Iowa to Minnesota Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 403 miles from Iowa to Minnesota typically falls between $613 and $808. 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.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Minnesota 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 Minnesota car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Iowa to Minnesota:
- 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 prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Iowa that can relocate your vehicle to Minnesota:
- 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 Minnesota
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Iowa to Minnesota, 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.
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 403 miles on your car to travel between Iowa and Minnesota. 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 Minnesota 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 a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Iowa to Minnesota auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Iowa and Minnesota. Average distances are close to 403 miles, with delivery usually taking one–four days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Minnesota
| From Iowa to Minnesota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Minneapolis, MN | $440 – $591 | 244 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to St. Paul, MN | $458 – $561 | 248 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Rochester, MN | $427 – $555 | 210 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Bloomington, MN | $446 – $613 | 233 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Duluth, MN | $554 – $758 | 394 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Minnesota
| From Iowa to Minnesota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Minneapolis, MN | $448 – $669 | 275 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to St. Paul, MN | $440 – $614 | 246 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Rochester, MN | $390 – $536 | 166 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Bloomington, MN | $428 – $613 | 264 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Duluth, MN | $571 – $758 | 393 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Minnesota
| From Iowa to Minnesota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Minneapolis, MN | $523 – $737 | 358 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to St. Paul, MN | $516 – $691 | 329 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Rochester, MN | $418 – $573 | 249 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Bloomington, MN | $547 – $698 | 347 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Duluth, MN | $608 – $840 | 416 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Minnesota
| From Iowa to Minnesota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Minneapolis, MN | $432 – $577 | 274 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to St. Paul, MN | $500 – $703 | 309 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Rochester, MN | $419 – $572 | 271 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Bloomington, MN | $423 – $577 | 266 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Duluth, MN | $561 – $768 | 424 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Minnesota
| From Iowa to Minnesota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Minneapolis, MN | $490 – $649 | 303 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to St. Paul, MN | $432 – $625 | 273 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Rochester, MN | $435 – $560 | 195 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Bloomington, MN | $481 – $637 | 293 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Duluth, MN | $613 – $792 | 421 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Minnesota
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 Minnesota, the price usually falls between $766 and $1,010.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Minnesota
When arranging car transport from the Hawkeye State to the North Star State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- 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: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Minnesota.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Iowa to Minnesota involves roughly 403 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Iowa more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Iowa and Minnesota and the varying gas prices across the country.
- 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 Minnesota should take between one and four days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Minnesota vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Minnesota, 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: Drivers in Minnesota must maintain a minimum insurance coverage, including $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $10,000 for property damage liability, ensuring financial protection in case of accidents and aligning with state regulations for responsible driving practices.
- Vehicle inspection: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
- Driver’s license: In Minnesota, you have a 60-day window after becoming a resident to obtain a Minnesota driver's license or permit. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services issues driver’s licenses in the state.
- Additional taxes: When registering a vehicle in Minnesota, if it has been titled under your name for at least 60 days in another state, you are exempt from paying 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 Minnesota
About 5.7 million people are living in the North Star State. Minnesota experiences temperature extremes characteristic of its continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Minnesota does experience weather such as: rain, snow, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail, derechos, tornadoes, and high-velocity straight-line winds.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Minnesota?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Minnesota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Minnesota, 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.
Drivers in Minnesota must maintain a minimum insurance coverage, including $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $10,000 for property damage liability, ensuring financial protection in case of accidents and aligning with state regulations for responsible driving practices.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Minnesota?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Minnesota is about 403 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 Minnesota.
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.
Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, you have a 60-day window after becoming a resident to obtain a Minnesota driver's license or permit. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services issues driver’s licenses in the state.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Minnesota after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Minnesota after purchasing it.
When registering a vehicle in Minnesota, if it has been titled under your name for at least 60 days in another state, you are exempt from paying tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Minnesota to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Minnesota?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Minnesota costs $613 to $808.
