($670) Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Wichita, KS
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 391 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Wichita, Kansas, generally falls between $670 and $944. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Wichita to Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Wichita car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Des Moines to Wichita:
- 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 Des Moines
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Des Moines, IA:
- A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Mr. Car Shipper: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.52 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
Mr. Car Shipper
1620 Wilshire Dr Suite 300, Bellevue, NE 68005 US mrcarshipper.com3.56 / 5.0
Mr. Car Shipper offers efficient and reliable car transport services, with many customers praising their timely delivery and professional drivers. However, several reviews highlight concerns regarding poor communication and delays in scheduling, resulting in frustration and logistical issues for some clients.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2310535
Auto Driveaway
3506 Keystone Dr # 150, Omaha, NE 68134 US
autodriveaway.com
3.52 / 5.0
Customers report significant safety concerns with the company's delivery drivers, as well as damage to vehicles during transport. Appeals for support have reportedly been dismissed, leading to dissatisfaction.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
Alternative Business Names
- Auto Driveaway Systems, LLC
- AD Acquisition, LLC
- Auto Driveaway Franchise Systems, LLC
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.
Car shipping alternatives from IA to KS
If you’re relocating from Des Moines to Wichita, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from Des Moines to Wichita, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 391-mile trip from Des Moines to Wichita could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Iowa to Kansas. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Des Moines to Wichita carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Wichita, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Des Moines to Wichita car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Des Moines to Wichita, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Des Moines to Wichita, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Wichita, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Des Moines. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Wichita will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 391 miles from Des Moines to Wichita is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Iowa.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Des Moines and Wichita can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
Wichita experiences hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Wichita often experiences severe weather with thunderstorms occurring frequently during the spring and summer. These occasionally bring large hail and frequent lightning. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid hail and lightning.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Des Moines to Wichita during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 391 miles between Des Moines and Wichita, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Des Moines to Wichita takes between one and four days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Des Moines and Wichita vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Des Moines: special parking permits are issued by the Traffic and Transportation Division of the Engineering Department and are intended to provide for services or needs of an infrequent or unique nature. Examples include utility work, constructions, special events, etc.
- Wichita: Each permit has an applicable fee, the general fee schedule is described on the respective permits. Fees should be received by the City of Wichita prior to work being completed or street being used. Use of street is required for occurrences when the street, sidewalk, right-of-way, or alley is partially or completely closed by construction or staging activity. To discuss whether a use of street is appropriate for specific activities, or a specific job, please contact Traffic Engineering at 316-268-4446.
Car insurance requirements
- Des Moines: 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.
- Wichita: Kansas mandates car insurance for all drivers, with minimum liability coverage: $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
Vehicle inspections
- Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Wichita: Kansas only requires car inspections when registering an out-of-state vehicle.
Driver’s license
- Des Moines: New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
- Wichita: Kansas requires new residents to obtain a driver's license and register their vehicle within 90 days of establishing residency in the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Wichita?
The cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Wichita, KS varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Des Moines to Wichita will range from $670 to $944.
How long will it take to ship my car from Des Moines to Wichita?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 391 miles from Des Moines to Wichita. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Des Moines to Wichita?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Des Moines to Wichita. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Des Moines to Wichita?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Des Moines to Wichita than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 391-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
