Connecticut to Illinois Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 994 miles from Connecticut to Illinois ranges from $795 to $1,258. Expect the trip to take around two–seven days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Illinois 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 Illinois car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Connecticut to Illinois:
- 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
- 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
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Connecticut
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Connecticut who can get your vehicle to Illinois:
- 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 Illinois
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Connecticut to Illinois, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 994 extra miles on your car to travel from Connecticut to Illinois. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Connecticut 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.
Connecticut to Illinois auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Connecticut and Illinois. The average journey covers about 994 miles and takes roughly two to seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Waterbury, CT to Illinois
| From Connecticut to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterbury, CT to Chicago, IL | $802 – $1,174 | 861 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Waterbury, CT to Aurora, IL | $813 – $1,188 | 899 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Waterbury, CT to Joliet, IL | $747 – $1,198 | 872 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Waterbury, CT to Naperville, IL | $781 – $1,213 | 886 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Waterbury, CT to Rockford, IL | $821 – $1,212 | 955 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bridgeport, CT to Illinois
| From Connecticut to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport, CT to Chicago, IL | $775 – $1,159 | 849 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bridgeport, CT to Aurora, IL | $773 – $1,237 | 886 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bridgeport, CT to Joliet, IL | $802 – $1,162 | 860 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bridgeport, CT to Naperville, IL | $810 – $1,162 | 874 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bridgeport, CT to Rockford, IL | $830 – $1,164 | 943 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Stamford, CT to Illinois
| From Connecticut to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stamford, CT to Chicago, IL | $822 – $1,147 | 827 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Stamford, CT to Aurora, IL | $786 – $1,162 | 864 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Stamford, CT to Joliet, IL | $806 – $1,147 | 838 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Stamford, CT to Naperville, IL | $794 – $1,210 | 852 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Stamford, CT to Rockford, IL | $822 – $1,201 | 921 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from New Haven, CT to Illinois
| From Connecticut to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Haven, CT to Chicago, IL | $786 – $1,174 | 868 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| New Haven, CT to Aurora, IL | $790 – $1,177 | 906 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| New Haven, CT to Joliet, IL | $828 – $1,201 | 879 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| New Haven, CT to Naperville, IL | $805 – $1,152 | 893 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| New Haven, CT to Rockford, IL | $774 – $1,273 | 962 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Hartford, CT to Illinois
| From Connecticut to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hartford, CT to Chicago, IL | $797 – $1,261 | 891 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Hartford, CT to Aurora, IL | $790 – $1,262 | 929 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Hartford, CT to Joliet, IL | $830 – $1,274 | 902 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Hartford, CT to Naperville, IL | $790 – $1,153 | 916 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Hartford, CT to Rockford, IL | $756 – $1,184 | 985 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Connecticut to Illinois
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from Connecticut to Illinois, expect costs to range from $994 to $1,573.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Connecticut to Illinois
If you’re shipping a car from the Constitution State to the Land of Lincoln, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Illinois than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The route from Connecticut to Illinois is about 994 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Connecticut, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Connecticut and Illinois.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–seven days, while expedited service costs more.
Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Illinois, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- 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 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 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 Connecticut 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 Connecticut and when dropping it off in Illinois.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Connecticut to Illinois?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Connecticut 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 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
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 Connecticut to Illinois?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Connecticut to Illinois is about 994 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Connecticut to Illinois.
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 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 Connecticut, 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 Connecticut, 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 Connecticut 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 Connecticut and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Connecticut to Illinois?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Connecticut 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 Connecticut to Illinois?
Shipping a car from Connecticut to Illinois costs $795 to $1,258.
