($816) Cost to ship a car from New Haven, CT to Chicago, IL

Quick answer: Shipping a car 868 miles from New Haven, Connecticut, to Chicago, Illinois, typically costs between $816 and $1,194. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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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 Chicago to New Haven 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
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The best New Haven to Chicago car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from New Haven to Chicago:

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 New Haven

If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in New Haven, CT:

  1. Plycon Transportation Group: 3.98 out of 5 stars
  2. Intercity Lines Inc: 3.84 out of 5 stars
  3. A-AAA Auto Transport, LLC: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  4. East Side Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Vehicle Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Plycon Transportation Group

280 Indian Head Rd, Kings Park, NY 11754 US

starstarstarstarstar3.98 / 5.0

Plycon Transportation Group receives high praise for its exceptional service and professionalism when moving household items as well as vehicles. Customers appreciate the seamless, stress-free process and the care taken with belongings, often highlighting the excellent communication and responsiveness of the customer service team. While one review mentioned an issue with cars arriving dirty, the overall sentiment showcases a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Get a Quote (631) 269-7000

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military
  • AAA

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Plycon Van Lines Inc.

Intercity Lines Inc

552 Old West Brookfield Rd, Warren, MA 01083 US

starstarstarstarstar3.84 / 5.0
Get a Quote (413) 436-9511

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • ATVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

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

East Side Auto Transport

6 Research Pkwy, Wallingford, CT 06492 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers appreciate the professionalism and timely service provided by the company, especially in vehicle transportation. However, concerns have been raised regarding excessive gas prices and reckless driving behavior by their drivers.

Get a Quote (203) 269-1539

Services Offered

  • Interstate shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports

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.

Car shipping alternatives from CT to IL

If you’re relocating from New Haven to Chicago, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re planning a move from New Haven to Chicago, 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 868-mile drive from New Haven to Chicago 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

If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Connecticut to Illinois. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from New Haven to Chicago carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.

Ship your car via train

Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Chicago, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.

Factors affecting New Haven to Chicago car shipping costs

When you’re arranging vehicle transport from New Haven to Chicago, keep these cost factors in mind:

Transport method

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

Open carriers from New Haven 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 Chicago? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.

Vehicle size and type

The kind of car you’re shipping out of New Haven 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 Chicago will cost more than moving a smaller car.

Distance and route

In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 868 miles from New Haven to Chicago is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Connecticut.

Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather patterns in New Haven and Chicago often affect the cost of auto transport.

Best months to move to New Haven are June, September and August as these are the best months with tolerable weather. January and February are the least comfortable months as these are the coldest months.

Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.

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

Fuel prices

Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 868 miles between New Haven and Chicago, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.

Delivery expectations

Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from New Haven to Chicago is two to seven days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.

Comparing New Haven and Chicago vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • New Haven: Check with the City of New Haven for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to New Haven.
  • Chicago: For a fee of $25, CDOT will provide ticket and tow enforceable signs to eligible moving companies for the day of the move. This requires 72 hours.

Car insurance requirements

  • New Haven: 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
  • Chicago: 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 inspections

  • New Haven: 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.
  • Chicago: 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

  • New Haven: As a new resident of Connecticut, you must obtain a Connecticut driver's license within 30 days. Residency is defined as living in the state for over 6 months in a year.
  • Chicago: 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.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from New Haven to Chicago?

The cost to ship a car from New Haven, CT to Chicago, IL 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 New Haven to Chicago will range from $816 to $1,194.

How long will it take to ship my car from New Haven to Chicago?

It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 868 miles from New Haven to Chicago. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from New Haven to Chicago?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from New Haven to Chicago. 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 New Haven to Chicago?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from New Haven to Chicago 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 868-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 New Haven resources