Iowa to Nebraska Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 398 miles from Iowa to Nebraska falls between $591 and $817. Delivery typically takes one–four days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska:
- 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
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Iowa ready to move your vehicle to Nebraska:
- 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
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 Nebraska
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Iowa to Nebraska, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 398 miles to your vehicle on the route from Iowa to Nebraska. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Iowa to Nebraska 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
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Iowa to Nebraska auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Iowa and Nebraska. Average distances are close to 398 miles, with delivery usually taking one–four days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Nebraska
| From Iowa to Nebraska | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Omaha, NE | $345 – $531 | 137 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Lincoln, NE | $434 – $581 | 189 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Bellevue, NE | $379 – $519 | 141 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Grand Island, NE | $498 – $621 | 281 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Kearney, NE | $492 – $693 | 318 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Nebraska
| From Iowa to Nebraska | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Omaha, NE | $452 – $616 | 253 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Lincoln, NE | $533 – $707 | 308 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Bellevue, NE | $438 – $604 | 260 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Grand Island, NE | $623 – $779 | 400 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Kearney, NE | $603 – $886 | 437 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Nebraska
| From Iowa to Nebraska | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Omaha, NE | $533 – $714 | 304 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Lincoln, NE | $530 – $748 | 361 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Bellevue, NE | $528 – $658 | 310 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Grand Island, NE | $630 – $838 | 450 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Kearney, NE | $673 – $863 | 485 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Nebraska
| From Iowa to Nebraska | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Omaha, NE | $311 – $468 | 96 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Lincoln, NE | $362 – $538 | 151 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Bellevue, NE | $342 – $488 | 105 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Grand Island, NE | $405 – $559 | 183 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Kearney, NE | $435 – $608 | 225 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Nebraska
| From Iowa to Nebraska | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Omaha, NE | $469 – $581 | 248 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Lincoln, NE | $508 – $672 | 305 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Bellevue, NE | $447 – $580 | 255 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Grand Island, NE | $580 – $801 | 392 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Kearney, NE | $615 – $818 | 431 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Nebraska
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Iowa to Nebraska you should expect to pay between $739 and $1,021.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Nebraska
If you’re shipping a car from the Hawkeye State to the Cornhusker 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: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Nebraska.
- Distance and route: The trip from Iowa to Nebraska covers roughly 398 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Iowa in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Iowa and Nebraska may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–four days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Nebraska vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Nebraska means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- Car insurance requirements: Nebraska's car insurance mandates include bodily injury liability coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, property damage liability coverage at $25,000, uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, ensuring drivers meet the state's minimum requirements for financial protection in the event of accidents.
- Vehicle inspection: Emission tests are not required in Nebraska. However, the state requires VIN inspection.
- Driver’s license: If you are a new resident in Nebraska, you must visit a DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency to obtain a driver’s license.
- Additional taxes: In Nebraska, car owners are required to pay a sales tax rate of 5.5% but it can be more depending on the county and local taxes.
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 Nebraska
About 2.0 million people are living in the Cornhusker State. Nebraska experiences wide seasonal variations in both temperature and precipitation. Nebraska has hot summers and generally cold winters. Nebraska is located in Tornado Alley. Thunderstorms are common during both the spring and the summer.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Nebraska?
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 Nebraska.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Nebraska?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Nebraska, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Nebraska, 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.
Nebraska's car insurance mandates include bodily injury liability coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, property damage liability coverage at $25,000, uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, ensuring drivers meet the state's minimum requirements for financial protection in the event of accidents.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Nebraska?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Nebraska is about 398 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 Nebraska.
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.
Emission tests are not required in Nebraska. However, the state requires VIN inspection.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Nebraska?
If you are a new resident in Nebraska, you must visit a DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency to obtain a driver’s license.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Nebraska after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Nebraska after purchasing it.
In Nebraska, car owners are required to pay a sales tax rate of 5.5% but it can be more depending on the county and local taxes.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Nebraska to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Nebraska?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Nebraska 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 Nebraska?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Nebraska costs $591 to $817.
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
910 23rd Ave # 200, Coralville, IA 52241 US