Iowa to Ohio Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 615 miles from Iowa to Ohio typically falls between $705 and $941. The process usually takes one–six days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.

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  • Refundable deposit
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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 Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio:

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

If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Iowa that can transport your vehicle to Ohio:

  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 Ohio

Ship it with your movers

If you’re planning a move from Iowa to Ohio, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.

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  • Certified crews
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  • Family-owned
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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

Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 615 miles to your car on the trip from Iowa to Ohio. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.

Hire a driver

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

Ship by train

If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!

Iowa to Ohio auto transport costs and transit times

The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Iowa and Ohio. Average distances are close to 615 miles, with delivery usually taking one–six days.

Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Ohio

From Iowa to Ohio Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Des Moines, IA to Columbus, OH $741 – $976 646 miles 1 – 6 days
Des Moines, IA to Cleveland, OH $769 – $1,094 662 miles 1 – 6 days
Des Moines, IA to Cincinnati, OH $655 – $963 585 miles 1 – 6 days
Des Moines, IA to Toledo, OH $666 – $944 561 miles 1 – 6 days
Des Moines, IA to Akron, OH $745 – $1,120 684 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Ohio

From Iowa to Ohio Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Cedar Rapids, IA to Columbus, OH $639 – $944 560 miles 1 – 6 days
Cedar Rapids, IA to Cleveland, OH $655 – $982 576 miles 1 – 6 days
Cedar Rapids, IA to Cincinnati, OH $651 – $877 498 miles 1 – 4 days
Cedar Rapids, IA to Toledo, OH $607 – $877 475 miles 1 – 4 days
Cedar Rapids, IA to Akron, OH $689 – $915 597 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Ohio

From Iowa to Ohio Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Davenport, IA to Columbus, OH $607 – $825 480 miles 1 – 4 days
Davenport, IA to Cleveland, OH $613 – $860 496 miles 1 – 4 days
Davenport, IA to Cincinnati, OH $567 – $784 418 miles 1 – 4 days
Davenport, IA to Toledo, OH $560 – $774 395 miles 1 – 4 days
Davenport, IA to Akron, OH $629 – $891 517 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Ohio

From Iowa to Ohio Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Sioux City, IA to Columbus, OH $827 – $1,145 823 miles 2 – 7 days
Sioux City, IA to Cleveland, OH $824 – $1,162 839 miles 2 – 7 days
Sioux City, IA to Cincinnati, OH $782 – $1,176 762 miles 2 – 7 days
Sioux City, IA to Toledo, OH $742 – $1,066 738 miles 1 – 6 days
Sioux City, IA to Akron, OH $772 – $1,177 861 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Ohio

From Iowa to Ohio Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Iowa City, IA to Columbus, OH $667 – $859 535 miles 1 – 6 days
Iowa City, IA to Cleveland, OH $693 – $916 551 miles 1 – 6 days
Iowa City, IA to Cincinnati, OH $602 – $826 474 miles 1 – 4 days
Iowa City, IA to Toledo, OH $614 – $868 450 miles 1 – 4 days
Iowa City, IA to Akron, OH $699 – $934 572 miles 1 – 6 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Ohio

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 Ohio you should expect to pay between $881 and $1,176.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Ohio

When arranging car transport from the Hawkeye State to the Buckeye State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:

  • Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed 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 Ohio.
  • Distance and route: The journey from Iowa to Ohio spans about 615 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
  • Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Iowa around these times usually come with higher costs.
  • Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Iowa and Ohio may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
  • Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–six days, but you can pay for expedited service.

Ohio vehicle regulations you need to know

To drive legally after your move to Ohio, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.

  • Car insurance requirements: In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.
  • Vehicle inspection: New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
  • Driver’s license: In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.
  • Additional taxes: Ohio requires sales tax if a vehicle was purchased out of state less than 6 months before moving to Ohio. However, a credit for sales tax paid to the other state may be allowed. If the vehicle was purchased at least 6 months before moving, no Ohio sales tax is due and the exemption code CV should be used when titling the 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 Ohio

About 11.8 million people are living in the Buckeye State. Ohio forms a part of what's considered both the snowbelt and the tornado alley which means your move may be affected if either of these are impacting the state on your move day.

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Ohio?

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 Ohio.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Ohio?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Ohio, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Ohio, 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 Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.

How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Ohio?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Ohio is about 615 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Iowa to Ohio.

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.

New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.

If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Ohio?

In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.

If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Ohio after shipping it there?

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Ohio after purchasing it.

Ohio requires sales tax if a vehicle was purchased out of state less than 6 months before moving to Ohio. However, a credit for sales tax paid to the other state may be allowed. If the vehicle was purchased at least 6 months before moving, no Ohio sales tax is due and the exemption code CV should be used when titling the vehicle.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Ohio to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Ohio?

The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Ohio 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 Ohio?

Shipping a car from Iowa to Ohio costs $705 to $941.

Helpful Iowa resources