Delaware to Illinois Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 860 miles from Delaware to Illinois typically falls between $826 and $1,198. The process usually takes two–seven days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Illinois to Delaware 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 Delaware to Illinois car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Delaware 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
- 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 Delaware
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Delaware can deliver your vehicle to Illinois:
- Moverjet Logistics LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Pride Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Colibri Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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 Delaware to Illinois
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Delaware to Illinois, 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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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 860 extra miles on your car to travel from Delaware to Illinois. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Delaware to Illinois 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
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
Delaware to Illinois auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Delaware and Illinois. The typical distance is about 860 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Wilmington, DE to Illinois
| From Delaware to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington, DE to Chicago, IL | $749 – $1,061 | 752 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Wilmington, DE to Aurora, IL | $779 – $1,102 | 789 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Wilmington, DE to Joliet, IL | $780 – $1,106 | 763 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Wilmington, DE to Naperville, IL | $787 – $1,193 | 777 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Wilmington, DE to Rockford, IL | $806 – $1,124 | 846 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Dover, DE to Illinois
| From Delaware to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE to Chicago, IL | $764 – $1,182 | 784 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dover, DE to Aurora, IL | $770 – $1,189 | 822 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dover, DE to Joliet, IL | $764 – $1,136 | 795 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dover, DE to Naperville, IL | $809 – $1,119 | 809 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dover, DE to Rockford, IL | $813 – $1,164 | 878 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Newark, DE to Illinois
| From Delaware to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark, DE to Chicago, IL | $764 – $1,075 | 734 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Newark, DE to Aurora, IL | $780 – $1,162 | 771 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Newark, DE to Joliet, IL | $741 – $1,086 | 745 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Newark, DE to Naperville, IL | $780 – $1,084 | 759 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Newark, DE to Rockford, IL | $751 – $1,147 | 828 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Middletown, DE to Illinois
| From Delaware to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middletown, DE to Chicago, IL | $741 – $1,073 | 774 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Middletown, DE to Aurora, IL | $778 – $1,212 | 812 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Middletown, DE to Joliet, IL | $795 – $1,159 | 785 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Middletown, DE to Naperville, IL | $787 – $1,091 | 799 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Middletown, DE to Rockford, IL | $794 – $1,127 | 868 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bear, DE to Illinois
| From Delaware to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear, DE to Chicago, IL | $726 – $1,061 | 769 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bear, DE to Aurora, IL | $770 – $1,096 | 807 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bear, DE to Joliet, IL | $779 – $1,193 | 780 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bear, DE to Naperville, IL | $749 – $1,113 | 794 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bear, DE to Rockford, IL | $802 – $1,162 | 863 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Delaware 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 Delaware to Illinois, the price usually falls between $1,033 and $1,498.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Delaware to Illinois
When transporting your vehicle from the First State to the Land of Lincoln, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Illinois.
- Distance and route: The route from Delaware to Illinois is about 860 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Delaware in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Delaware and Illinois and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Delaware to Illinois should take between two and seven days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
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 Delaware
More than 1.0 million people call Delaware home. Nicknamed the First State. Almost all of Delaware is a part of the Atlantic coastal plain, the effects of the ocean moderate its climate. The southern portion of the state has a milder climate than the northern portion of the state.
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 Delaware 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 Delaware and when dropping it off in Illinois.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Delaware to Illinois?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Delaware 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 Delaware.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage 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 Delaware to Illinois?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Delaware to Illinois is about 860 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Delaware to Illinois.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.
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 Delaware, 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 Delaware, 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 Delaware 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 Delaware and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Delaware to Illinois?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Delaware 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 Delaware to Illinois?
Shipping a car from Delaware to Illinois costs $826 to $1,198.
3422 Old Capitol Trl #2025, Wilmington, DE 19808 US
1007 Orange St 4th floor, Wilmington, DE 19801 US
1225 N King St #340, Wilmington, DE 19801 US
3411 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810 US