Illinois to Colorado Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,010 miles from Illinois to Colorado ranges from $782 to $1,383 and takes two–eight 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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  • 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 Colorado to Illinois car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best Illinois to Colorado 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 Illinois to Colorado:

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
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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 Illinois

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

  1. Van 3 Auto Transport & Car: 3.92 out of 5 stars
  2. Dispatchray: 3.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Karma Auto Transport: 3.78 out of 5 stars
  4. Chicago Auto Shipping Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
  5. BKK TRANSPORT: 3.72 out of 5 stars

Van 3 Auto Transport & Car

106 Meadow Dr, Countryside, IL 60525 US

starstarstarstarstar3.92 / 5.0

Van3 Auto Transport receives praise for its excellent customer service, prompt vehicle delivery, and competitive pricing. However, several customers reported serious issues, including delayed pickups, vehicle damage during transport, and lack of communication from the company, leading to significant frustration.

Get a Quote (224) 788-7777

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Dispatchray

6109 Jovic Ct, La Grange, IL 60525 US

starstarstarstarstar3.8 / 5.0

Customers express strong satisfaction with Dispatch Ray, highlighting excellent communication, competitive pricing, and a professional approach in transporting vehicles. They detail positive experiences with knowledgeable staff and timely deliveries throughout various transport needs. However, there were no significant issues reported by clients, with many indicating no hidden fees or surprises in the process.

Get a Quote (708) 298-4203

Services Offered

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

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • USA Auto Carrier Incorporated

Karma Auto Transport

901 Nicholas Blvd Unit D, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 US

starstarstarstarstar3.78 / 5.0

Karma Auto Transport is known for its excellent service and reliability. Customers frequently commend their professionalism, quick communication, and affordable pricing. However, there are complaints regarding payment issues for transporters and some unexpected delivery hassles, which raised concerns about their overall accountability.

Get a Quote (312) 788-9315

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Chicago Auto Shipping Group

625 N Michigan Ave Suite 1000 PMB 165, Chicago, IL 60611 US

starstarstarstarstar3.76 / 5.0

Customers generally report a high level of satisfaction with Auto Shipping Group's services, highlighting exceptional customer service and efficient, timely car transport. However, some negative experiences include issues with communication and unexpected pricing changes.

Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

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
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

BKK TRANSPORT

77 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601 US

starstarstarstarstar3.72 / 5.0

BKK Transport is appreciated for competitive pricing, effective communication, and timely vehicle delivery. However, some customers report issues with late deliveries, poor contractor reliability, and unexpected extra charges.

Get a Quote (773) 467-7917

Services Offered

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

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2248306

Alternative Business Names

  • BKK Transport & Brokerage, Inc

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 Illinois to Colorado

Ship it with your movers

If you need to ship your car from Illinois for a move to Colorado, 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
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 1,010 miles to your car on the trip from Illinois to Colorado. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.

Hire a driver

Hiring a driver to take your car from Illinois to Colorado 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

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.

Illinois to Colorado auto transport costs and transit times

The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Illinois and Colorado. Average distances are close to 1,010 miles, with delivery usually taking two–eight days.

Cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Colorado

From Illinois to Colorado Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Chicago, IL to Denver, CO $790 – $1,330 1,002 miles 2 – 8 days
Chicago, IL to Colorado Springs, CO $799 – $1,317 1,073 miles 2 – 8 days
Chicago, IL to Aurora, CO $782 – $1,343 1,003 miles 2 – 8 days
Chicago, IL to Fort Collins, CO $818 – $1,269 981 miles 2 – 7 days
Chicago, IL to Lakewood, CO $864 – $1,304 1,009 miles 2 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Aurora, IL to Colorado

From Illinois to Colorado Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Aurora, IL to Denver, CO $796 – $1,259 966 miles 2 – 7 days
Aurora, IL to Colorado Springs, CO $823 – $1,251 1,037 miles 2 – 8 days
Aurora, IL to Aurora, CO $854 – $1,324 968 miles 2 – 7 days
Aurora, IL to Fort Collins, CO $797 – $1,287 946 miles 2 – 7 days
Aurora, IL to Lakewood, CO $854 – $1,233 973 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Joliet, IL to Colorado

From Illinois to Colorado Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Joliet, IL to Denver, CO $794 – $1,321 977 miles 2 – 7 days
Joliet, IL to Colorado Springs, CO $864 – $1,264 1,048 miles 2 – 8 days
Joliet, IL to Aurora, CO $852 – $1,361 978 miles 2 – 7 days
Joliet, IL to Fort Collins, CO $812 – $1,311 956 miles 2 – 7 days
Joliet, IL to Lakewood, CO $818 – $1,361 984 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Naperville, IL to Colorado

From Illinois to Colorado Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Naperville, IL to Denver, CO $827 – $1,334 975 miles 2 – 7 days
Naperville, IL to Colorado Springs, CO $790 – $1,278 1,047 miles 2 – 8 days
Naperville, IL to Aurora, CO $843 – $1,334 977 miles 2 – 7 days
Naperville, IL to Fort Collins, CO $812 – $1,298 955 miles 2 – 7 days
Naperville, IL to Lakewood, CO $810 – $1,321 982 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Rockford, IL to Colorado

From Illinois to Colorado Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Rockford, IL to Denver, CO $870 – $1,233 954 miles 2 – 7 days
Rockford, IL to Colorado Springs, CO $823 – $1,370 1,025 miles 2 – 8 days
Rockford, IL to Aurora, CO $796 – $1,272 955 miles 2 – 7 days
Rockford, IL to Fort Collins, CO $863 – $1,287 933 miles 2 – 7 days
Rockford, IL to Lakewood, CO $796 – $1,259 961 miles 2 – 7 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Illinois to Colorado

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

Shipping a larger vehicle from Illinois to Colorado usually runs between $978 and $1,729.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Illinois to Colorado

When moving your vehicle from the Land of Lincoln to the Centennial State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:

  • Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
  • Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Colorado.
  • Distance and route: The journey from Illinois to Colorado spans approximately 1,010 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
  • Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Illinois around these times usually come with higher costs.
  • Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Illinois and Colorado and the varying gas prices across the country.
  • Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within two–eight days, but expedited options cost more.

Colorado vehicle regulations you need to know

After relocating to Colorado, 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: To drive in Colorado, you must have insurance with minimum 25/50/10 liability limits, covering $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. While meeting the state's minimum requirement, it's advisable to consider factors for determining optimal coverage levels.
  • Vehicle inspection: To register and title your vehicle in Colorado within 90 days of moving, you'll need to provide the DMV with an out-of-state vehicle title, proof of a valid Colorado auto insurance policy, verifiable identification, and documentation of the vehicle's weight.
  • Driver’s license: To obtain a Colorado driver's license, new residents must visit a Colorado DMV office in person. The process cannot be done online or by phone. A valid out-of-state license is required, with no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations, and must not have been deemed unfit to drive by CO DMV or a court.
  • Additional taxes: Vehicles purchased outside Colorado are not taxed, but if they are registered in Colorado, the buyer must pay use and local taxes. If the buyer has already paid taxes in the state of purchase, they may claim credit towards the use tax. No use tax applies to vehicles brought into Colorado by a nonresident becoming a resident, but rules may differ for those who lease vehicles.

Learn more with our car shipping checklist.

Transporting your vehicle from Illinois

More than 12.5 million people call Illinois home. Nicknamed 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"

Transporting your vehicle to Colorado

About 5.9 million people are living in the Centennial State. Colorado has a relatively complex climate. Ranging from the famous mountain region of the state to desert. Therefore, keep track of the weather of your new city on move day. The most extreme weather that happens in Colorado happens in the least populated areas of the state but you may drive through these regions to get to your new home so be wary of that too.

FAQ

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

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

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

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

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the 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.

To drive in Colorado, you must have insurance with minimum 25/50/10 liability limits, covering $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. While meeting the state's minimum requirement, it's advisable to consider factors for determining optimal coverage levels.

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

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Illinois to Colorado is about 1,010 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from Illinois to Colorado.

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

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.

To register and title your vehicle in Colorado within 90 days of moving, you'll need to provide the DMV with an out-of-state vehicle title, proof of a valid Colorado auto insurance policy, verifiable identification, and documentation of the vehicle's weight.

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

To obtain a Colorado driver's license, new residents must visit a Colorado DMV office in person. The process cannot be done online or by phone. A valid out-of-state license is required, with no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations, and must not have been deemed unfit to drive by CO DMV or a court.

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

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

Vehicles purchased outside Colorado are not taxed, but if they are registered in Colorado, the buyer must pay use and local taxes. If the buyer has already paid taxes in the state of purchase, they may claim credit towards the use tax. No use tax applies to vehicles brought into Colorado by a nonresident becoming a resident, but rules may differ for those who lease vehicles.

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

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

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

Shipping a car from Illinois to Colorado costs $782 to $1,383.

Helpful Illinois resources