Iowa to Indiana Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 474 miles from Iowa to Indiana usually costs between $602 and $835. Transit time is about one–four 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 Indiana 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 Indiana 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 Indiana:
- 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
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Iowa can deliver your vehicle to Indiana:
- 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 Indiana
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Iowa to Indiana, 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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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 474 extra miles on your car to travel from Iowa to Indiana. 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 Indiana 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 Indiana auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Iowa and Indiana. The trip typically spans 474 miles and takes about one–four days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Indiana
| From Iowa to Indiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Indianapolis, IN | $651 – $885 | 477 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Fort Wayne, IN | $651 – $860 | 479 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Evansville, IN | $603 – $873 | 503 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Des Moines, IA to South Bend, IN | $613 – $840 | 412 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Carmel, IN | $632 – $860 | 475 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Indiana
| From Iowa to Indiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Indianapolis, IN | $588 – $782 | 387 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Fort Wayne, IN | $537 – $758 | 393 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Evansville, IN | $631 – $798 | 447 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to South Bend, IN | $516 – $748 | 326 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Carmel, IN | $571 – $797 | 388 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Indiana
| From Iowa to Indiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Indianapolis, IN | $505 – $670 | 307 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Fort Wayne, IN | $480 – $710 | 313 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Evansville, IN | $534 – $707 | 365 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to South Bend, IN | $458 – $579 | 246 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Carmel, IN | $510 – $683 | 308 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Indiana
| From Iowa to Indiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Indianapolis, IN | $696 – $1,011 | 651 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Fort Wayne, IN | $762 – $1,001 | 656 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Evansville, IN | $767 – $1,088 | 688 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux City, IA to South Bend, IN | $675 – $1,011 | 589 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Carmel, IN | $711 – $1,042 | 652 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Indiana
| From Iowa to Indiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Indianapolis, IN | $561 – $722 | 363 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Fort Wayne, IN | $545 – $752 | 368 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Evansville, IN | $578 – $832 | 423 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to South Bend, IN | $505 – $649 | 301 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Carmel, IN | $517 – $767 | 364 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Indiana
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from Iowa to Indiana, expect costs to range from $753 to $1,044.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Indiana
When transporting your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Hoosier State, these factors will influence your final price:
- 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 Indiana.
- Distance and route: The route from Iowa to Indiana is about 474 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- 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: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Iowa to Indiana, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–four days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Indiana vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Indiana, 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: Indiana's minimum auto insurance coverage is $25,000/$50,000/$10,000, providing $25,000 per person and a maximum of $50,000 per incident for bodily injury, along with $10,000 for property damage in the event of a covered accident. Liability coverage in Indiana includes property damage, protecting your assets in case you're legally responsible for damages to another party's property, and bodily injury, covering expenses related to harm sustained by others in a covered accident.
- Vehicle inspection: Indiana does not mandate safety inspections for vehicles. However, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires a VIN inspection for vehicles not previously registered in the state.
- Driver’s license: As a new resident of Indiana, you have 60 days to obtain an Indiana driver's license if you have a valid license from another state. You must also transfer the titles and registrations of your vehicles from your previous state to Indiana.
- Additional taxes: If you purchase a car in another state and pay sales tax there, you receive a credit for the amount paid. If the tax rate in that state is lower than Indiana's 7%, you'll need to pay the difference in order to obtain the Indiana title for the car.
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 Indiana
About 6.8 million people are living in the Hoosier State. In the past, most of Indiana had cold winters and hot, wet summers. Only the very bottom of the state had a different climate with more rain. But currently, about half of Indiana now has that rainier climate. The temperatures are different in the northern and southern parts of the state.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Indiana?
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 Indiana.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Indiana?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Indiana, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Indiana, 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.
Indiana's minimum auto insurance coverage is $25,000/$50,000/$10,000, providing $25,000 per person and a maximum of $50,000 per incident for bodily injury, along with $10,000 for property damage in the event of a covered accident. Liability coverage in Indiana includes property damage, protecting your assets in case you're legally responsible for damages to another party's property, and bodily injury, covering expenses related to harm sustained by others in a covered accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Indiana?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Indiana is about 474 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 Indiana.
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.
Indiana does not mandate safety inspections for vehicles. However, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires a VIN inspection for vehicles not previously registered in the state.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Indiana?
As a new resident of Indiana, you have 60 days to obtain an Indiana driver's license if you have a valid license from another state. You must also transfer the titles and registrations of your vehicles from your previous state to Indiana.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Indiana after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Indiana after purchasing it.
If you purchase a car in another state and pay sales tax there, you receive a credit for the amount paid. If the tax rate in that state is lower than Indiana's 7%, you'll need to pay the difference in order to obtain the Indiana title for the car.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Indiana to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Indiana?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Indiana 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 Indiana?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Indiana costs $602 to $835.
