Iowa to Colorado Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 775 miles from Iowa to Colorado usually costs between $810 and $1,079. Transit time is about two–seven 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 Colorado 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 Colorado car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Iowa to Colorado:
- 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
- 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
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Iowa
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Iowa ready to move your vehicle to Colorado:
- 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 Colorado
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Iowa to Colorado, 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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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 775 miles on your car going from Iowa to Colorado. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Iowa to Colorado, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
Iowa to Colorado auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Iowa and Colorado. The average journey covers about 775 miles and takes roughly two to seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Colorado
| From Iowa to Colorado | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Denver, CO | $716 – $1,050 | 670 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Colorado Springs, CO | $786 – $1,119 | 741 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Aurora, CO | $709 – $1,040 | 671 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Fort Collins, CO | $711 – $974 | 649 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Lakewood, CO | $706 – $1,106 | 676 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Colorado
| From Iowa to Colorado | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Denver, CO | $772 – $1,193 | 788 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Colorado Springs, CO | $794 – $1,186 | 859 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Aurora, CO | $779 – $1,170 | 790 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Fort Collins, CO | $787 – $1,140 | 768 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Lakewood, CO | $749 – $1,159 | 796 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Colorado
| From Iowa to Colorado | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Denver, CO | $814 – $1,147 | 839 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Colorado Springs, CO | $790 – $1,165 | 910 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Aurora, CO | $814 – $1,147 | 841 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Fort Collins, CO | $793 – $1,166 | 818 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Lakewood, CO | $798 – $1,171 | 846 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Colorado
| From Iowa to Colorado | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Denver, CO | $651 – $923 | 565 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Colorado Springs, CO | $732 – $1,015 | 636 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Aurora, CO | $644 – $960 | 567 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Fort Collins, CO | $640 – $929 | 545 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Lakewood, CO | $671 – $941 | 573 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Colorado
| From Iowa to Colorado | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Denver, CO | $749 – $1,125 | 783 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Colorado Springs, CO | $763 – $1,234 | 854 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Aurora, CO | $772 – $1,193 | 785 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Fort Collins, CO | $757 – $1,173 | 763 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Lakewood, CO | $749 – $1,182 | 790 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Colorado
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Iowa to Colorado, the price usually falls between $1,013 and $1,349.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Colorado
Transporting your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Centennial State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- 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: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Colorado.
- Distance and route: The journey from Iowa to Colorado spans about 775 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 Iowa 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 Iowa to Colorado, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within two–seven days, but expedited options cost more.
Colorado vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Colorado, 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: To drive in Colorado, you must have insurance with minimum 25/50/10 liability limits, covering $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. While meeting the state's minimum requirement, it's advisable to consider factors for determining optimal coverage levels.
- Vehicle inspection: To register and title your vehicle in Colorado within 90 days of moving, you'll need to provide the DMV with an out-of-state vehicle title, proof of a valid Colorado auto insurance policy, verifiable identification, and documentation of the vehicle's weight.
- Driver’s license: To obtain a Colorado driver's license, new residents must visit a Colorado DMV office in person. The process cannot be done online or by phone. A valid out-of-state license is required, with no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations, and must not have been deemed unfit to drive by CO DMV or a court.
- Additional taxes: Vehicles purchased outside Colorado are not taxed, but if they are registered in Colorado, the buyer must pay use and local taxes. If the buyer has already paid taxes in the state of purchase, they may claim credit towards the use tax. No use tax applies to vehicles brought into Colorado by a nonresident becoming a resident, but rules may differ for those who lease vehicles.
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 Colorado
About 5.9 million people are living in the Centennial State. Colorado has a relatively complex climate. Ranging from the famous mountain region of the state to desert. Therefore, keep track of the weather of your new city on move day. The most extreme weather that happens in Colorado happens in the least populated areas of the state but you may drive through these regions to get to your new home so be wary of that too.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Colorado?
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 Colorado.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Colorado?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Colorado, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Colorado, 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.
To drive in Colorado, you must have insurance with minimum 25/50/10 liability limits, covering $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. While meeting the state's minimum requirement, it's advisable to consider factors for determining optimal coverage levels.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Colorado?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Colorado is about 775 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Iowa to Colorado.
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.
To register and title your vehicle in Colorado within 90 days of moving, you'll need to provide the DMV with an out-of-state vehicle title, proof of a valid Colorado auto insurance policy, verifiable identification, and documentation of the vehicle's weight.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Colorado?
To obtain a Colorado driver's license, new residents must visit a Colorado DMV office in person. The process cannot be done online or by phone. A valid out-of-state license is required, with no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations, and must not have been deemed unfit to drive by CO DMV or a court.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Colorado after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Colorado after purchasing it.
Vehicles purchased outside Colorado are not taxed, but if they are registered in Colorado, the buyer must pay use and local taxes. If the buyer has already paid taxes in the state of purchase, they may claim credit towards the use tax. No use tax applies to vehicles brought into Colorado by a nonresident becoming a resident, but rules may differ for those who lease vehicles.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Colorado to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Colorado?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Colorado 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 Colorado?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Colorado costs $810 to $1,079.
