Iowa to South Dakota Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 466 miles from Iowa to South Dakota ranges from $612 to $857 and takes one–four days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

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  • Refundable deposit
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our South Dakota 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:

  • 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 South Dakota car shipping companies

Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Iowa to South Dakota:

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 safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
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Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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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

Top local car shippers in Iowa

Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Iowa who can get your vehicle to South Dakota:

  1. A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  2. Bennett Motor Express: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. Aaall States Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. 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

Bennett Motor Express

906 W Crystal Lake Rd, Forest City, IA 50436 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (800) 866-5500

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment

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 companiestoggle

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 South Dakota

Ship it with your movers

If you’re relocating from Iowa to South Dakota, 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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  • Specialty packing services
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  • 80+ years' experience
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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 466 miles to your car on the trip from Iowa to South Dakota. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.

Hire a driver

You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Iowa to South Dakota. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.

Ship by train

Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.

Iowa to South Dakota auto transport costs and transit times

Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Iowa and South Dakota. The average journey covers about 466 miles and takes roughly one to four days.

Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to South Dakotatoggle

From Iowa to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD $475 – $628 282 miles 1 – 4 days
Des Moines, IA to Rapid City, SD $716 – $1,002 625 miles 1 – 6 days
Des Moines, IA to Aberdeen, SD $649 – $927 482 miles 1 – 4 days
Des Moines, IA to Brookings, SD $546 – $753 335 miles 1 – 4 days
Des Moines, IA to Watertown, SD $592 – $771 382 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to South Dakotatoggle

From Iowa to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Cedar Rapids, IA to Sioux Falls, SD $551 – $746 349 miles 1 – 4 days
Cedar Rapids, IA to Rapid City, SD $734 – $1,128 698 miles 1 – 6 days
Cedar Rapids, IA to Aberdeen, SD $697 – $940 551 miles 1 – 6 days
Cedar Rapids, IA to Brookings, SD $588 – $805 402 miles 1 – 4 days
Cedar Rapids, IA to Watertown, SD $669 – $839 452 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to South Dakotatoggle

From Iowa to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Davenport, IA to Sioux Falls, SD $629 – $854 432 miles 1 – 4 days
Davenport, IA to Rapid City, SD $826 – $1,157 781 miles 2 – 7 days
Davenport, IA to Aberdeen, SD $783 – $1,055 631 miles 1 – 6 days
Davenport, IA to Brookings, SD $630 – $918 485 miles 1 – 4 days
Davenport, IA to Watertown, SD $672 – $957 531 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to South Dakotatoggle

From Iowa to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Sioux City, IA to Sioux Falls, SD $296 – $473 85 miles 1 – 4 days
Sioux City, IA to Rapid City, SD $592 – $879 428 miles 1 – 4 days
Sioux City, IA to Aberdeen, SD $460 – $654 285 miles 1 – 4 days
Sioux City, IA to Brookings, SD $371 – $532 138 miles 1 – 4 days
Sioux City, IA to Watertown, SD $418 – $560 185 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to South Dakotatoggle

From Iowa to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Iowa City, IA to Sioux Falls, SD $616 – $762 379 miles 1 – 4 days
Iowa City, IA to Rapid City, SD $802 – $1,198 725 miles 1 – 6 days
Iowa City, IA to Aberdeen, SD $700 – $979 575 miles 1 – 6 days
Iowa City, IA to Brookings, SD $623 – $854 429 miles 1 – 4 days
Iowa City, IA to Watertown, SD $630 – $918 475 miles 1 – 4 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to South Dakotatoggle

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 South Dakota you should expect to pay between $765 and $1,071.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to South Dakota

Transporting your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Mount Rushmore State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:

  • Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to 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 South Dakota.
  • Distance and route: The trip from Iowa to South Dakota covers roughly 466 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: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Iowa and South Dakota.
  • Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes one–four days, while expedited service costs more.

South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know

To drive legally after your move to South Dakota, 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 South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
  • Vehicle inspection: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
  • Driver’s license: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
  • Additional taxes: When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.

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 South Dakota

About 919,318 people are living in the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

FAQ

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

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 South Dakota.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to South Dakota?toggle

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to South Dakota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to South Dakota, 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 South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.

How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to South Dakota?toggle

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to South Dakota is about 466 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 South Dakota.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?toggle

In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.

South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.

If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in South Dakota?toggle

If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.

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

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

When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.

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

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to South Dakota?toggle

The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to South Dakota 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 South Dakota?toggle

Shipping a car from Iowa to South Dakota costs $612 to $857.

Helpful Iowa resources