Illinois to Delaware Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 853 miles from Illinois to Delaware ranges from $818 to $1,127. Expect the trip to take around two–seven days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Delaware to Illinois 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 Illinois to Delaware car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Illinois to Delaware:
- 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
- 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 Illinois
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Illinois ready to move your vehicle to Delaware:
- Van 3 Auto Transport & Car: 3.92 out of 5 stars
- Dispatchray: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Karma Auto Transport: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Chicago Auto Shipping Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- BKK TRANSPORT: 3.72 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 Illinois to Delaware
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Illinois to Delaware, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
|
|
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 853 miles to your vehicle on the route from Illinois to Delaware. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Illinois to Delaware. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
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.
Illinois to Delaware auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Illinois and Delaware. The typical distance is about 853 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Delaware
| From Illinois to Delaware | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE | $772 – $1,061 | 752 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Chicago, IL to Dover, DE | $787 – $1,125 | 783 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Chicago, IL to Newark, DE | $779 – $1,141 | 735 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chicago, IL to Middletown, DE | $749 – $1,079 | 785 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Chicago, IL to Bear, DE | $780 – $1,095 | 769 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aurora, IL to Delaware
| From Illinois to Delaware | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora, IL to Wilmington, DE | $779 – $1,125 | 789 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aurora, IL to Dover, DE | $809 – $1,200 | 820 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aurora, IL to Newark, DE | $787 – $1,084 | 772 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aurora, IL to Middletown, DE | $809 – $1,108 | 822 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aurora, IL to Bear, DE | $762 – $1,131 | 806 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Joliet, IL to Delaware
| From Illinois to Delaware | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joliet, IL to Wilmington, DE | $780 – $1,117 | 763 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Joliet, IL to Dover, DE | $749 – $1,159 | 794 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Joliet, IL to Newark, DE | $718 – $1,042 | 746 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Joliet, IL to Middletown, DE | $803 – $1,136 | 796 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Joliet, IL to Bear, DE | $733 – $1,091 | 780 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Naperville, IL to Delaware
| From Illinois to Delaware | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, IL to Wilmington, DE | $810 – $1,193 | 775 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Naperville, IL to Dover, DE | $786 – $1,177 | 806 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Naperville, IL to Newark, DE | $734 – $1,151 | 758 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Naperville, IL to Middletown, DE | $786 – $1,166 | 808 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Naperville, IL to Bear, DE | $803 – $1,136 | 793 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rockford, IL to Delaware
| From Illinois to Delaware | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford, IL to Wilmington, DE | $806 – $1,136 | 837 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rockford, IL to Dover, DE | $771 – $1,222 | 868 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rockford, IL to Newark, DE | $770 – $1,154 | 820 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rockford, IL to Middletown, DE | $755 – $1,174 | 870 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rockford, IL to Bear, DE | $778 – $1,151 | 854 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Illinois to Delaware
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 Illinois to Delaware you should expect to pay between $1,023 and $1,409.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Illinois to Delaware
When arranging car transport from the Land of Lincoln to the First State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- 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 Delaware.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Illinois to Delaware involves roughly 853 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Illinois in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Illinois and Delaware.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is two–seven days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Delaware vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Delaware, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage per accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.
- Driver’s license: Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
- Additional taxes: Delaware residents who purchased a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer will not receive a credit for taxes paid. While most states exempt out-of-state buyers from taxes, some states collect taxes on all vehicle sales. This means that residents may be subject to double taxation on vehicles purchased from certain states.
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 Delaware
About 1.0 million people are living in the First State. Almost all of Delaware is a part of the Atlantic coastal plain, the effects of the ocean moderate its climate. The southern portion of the state has a milder climate than the northern portion of the state.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Illinois and delivery in Delaware?
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 Delaware.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Illinois to Delaware?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Illinois to Delaware, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Delaware, 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.
Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage per accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Illinois to Delaware?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Illinois to Delaware is about 853 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Illinois to Delaware.
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.
In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.
If I have a driver’s license in Illinois, will I need one in Delaware?
Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
If I bought a car in Illinois, will I be required to pay sales tax in Delaware after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Illinois to Delaware after purchasing it.
Delaware residents who purchased a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer will not receive a credit for taxes paid. While most states exempt out-of-state buyers from taxes, some states collect taxes on all vehicle sales. This means that residents may be subject to double taxation on vehicles purchased from certain states.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Illinois and Delaware to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to Delaware?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to Delaware 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 Delaware?
Shipping a car from Illinois to Delaware costs $818 to $1,127.
106 Meadow Dr, Countryside, IL 60525 US
6109 Jovic Ct, La Grange, IL 60525 US
901 Nicholas Blvd Unit D, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 US
625 N Michigan Ave Suite 1000 PMB 165, Chicago, IL 60611 US
77 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601 US