Iowa to Illinois Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 258 miles from Iowa to Illinois ranges from $436 to $564 and takes one–four days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use 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 putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Iowa to Illinois:
- 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
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Iowa that can transport your vehicle to Illinois:
- 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 Illinois
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Iowa to Illinois, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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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 258 miles on your car to travel between Iowa and Illinois. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Iowa to Illinois. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
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 Illinois auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Iowa and Illinois. Average distances are close to 258 miles, with delivery usually taking one–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 | $499 – $710 | 333 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Aurora, IL | $471 – $617 | 297 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Joliet, IL | $494 – $681 | 308 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Naperville, IL | $475 – $688 | 307 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Rockford, IL | $457 – $636 | 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 | $448 – $612 | 247 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Aurora, IL | $422 – $532 | 211 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Joliet, IL | $458 – $558 | 221 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Naperville, IL | $445 – $598 | 220 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Rockford, IL | $359 – $530 | 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 | $367 – $533 | 172 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Aurora, IL | $329 – $527 | 136 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Joliet, IL | $344 – $480 | 141 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Naperville, IL | $348 – $516 | 146 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Rockford, IL | $335 – $502 | 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 | $587 – $883 | 477 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Aurora, IL | $607 – $791 | 474 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Joliet, IL | $606 – $815 | 485 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Naperville, IL | $593 – $892 | 484 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Rockford, IL | $553 – $780 | 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 | $428 – $581 | 222 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Aurora, IL | $390 – $512 | 186 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Joliet, IL | $417 – $569 | 196 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Naperville, IL | $409 – $548 | 196 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Rockford, IL | $367 – $512 | 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 $545 and $705.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Illinois
When moving your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Land of Lincoln, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- 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 journey from Iowa to Illinois spans approximately 258 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Iowa around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Iowa and Illinois and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes one–four days, while expedited service costs more.
Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Illinois, 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: 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 $436 to $564.
