Iowa to Missouri Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 325 miles from Iowa to Missouri ranges from $525 to $675. 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.

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  • Refundable deposit
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Missouri to Iowa car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best Iowa to Missouri 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 Missouri:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
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Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Iowa

Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Iowa ready to move your vehicle to Missouri:

  1. A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  2. Aaall States Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. Nimble Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars

A A All States Auto Transport

214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0
Get a Quote (712) 823-0443

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

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 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.

Get a Quote (712) 823-0443

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles

Additional Information

Nimble Inc

910 23rd Ave # 200, Coralville, IA 52241 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 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.

Get a Quote (866) 700-0770

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Classic cars
  • Heavy equipment
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

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.

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  • Certified crews
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  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
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  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 325 miles to your vehicle on the route from Iowa to Missouri. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.

Hire a driver

You can hire someone to drive your car from Iowa to Missouri, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.

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 Missouri 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 Missouri. The trip typically spans 325 miles and takes about 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 $417 – $542 193 miles 1 – 4 days
Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO $535 – $696 348 miles 1 – 4 days
Des Moines, IA to Springfield, MO $565 – $735 357 miles 1 – 4 days
Des Moines, IA to Columbia, MO $436 – $571 239 miles 1 – 4 days
Des Moines, IA to Independence, MO $409 – $537 195 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 $489 – $688 315 miles 1 – 4 days
Cedar Rapids, IA to St. Louis, MO $457 – $636 283 miles 1 – 4 days
Cedar Rapids, IA to Springfield, MO $589 – $751 401 miles 1 – 4 days
Cedar Rapids, IA to Columbia, MO $413 – $595 246 miles 1 – 4 days
Cedar Rapids, IA to Independence, MO $514 – $701 314 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 $532 – $713 365 miles 1 – 4 days
Davenport, IA to St. Louis, MO $448 – $564 265 miles 1 – 4 days
Davenport, IA to Springfield, MO $531 – $741 397 miles 1 – 4 days
Davenport, IA to Columbia, MO $414 – $617 250 miles 1 – 4 days
Davenport, IA to Independence, MO $522 – $699 364 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 $466 – $636 278 miles 1 – 4 days
Sioux City, IA to St. Louis, MO $679 – $893 525 miles 1 – 6 days
Sioux City, IA to Springfield, MO $587 – $805 443 miles 1 – 4 days
Sioux City, IA to Columbia, MO $554 – $759 403 miles 1 – 4 days
Sioux City, IA to Independence, MO $484 – $642 288 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 $489 – $648 306 miles 1 – 4 days
Iowa City, IA to St. Louis, MO $444 – $570 259 miles 1 – 4 days
Iowa City, IA to Springfield, MO $547 – $757 377 miles 1 – 4 days
Iowa City, IA to Columbia, MO $415 – $558 222 miles 1 – 4 days
Iowa City, IA to Independence, MO $499 – $661 309 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 $656 and $844.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Missouri

When moving your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Show-Me State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:

  • 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: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Iowa 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: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–four days, but you can pay for expedited service.

Missouri vehicle regulations you need to know

After relocating to Missouri, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.

  • 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 $525 to $675.

Helpful Iowa resources