Delaware to Virginia Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 272 miles from Delaware to Virginia usually costs between $466 and $636. Transit time is about one–four 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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Delaware to Virginia:
- 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
- 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 Delaware
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Delaware ready to move your vehicle to Virginia:
- 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 Virginia
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Delaware to Virginia, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 272 extra miles on your car to travel from Delaware to Virginia. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Delaware to Virginia for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
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.
Delaware to Virginia auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Delaware and Virginia. The average journey covers about 272 miles and takes roughly one to four days.
Cost to ship a car from Wilmington, DE to Virginia
| From Delaware to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington, DE to Virginia Beach, VA | $466 – $612 | 245 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Wilmington, DE to Chesapeake, VA | $466 – $631 | 249 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Wilmington, DE to Arlington, VA | $361 – $516 | 114 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Wilmington, DE to Norfolk, VA | $470 – $612 | 245 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Wilmington, DE to Richmond, VA | $467 – $604 | 222 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Dover, DE to Virginia
| From Delaware to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE to Virginia Beach, VA | $442 – $586 | 191 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Dover, DE to Chesapeake, VA | $438 – $598 | 196 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Dover, DE to Arlington, VA | $321 – $483 | 98 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Dover, DE to Norfolk, VA | $438 – $592 | 191 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Dover, DE to Richmond, VA | $466 – $582 | 204 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Newark, DE to Virginia
| From Delaware to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark, DE to Virginia Beach, VA | $447 – $588 | 240 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Newark, DE to Chesapeake, VA | $434 – $643 | 244 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Newark, DE to Arlington, VA | $329 – $474 | 101 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Newark, DE to Norfolk, VA | $438 – $588 | 240 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Newark, DE to Richmond, VA | $471 – $576 | 209 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Middletown, DE to Virginia
| From Delaware to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middletown, DE to Virginia Beach, VA | $467 – $580 | 222 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Middletown, DE to Chesapeake, VA | $481 – $598 | 226 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Middletown, DE to Arlington, VA | $333 – $489 | 101 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Middletown, DE to Norfolk, VA | $481 – $568 | 222 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Middletown, DE to Richmond, VA | $453 – $594 | 206 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bear, DE to Virginia
| From Delaware to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear, DE to Virginia Beach, VA | $467 – $576 | 234 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bear, DE to Chesapeake, VA | $449 – $606 | 239 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bear, DE to Arlington, VA | $351 – $531 | 111 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bear, DE to Norfolk, VA | $477 – $588 | 234 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bear, DE to Richmond, VA | $477 – $580 | 221 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Delaware to Virginia
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Delaware to Virginia, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $583–$795.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Delaware to Virginia
When arranging car transport from the First State to the Old Dominion State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- 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 rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Virginia than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The journey from Delaware to Virginia spans about 272 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Delaware in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Delaware to Virginia, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–four days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Virginia vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Virginia, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance requirements: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
- Vehicle inspection: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
- Driver’s license: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Virginia, you will need to register your vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. As part of the registration process, you will be required to pay various taxes and fees, including a personal property tax on your vehicle. The amount of tax you will need to pay will depend on the value of your vehicle and the county or city in which you reside. Additionally, you may also need to pay a one-time vehicle titling fee, depending on the age of your vehicle. You should check with the Virginia DMV for specific details and requirements.
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 Virginia
About 8.7 million people are living in the Old Dominion State. Virginia has humid hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream have a strong effect on eastern and southeastern coastal areas of the Commonwealth, making the climate there warmer and more constant.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Delaware and delivery in Virginia?
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 Virginia.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Delaware to Virginia?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Delaware to Virginia, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Virginia, 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.
It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
How long does it take to ship a car from Delaware to Virginia?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Delaware to Virginia is about 272 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Delaware to Virginia.
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.
All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
If I have a driver’s license in Delaware, will I need one in Virginia?
To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
If I bought a car in Delaware, will I be required to pay sales tax in Virginia after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Delaware to Virginia after purchasing it.
When moving to Virginia, you will need to register your vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. As part of the registration process, you will be required to pay various taxes and fees, including a personal property tax on your vehicle. The amount of tax you will need to pay will depend on the value of your vehicle and the county or city in which you reside. Additionally, you may also need to pay a one-time vehicle titling fee, depending on the age of your vehicle. You should check with the Virginia DMV for specific details and requirements.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Delaware and Virginia to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Delaware to Virginia?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Delaware to Virginia 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 Virginia?
Shipping a car from Delaware to Virginia costs $466 to $636.
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