Iowa to Idaho Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,408 miles from Iowa to Idaho typically falls between $1,074 and $1,613. The process usually takes three–eight 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 Idaho 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 Idaho 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 Idaho:
- 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
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Iowa who can get your vehicle to Idaho:
- 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 Idaho
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Iowa to Idaho, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 1,408 miles on your car to travel between Iowa and Idaho. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Iowa to Idaho 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 approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
Iowa to Idaho 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 Idaho. The average travel distance is about 1,408 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from three to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Idaho
| From Iowa to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Boise, ID | $959 – $1,507 | 1,360 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Meridian, ID | $930 – $1,463 | 1,368 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Nampa, ID | $1,027 – $1,463 | 1,377 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Idaho Falls, ID | $888 – $1,310 | 1,138 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Caldwell, ID | $959 – $1,448 | 1,385 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Idaho
| From Iowa to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Boise, ID | $1,064 – $1,475 | 1,480 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Meridian, ID | $1,095 – $1,613 | 1,487 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Nampa, ID | $991 – $1,613 | 1,496 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Idaho Falls, ID | $876 – $1,439 | 1,257 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Caldwell, ID | $1,098 – $1,599 | 1,503 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Idaho
| From Iowa to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Boise, ID | $1,120 – $1,584 | 1,530 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Davenport, IA to Meridian, ID | $1,152 – $1,552 | 1,538 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Davenport, IA to Nampa, ID | $1,109 – $1,646 | 1,546 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Davenport, IA to Idaho Falls, ID | $930 – $1,507 | 1,308 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Caldwell, ID | $1,087 – $1,505 | 1,554 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Idaho
| From Iowa to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Boise, ID | $894 – $1,468 | 1,257 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Meridian, ID | $904 – $1,454 | 1,264 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Nampa, ID | $885 – $1,369 | 1,273 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Idaho Falls, ID | $830 – $1,250 | 923 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Caldwell, ID | $922 – $1,383 | 1,280 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Idaho
| From Iowa to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Boise, ID | $1,022 – $1,491 | 1,474 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Meridian, ID | $1,084 – $1,521 | 1,482 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Nampa, ID | $1,084 – $1,552 | 1,490 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Idaho Falls, ID | $894 – $1,383 | 1,252 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Caldwell, ID | $991 – $1,521 | 1,498 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Idaho
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 Idaho, the price usually falls between $1,343 and $2,016.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Idaho
When moving your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Gem State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- 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: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Idaho than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Iowa to Idaho involves roughly 1,408 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Iowa, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Iowa and Idaho.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Iowa to Idaho takes three–eight days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Idaho vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Idaho, 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: Idaho's minimum insurance mandates include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Idaho, all vehicles in Ada and Canyon Counties are required to pass an emissions test every two years. Additionally, out-of-state vehicle registrations must go through a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.
- Driver’s license: If you're moving to Idaho with an out-of-state driver's license, you must transfer it to an Idaho license within 90 days. If you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the transfer must be completed within 30 days.
- Additional taxes: New residents in Idaho must register their out-of-state vehicle with the Idaho DMV within 90 days of moving. Note that if you bought the vehicle prior to moving, you may owe a use tax.
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 Idaho
About 2.0 million people are living in the Gem State. The climate in Idaho varies widely. In the west cloud cover, humidity, and precipitation are at their maximum extent. Idaho can be hot but have relatively low humidity and cooler evenings during the summer months. It is important to know that winters in Idaho can be cold.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Idaho?
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 Idaho.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Idaho?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Idaho, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Idaho, 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.
Idaho's minimum insurance mandates include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Idaho?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Idaho is about 1,408 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from Iowa to Idaho.
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.
In Idaho, all vehicles in Ada and Canyon Counties are required to pass an emissions test every two years. Additionally, out-of-state vehicle registrations must go through a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Idaho?
If you're moving to Idaho with an out-of-state driver's license, you must transfer it to an Idaho license within 90 days. If you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the transfer must be completed within 30 days.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Idaho after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Idaho after purchasing it.
New residents in Idaho must register their out-of-state vehicle with the Idaho DMV within 90 days of moving. Note that if you bought the vehicle prior to moving, you may owe a use tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Idaho to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Idaho?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Idaho 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 Idaho?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Idaho costs $1,074 to $1,613.
