Iowa to Missouri Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 325 miles from Iowa to Missouri ranges from $539 to $744. Expect the trip to take around one–four days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Missouri 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 Missouri car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Iowa to Missouri:
- 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
- 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
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Iowa can deliver your vehicle to Missouri:
- 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
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 Missouri
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Iowa to Missouri, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
|
|
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 325 miles to your car on the trip from Iowa to Missouri. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Iowa to Missouri is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
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 Missouri auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Iowa and Missouri. Average distances are close to 325 miles, with delivery usually taking one–four days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Missouri
| From Iowa to Missouri | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO | $424 – $534 | 193 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO | $523 – $693 | 348 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Springfield, MO | $569 – $748 | 357 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Columbia, MO | $466 – $617 | 239 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Independence, MO | $411 – $585 | 195 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Missouri
| From Iowa to Missouri | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Kansas City, MO | $518 – $693 | 315 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to St. Louis, MO | $498 – $621 | 283 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Springfield, MO | $599 – $795 | 401 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Columbia, MO | $433 – $623 | 246 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Independence, MO | $528 – $672 | 314 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Missouri
| From Iowa to Missouri | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Kansas City, MO | $558 – $786 | 365 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to St. Louis, MO | $434 – $616 | 265 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Springfield, MO | $609 – $809 | 397 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Columbia, MO | $443 – $628 | 250 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Independence, MO | $536 – $763 | 364 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Missouri
| From Iowa to Missouri | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Kansas City, MO | $488 – $666 | 278 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to St. Louis, MO | $684 – $973 | 525 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Springfield, MO | $597 – $860 | 443 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Columbia, MO | $593 – $812 | 403 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Independence, MO | $464 – $653 | 288 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Missouri
| From Iowa to Missouri | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Kansas City, MO | $513 – $721 | 306 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to St. Louis, MO | $438 – $604 | 259 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Springfield, MO | $591 – $825 | 377 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Columbia, MO | $457 – $602 | 222 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Independence, MO | $518 – $672 | 309 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Missouri
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Iowa to Missouri usually runs between $674 and $930.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Missouri
If you’re shipping a car from the Hawkeye State to the Show-Me State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- 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 Missouri.
- Distance and route: The route from Iowa to Missouri is about 325 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- 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: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Iowa and Missouri.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Iowa to Missouri takes one–four days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Missouri vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Missouri, 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: In Missouri, drivers must have minimum liability coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 per accident for property damage. Adherence to these requirements is crucial for financial responsibility and contributes to a safer driving environment.
- Vehicle inspection: Missouri's DMV requires that passenger vehicles undergo a biennial safety inspection to evaluate the condition of its suspension, seatbelts, headlights, and related components. Additionally, residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area are required to have vehicle emission inspections.
- Driver’s license: As a new resident of Missouri with an out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID, either valid or expired for no longer than 184 days, you must provide acceptable documents to demonstrate Proof of Identity, Proof of Legal Status, Proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of Missouri residency.
- Additional taxes: If you purchased your vehicle outside of Missouri and have already paid taxes for it in that state, the amount paid will be considered towards the taxes owed in Missouri. If the tax paid in the previous state is lower than the taxes owed in Missouri, you will be required to pay the balance. If the vehicle was registered under your name in another state for more than 90 days, no sales tax will be imposed in Missouri.
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 Missouri
About 6.2 million people are living in the Show-Me State. Although temperature in Missouri doesn't get extreme, being in the heart of tornado alley means that storms in the area are common. Be sure to check the weather forecast before move day to prepare for any upcoming weather.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Missouri?
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 Missouri.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Missouri?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Missouri, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Missouri, 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.
In Missouri, drivers must have minimum liability coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 per accident for property damage. Adherence to these requirements is crucial for financial responsibility and contributes to a safer driving environment.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Missouri?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Missouri is about 325 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 Missouri.
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.
Missouri's DMV requires that passenger vehicles undergo a biennial safety inspection to evaluate the condition of its suspension, seatbelts, headlights, and related components. Additionally, residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area are required to have vehicle emission inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Missouri?
As a new resident of Missouri with an out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID, either valid or expired for no longer than 184 days, you must provide acceptable documents to demonstrate Proof of Identity, Proof of Legal Status, Proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of Missouri residency.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Missouri after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Missouri after purchasing it.
If you purchased your vehicle outside of Missouri and have already paid taxes for it in that state, the amount paid will be considered towards the taxes owed in Missouri. If the tax paid in the previous state is lower than the taxes owed in Missouri, you will be required to pay the balance. If the vehicle was registered under your name in another state for more than 90 days, no sales tax will be imposed in Missouri.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Missouri to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Missouri?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Missouri 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 Missouri?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Missouri costs $539 to $744.
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
906 W Crystal Lake Rd, Forest City, IA 50436 US
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
910 23rd Ave # 200, Coralville, IA 52241 US