Iowa to South Dakota Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 466 miles from Iowa to South Dakota ranges from $613 to $799. Expect the trip to take around one–four days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our South Dakota 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota:
- 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
- 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
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Iowa
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Iowa ready to move your vehicle to South Dakota:
- 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 South Dakota
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Iowa to South Dakota, 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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 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 466 miles to your vehicle on the route from Iowa to South Dakota. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Iowa to South Dakota, 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 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 Dakota
| From Iowa to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Sioux Falls, SD | $480 – $623 | 282 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Rapid City, SD | $725 – $1,045 | 625 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Aberdeen, SD | $637 – $849 | 482 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Brookings, SD | $489 – $710 | 335 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Watertown, SD | $587 – $749 | 382 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to South Dakota
| From Iowa to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Sioux Falls, SD | $532 – $765 | 352 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Rapid City, SD | $721 – $1,000 | 698 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Aberdeen, SD | $631 – $877 | 551 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Brookings, SD | $589 – $759 | 402 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Watertown, SD | $637 – $799 | 452 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to South Dakota
| From Iowa to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Sioux Falls, SD | $581 – $846 | 432 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Rapid City, SD | $810 – $1,079 | 781 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Aberdeen, SD | $682 – $1,045 | 631 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Davenport, IA to Brookings, SD | $631 – $824 | 485 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Watertown, SD | $672 – $857 | 531 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to South Dakota
| From Iowa to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Sioux Falls, SD | $290 – $442 | 85 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Rapid City, SD | $599 – $854 | 428 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Aberdeen, SD | $484 – $642 | 285 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Brookings, SD | $333 – $522 | 138 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Watertown, SD | $398 – $549 | 185 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to South Dakota
| From Iowa to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Sioux Falls, SD | $564 – $764 | 379 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Rapid City, SD | $756 – $1,119 | 725 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Aberdeen, SD | $667 – $980 | 580 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Brookings, SD | $587 – $821 | 429 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Watertown, SD | $606 – $815 | 480 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to South Dakota
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 South Dakota usually runs between $766 and $999.
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: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- 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: 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 South Dakota may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within one–four days, but expedited options cost more.
South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to South Dakota 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: 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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Shipping a car from Iowa to South Dakota costs $613 to $799.
