Idaho to Illinois Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,643 miles from Idaho to Illinois usually costs between $1,187 and $1,725. Transit time is about three–nine 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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  • Refundable deposit
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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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 Illinois to Idaho 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 Idaho to Illinois 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 Idaho to Illinois:

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 Idaho

Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Idaho can deliver your vehicle to Illinois:

  1. Boise Auto Shipping Group: 3.62 out of 5 stars
  2. Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. Bennett Motor Express: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Boise Auto Shipping Group

800 W Main St #1460, Boise, ID 83702 US

starstarstarstarstar3.62 / 5.0

Auto Shipping Group is generally regarded for their exceptional customer service and communication, though some customers experienced issues with reliability and communication regarding delivery schedules. Overall, most reviews highlight satisfaction with the process, despite some negative experiences with follow-up interactions and delays in service.

Get a Quote (208) 995-2931

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • AAA

Additional Information

Global Auto Transportation

303 N Kimball Pl, Boise, ID 83704 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers consistently praised the thorough assistance of the Logistics Coordinator and the professionalism and honesty of the drivers. However, experiences were marred by unexpected fees and unprofessional handling of customer inquiries, particularly regarding vehicle conditions and charges.

Get a Quote (888) 803-0501

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Bennett Motor Express

9297 N Government Way # F, Hayden, ID 83835 US

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

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • 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 Idaho to Illinois

Ship it with your movers

If you’re relocating from Idaho to Illinois, 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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  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 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 1,643 miles to your car on the trip from Idaho to Illinois. 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 Idaho to Illinois. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.

Ship by train

This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.

Idaho to Illinois auto transport costs and transit times

The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Idaho and Illinois. Average distances are close to 1,643 miles, with delivery usually taking three–nine days.

Cost to ship a car from Boise, ID to Illinois

From Idaho to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Boise, ID to Chicago, IL $1,139 – $1,760 1,693 miles 3 – 9 days
Boise, ID to Aurora, IL $1,211 – $1,691 1,658 miles 3 – 9 days
Boise, ID to Joliet, IL $1,235 – $1,760 1,667 miles 3 – 9 days
Boise, ID to Naperville, IL $1,139 – $1,760 1,667 miles 3 – 9 days
Boise, ID to Rockford, IL $1,175 – $1,794 1,646 miles 3 – 9 days

Cost to ship a car from Meridian, ID to Illinois

From Idaho to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Meridian, ID to Chicago, IL $1,253 – $1,729 1,701 miles 3 – 9 days
Meridian, ID to Aurora, IL $1,187 – $1,674 1,665 miles 3 – 9 days
Meridian, ID to Joliet, IL $1,139 – $1,639 1,675 miles 3 – 9 days
Meridian, ID to Naperville, IL $1,259 – $1,777 1,675 miles 3 – 9 days
Meridian, ID to Rockford, IL $1,175 – $1,812 1,655 miles 3 – 9 days

Cost to ship a car from Nampa, ID to Illinois

From Idaho to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Nampa, ID to Chicago, IL $1,216 – $1,873 1,709 miles 3 – 9 days
Nampa, ID to Aurora, IL $1,151 – $1,812 1,673 miles 3 – 9 days
Nampa, ID to Joliet, IL $1,187 – $1,691 1,683 miles 3 – 9 days
Nampa, ID to Naperville, IL $1,139 – $1,760 1,683 miles 3 – 9 days
Nampa, ID to Rockford, IL $1,163 – $1,674 1,663 miles 3 – 9 days

Cost to ship a car from Idaho Falls, ID to Illinois

From Idaho to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Idaho Falls, ID to Chicago, IL $1,128 – $1,678 1,471 miles 3 – 8 days
Idaho Falls, ID to Aurora, IL $1,139 – $1,678 1,435 miles 3 – 8 days
Idaho Falls, ID to Joliet, IL $1,128 – $1,662 1,447 miles 3 – 8 days
Idaho Falls, ID to Naperville, IL $1,128 – $1,694 1,445 miles 3 – 8 days
Idaho Falls, ID to Rockford, IL $1,073 – $1,533 1,426 miles 3 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Caldwell, ID to Illinois

From Idaho to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Caldwell, ID to Chicago, IL $1,266 – $1,783 1,717 miles 3 – 9 days
Caldwell, ID to Aurora, IL $1,211 – $1,743 1,681 miles 3 – 9 days
Caldwell, ID to Joliet, IL $1,175 – $1,691 1,691 miles 3 – 9 days
Caldwell, ID to Naperville, IL $1,235 – $1,743 1,690 miles 3 – 9 days
Caldwell, ID to Rockford, IL $1,223 – $1,812 1,670 miles 3 – 9 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Idaho to Illinois

Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.

Shipping a larger vehicle from Idaho to Illinois usually runs between $1,484 and $2,156.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Idaho to Illinois

Transporting your vehicle from the Gem State to the Land of Lincoln 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 Idaho to Illinois.
  • Distance and route: The route from Idaho to Illinois is about 1,643 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
  • Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Idaho in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
  • Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Idaho to Illinois, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
  • Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes three–nine days, while expedited service costs more.

Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know

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

  • Car insurance requirements: The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
  • Vehicle inspection: In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
  • Driver’s license: Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
  • Additional taxes: According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.

Learn more with our car shipping checklist.

Transporting your vehicle from Idaho

More than 2.0 million people call Idaho home. Nicknamed the Gem State. The climate in Idaho varies widely. In the west cloud cover, humidity, and precipitation are at their maximum extent. Idaho can be hot but have relatively low humidity and cooler evenings during the summer months. It is important to know that winters in Idaho can be cold.

Transporting your vehicle to Illinois

About 12.5 million people are living in the Land of Lincoln. Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"

FAQ

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

Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Idaho and when dropping it off in Illinois.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Idaho to Illinois?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Idaho to Illinois, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Illinois, which you should verify before loading your car in Idaho.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Idaho's minimum insurance mandates include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.

The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.

How long does it take to ship a car from Idaho to Illinois?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Idaho to Illinois is about 1,643 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to nine days to travel from Idaho to Illinois.

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

In Idaho, all vehicles in Ada and Canyon Counties are required to pass an emissions test every two years. Additionally, out-of-state vehicle registrations must go through a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.

In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.

If I have a driver’s license in Idaho, will I need one in Illinois?

Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.

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

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

According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.

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

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Idaho to Illinois?

The cheapest way to ship a car from Idaho to Illinois 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 Idaho to Illinois?

Shipping a car from Idaho to Illinois costs $1,187 to $1,725.

Helpful Idaho resources