Idaho to Louisiana Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,998 miles from Idaho to Louisiana usually costs between $1,175 and $1,802. 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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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Louisiana 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 Louisiana car shipping companies

After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Idaho to Louisiana:

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 Exact Pickup Dates
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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
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
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Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Idaho

If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Idaho that can transport your vehicle to Louisiana:

  1. Boise Auto Shipping Group: 3.62 out of 5 stars
  2. Global Auto Transportation: 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

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 Louisiana

Ship it with your movers

If you’re planning a move from Idaho to Louisiana, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.

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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • 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

While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 1,998 miles to your vehicle on the route from Idaho to Louisiana. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.

Hire a driver

Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Idaho to Louisiana. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.

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.

Idaho to Louisiana 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 Louisiana. The average journey covers about 1,998 miles and takes roughly three to eleven days.

Cost to ship a car from Boise, ID to Louisiana

From Idaho to Louisiana Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Boise, ID to New Orleans, LA $1,317 – $1,940 2,095 miles 4 – 12 days
Boise, ID to Baton Rouge, LA $1,254 – $2,019 2,014 miles 4 – 12 days
Boise, ID to Shreveport, LA $1,217 – $1,698 1,775 miles 3 – 11 days
Boise, ID to Metairie, LA $1,279 – $2,058 2,087 miles 4 – 12 days
Boise, ID to Lafayette, LA $1,212 – $1,933 1,978 miles 3 – 11 days

Cost to ship a car from Meridian, ID to Louisiana

From Idaho to Louisiana Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Meridian, ID to New Orleans, LA $1,255 – $2,092 2,101 miles 4 – 12 days
Meridian, ID to Baton Rouge, LA $1,305 – $1,940 2,022 miles 4 – 12 days
Meridian, ID to Shreveport, LA $1,241 – $1,715 1,783 miles 3 – 11 days
Meridian, ID to Metairie, LA $1,229 – $1,940 2,095 miles 4 – 12 days
Meridian, ID to Lafayette, LA $1,199 – $1,952 1,986 miles 3 – 11 days

Cost to ship a car from Nampa, ID to Louisiana

From Idaho to Louisiana Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Nampa, ID to New Orleans, LA $1,280 – $2,012 2,109 miles 4 – 12 days
Nampa, ID to Baton Rouge, LA $1,254 – $1,980 2,030 miles 4 – 12 days
Nampa, ID to Shreveport, LA $1,123 – $1,801 1,791 miles 3 – 11 days
Nampa, ID to Metairie, LA $1,331 – $2,052 2,103 miles 4 – 12 days
Nampa, ID to Lafayette, LA $1,199 – $1,896 1,994 miles 3 – 11 days

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

From Idaho to Louisiana Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Idaho Falls, ID to New Orleans, LA $1,157 – $1,788 1,871 miles 3 – 11 days
Idaho Falls, ID to Baton Rouge, LA $1,205 – $1,715 1,792 miles 3 – 11 days
Idaho Falls, ID to Shreveport, LA $1,120 – $1,631 1,553 miles 3 – 9 days
Idaho Falls, ID to Metairie, LA $1,231 – $1,788 1,865 miles 3 – 11 days
Idaho Falls, ID to Lafayette, LA $1,134 – $1,698 1,756 miles 3 – 11 days

Cost to ship a car from Caldwell, ID to Louisiana

From Idaho to Louisiana Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Caldwell, ID to New Orleans, LA $1,204 – $1,972 2,116 miles 4 – 12 days
Caldwell, ID to Baton Rouge, LA $1,305 – $1,960 2,038 miles 4 – 12 days
Caldwell, ID to Shreveport, LA $1,205 – $1,698 1,798 miles 3 – 11 days
Caldwell, ID to Metairie, LA $1,318 – $2,032 2,111 miles 4 – 12 days
Caldwell, ID to Lafayette, LA $1,204 – $1,882 2,002 miles 4 – 12 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Idaho to Louisiana

Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.

If you’re moving one from Idaho to Louisiana, expect costs to range from $1,469 to $2,253.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Idaho to Louisiana

If you’re shipping a car from the Gem State to the Pelican State, keep these cost factors in mind:

  • 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 vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Louisiana.
  • Distance and route: The journey from Idaho to Louisiana spans about 1,998 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
  • Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Idaho 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 Idaho and Louisiana and the varying gas prices across the country.
  • Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is three–eleven days, but you can pay for expedited service.

Louisiana vehicle regulations you need to know

After relocating to Louisiana, 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: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
  • Vehicle inspection: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.
  • Driver’s license: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
  • Additional taxes: In Louisiana, a 4% tax is levied on all car sales by the state, with additional taxes charged by individual counties and cities.

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 Louisiana

About 4.6 million people are living in the Pelican State. Louisiana has long hot humid summers and short mild winters. Rain is frequent throughout the year, although from April to September is slightly wetter than the rest of the year. Louisiana is often affected by tropical cyclones and is very vulnerable to major hurricanes, particularly around the New Orleans area. Lousiana averages about 27 tornadoes annually; they are most common from January through March in the south and from February through March in the North.

FAQ

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

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 Louisiana.

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

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Idaho to Louisiana, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Louisiana, 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 limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.

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

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Idaho to Louisiana is about 1,998 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 Louisiana.

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 Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.

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

New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

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

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

In Louisiana, a 4% tax is levied on all car sales by the state, with additional taxes charged by individual counties and cities.

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

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

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

Shipping a car from Idaho to Louisiana costs $1,175 to $1,802.

Helpful Idaho resources