Iowa to Illinois Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 258 miles from Iowa to Illinois typically falls between $448 and $642. The process usually takes one–four 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 Illinois 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 Illinois car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Iowa to Illinois:
- 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
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Iowa ready to move your vehicle to Illinois:
- A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Bennett Motor Express: 3.5 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
Bennett Motor Express
906 W Crystal Lake Rd, Forest City, IA 50436 US
bennettmotorexpressllc.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 92693
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 Illinois
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Iowa for a move to Illinois, 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 258 extra miles on your car to travel from Iowa to Illinois. 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 Illinois 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 Illinois auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Iowa and Illinois. The typical distance is about 258 miles, with shipping times generally falling between one and four days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Illinois
| From Iowa to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL | $530 – $738 | 333 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Aurora, IL | $475 – $641 | 297 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Joliet, IL | $488 – $715 | 308 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Naperville, IL | $498 – $729 | 307 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Rockford, IL | $509 – $641 | 287 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Illinois
| From Iowa to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Chicago, IL | $479 – $600 | 247 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Aurora, IL | $447 – $558 | 211 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Joliet, IL | $454 – $598 | 221 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Naperville, IL | $435 – $592 | 220 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Rockford, IL | $389 – $551 | 164 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Illinois
| From Iowa to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Chicago, IL | $386 – $565 | 172 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Aurora, IL | $371 – $527 | 136 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Joliet, IL | $365 – $536 | 141 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Naperville, IL | $350 – $547 | 146 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Rockford, IL | $345 – $496 | 126 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Illinois
| From Iowa to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Chicago, IL | $636 – $883 | 477 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Aurora, IL | $637 – $883 | 474 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Joliet, IL | $649 – $936 | 485 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Naperville, IL | $675 – $927 | 484 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Rockford, IL | $575 – $787 | 392 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Illinois
| From Iowa to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL | $463 – $592 | 222 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Aurora, IL | $435 – $571 | 186 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Joliet, IL | $416 – $592 | 196 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Naperville, IL | $438 – $575 | 196 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Rockford, IL | $398 – $560 | 176 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Illinois
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 Illinois, the price usually falls between $560 and $803.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Illinois
If you’re shipping a car from the Hawkeye State to the Land of Lincoln, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Illinois.
- Distance and route: The route from Iowa to Illinois is about 258 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Iowa in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Iowa and Illinois.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Iowa to Illinois should take between one and four days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Illinois, 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: 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 inspection: 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: 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.
- Additional taxes: According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
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 Illinois
About 12.5 million people are living in the Land of Lincoln. Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Illinois?
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 Illinois.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Illinois?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Illinois, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Illinois, 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.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Illinois?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Illinois is about 258 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Iowa to Illinois.
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 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.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Illinois?
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.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Illinois after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Illinois after purchasing it.
According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Illinois?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Illinois 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 Illinois?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Illinois costs $448 to $642.
