Connecticut to Illinois Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 994 miles from Connecticut to Illinois ranges from $792 to $1,306 and takes two–seven 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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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Illinois to Connecticut car shipping guide.

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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

After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Connecticut to Illinois:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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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
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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
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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
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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 Connecticut

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Connecticut that can relocate your vehicle to Illinois:

  1. A-AAA Auto Transport, LLC: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  2. Scott Transportation Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. Vehicle Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars

A-AAA Auto Transport, LLC

65 High Ridge Rd, Stamford, CT 06905 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 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.

Get a Quote (888) 821-9645

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Additional Information

Scott Transportation Inc

95 Rye St, Broad Brook, CT 06016

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 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.

Get a Quote (207) 473-0063

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Multi-car transport

Additional Information

Vehicle Transport Services

71 Raymond Rd, West Hartford, CT 06107 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (860) 400-2256

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

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 your move takes you from Connecticut to Illinois, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.

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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 994 miles on your car going from Connecticut to Illinois. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.

Hire a driver

You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Connecticut to Illinois. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.

Ship by train

Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.

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 $840 – $1,243 861 miles 2 – 7 days
Waterbury, CT to Aurora, IL $786 – $1,258 899 miles 2 – 7 days
Waterbury, CT to Joliet, IL $791 – $1,206 872 miles 2 – 7 days
Waterbury, CT to Naperville, IL $835 – $1,283 886 miles 2 – 7 days
Waterbury, CT to Rockford, IL $811 – $1,334 955 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 $828 – $1,166 849 miles 2 – 7 days
Bridgeport, CT to Aurora, IL $794 – $1,183 886 miles 2 – 7 days
Bridgeport, CT to Joliet, IL $775 – $1,255 860 miles 2 – 7 days
Bridgeport, CT to Naperville, IL $816 – $1,255 874 miles 2 – 7 days
Bridgeport, CT to Rockford, IL $853 – $1,272 943 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 $788 – $1,178 827 miles 2 – 7 days
Stamford, CT to Aurora, IL $857 – $1,181 864 miles 2 – 7 days
Stamford, CT to Joliet, IL $812 – $1,275 838 miles 2 – 7 days
Stamford, CT to Naperville, IL $816 – $1,231 852 miles 2 – 7 days
Stamford, CT to Rockford, IL $836 – $1,297 921 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 $775 – $1,292 868 miles 2 – 7 days
New Haven, CT to Aurora, IL $845 – $1,247 906 miles 2 – 7 days
New Haven, CT to Joliet, IL $851 – $1,196 879 miles 2 – 7 days
New Haven, CT to Naperville, IL $786 – $1,221 893 miles 2 – 7 days
New Haven, CT to Rockford, IL $803 – $1,283 962 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 $786 – $1,208 891 miles 2 – 7 days
Hartford, CT to Aurora, IL $828 – $1,310 929 miles 2 – 7 days
Hartford, CT to Joliet, IL $804 – $1,272 902 miles 2 – 7 days
Hartford, CT to Naperville, IL $812 – $1,234 916 miles 2 – 7 days
Hartford, CT to Rockford, IL $850 – $1,254 985 miles 2 – 7 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Connecticut 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 Connecticut to Illinois, the price usually falls between $990 and $1,633.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Connecticut to Illinois

When arranging car transport from the Constitution 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: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Illinois.
  • Distance and route: The journey from Connecticut to Illinois spans approximately 994 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
  • Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Connecticut 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 Connecticut and Illinois may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
  • Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Connecticut to Illinois takes two–seven days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.

Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know

After relocating to Illinois, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.

  • 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 $792 to $1,306.

Helpful Connecticut resources