Idaho to Montana Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 523 miles from Idaho to Montana ranges from $667 to $882 and takes one–six 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 Montana 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 Montana car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Idaho to Montana:
- 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 Idaho
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Idaho can deliver your vehicle to Montana:
- Boise Auto Shipping Group: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Boise Auto Shipping Group
800 W Main St #1460, Boise, ID 83702 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-idaho/auto-shipping-boise
3.62 / 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Global Auto Transportation
303 N Kimball Pl, Boise, ID 83704 US
globalautotransportation.com/boise-auto-transport
3.5 / 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.
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
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
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 Montana
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Idaho to Montana, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 523 miles to your vehicle on the route from Idaho to Montana. 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 Montana. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
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 Montana auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Idaho and Montana. The typical distance is about 523 miles, with shipping times generally falling between one and six days.
Cost to ship a car from Boise, ID to Montana
| From Idaho to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise, ID to Billings, MT | $670 – $1,001 | 615 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Boise, ID to Missoula, MT | $523 – $752 | 363 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Boise, ID to Great Falls, MT | $689 – $992 | 575 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Boise, ID to Bozeman, MT | $645 – $894 | 476 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Boise, ID to Butte, MT | $555 – $800 | 420 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Meridian, ID to Montana
| From Idaho to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian, ID to Billings, MT | $705 – $1,040 | 623 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Meridian, ID to Missoula, MT | $549 – $813 | 383 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Meridian, ID to Great Falls, MT | $655 – $915 | 583 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Meridian, ID to Bozeman, MT | $613 – $834 | 484 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Meridian, ID to Butte, MT | $582 – $840 | 428 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Nampa, ID to Montana
| From Idaho to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nampa, ID to Billings, MT | $712 – $1,048 | 631 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Nampa, ID to Missoula, MT | $577 – $766 | 375 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Nampa, ID to Great Falls, MT | $655 – $934 | 591 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Nampa, ID to Bozeman, MT | $626 – $903 | 492 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Nampa, ID to Butte, MT | $613 – $815 | 436 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Idaho Falls, ID to Montana
| From Idaho to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho Falls, ID to Billings, MT | $542 – $691 | 336 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Idaho Falls, ID to Missoula, MT | $476 – $643 | 313 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Idaho Falls, ID to Great Falls, MT | $550 – $759 | 359 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Idaho Falls, ID to Bozeman, MT | $443 – $538 | 196 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Idaho Falls, ID to Butte, MT | $445 – $550 | 204 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Caldwell, ID to Montana
| From Idaho to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caldwell, ID to Billings, MT | $741 – $997 | 639 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Caldwell, ID to Missoula, MT | $534 – $722 | 367 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Caldwell, ID to Great Falls, MT | $717 – $973 | 598 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Caldwell, ID to Bozeman, MT | $607 – $825 | 499 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Caldwell, ID to Butte, MT | $595 – $790 | 444 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Idaho to Montana
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Idaho to Montana, the price usually falls between $834 and $1,103.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Idaho to Montana
When arranging car transport from the Gem State to the Big Sky Country, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- 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: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Montana than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Idaho to Montana involves roughly 523 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Idaho in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Idaho and Montana may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–six days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Montana vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Montana, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Car insurance requirements: In Montana, drivers must meet legal requirements for minimum car insurance liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in accidents. Mandated by state regulations, this includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, covering collective medical expenses in case of multiple injuries, capped at $50,000 for the entire incident. Additionally, there's a required minimum of $20,000 per accident for property damage, crucial for addressing costs related to damage to another party's vehicle or property. Adhering to these insurance requirements is imperative for all motorists, ensuring compliance with state laws and contributing to a secure and responsible driving environment on Montana roadways.
- Vehicle inspection: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
- Additional taxes: In Montana, there is no state-level sales tax on vehicles, however, local governments in Montana may impose their own taxes and fees on vehicles.
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 Montana
About 1.1 million people are living in the Big Sky Country. Montana has a lot of variation in geography, topography, and elevation, and the climate is equally varied. The western half is mountainous, interrupted by numerous large valleys. Eastern Montana comprises plains and badlands, broken by hills and isolated mountain ranges, The Continental Divide has a considerable effect on the climate, as it restricts the flow of warmer air from the Pacific from moving east, and drier continental air from moving west. The area west of the divide has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate, with milder winters, cooler summers, less wind, and a longer growing season. Low clouds and fog often form in the valleys west of the divide in winter, but this is rarely seen in the east.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Idaho and delivery in Montana?
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 Montana.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Idaho to Montana?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Idaho to Montana, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Montana, 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.
In Montana, drivers must meet legal requirements for minimum car insurance liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in accidents. Mandated by state regulations, this includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, covering collective medical expenses in case of multiple injuries, capped at $50,000 for the entire incident. Additionally, there's a required minimum of $20,000 per accident for property damage, crucial for addressing costs related to damage to another party's vehicle or property. Adhering to these insurance requirements is imperative for all motorists, ensuring compliance with state laws and contributing to a secure and responsible driving environment on Montana roadways.
How long does it take to ship a car from Idaho to Montana?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Idaho to Montana is about 523 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Idaho to Montana.
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.
If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
If I have a driver’s license in Idaho, will I need one in Montana?
New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
If I bought a car in Idaho, will I be required to pay sales tax in Montana after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Idaho to Montana after purchasing it.
In Montana, there is no state-level sales tax on vehicles, however, local governments in Montana may impose their own taxes and fees on vehicles.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Idaho and Montana to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Idaho to Montana?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Idaho to Montana 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 Montana?
Shipping a car from Idaho to Montana costs $667 to $882.
