Illinois to Pennsylvania Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 731 miles from Illinois to Pennsylvania ranges from $753 to $1,093 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Illinois to Pennsylvania:
- 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 Illinois
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Illinois that can transport your vehicle to Pennsylvania:
- 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 Pennsylvania
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania, 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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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 731 extra miles on your car to travel from Illinois to Pennsylvania. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Illinois to Pennsylvania. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Illinois to Pennsylvania auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Illinois and Pennsylvania. Average distances are close to 731 miles, with delivery usually taking one–six days.
Cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Pennsylvania
| From Illinois to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA | $801 – $1,171 | 759 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA | $630 – $838 | 461 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chicago, IL to Erie, PA | $591 – $835 | 447 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chicago, IL to Allentown, PA | $776 – $1,138 | 730 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chicago, IL to Reading, PA | $805 – $1,116 | 716 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aurora, IL to Pennsylvania
| From Illinois to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora, IL to Philadelphia, PA | $761 – $1,238 | 796 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aurora, IL to Pittsburgh, PA | $648 – $890 | 498 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Aurora, IL to Erie, PA | $635 – $890 | 484 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Aurora, IL to Allentown, PA | $817 – $1,205 | 768 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aurora, IL to Reading, PA | $777 – $1,136 | 754 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Joliet, IL to Pennsylvania
| From Illinois to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joliet, IL to Philadelphia, PA | $817 – $1,194 | 770 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Joliet, IL to Pittsburgh, PA | $598 – $898 | 472 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Joliet, IL to Erie, PA | $623 – $847 | 458 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Joliet, IL to Allentown, PA | $808 – $1,104 | 741 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Joliet, IL to Reading, PA | $792 – $1,138 | 728 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Naperville, IL to Pennsylvania
| From Illinois to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, IL to Philadelphia, PA | $769 – $1,214 | 782 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Naperville, IL to Pittsburgh, PA | $609 – $846 | 485 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Naperville, IL to Erie, PA | $611 – $838 | 470 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Naperville, IL to Allentown, PA | $809 – $1,101 | 754 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Naperville, IL to Reading, PA | $753 – $1,104 | 740 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rockford, IL to Pennsylvania
| From Illinois to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford, IL to Philadelphia, PA | $853 – $1,166 | 844 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rockford, IL to Pittsburgh, PA | $650 – $880 | 546 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Rockford, IL to Erie, PA | $657 – $973 | 532 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Rockford, IL to Allentown, PA | $836 – $1,251 | 825 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rockford, IL to Reading, PA | $831 – $1,233 | 811 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Illinois to Pennsylvania
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Illinois to Pennsylvania, the price usually falls between $941 and $1,366.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Illinois to Pennsylvania
If you’re shipping a car from the Land of Lincoln to the Keystone State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Pennsylvania than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The journey from Illinois to Pennsylvania spans approximately 731 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Illinois 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 Illinois and Pennsylvania may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes one–six days, while expedited service costs more.
Pennsylvania vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Pennsylvania, 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: When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
- Vehicle inspection: If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
- Driver’s license: When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.
- Additional taxes: New residents must apply for PA title and registration of their vehicle within 20 days of moving to PA, and must surrender the out-of-state title to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when doing so.
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 Pennsylvania
About 13.0 million people are living in the Keystone State. Pennsylvania experiences cold winters and humid summers. Summers are generally hot and humid. Moving toward the mountainous interior of the state, the winter climate becomes colder, the number of cloudy days increases, and snowfall amounts are greater. Tornadoes occur annually in the state, sometimes in large numbers, such as 30 recorded tornadoes in 2011; generally speaking, these tornadoes do not cause significant damage.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Illinois and delivery in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Illinois to Pennsylvania?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Illinois to Pennsylvania, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Pennsylvania, 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.
When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
How long does it take to ship a car from Illinois to Pennsylvania?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Illinois to Pennsylvania is about 731 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Illinois to Pennsylvania.
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.
If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
If I have a driver’s license in Illinois, will I need one in Pennsylvania?
When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.
If I bought a car in Illinois, will I be required to pay sales tax in Pennsylvania after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Illinois to Pennsylvania after purchasing it.
New residents must apply for PA title and registration of their vehicle within 20 days of moving to PA, and must surrender the out-of-state title to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when doing so.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Illinois and Pennsylvania to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to Pennsylvania?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Shipping a car from Illinois to Pennsylvania costs $753 to $1,093.
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