According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Colorado and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Colorado to Illinois?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Colorado to Illinois 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 Colorado to Illinois?
Shipping a car from Colorado to Illinois costs $822 to $1,288.
121 S Tejon St UNIT 901, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 US
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