Idaho to Kentucky Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,981 miles from Idaho to Kentucky usually costs between $1,350 and $2,010. Transit time is about three–eleven 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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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 Kentucky 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
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The best Idaho to Kentucky 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 Idaho to Kentucky:

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
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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

Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Idaho ready to move your vehicle to Kentucky:

  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 Kentucky

Ship it with your movers

If you need to ship your car from Idaho for a move to Kentucky, 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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  • 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
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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 1,981 miles to your car on the trip from Idaho to Kentucky. 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 Kentucky. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.

Ship by train

Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.

Idaho to Kentucky auto transport costs and transit times

Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Idaho and Kentucky. The average journey covers about 1,981 miles and takes roughly three to eleven days.

Cost to ship a car from Boise, ID to Kentucky

From Idaho to Kentucky Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Boise, ID to Louisville, KY $1,343 – $1,935 1,877 miles 3 – 11 days
Boise, ID to Lexington, KY $1,350 – $1,931 1,954 miles 3 – 11 days
Boise, ID to Bowling Green, KY $1,254 – $1,859 1,896 miles 3 – 11 days
Boise, ID to Owensboro, KY $1,279 – $1,991 1,826 miles 3 – 11 days
Boise, ID to Covington, KY $1,285 – $2,010 1,929 miles 3 – 11 days

Cost to ship a car from Meridian, ID to Kentucky

From Idaho to Kentucky Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Meridian, ID to Louisville, KY $1,292 – $1,897 1,885 miles 3 – 11 days
Meridian, ID to Lexington, KY $1,363 – $1,951 1,962 miles 3 – 11 days
Meridian, ID to Bowling Green, KY $1,246 – $1,912 1,904 miles 3 – 11 days
Meridian, ID to Owensboro, KY $1,292 – $1,859 1,834 miles 3 – 11 days
Meridian, ID to Covington, KY $1,272 – $1,990 1,938 miles 3 – 11 days

Cost to ship a car from Nampa, ID to Kentucky

From Idaho to Kentucky Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Nampa, ID to Louisville, KY $1,343 – $1,916 1,893 miles 3 – 11 days
Nampa, ID to Lexington, KY $1,350 – $1,892 1,970 miles 3 – 11 days
Nampa, ID to Bowling Green, KY $1,324 – $1,990 1,922 miles 3 – 11 days
Nampa, ID to Owensboro, KY $1,318 – $1,878 1,843 miles 3 – 11 days
Nampa, ID to Covington, KY $1,337 – $1,990 1,946 miles 3 – 11 days

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

From Idaho to Kentucky Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Idaho Falls, ID to Louisville, KY $1,139 – $1,760 1,655 miles 3 – 9 days
Idaho Falls, ID to Lexington, KY $1,278 – $1,855 1,732 miles 3 – 9 days
Idaho Falls, ID to Bowling Green, KY $1,139 – $1,743 1,674 miles 3 – 9 days
Idaho Falls, ID to Owensboro, KY $1,163 – $1,656 1,605 miles 3 – 9 days
Idaho Falls, ID to Covington, KY $1,204 – $1,837 1,708 miles 3 – 9 days

Cost to ship a car from Caldwell, ID to Kentucky

From Idaho to Kentucky Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Caldwell, ID to Louisville, KY $1,363 – $1,990 1,900 miles 3 – 11 days
Caldwell, ID to Lexington, KY $1,233 – $1,872 1,977 miles 3 – 11 days
Caldwell, ID to Bowling Green, KY $1,311 – $2,010 1,930 miles 3 – 11 days
Caldwell, ID to Owensboro, KY $1,318 – $1,821 1,850 miles 3 – 11 days
Caldwell, ID to Covington, KY $1,350 – $1,892 1,953 miles 3 – 11 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Idaho to Kentucky

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 Idaho to Kentucky, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,688–$2,513.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Idaho to Kentucky

When transporting your vehicle from the Gem State to the Bluegrass 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: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Kentucky.
  • Distance and route: The journey from Idaho to Kentucky spans about 1,981 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
  • 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: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Idaho and Kentucky.
  • 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 Idaho to Kentucky should take between three and eleven days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.

Kentucky vehicle regulations you need to know

To drive legally after your move to Kentucky, 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 insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
  • Vehicle inspection: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
  • Driver’s license: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
  • Additional taxes: In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.

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 Kentucky

About 4.5 million people are living in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kentucky rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South.

FAQ

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

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 Kentucky.

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

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Idaho to Kentucky, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Kentucky, 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 insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.

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

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Idaho to Kentucky is about 1,981 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eleven days to travel from Idaho to Kentucky.

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.

When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.

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

New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.

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

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

In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.

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

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

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

Shipping a car from Idaho to Kentucky costs $1,350 to $2,010.

Helpful Idaho resources