($802) Cost to ship a car from Denver, CO to Missoula, MT

Quick answer: Expect to pay around $802 to $1,196 to ship your car 896 miles from Denver, Colorado, to Missoula, Montana. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Missoula to Denver car shipping guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 Denver to Missoula car shipping companies

To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Denver to Missoula:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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 safety & reliability
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Denver

Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving Denver, CO:

  1. UZ Auto Trans INC: 3.64 out of 5 stars
  2. Driving America Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. Accelerated Services Auto: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Nationwide Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars

UZ Auto Trans INC

6960 Smith Rd, Denver, CO 80207 US

starstarstarstarstar3.64 / 5.0

UZ Auto Trans provides efficient vehicle transport services with many customers praising their excellent communication, professionalism, and timely delivery. However, there have been significant complaints regarding vehicle damage during transit and poor customer service, particularly in claims handling and response times.

Get a Quote (303) 872-3672

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • UZ Trans, Inc.

Driving America Auto Transport

9524 Sherrelwood Ln, Littleton, CO 80126 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Driving America Auto Transport receives diverse feedback. Many reviews highlight their friendly staff, timely communication, and reliability in delivering vehicles safely. Customers appreciated the professionalism displayed by various team members. Conversely, numerous reviews pointed out significant issues, including poor customer service, delayed pickups, challenging communication during the shipping process, and claims of overly aggressive sales tactics. Several customers reported being dissatisfied with unexpected cost increases and obstacles in securing refunds, leading to overall feelings of distrust.

Get a Quote (866) 240-7648

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Accelerated Services Auto

19201 E Lincoln Ave, Parker, CO 80138 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Accelerated Services is highly regarded for its excellent customer service, prompt communication, and commitment to safety. While most reviews praise the reliability and professionalism of the team, some concerns have been raised regarding the financial strain and debt incurred during equipment breakdowns.

Get a Quote (720) 200-3100

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport

Additional Information

Nationwide Auto Transport

1930 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Nationwide Auto Transportation garners positive feedback for its excellent driver professionalism, prompt communication, and overall reliable service. However, there are reports of significant delays, poor customer service experiences, and unprofessional behavior from some staff, leading to frustrations among customers. Many experiences highlighted issues surrounding pricing, communication mishaps, and vehicle condition upon delivery, leading to dissatisfaction for some clients. Popular acclaim often emphasizes timely and secure vehicle transport, while criticisms largely focus on service inconsistencies that affected their overall satisfaction.

Get a Quote (800) 311-7073

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

Ceva Logistics

18300 E 28th Ave, Aurora, CO 80011 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers report extremely negative experiences with CEVA Logistics, citing poor customer service, late deliveries, and damaged items. However, a few users noted a satisfactory experience with delivery scheduling and friendly staff.

Get a Quote (720) 858-7304

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Storage solutions
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • 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.

Car shipping alternatives from CO to MT

Getting your car from Denver to Missoula can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re planning a move from Denver to Missoula, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.

Drive your car

There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 896-mile drive from Denver to Missoula into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.

Use a driving service

Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Colorado to Montana is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Denver to Missoula. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.

Ship your car via train

Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Missoula, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.

Factors affecting Denver to Missoula car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Denver to Missoula, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

When shipping your car from Denver to Missoula, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.

Open carriers from Denver are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Missoula? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.

Vehicle size and type

The kind of car you’re shipping out of Denver has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Missoula will cost more than moving a smaller car.

Distance and route

To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 896 miles from Denver to Missoula will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Colorado.

Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Denver and Missoula often affect the cost of auto transport.

Denver has four distinct seasons and receives most of its precipitation from April through August. Due to its inland location on the High Plains, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the region can be subject to sudden changes in weather.

August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Missoula, these are the best months to plan to move while you might hold off moving between December and January as these are the least comfortable months in Missoula.

When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Denver to Missoula in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.

Fuel prices

Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 896-mile trip from Denver to Missoula, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.

Delivery expectations

By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Denver to Missoula usually takes two–seven days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.

Comparing Denver and Missoula vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Denver: A Parking Permit (Residential or Area) exempts a resident's vehicle from the posted, on-street parking time limit restrictions ONLY for the area within which the permit is valid. Residential Parking Permits are valid only on the block which the resident resides. The Area Permit will exempt permit holders from certain parking restrictions within a prescribed area.
  • Missoula: Commercial Permit - The commercial permit allows a vehicle to park at a meter without putting money into the meter for up to two hours. Special Service Permit - The special service permit allows a utility company’s vehicle to park at a meter without putting money into the meter for four hours. Loading Zone Permit - The loading zone permit allows a vehicle to park in a loading zone for 20 minutes. Contractor Code - A contractor code allows an authorized vehicle to park at in a metered parking space for a reduced contractor rate. This is mainly used for construction, maintenance, and moving. Residential Parking Permit - Parking permits for the Residential Parking Permit district are available online here. (see map of U of M Residential Parking area) (PDF) For further information about parking permits, please contact the Missoula Parking Commission at (406) 552-6250.

Car insurance requirements

  • Denver: 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.
  • Missoula: In Montana, drivers must meet legal requirements for minimum car insurance liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in accidents. Mandated by state regulations, this includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, covering collective medical expenses in case of multiple injuries, capped at $50,000 for the entire incident. Additionally, there's a required minimum of $20,000 per accident for property damage, crucial for addressing costs related to damage to another party's vehicle or property. Adhering to these insurance requirements is imperative for all motorists, ensuring compliance with state laws and contributing to a secure and responsible driving environment on Montana roadways.

Vehicle inspections

  • Denver: 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.
  • Missoula: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.

Driver’s license

  • Denver: To obtain a Colorado driver's license, new residents must visit a Colorado DMV office in person. The process cannot be done online or by phone. A valid out-of-state license is required, with no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations, and must not have been deemed unfit to drive by CO DMV or a court.
  • Missoula: New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Denver to Missoula?

The cost to ship a car from Denver, CO to Missoula, MT varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Denver to Missoula will range from $802 to $1,196.

How long will it take to ship my car from Denver to Missoula?

It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 896 miles from Denver to Missoula. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Denver to Missoula?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Denver to Missoula. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Denver to Missoula?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Denver to Missoula than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 896-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.

We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.

Helpful Denver resources