Connecticut to Iowa Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,166 miles from Connecticut to Iowa usually costs between $850 and $1,442. 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 Iowa to Connecticut 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 Connecticut to Iowa car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Connecticut 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 Connecticut
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Connecticut ready to move your vehicle to Iowa:
- A-AAA Auto Transport, LLC: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Scott Transportation Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Vehicle Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars
A-AAA Auto Transport, LLC
65 High Ridge Rd, Stamford, CT 06905 US
autocarmover.com
3.58 / 5.0
A-AAA Auto Transport LLC provides efficient and professional vehicle transportation services, with prompt pickups and timely deliveries. Customers consistently praise the good communication from the staff throughout the shipping process. However, issues have arisen regarding damage accountability, a lack of updates during transportation, and inconsistent driver behavior. While many clients report a smooth transfer of their vehicles in excellent condition, some express frustration over customer service particularly when things go wrong, suggesting room for improvement.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2223911
Scott Transportation Inc
95 Rye St, Broad Brook, CT 06016
scotttransportation.com/contact_us
3.5 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise the exceptional customer service provided by the owner and staff, highlighting the welcoming atmosphere and professional approach from team members like Andy, Tom, and Wayne. There are no significant negative comments reported.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
Vehicle Transport Services
71 Raymond Rd, West Hartford, CT 06107 US
vehicletransportservices.co/hartford-connecticut-companies
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2249744
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 Connecticut to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Connecticut 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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 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 1,166 miles to your car on the trip from Connecticut to Iowa. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Connecticut to Iowa is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
Connecticut to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Connecticut and Iowa. Average distances are close to 1,166 miles, with delivery usually taking two–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Waterbury, CT to Iowa
| From Connecticut to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterbury, CT to Des Moines, IA | $850 – $1,373 | 1,178 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Waterbury, CT to Cedar Rapids, IA | $822 – $1,249 | 1,091 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Waterbury, CT to Davenport, IA | $830 – $1,249 | 1,011 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Waterbury, CT to Sioux City, IA | $1,066 – $1,533 | 1,355 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Waterbury, CT to Iowa City, IA | $805 – $1,249 | 1,067 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bridgeport, CT to Iowa
| From Connecticut to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport, CT to Des Moines, IA | $921 – $1,387 | 1,165 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bridgeport, CT to Cedar Rapids, IA | $797 – $1,262 | 1,079 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bridgeport, CT to Davenport, IA | $792 – $1,306 | 999 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bridgeport, CT to Sioux City, IA | $1,035 – $1,472 | 1,342 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Bridgeport, CT to Iowa City, IA | $789 – $1,288 | 1,055 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Stamford, CT to Iowa
| From Connecticut to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stamford, CT to Des Moines, IA | $877 – $1,345 | 1,144 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Stamford, CT to Cedar Rapids, IA | $854 – $1,275 | 1,057 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Stamford, CT to Davenport, IA | $833 – $1,280 | 977 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Stamford, CT to Sioux City, IA | $1,046 – $1,503 | 1,321 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Stamford, CT to Iowa City, IA | $846 – $1,367 | 1,033 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from New Haven, CT to Iowa
| From Connecticut to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Haven, CT to Des Moines, IA | $930 – $1,387 | 1,185 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| New Haven, CT to Cedar Rapids, IA | $789 – $1,262 | 1,098 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| New Haven, CT to Davenport, IA | $797 – $1,262 | 1,018 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| New Haven, CT to Sioux City, IA | $985 – $1,518 | 1,362 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| New Haven, CT to Iowa City, IA | $797 – $1,262 | 1,074 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Hartford, CT to Iowa
| From Connecticut to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hartford, CT to Des Moines, IA | $918 – $1,537 | 1,208 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Hartford, CT to Cedar Rapids, IA | $930 – $1,415 | 1,122 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Hartford, CT to Davenport, IA | $846 – $1,288 | 1,041 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Hartford, CT to Sioux City, IA | $985 – $1,579 | 1,385 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Hartford, CT to Iowa City, IA | $813 – $1,327 | 1,097 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Connecticut to Iowa
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Connecticut to Iowa, the price usually falls between $1,063 and $1,803.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Connecticut to Iowa
If you’re shipping a car from the Constitution 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: 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 journey from Connecticut to Iowa spans about 1,166 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Connecticut more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Connecticut and Iowa and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within two–eight days, but expedited options cost more.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Iowa 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: 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 Connecticut
More than 3.6 million people call Connecticut home. Nicknamed the Constitution State. Connecticut has decent weather, is familiar to any east coast native. In the North, there tend to be cold winters with moderate snowfall and hot, humid summers. In the South, there are cool winters with a mix of rain and infrequent snow, and hot humid summers.
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 Connecticut 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 Connecticut and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Connecticut to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Connecticut 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 Connecticut.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. The basic car insurance requirements in the state of Connecticut is as follow: Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $25,000 per person, $50,000 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 Connecticut to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Connecticut to Iowa is about 1,166 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from Connecticut to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Connecticut, all vehicles must undergo an emissions inspection every two years, with a few exceptions. Additionally, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection, which confirms the vehicle's identity, is required when registering the vehicle in the state.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Connecticut, 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 Connecticut, 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 Connecticut 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 Connecticut and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Connecticut to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Connecticut 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 Connecticut to Iowa?
Shipping a car from Connecticut to Iowa costs $850 to $1,442.
