Illinois to South Dakota Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 715 miles from Illinois to South Dakota ranges from $805 to $1,127. Expect the trip to take around one–six 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota:
- 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 prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Illinois that can relocate your vehicle to South Dakota:
- 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 South Dakota
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Illinois to South Dakota, 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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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 715 miles to your car on the trip from Illinois to South Dakota. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Illinois to South Dakota. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
Illinois to South Dakota auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Illinois and South Dakota. The average journey covers about 715 miles and takes roughly one to six days.
Cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to South Dakota
| From Illinois to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL to Sioux Falls, SD | $689 – $919 | 573 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chicago, IL to Rapid City, SD | $861 – $1,284 | 911 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Chicago, IL to Aberdeen, SD | $767 – $1,105 | 704 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chicago, IL to Brookings, SD | $708 – $1,015 | 621 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chicago, IL to Watertown, SD | $737 – $964 | 608 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aurora, IL to South Dakota
| From Illinois to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora, IL to Sioux Falls, SD | $668 – $996 | 564 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Aurora, IL to Rapid City, SD | $853 – $1,310 | 902 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aurora, IL to Aberdeen, SD | $801 – $1,136 | 689 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Aurora, IL to Brookings, SD | $686 – $1,066 | 612 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Aurora, IL to Watertown, SD | $678 – $997 | 599 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Joliet, IL to South Dakota
| From Illinois to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joliet, IL to Sioux Falls, SD | $703 – $967 | 573 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Joliet, IL to Rapid City, SD | $845 – $1,272 | 919 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Joliet, IL to Aberdeen, SD | $813 – $1,161 | 721 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Joliet, IL to Brookings, SD | $737 – $1,032 | 626 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Joliet, IL to Watertown, SD | $715 – $1,011 | 630 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Naperville, IL to South Dakota
| From Illinois to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, IL to Sioux Falls, SD | $661 – $910 | 573 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Naperville, IL to Rapid City, SD | $804 – $1,259 | 912 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Naperville, IL to Aberdeen, SD | $748 – $1,049 | 698 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Naperville, IL to Brookings, SD | $722 – $975 | 622 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Naperville, IL to Watertown, SD | $730 – $964 | 608 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rockford, IL to South Dakota
| From Illinois to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford, IL to Sioux Falls, SD | $631 – $913 | 500 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Rockford, IL to Rapid City, SD | $780 – $1,154 | 838 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rockford, IL to Aberdeen, SD | $715 – $1,056 | 624 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Rockford, IL to Brookings, SD | $704 – $954 | 548 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Rockford, IL to Watertown, SD | $684 – $908 | 534 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Illinois to South Dakota
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Illinois to South Dakota, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,006–$1,409.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Illinois to South Dakota
When arranging car transport from the Land of Lincoln to the Mount Rushmore 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: 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 South Dakota.
- Distance and route: The journey from Illinois to South Dakota spans about 715 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- 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: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Illinois and South Dakota.
- 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.
South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to South Dakota, 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 South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
- Vehicle inspection: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Driver’s license: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Additional taxes: When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
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 South Dakota
About 919,318 people are living in the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Illinois and delivery in South Dakota?
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 South Dakota.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Illinois to South Dakota?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Illinois to South Dakota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to South Dakota, 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.
In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
How long does it take to ship a car from Illinois to South Dakota?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Illinois to South Dakota is about 715 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 South Dakota.
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.
South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I have a driver’s license in Illinois, will I need one in South Dakota?
If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I bought a car in Illinois, will I be required to pay sales tax in South Dakota after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Illinois to South Dakota after purchasing it.
When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Illinois and South Dakota to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to South Dakota?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
Shipping a car from Illinois to South Dakota costs $805 to $1,127.
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