Iowa to Arkansas Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 598 miles from Iowa to Arkansas usually costs between $727 and $938. Transit time is about one–six 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 Arkansas to Iowa 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 Iowa to Arkansas car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Iowa to Arkansas:
- 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove 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 Iowa
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Iowa who can get your vehicle to Arkansas:
- A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Aaall States Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Nimble Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
A A All States Auto Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
autotransport.company
3.58 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
Aaall States Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
autotransport.company
3.5 / 5.0
While some customers report frustrating experiences with delivery delays and a refusal to wear masks by drivers, others are satisfied with undamaged deliveries and commend the customer service provided by the office staff and drivers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2230973
Nimble Inc
910 23rd Ave # 200, Coralville, IA 52241 US
nimbleinc.net
3.5 / 5.0
Nimble, Inc. is faced with serious concern regarding business practices, particularly around unpaid freight charges and customer service experiences. While there are some positive comments about their staff, numerous reviews highlight major issues related to financial responsibility and operational difficulties during service deliveries.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2245757
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 Iowa to Arkansas
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Iowa for a move to Arkansas, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 598 extra miles on your car to travel from Iowa to Arkansas. 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 Iowa to Arkansas 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
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.
Iowa to Arkansas auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Iowa and Arkansas. The average travel distance is about 598 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from one to six days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Arkansas
| From Iowa to Arkansas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Little Rock, AR | $715 – $1,046 | 617 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Fayetteville, AR | $640 – $843 | 429 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Fort Smith, AR | $641 – $854 | 485 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Springdale, AR | $581 – $853 | 422 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Jonesboro, AR | $703 – $919 | 573 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Arkansas
| From Iowa to Arkansas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Little Rock, AR | $686 – $995 | 615 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Fayetteville, AR | $677 – $945 | 548 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Fort Smith, AR | $751 – $1,035 | 603 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Springdale, AR | $697 – $927 | 540 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Jonesboro, AR | $616 – $863 | 496 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Arkansas
| From Iowa to Arkansas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Little Rock, AR | $715 – $1,066 | 611 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Davenport, IA to Fayetteville, AR | $644 – $964 | 549 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Davenport, IA to Fort Smith, AR | $737 – $975 | 604 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Davenport, IA to Springdale, AR | $644 – $890 | 542 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Davenport, IA to Jonesboro, AR | $616 – $872 | 492 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Arkansas
| From Iowa to Arkansas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Little Rock, AR | $798 – $1,094 | 703 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Fayetteville, AR | $657 – $939 | 515 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Fort Smith, AR | $703 – $977 | 571 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Springdale, AR | $625 – $877 | 508 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Jonesboro, AR | $743 – $1,036 | 659 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Arkansas
| From Iowa to Arkansas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Little Rock, AR | $692 – $987 | 591 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Fayetteville, AR | $657 – $899 | 542 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Fort Smith, AR | $713 – $957 | 598 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Springdale, AR | $691 – $880 | 535 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Jonesboro, AR | $611 – $847 | 472 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Arkansas
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Iowa to Arkansas you should expect to pay between $909 and $1,173.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Arkansas
When moving your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Natural State, several factors can affect the total shipping 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: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Arkansas.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Iowa to Arkansas involves roughly 598 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Iowa 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 Iowa and Arkansas and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–six days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Arkansas vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Arkansas, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Car insurance requirements: In Arkansas, all drivers must maintain liability insurance that meets the state's minimum requirements, which are $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death in one accident, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage caused by an auto accident.
- Vehicle inspection: Arkansas does not require mandatory safety or emissions inspections, but the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality encourages voluntary emissions testing for the benefit of the environment. This means that while getting your car tested for emissions is optional, it is strongly encouraged.
- Driver’s license: If you establish residency in Arkansas, you are required to obtain an Arkansas driver's license within 30 days.
- Additional taxes: In Arkansas, all car sales are subject to a state tax rate of 6.5%, with the potential for additional county and local taxes up to 5%, resulting in an average total car sales tax rate of 9.133%.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Iowa
More than 3.2 million people call Iowa home. Nicknamed the Hawkeye State. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
Transporting your vehicle to Arkansas
About 3.1 million people are living in the Natural State. Arkansas has hot, humid summers and slightly drier, mild to cool winters. Arkansas is known for extreme weather and frequent storms. A typical year brings thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, snow, and ice storms. Between both the Great Plains and the Gulf States, Arkansas receives around 60 days of thunderstorms. Movers should check their local weather station to make sure they are not being caught in any of these storms.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Arkansas?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Iowa and when dropping it off in Arkansas.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Arkansas?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Arkansas, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Arkansas, which you should verify before loading your car in Iowa.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
In Arkansas, all drivers must maintain liability insurance that meets the state's minimum requirements, which are $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death in one accident, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage caused by an auto accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Arkansas?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Arkansas is about 598 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Iowa to Arkansas.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
Arkansas does not require mandatory safety or emissions inspections, but the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality encourages voluntary emissions testing for the benefit of the environment. This means that while getting your car tested for emissions is optional, it is strongly encouraged.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Arkansas?
If you establish residency in Arkansas, you are required to obtain an Arkansas driver's license within 30 days.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Arkansas after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Arkansas after purchasing it.
In Arkansas, all car sales are subject to a state tax rate of 6.5%, with the potential for additional county and local taxes up to 5%, resulting in an average total car sales tax rate of 9.133%.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Arkansas to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Arkansas?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Arkansas 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 Iowa to Arkansas?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Arkansas costs $727 to $938.
