Iowa to Virginia Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,026 miles from Iowa to Virginia ranges from $753 to $1,254 and takes two–eight 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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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia:
- 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
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Iowa that can relocate your vehicle to Virginia:
- 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 Virginia
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Iowa for a move to Virginia, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 1,026 miles on your car going from Iowa to Virginia. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Iowa to Virginia. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
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 Virginia auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Iowa and Virginia. The average travel distance is about 1,026 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from two to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Virginia
| From Iowa to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Virginia Beach, VA | $922 – $1,482 | 1,218 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Chesapeake, VA | $950 – $1,383 | 1,214 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Arlington, VA | $776 – $1,192 | 1,017 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Norfolk, VA | $876 – $1,341 | 1,203 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Richmond, VA | $845 – $1,390 | 1,111 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Virginia
| From Iowa to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Virginia Beach, VA | $828 – $1,390 | 1,131 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Chesapeake, VA | $837 – $1,363 | 1,128 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Arlington, VA | $767 – $1,201 | 931 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Norfolk, VA | $862 – $1,297 | 1,117 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Richmond, VA | $808 – $1,192 | 1,025 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Virginia
| From Iowa to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Virginia Beach, VA | $776 – $1,229 | 1,051 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Chesapeake, VA | $753 – $1,217 | 1,048 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Arlington, VA | $763 – $1,246 | 851 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Norfolk, VA | $760 – $1,204 | 1,037 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Richmond, VA | $767 – $1,201 | 945 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Virginia
| From Iowa to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Virginia Beach, VA | $1,018 – $1,434 | 1,394 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Chesapeake, VA | $978 – $1,537 | 1,391 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Arlington, VA | $896 – $1,270 | 1,194 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Norfolk, VA | $988 – $1,552 | 1,380 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Richmond, VA | $885 – $1,468 | 1,288 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Virginia
| From Iowa to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Virginia Beach, VA | $820 – $1,270 | 1,106 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Chesapeake, VA | $871 – $1,283 | 1,103 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Arlington, VA | $782 – $1,274 | 906 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Norfolk, VA | $768 – $1,317 | 1,092 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Richmond, VA | $815 – $1,305 | 1,000 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Virginia
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Iowa to Virginia, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $941–$1,568.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Virginia
When transporting your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Old Dominion State, these factors will influence your final price:
- 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 Virginia.
- Distance and route: The journey from Iowa to Virginia spans about 1,026 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the 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: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Iowa and Virginia and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Iowa to Virginia should take between two and eight days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Virginia vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Virginia, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- Car insurance requirements: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
- Vehicle inspection: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
- Driver’s license: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Virginia, you will need to register your vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. As part of the registration process, you will be required to pay various taxes and fees, including a personal property tax on your vehicle. The amount of tax you will need to pay will depend on the value of your vehicle and the county or city in which you reside. Additionally, you may also need to pay a one-time vehicle titling fee, depending on the age of your vehicle. You should check with the Virginia DMV for specific details and requirements.
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 Virginia
About 8.7 million people are living in the Old Dominion State. Virginia has humid hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream have a strong effect on eastern and southeastern coastal areas of the Commonwealth, making the climate there warmer and more constant.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Virginia?
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 Virginia.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Virginia?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Virginia, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Virginia, 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.
It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Virginia?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Virginia is about 1,026 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from Iowa to Virginia.
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.
All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Virginia?
To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Virginia after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Virginia after purchasing it.
When moving to Virginia, you will need to register your vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. As part of the registration process, you will be required to pay various taxes and fees, including a personal property tax on your vehicle. The amount of tax you will need to pay will depend on the value of your vehicle and the county or city in which you reside. Additionally, you may also need to pay a one-time vehicle titling fee, depending on the age of your vehicle. You should check with the Virginia DMV for specific details and requirements.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Virginia to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Virginia?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Virginia 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 Virginia?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Virginia costs $753 to $1,254.
