Idaho to Michigan Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,965 miles from Idaho to Michigan usually costs between $1,298 and $1,912. 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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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Michigan to Idaho 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 Idaho to Michigan 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 Idaho to Michigan:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Idaho
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Idaho ready to move your vehicle to Michigan:
- Boise Auto Shipping Group: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Bennett Motor Express: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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 Michigan
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Idaho for a move to Michigan, 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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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 1,965 miles to your vehicle on the route from Idaho to Michigan. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Idaho to Michigan is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
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.
Idaho to Michigan auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Idaho and Michigan. The trip typically spans 1,965 miles and takes about three–eleven days.
Cost to ship a car from Boise, ID to Michigan
| From Idaho to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise, ID to Detroit, MI | $1,350 – $2,030 | 1,960 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Boise, ID to Grand Rapids, MI | $1,215 – $1,802 | 1,855 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Boise, ID to Warren, MI | $1,259 – $2,050 | 1,967 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Boise, ID to Sterling Heights, MI | $1,246 – $1,990 | 1,971 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Boise, ID to Ann Arbor, MI | $1,337 – $1,872 | 1,918 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Meridian, ID to Michigan
| From Idaho to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian, ID to Detroit, MI | $1,259 – $1,892 | 1,968 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Meridian, ID to Grand Rapids, MI | $1,305 – $1,916 | 1,863 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Meridian, ID to Warren, MI | $1,337 – $1,951 | 1,976 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Meridian, ID to Sterling Heights, MI | $1,337 – $2,030 | 1,979 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Meridian, ID to Ann Arbor, MI | $1,298 – $2,010 | 1,926 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Nampa, ID to Michigan
| From Idaho to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nampa, ID to Detroit, MI | $1,259 – $1,990 | 1,976 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Nampa, ID to Grand Rapids, MI | $1,318 – $1,859 | 1,871 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Nampa, ID to Warren, MI | $1,233 – $1,990 | 1,984 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Nampa, ID to Sterling Heights, MI | $1,259 – $1,872 | 1,988 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Nampa, ID to Ann Arbor, MI | $1,298 – $1,990 | 1,933 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Idaho Falls, ID to Michigan
| From Idaho to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho Falls, ID to Detroit, MI | $1,204 – $1,855 | 1,738 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Idaho Falls, ID to Grand Rapids, MI | $1,247 – $1,812 | 1,633 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Idaho Falls, ID to Warren, MI | $1,216 – $1,711 | 1,745 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Idaho Falls, ID to Sterling Heights, MI | $1,278 – $1,801 | 1,750 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Idaho Falls, ID to Ann Arbor, MI | $1,175 – $1,674 | 1,696 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Caldwell, ID to Michigan
| From Idaho to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caldwell, ID to Detroit, MI | $1,259 – $1,951 | 1,983 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Caldwell, ID to Grand Rapids, MI | $1,305 – $1,840 | 1,879 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Caldwell, ID to Warren, MI | $1,311 – $1,892 | 1,991 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Caldwell, ID to Sterling Heights, MI | $1,350 – $1,931 | 1,994 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Caldwell, ID to Ann Arbor, MI | $1,233 – $2,050 | 1,941 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Idaho to Michigan
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Idaho to Michigan you should expect to pay between $1,623 and $2,390.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Idaho to Michigan
When moving your vehicle from the Gem State to the Wolverine State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Michigan than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The journey from Idaho to Michigan spans about 1,965 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Idaho around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Idaho and Michigan may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- 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 Michigan should take between three and eleven days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Michigan vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Michigan, 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: Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.
- Vehicle inspection: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
- Driver’s license: Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.
- Additional taxes: In Michigan, a 6% sales tax is imposed on all vehicle purchases.
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 Michigan
About 10.0 million people are living in the Wolverine State. Michigan has a continental climate, although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. The northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February, the state is frequently subjected to heavy lake-effect snow. The state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 tornadoes per year, which are more common in the state's extreme southern section.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Idaho and delivery in Michigan?
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 Michigan.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Idaho to Michigan?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Idaho to Michigan, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Michigan, 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.
Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Idaho to Michigan?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Idaho to Michigan is about 1,965 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 Michigan.
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.
Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
If I have a driver’s license in Idaho, will I need one in Michigan?
Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.
If I bought a car in Idaho, will I be required to pay sales tax in Michigan after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Idaho to Michigan after purchasing it.
In Michigan, a 6% sales tax is imposed on all vehicle purchases.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Idaho and Michigan to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Idaho to Michigan?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Idaho to Michigan 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 Michigan?
Shipping a car from Idaho to Michigan costs $1,298 to $1,912.
800 W Main St #1460, Boise, ID 83702 US
303 N Kimball Pl, Boise, ID 83704 US
9297 N Government Way # F, Hayden, ID 83835 US