Iowa to Ohio Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 615 miles from Iowa to Ohio usually costs between $686 and $1,025. Transit time is about one–six days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Ohio 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 Ohio car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Iowa to Ohio:
- 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove 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
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Iowa who can get your vehicle to Ohio:
- 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
A A All States Auto Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
autotransport.company
3.58 / 5.0
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
autotransport.company
3.5 / 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.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2230973
Nimble Inc
910 23rd Ave # 200, Coralville, IA 52241 US
nimbleinc.net
3.5 / 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.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2245757
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 relocating from Iowa to Ohio, 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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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 615 miles to your vehicle on the route from Iowa to Ohio. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Iowa to Ohio. 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 Ohio auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Iowa and Ohio. The typical distance is about 615 miles, with shipping times generally falling between one and 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 | $737 – $1,053 | 646 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Cleveland, OH | $721 – $1,068 | 662 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Cincinnati, OH | $727 – $938 | 585 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Toledo, OH | $723 – $929 | 561 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Akron, OH | $733 – $1,071 | 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 | $696 – $938 | 560 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Cleveland, OH | $706 – $947 | 576 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Cincinnati, OH | $661 – $907 | 498 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Toledo, OH | $641 – $872 | 475 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Akron, OH | $727 – $1,026 | 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 | $629 – $872 | 480 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Cleveland, OH | $667 – $846 | 496 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Cincinnati, OH | $599 – $812 | 418 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Toledo, OH | $585 – $793 | 395 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Akron, OH | $664 – $895 | 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 | $815 – $1,173 | 823 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Cleveland, OH | $788 – $1,263 | 839 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Cincinnati, OH | $793 – $1,194 | 762 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Toledo, OH | $776 – $1,104 | 738 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Akron, OH | $800 – $1,268 | 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 | $657 – $936 | 535 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Cleveland, OH | $668 – $977 | 551 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Cincinnati, OH | $636 – $907 | 474 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Toledo, OH | $636 – $881 | 450 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Akron, OH | $682 – $996 | 572 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Ohio
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Iowa to Ohio, the price usually falls between $858 and $1,281.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Ohio
If you’re shipping a car from the Hawkeye State to the Buckeye State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- 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: 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 Ohio.
- Distance and route: The journey from Iowa to Ohio spans approximately 615 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Iowa in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Iowa and Ohio.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes one–six days, while expedited service costs more.
Ohio vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Ohio, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- 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 $686 to $1,025.
