($1,109) Cost to ship a car from Orlando, FL to Chicago, IL
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,154 miles from Orlando, Florida, to Chicago, Illinois, generally falls between $1,109 and $1,737. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago to Orlando 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 Orlando to Chicago car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Orlando to Chicago:
- 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 Orlando
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Orlando, FL:
- Car Shipping Carriers Orlando: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Transglobal Auto Logistics: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Reliable Carriers: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Masney Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 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.
Car shipping alternatives from FL to IL
Getting your car from Orlando to Chicago can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Orlando to Chicago, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,154-mile drive from Orlando 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
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Florida to Illinois, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Orlando to Chicago safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Chicago, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Orlando to Chicago car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Orlando to Chicago can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Orlando to Chicago, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Orlando tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Chicago, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Orlando 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
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 1,154 miles from Orlando to Chicago will cost more than a shorter move within Florida.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Orlando and Chicago can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Orlando has two basic seasons, a hot and rainy season, lasting from May until late October, and a warm and dry season from November through April.
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.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Orlando to Chicago during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,154-mile distance between Orlando and Chicago and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Orlando to Chicago usually takes two–eight days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Orlando and Chicago vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Orlando: On-Street Metered Spaces $1 per hour Free from 6 p.m. - 8 a.m.
- 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
- Orlando: All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.
- 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
- Orlando: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
- 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
- Orlando: If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.
- 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 Orlando to Chicago?
The cost to ship a car from Orlando, FL 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 Orlando to Chicago will range from $1,109 to $1,737.
How long will it take to ship my car from Orlando to Chicago?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,154 miles from Orlando to Chicago. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Orlando to Chicago?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Orlando 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 Orlando to Chicago?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Orlando 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 1,154-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.
1800 Pembrook Dr # 300, Orlando, FL 32810 US
13330 W Colonial Dr # 130, Winter Garden, FL 34787 US
453 Thorpe Rd, Orlando, FL 32824 US
831 Maguire Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761 US
8822 Boggy Creek Rd, Orlando, FL 32824 US