Iowa to New Mexico Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 933 miles from Iowa to New Mexico ranges from $822 to $1,287. Expect the trip to take around two–seven 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico:
- 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
- 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 New Mexico:
- 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 New Mexico
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Iowa to New Mexico, 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.
|
|
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 933 miles to your car on the trip from Iowa to New Mexico. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Iowa to New Mexico. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
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 New Mexico auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Iowa and New Mexico. The typical distance is about 933 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to New Mexico
| From Iowa to New Mexico | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Albuquerque, NM | $764 – $1,296 | 984 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Las Cruces, NM | $862 – $1,310 | 1,112 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Rio Rancho, NM | $760 – $1,217 | 1,004 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Santa Fe, NM | $805 – $1,286 | 955 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Roswell, NM | $760 – $1,317 | 1,013 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to New Mexico
| From Iowa to New Mexico | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Albuquerque, NM | $879 – $1,363 | 1,103 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Las Cruces, NM | $904 – $1,411 | 1,230 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Rio Rancho, NM | $879 – $1,323 | 1,122 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Santa Fe, NM | $760 – $1,217 | 1,073 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Roswell, NM | $811 – $1,377 | 1,132 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to New Mexico
| From Iowa to New Mexico | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Albuquerque, NM | $854 – $1,390 | 1,152 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Las Cruces, NM | $950 – $1,482 | 1,280 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Rio Rancho, NM | $820 – $1,297 | 1,173 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Santa Fe, NM | $896 – $1,377 | 1,124 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Roswell, NM | $837 – $1,270 | 1,182 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to New Mexico
| From Iowa to New Mexico | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Albuquerque, NM | $783 – $1,189 | 934 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Las Cruces, NM | $792 – $1,292 | 1,087 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Rio Rancho, NM | $806 – $1,238 | 926 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Santa Fe, NM | $773 – $1,164 | 877 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Roswell, NM | $783 – $1,201 | 944 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to New Mexico
| From Iowa to New Mexico | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Albuquerque, NM | $792 – $1,267 | 1,095 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Las Cruces, NM | $950 – $1,369 | 1,225 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Rio Rancho, NM | $862 – $1,310 | 1,117 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Santa Fe, NM | $745 – $1,292 | 1,060 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Roswell, NM | $862 – $1,350 | 1,127 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to New Mexico
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 New Mexico usually runs between $1,028 and $1,609.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to New Mexico
If you’re shipping a car from the Hawkeye State to the Land of Enchantment, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- 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 New Mexico.
- Distance and route: The journey from Iowa to New Mexico spans approximately 933 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Iowa in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Iowa and New Mexico may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–seven days, while expedited service costs more.
New Mexico vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to New Mexico, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: Out-of-state insurance is acceptable in New Mexico, provided it meets the state's minimums $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. To comply, submit a signed Affidavit of Non-Use/Out-of-State insurance to the New Mexico Insurance Identification Database (IIDB). Ensure legal coverage with a submitted affidavit.
- Vehicle inspection: Individuals relocating to New Mexico from another state must have their vehicle inspected for its VIN at a certified MVD facility.
- Driver’s license: To get your New Mexico driver's license, visit MVD Express with the required documents. A driver's license serves as both a legal permit to drive and an ID, so you must prove your residency and identity. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, an ID number such as your social security card, two forms of proof of New Mexico address.
- Additional taxes: If a vehicle is purchased in a different state and a tax similar to a gross receipts or sales tax has already been paid, the amount of that tax may be applied towards the MVET (motor vehicle excise tax) owed on that same vehicle.
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 New Mexico
About 2.1 million people are living in the Land of Enchantment. New Mexico has long been reputable for its pleasant, temperate climate. The eastern third of the state receives the most rainfall while the western third receives the least amount. New Mexico's stable climate and sparse population provide for clearer skies and less light pollution.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in New Mexico?
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 New Mexico.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to New Mexico?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to New Mexico, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to New Mexico, 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.
Out-of-state insurance is acceptable in New Mexico, provided it meets the state's minimums $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. To comply, submit a signed Affidavit of Non-Use/Out-of-State insurance to the New Mexico Insurance Identification Database (IIDB). Ensure legal coverage with a submitted affidavit.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to New Mexico?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to New Mexico is about 933 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Iowa to New Mexico.
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.
Individuals relocating to New Mexico from another state must have their vehicle inspected for its VIN at a certified MVD facility.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in New Mexico?
To get your New Mexico driver's license, visit MVD Express with the required documents. A driver's license serves as both a legal permit to drive and an ID, so you must prove your residency and identity. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, an ID number such as your social security card, two forms of proof of New Mexico address.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in New Mexico after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to New Mexico after purchasing it.
If a vehicle is purchased in a different state and a tax similar to a gross receipts or sales tax has already been paid, the amount of that tax may be applied towards the MVET (motor vehicle excise tax) owed on that same vehicle.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and New Mexico to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to New Mexico?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to New Mexico 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 New Mexico?
Shipping a car from Iowa to New Mexico costs $822 to $1,287.
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