Illinois to Kentucky Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 408 miles from Illinois to Kentucky ranges from $617 to $845. Expect the trip to take around one–four days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Illinois to Kentucky:
- 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
- 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
Top local car shippers in Illinois
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Illinois can deliver your vehicle to Kentucky:
- 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
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car
106 Meadow Dr, Countryside, IL 60525 US
van3autotransport.com
3.92 / 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.
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
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2511788
Dispatchray
6109 Jovic Ct, La Grange, IL 60525 US
dispatchray.com
3.8 / 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2490936
Alternative Business Names
- USA Auto Carrier Incorporated
Karma Auto Transport
901 Nicholas Blvd Unit D, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 US
karmaautotransport.com
3.78 / 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2882553
Chicago Auto Shipping Group
625 N Michigan Ave Suite 1000 PMB 165, Chicago, IL 60611 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-illinois/chicago
3.76 / 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
BKK TRANSPORT
77 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601 US
bkktransport.com
3.72 / 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.
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 Kentucky
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Illinois to Kentucky, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 408 miles on your car going from Illinois to Kentucky. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Illinois to Kentucky. 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.
Illinois to Kentucky auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Illinois and Kentucky. The typical distance is about 408 miles, with shipping times generally falling between one and four days.
Cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Kentucky
| From Illinois to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL to Louisville, KY | $493 – $666 | 298 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chicago, IL to Lexington, KY | $586 – $732 | 372 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chicago, IL to Bowling Green, KY | $581 – $812 | 418 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chicago, IL to Owensboro, KY | $550 – $693 | 349 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chicago, IL to Covington, KY | $479 – $686 | 297 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aurora, IL to Kentucky
| From Illinois to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora, IL to Louisville, KY | $555 – $730 | 332 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Aurora, IL to Lexington, KY | $629 – $845 | 405 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Aurora, IL to Bowling Green, KY | $648 – $898 | 451 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Aurora, IL to Owensboro, KY | $556 – $801 | 382 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Aurora, IL to Covington, KY | $513 – $744 | 330 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Joliet, IL to Kentucky
| From Illinois to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joliet, IL to Louisville, KY | $533 – $658 | 305 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Joliet, IL to Lexington, KY | $603 – $809 | 379 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Joliet, IL to Bowling Green, KY | $603 – $877 | 425 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Joliet, IL to Owensboro, KY | $564 – $740 | 356 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Joliet, IL to Covington, KY | $523 – $714 | 303 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Naperville, IL to Kentucky
| From Illinois to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, IL to Louisville, KY | $528 – $686 | 317 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Naperville, IL to Lexington, KY | $591 – $809 | 392 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Naperville, IL to Bowling Green, KY | $609 – $818 | 437 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Naperville, IL to Owensboro, KY | $580 – $771 | 369 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Naperville, IL to Covington, KY | $533 – $721 | 316 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rockford, IL to Kentucky
| From Illinois to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford, IL to Louisville, KY | $568 – $753 | 388 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rockford, IL to Lexington, KY | $642 – $864 | 463 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rockford, IL to Bowling Green, KY | $618 – $922 | 508 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Rockford, IL to Owensboro, KY | $623 – $853 | 406 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rockford, IL to Covington, KY | $580 – $769 | 387 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Illinois to Kentucky
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 Kentucky you should expect to pay between $771 and $1,056.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Illinois to Kentucky
When arranging car transport from the Land of Lincoln to the Bluegrass State, 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: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Illinois to Kentucky.
- Distance and route: The route from Illinois to Kentucky is about 408 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Illinois more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Illinois and Kentucky.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Illinois to Kentucky takes one–four days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Kentucky vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Kentucky means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- Car insurance requirements: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
- Vehicle inspection: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
- Additional taxes: In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
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 Kentucky
About 4.5 million people are living in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kentucky rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Illinois and delivery in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Illinois to Kentucky?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Illinois to Kentucky, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Kentucky, 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.
The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
How long does it take to ship a car from Illinois to Kentucky?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Illinois to Kentucky is about 408 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Illinois to Kentucky.
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.
When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
If I have a driver’s license in Illinois, will I need one in Kentucky?
New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
If I bought a car in Illinois, will I be required to pay sales tax in Kentucky after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Illinois to Kentucky after purchasing it.
In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Illinois and Kentucky to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to Kentucky?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
Shipping a car from Illinois to Kentucky costs $617 to $845.
